The National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) gives coaches the training and tools they need to succeed – in coaching and in life. It provides coaches the skills and self-confidence to excel, and to instill that confidence in their athletes. The NCCP develops responsible coaches, inspires future leaders, and celebrates potential both on and off the field.
COMMUNITY SPORT
You may already coach at the community level or you’re thinking about coaching. Often, you’re a parent whose child is involved in softball, or a volunteer who works with participants of all ages that are new to the sport.
There are two pathways for softball community coaches: Initiation (Learn to Coach) and Ongoing Participation (Community Softball Coach).
The Community Sport - Initiation context focuses on participants who are being introduced to the sport of softball. For very young children this is often their first time participating in Timbits Softball. The role of the coach is to ensure a fun and safe environment and to introduce and teach the “FUNdamentals” of softball.
Softball's Community Sport - Initiation Pathway
The Community Sport - Ongoing Participation context is typically for either youth developing in a recreational environment, or any participant participating for recreation, fitness, and socialization reasons. The participants are in the Learn to Train or Active for Life stage of long-term player development. The role of the coach is to encourage participants to continue their development and involvement in the sport.
Softball's Community Sport - Ongoing Participation Pathway
COMPETITION
Coaches in the Competition stream usually have previous coaching experience and tend to work with athletes to improve performance, often in preparation for provincial/territorial, national, and international competitions.
There are two pathways for softball competition coaches that reflect the stages of athlete development: Introduction and Development.
The Competition - Introduction context is designed for coaches of athletes in the Learn to Train and Train to Train stages of long-term player development. These players are often competing in Provincial/Territorial competitions with opportunity for further competition (like Canadian Championships).
Softball's Competition - Introduction Pathway
The Competition - Development context is designed for coaches of athletes ranging from the Train to Train to the Train to Compete stages of long-term player development. These players are often competing in national competitions like Canada Games, with the possibility of progressing to international competitions.
Softball’s Competition - Development Pathway
Softball’s Competition - Development Evaluation
INSTRUCTION
Instructors in the Instruction stream must have sport-specific skills and training, whether instructing at the beginner or advanced skill levels.
The softball Instruction stream has one pathway: Pitching Instruction - Beginners (PIB).
Instructors in the Pitching Instruction - Beginners context are working with participants who are experiencing the sport in their beginning years of pitching often through a series of lessons. This context is strictly about pitching skill development and there is often a short timeframe of interaction between the instructor and the participant (like Canpitch clinics). This context can also be taken by coaches wanting to learn more about developing beginner pitchers on their team.
