Coaching clinics
Competition Introduction
This certification course provides an introduction to coaching softball at a competitive level.
Completing the training is required for rep coaches who are leading teams that are in A or B divisions from U13 and up. We recommend that at least two coaches on each rep team complete this training so that you meet the requirement in the event one coach is ejected from a game or tournament.
Step 1: Foundations of Coaching Softball
First, you must complete two online tutorials that make up "Foundations of Coaching Softball". Each module takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete, and you are responsible for the nominal cost.
Foundations of Coaching Softball, module 1 | $10
When you've completed module 1, you will be able to:
- indicate where you fit as a coach within Softball Canada’s NCCP.
- describe your personal coaching philosophy.
- describe Softball Canada’s long-term player development (LTPD) model.
- assess risks during practice sessions.
- use strategies to work effectively with players and parents.
Foundations of Coaching Softball, module 2 | $15
When you've completed module 2, you will be able to:
- describe Softball Canada’s long-term player development (LTPD) model.
- make coaching decisions that are appropriate for the players’ stage of skill development and long-term player development.
- apply a 5-step process to coaching activities.
Both modules of the Foundations of Coaching Softball are accessed at the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) using your NCCP number and password for the Locker.
Foundations of coaching softball
Both modules are accessed at the Coaching Association of Canada.
Step 2: In-person coaching clinics
Two weekends of in-person instruction make up the second part of the Competition Introduction program. On the first weekend you'll learn the "what" of coaching softball. On the second weekend you'll learn the "how" of softball.
Weekend 1 | $200 registration fee
Coaches taking clinics that are hosted by our association will be reimbursed for their registration after completing the clinics. Coaches from other associations welcome, but no rebate offered.
- Fundamental softball skills (dynamic warm-ups, throwing, fielding, hitting, pitching, baserunning, sliding)
- Practice planning
- Basic rules
- Offensive strategy
- Signals
Weekend 2 | $200 registration fee
Coaches taking clinics that are hosted by our association will be reimbursed for their registration after completing the clinics. Coaches from other associations welcome, but no rebate offered.
- Teaching and learning
- Positional play and skills
- Defensive and offensive principles
- Defensive and offensive strategies
- Performance analysis
- Practical coaching
Step 3: Make Ethical Decisions course
The final step for the Competition Introduction program is to complete the Make Ethical Decisions (MED) workshop. You are responsible for the cost of taking this training.
If you've already passed the evaluation, you do not need to take the workshop again.
The CAC says that, "The training helps coaches identify the legal, ethical, and moral implications of difficult situations that present themselves in the world of team and individual sport."
The workshops take between three and four hours.
MED workshops in B.C. are offered by viaSport.
After the workshop you must pass (with a 75% grade) an online evaluation that takes between 45 and 60 minutes. You can take the evaluation through the CAC using your NCCP number and password for the Locker.