Skate Canada’s coach certification pathway ensures that coaches are evaluated while actively working with athletes at the appropriate stages of development. To enroll for certification at the Provincial or National level, coaches must meet specific criteria related to NCCP status, coach registration, and coaching the proper athlete or team throughout the entire portfolio process.
Provincial Coach Certification
Trained Provincial Coaches who are registered and in good standing with Skate Canada are eligible to apply for the Provincial Coach Certified Portfolio. To qualify, coaches must be actively coaching the same Train to Train athlete or team throughout the entire portfolio process in one of the following categories:
- Pre-Novice or Novice Singles, Pairs, or Ice Dance
- Novice, Open, or Gold Synchronized Skating
National Coach Certification
Trained National Coaches who are registered and in good standing with Skate Canada are eligible to apply for the National Coach Certified Portfolio. To qualify, coaches must be actively coaching a Train to Compete (Junior) or Train to Win (Senior) podium pathway athlete or team throughout the entire portfolio.
Evaluation Expectations (Provincial and National)
For both certification levels, it is mandatory that the coach has a work relationship with the same skater or team throughout the entire portfolio process in one skating discipline – ice dance, synchro, pairs, or singles.
The selected athlete or team must truly represent the appropriate stage of development as required by the portfolio being submitted. If skaters or teams are being taught skills that are not developmentally appropriate, the submission will be paused, and safety concerns will be formally addressed.