Benefits of coach training
Coaching courses enhance the enjoyment of our sport. Whether you’re a parent who’s looking to pick up a few tricks to raise lifelong skiers, a grandparent who wants to become more involved, or a competitive skier interested in training the next generation of racers – the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) is your first step.
Course calendar
TBA NS
2027
Community Coaching
Cross Country Nova Scotia
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Check with local divisions for additional training options in NB, NL, and PEI (morrisonandree@gmail.com)
National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP)
The National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) is offered in more than 65 sports across Canada. It aims to develop coaching skills for those working with beginners through high-performance athletes.
This program is delivered in partnership with the coacing Association of Canada (CAC), Nordiq Canada, and Cross Country Nova Scotia for cross-country skiing.
How to register for NCCP courses
If you do not have a coach number
Step 1: Create your profile on the Coaching Association of Canada Locker by clicking here and complete the required information.
Step 2: Your NCCP will be assigned immediately.
If you already have a coach number
Step 1: Return to The Locker Platform.
Step 2: Enter your NCCP coaching number in the appropriate field.
Step 3: Access the CAC calendar (or online learning) and click “Register for this activity” for the course of your choice.
NCCP Training (minimum requirements)
Training for New Coaches, Assistant Coaches + Responsible Adults (minimum age 14)
Step 1: Create an NCCP number (free)
Step 2: Community Coach Introduction (CCI) online, $52
Step 3: Register for Nordiq Canada coaching license
Step 4: Understanding rule of two
Step 5: Safe sport training
Step 6: Make Ethical Decisions course
* Minimum mandatory coaching qualifications are set out by Nordiq Canada. Registered Nova Scotia coaches must meet these requirements.
NCCP Coach development progression
Coaching development is offered in “contexts.” Contexts are levels of coach training and certification that are associated with a stage of the Long-Term Athlete Development model.
Within each context, the NCCP model defines coaching status as:
- In Training when some of the required training has been completed.
- Trained when all required training is complete. In addition to attending workshops, coaches are required to meet some practical stage-specific requirements.
- Certified when all training and evaluation requirements have been satisfied. Certified coaches must accumulate professional development points to maintain certification.
0-6 | Active Start (AS) | Community Coaching Introduction (ICC)
Community Coaching Introduction training is completed in two steps, taken in order.
Coach Initiation in Sport: This one-hour online multisport course is delivered by the Coaching Association of Canada in the Locker .
Introduction to Community Coaching: Also delivered in the Locker , this four-hour online course teaches parents and entry-level coaches how to safely deliver skill development sessions to children in the Active Start stage of development (Bunnyrabbits). Topics include:
- ethics in sport
- coach responsibilities
- setting up an effective ski playground
- using terrain to teach technique
- ski equipment and clothing needs for children
After completing these courses, coaches have the status “Community Coaching in Trainining.” Coaches can now move to Community Coaching (CC) or Competition Coaching Introduction (CCI-L2T).
6-9 M | 6-8 F | FUNdamentals (FUN) | Community Coaching (CC)
Community Coaching builds on Community Coaching Introduction. There are two steps.
Community Coaching: This 13-hour in-class and on-snow workshop is delivered by your Division . Cross Country Nova Scotia delivers this workshop annually. The course teaches coaches how to lead a skill development program to children in the FUNdamentals stage of development (Jackrabbits). Coaches also learn how to:
- teach basic cross-country skiing skills (classic and skate)
- design a seasonal plan
- select equipment and prepare skis for participants of this age
After completing this course, coaches have the status “Community Coaching Trained.” Coaches can proceed to Evaluation, or to Competition Coaching Introduction (CCI-L2T).
Evaluation: To become Community Coaching Certified, you will complete the NCCP Make Ethical Decisions online evaluation and complete the NCCP Community Coaching Experience Form, available in the Document Centre.
Supplementary | Competition Coaching Introduction (CCI) PARA
Competition Coaching Introduction (CCI) AWAD trains coaches to support para-nordic skiers, or “Athletes with a Disability” who are:
- 9-16 years (males), or
- 8-15 years (females), or
- 5-7 years post disability
Coaches learn to create a fun, team-oriented environment and motivate para-nordic athletes in the Learning to Train and Training to Train stages to achieve their goals, improve technical skills and develop a lifelong interest in the health and fitness benefits of cross-country skiing.
To become CCI-AWAD trained, coaches must be Competition Coaching Introduction (CCI-L2T) trained and complete the following steps:
Dryland workshop: This in-person workshop is delivered by your Division. Topics include:
- designing seasonal and yearly training plans
- athlete assessment
- medical and physiological considerations
- organizing training camps
- equipment maintenance
Successful completion of the Community Coach (CC) AWAD workshop is a prerequisite.
After completing this workshop, coaches have the status “CCI-AWAD Coach in Training.”
On snow workshop: This in-person workshop is delivered by your Division. Topics include:
- teaching technique
- leading a para-nordic team
- athlete classification
- ski preparation and equipment
- para-nordic event
After completing this workshop, coaches have the status “CCI-AWAD Coach Trained.”
Practical experience: The requirements are the same as for the CCI-L2T “mainstream” context but must be achieved while coaching para-nordic athletes. Complete the NCCP Community Coaching Experience Form, availble in the Document Centre.
Certification: Evaluation is the same as for the CCI-L2T “mainstream” context except that sport-specific evaluations must be done with or related to para-nordic athletes. Complete NCCP Make Ethical Decisions online evaluation and look for the following evaluation criteria and forms in the Document Centre:
- Designing a Practice Plan for L2T Athletes
- Designing a Seasonal Training Plan for L2T Athletes
- Delivering an On-snow Practice Session with L2T Athletes
You will only submit one practice plan, which should be used for the on-snow practice evaluation.
9-12 M | 8-11 F | Learning to Train (L2T) | Competition Coaching Introduction (CCI-L2T)
In Competition Coaching Introduction (CCI-L2T) coaches develop skills to deliver a well-rounded program for athletes aged 9-12 years old. The emphasis is on skill development within a fun, team-oriented environment that develops a passion for the lifelong health and fitness benefits of cross-country skiing.
Coaches complete the following steps.
Dryland workshop: This 19-hour in-person workshop is delivered by your Division. Topics include:
- developmental age
- physical literacy
- team building
- aerobic fitness, speed, nutrition
- how to design their own sport program,
- adventure-based activities
- roller-skiing
- planning a practice
Community Coaching trained is a pre-requisite.
After completing this workshop, coaches have the status “CCI-L2T Coach in Training” and can continue within this contect or start Competition-Introduction Advanced.
On snow workshop: This 16.5-hour in-person workshop is delivered by your Division. Topics include:
- team management
- supporting athletes at a competition
- equipment selection
- ski preparation
- how to effectively teach intermediate-level ski technique.
CCI (L2T) dryland workshop is a prerequisite.
Practical experience: Coaches compete 40 hours of practical coaching, organize and lead a camp, and lead a team at a regional competition.
Coaches who complete this step will be CCI-L2T Trained.
Evaluation: Complete NCCP Make Ethical Decisions online evaluation and look for the following evaluation criteria and forms in the Document Centre:
- Designing a Practice Plan for L2T Athletes
- Designing a Seasonal Training Plan for L2T Athletes
- Delivering an On-snow Practice Session with L2T Athletes
You will only submit one practice plan, which should be used for the on-snow practice evaluation.
Coaches who complete this step will be CCI-L2T Certified.
Supplementary | Competition Coaching Development (CCD) PARA
Competition Coaching Development (CCD) AWAD trains coaches to support para-nordic skiers, or “Athletes with a Disability” who are at the Learning to Complete (L2C) stage of development and are:
- 16-20 years (males), or
- 15-19 years (females), or
- about 7 years post disability
Coaches entering this context are CCD (L2C) trained. There are two components.
Workshop: This workshop trains para-nordic coaches to design seasonal and yearly training plans, coach biathlon and design and supervise strength training, all for para-nordic athletes.
After completing this workshop, coaches have the status “Trained CCD-PN Coach.”
Practical experience: The requirements are the same as for the CCD-L2C but have to be achieved coaching para-nordic athletes. The CCD-L2C Expecience Form is in the Document Centre.
Certification: The evaluation process is the same as for the CCD-L2C context except that all sport specific evaluations must be done with or related to para-nordic athletes.
Look for the following documents in the Document Centre:
- CCD-L2C Certification Checklist
- CCD-L2C Evaluation Guidebook
12-16 M | 11-15 F | Training to Train (T2T) | Competition Coaching Introduction Advanced (CCI-Advanced – T2T)
In Competition Coaching Introduction Avanced (CCI-advanced – T2T) coaches develop skills to teach 12-16-year-olds how to build aerobic base, speed and strength and further develop sport-specific skills. Coaches learn to design and deliver an annual program that considers optimal trainability and the athlete’s readiness. This program is still under development and is available as a pilot course only.
There are two steps.
Dryland workshop: This 18.5-hour in-person workshop is delivered by your Division. Topics include:
- growth and maturation
- energy systems
- training intensities
- monitoring and recovery
- strength, speed, flexibility
- exercise performance and health
- roller-skiing and other dryland techniques
CCI (L2T) Coach Trained is a pre-requisite.
After completing this workshop, coaches have the status “CCI-T2T Coach in Training.”
On snow workshop: This 17.5-hour workshop is delivered by your Division. Topics include:
- developing a team competition plan
- preparing for and supporting athletes at a competition
- teaching basic mental skills
- refining ski techniques
- testing and preparing skis
CCI-Advanced (T2T) dryland workshop is a prerequisite.
After completing this workshop, coaches have the status “CCI-L2T Coach Trained.”
Certification: Look for the following evaluation criteria and forms in the Document Centre:
- T2T Experience Form
- T2T Certification Checklist
- Delivering a Roller Ski Practice Session with T2T Athletes
- Analyzing Ski Technique of T2T Athletes
- Supporting T2T Athletes at a Competition
- Designing a Yearly Training Plan for T2T Athletes
- Managing a Program for T2T Athletes
16-20 +/- M | 15-19 +/- F | Learning to Compete (L2C) | Competition Coaching Development (CCD)
The Competition Coaching Development (CCD) context is for coaches working with athletes in the Learning to Compete (L2C) stage of development (about 16-20 years for males and 15-19 years for females). There are three components.
Multi-sport modules: The following modules are delivered online by the Coaching Association of Canada, or by provincial multisports organizations, or as part of the Advanced Coaching Diploma. For more information please contact your Division.
- Leading Drug Free Sport (3.5 hrs)
- Managing Conflict (4.5 hrs)
- Coaching and Leading Effectively (10 hrs)
- Psychology of Performance (7 hrs)
After completing these modules, coaches have the status “CCD (L2C) Coach in Training.”
Sport specific training: Workshops are delivered by your Division.
- Dryland workshop (5 days)
- On-Snow workshop (4 days)
- Coaching Experience (practical coaching experience working with athletes in the L2C stage of development)
After completing these modules, coaches have the status “CCD (L2C) Trained.”
Online evaluations: These evaluations are completed in the Locker.
- Leading Drug Free Sport
- Managing Conflict
- Making ethical decisions
Certification: To become certified, look for the following documents in the Document Centre:
- CCD-L2C Experience Form
- CCD-L2C Certification Checklist
- CCD-L2C Evaluation Guidebook
23 +/- M | 23 +/- F | Training to win (T2W) | Competition Coaching High Performance (CCHP)
700-900+ yearly hours with maximal load depending on the athlete, focus on full time commitment with optimal lifestyle and environment for high achievement
.
Activities:
> “Balance Strength” – one leg exercises for squats and lunges; core work with emphasis on staying compact with no rotation for plank variations (tweak this to the individual)
> “Custom Field Tests” – baseline tests can be in the format of double pole or legs only rollerskiing/skiing or even hill climb tests
> “Speed Workout” – 8-10 x 4 min threshold sprint pace; speed work is important to maintain reaction time and overall fitness as endurance increases but sprint ability decreases with age
>All intensities from past development stages can be used here and changed for slightly to accommodate for the athlete if needed
.
There should be increased focus into race tactics as well as the mental side of racing, but also lots of independence for creating training for what suits the athlete best
Para Nordic
Para Nordic
Use these resources from XC Ontario for additional para resources:
1. Club assessment for becoming “Para Ready”
2. Para Nordic Skills Development Program, provides sample program exercises and technique report cards.
3. Participant Pathway for skills and competition pathways
4. Clothing requirements – additional information to ensure comfort and safety
5. Becoming Para Ready webinar
For additional information on coaching resources, this webinar series has different videos with athlete development support, specifically the “Lunch and Learn” series. If you have any questions regarding the above information, please do not hesitate to contact communications@crosscountryns.ca.
Continue learning
Elearning Modules
NCCP Coaching Athletes with a Disability
NCCP Making Head Way in Sport
NCCP Wax Room Online Tutorial
NCCP Sport Nutrition
NCCP Emergency Action Plan
NCCP Asthma Management in Sport
NCCP Bystander Empowerment
Additional Resources
NCCP Courses and Learning Modules Catalogue
Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic – NCCP Upcoming Courses
Resources for coaches for athlete development – Nordiq Canada
Coach developers
NCCP Coach Developers include Master Coach Developers, Learning Facilitators, and Coach Evaluators. Coach Developers “are not simply experienced coaches or transmitters of coaching knowledge – they are trained to develop, support, and challenge coaches to go on honing and improving their knowledge and skills in order to provide positive and effective sport experiences for all participants.” Coach Developers need to be experts in learning, as well as experts in coaching.
Contact pso@crosscountryns.ca to learn more about steps required to become a coach developer.
Master Coach Developers
Coach Developer Training
Coach Developer candidates must complete the following rigorous training, which is being made consistent across Canada.
Core Training: Provides Coach Developers with the skills to perform their role.
Content-specific Training (sport or multi-sport): This includes microfacilitation, which gives Coach Developers an opportunity to practise delivery with their peers.
Co-delivery: This is a chance for the new Coach Developer to practise with real coaches alongside an experienced Coach Developer.
Once a Coach Developer has completed all of the training modules they are considered TRAINED and move on to evaluation.
Evaluation: Evaluation confirms that the Coach Developer is capable of certain abilities that are deemed important to the training of coaches.
Once a Coach Developer has been evaluated, they are considered CERTIFIED.
Coach Developer Pathway Resources
Summary of co-evaluation2T).
Summary of core training for Coach Developers
Micro-facilitation process and evaluation form
Micro-evaluation process
Summary of co-facilitation
Learning Facilitators
Learning Facilitators
Are you an experienced coach looking for a new challenge? Maybe it’s time to start on your journey to becoming a Learning Facilitator (LF). LFs creatively instruct and guide our skilled and knowledgeable ski coaches, helping them to get certified, discover new coaching methods, and ultimately produce superior athletes. LFs also act as community ambassadors for our sport and the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Characteristics of an ideal LF include:
- Critical thinking
- Collaboration skills
- Subject matter expertise
- Interpersonal skills
- Group management skills
- Comfort with public speaking
- Conflict resolution and moderation skills
How to Become a Learning Facilitator
A potential LF must undergo multi-stage NCCP training and evaluation that ensures he or she has all of the necessary tools to successfully guide future coaches. Training focuses on group dynamics, encourages lifelong learning, and seeks to help both LFs and coaches think critically about how to coach, why we do it, and what can be improved.
For complete information on how to become an LF, please visit the NCCP Learning Facilitator page, where you will find a detailed look at the responsibilities of an LF, a step-by-step outline of how to become an LF, a calendar of training opportunities, and more valuable information.
Coach Evaluators
Master Coach Developer
Are you looking for a high-impact way to encourage peak performance in your sport? Become a Master Coach Developer (MCD).
MCDs train, evaluate, support, and mentor [Learning Facilitators], Coach Evaluators, and other MCDs on their path toward coaching excellence via the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). They facilitate and lead workshops and professional development experiences, and also play a key role in promoting the NCCP, acting as community ambassadors.
How to Become a Master Coach Developer
All Master Coach Developers must successfully complete the extensive required training outlined at the NCCP Master Coach Developer page, including all of the core training for Learning Facilitators, Coach Evaluators, and Master Coach Developers.
Cross Country Nova Scotia 