COACHING IN THE KDLA
Who can be a coach?
Anyone can be a coach. The KDLA is always looking for new coaches to be able to continue offering programs in this expanding sport
Why should I coach?
Every player deserves to have a coach that can teach them and help them develop. Without enough coaches, the
KDLA could not provide the opportunity for the players to learn and develop in the game of lacrosse. Most parents have already
committed most of the time for their child to play, why not get involved. Coaching and seeing players develop and improve can be one of the most gratifying experiences you will ever have.
Do I need any previous coaching experience?
House league does not require any previous coaching experience. Previous experience is an asset with older ages groups (Peewee and older). Due to the nature of competitive play, competitive head coaches usually have experience coaching, while assistant coaches may or may not.
Do I have to have lacrosse experience?
House league does not require experience. It is an asset with older ages groups (Peewee and older). Experience coaching other sports is also valuable as many of the skills are the same or complimentary, especially hockey, basketball, and soccer. Due to the nature of competitive play, competitive head coaches usually have some lacrosse background, while assistant coaches may or may not.
What is the time commitment for a house league coach?
The commitment is about three hours a week for a house league team, usually of two hours of floor time (practice or games) and about another hour of prep time (practice plans, emails, equipment etc). The house league is run over a ten week season. Most parents have already
committed that time for their child to play, the extra hour is not a lot for most people.
What is the time commitment for competitive coach?
The commitment for competitive coaches is consists of two practice sessions per week (1-2 hours each), exhibition games, and three to six weekend tournaments. Travel outside the region to some tournaments or zone games is required. The competitive season runs from late April to the beginning of August.
What if I can’t commit to, or I am not ready to be a head coach?
Be an assistant coach, help on the bench, or helping run drills during practice is a great way to contribute to the team and is also a great way for new coaches to gain experience. Many coaches have started out this way. There are also many
other volunteer positions to be filled such as team managers, conveners, or timekeepers
What is required to be a house league coach?
Only a positive attitude and a commitment to provide a fun, safe learning experience. All coaches are required to follow the
KDLA Coach’s Code of Conduct.
What is required to be a competitive coach?
Anyone can assist during practices, but all bench staff must obtain, or be in progress of obtaining, certification through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). This is a requirement of the sport ’s governing bodies, the Ontario and Canadian Lacrosse Associations. All coaches are required to follow the
KDLA Coaches Code of Conduct. Competitive team head coaches may be required to apply for the head coach position.
I want to be a coach, where do I start?
There will be a sign up sheet at player registration for house league coaches and other volunteer positions. House league coaches may be asked to fill out a Ontario Lacrosse Association registration form. Coaches can also sign up through by contacting one of the executive.
NCCP Certification
What is NCCP?
The National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) is a coaching model and certification program which has been developed by the Coaching Association of Canada. The program was designed to meet the needs of a wide range of coaches - from those who introduce youngsters to sport to those who work with Canada's high performance athletes. The NCCP prepares coaches to
This program has been adopted by over 60 sporting associations in Canada, including the Canadian Lacrosse Association and its provincial member associations
Why do I need to get NCCP certified?
It is a required by the lacrosse’s governing body, the Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA), that the coaching staff on the bench of any OLA sanctioned game must have or be in progress of obtaining NCCP certification, as well as being registered (carded) with the OLA.
NCCP lacrosse certification has three components:
The OLA requires that all first year coaches must have completed the NCCP
tech. Second Year coaches must have completed both the theory and technical courses.
How do I get NCCP certified?
NCCP Theory - The NCCP Introduction to Competition – Part A is offered as both an instructor lead course, and as a self-study course at home. Courses are offered regularly through Continuing Education at Algonquin College (www.algonquincollege.com). Other courses locations may be found at www.connectedcoach.com The cost is approximately $100 and is over two days (13 hours).
If you can’t make an instructor led course, the self-study course is offered through the Sport Alliance of Ontario at a cost of $155. You can download the order form from www.connectedcoach.com under the NCCP page.
NCCP/OLA Technical – The technical course is offered by the OLA, usually once a year for each of the OLA zones. It normally takes place in our zone (Zone 5) in April. The schedules are posted on the OLA website www.ontariolacrosse.com in the early spring, and the
KDLA website. It may require travel to a Zone 5 centre (Brockville, Kingston, Cornwall…) depending on where it is being offered. Spaces are usually limited. The course is supposed to be 12 hours but may be condensed into a single 8 hour day. There is a classroom part and a floor part. You will be required to bring a stick and be prepared to participate. The cost is approximately $130 and will be reimbursed by the
KDLA if you take a coaching position with the club. It requires that you submit the receipt and a copy of the certification card to the club treasurer for approval.
NCCP/OLA Practical – As part of the course material from the technical course, you will receive an evaluation workbook to complete. The evaluation covers objectives, practice plans, emergency plans, ethical situation, and self-evaluation. Once completed, it is sent to the OLA for review and acceptance.
Once all three components are completed and results submitted to the Coaching Association of Canada, you are officially considered to be “certified”. The CAC maintains a record of your training, which is
accessible through their website www.coach.ca
We would like to thank the NKMLA for putting together the above information.