Required Courses for Coaches and Managers
All coaches (team head coaches and assistant coaches) must complete the Ontario Soccer designated coaching courses according to the age of their team. The following chart is based on Ontario Soccer Coach Certification Requirements (see Operational Procedures, Section 11, Procedure 3.0).
Age Group | League | Courses Required* |
|---|---|---|
U7 – U8 | District League (ECDSL) | |
U9 – U12 | District (e.g. DRSA-LTT) | |
U13 – U18 (District) | District (e.g. DRSL) | |
U13 – U18 (IModel) | ||
Senior Teams | OSL/OWSL |
* In addition to their basic coaching certification, all coaches require a Police Check, MED (Make Ethical Decisions), RiS (Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders), Making Head Way in Sport (Soccer), NCCP Emergency Action Plan and Understanding the Rule of Two certification. See below for details of how to obtain these qualifications.
Team managers and assistant managers who are included in the team roster require a Police Check, MED (Make Ethical Decisions), RiS (Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders), Making Head Way in Sport (Soccer), Emergency Action Plan and Understanding the Rule of Two certification.
Coaching Courses (clinics) for FUNdamentals, Learn to Train, Soccer For Life and Grassroots Diploma certification are offered by Ontario Soccer through various host clubs, usually between January and April each year. You can search for available courses and register on the Coach Centre website. If you are a new coach or are moving up to a new LTPD stage, then you must complete the appropriate courses.
Make Ethical Decisions (MED) is an additional NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) course that is required for all coaches and managers. By successfully completing the Make Ethical Decisions training, coaches will be fully equipped to handle virtually any ethical situation with confidence and surety. To learn more, refer to the list of upcoming MED courses, including on-line courses.
You will have to provide your NCCP registration number when you sign up for an MED course. Use the link below to retrieve your existing number, or to create a new NCCP#.
Link: Getting your NCCP#
Please note: Space in all these courses is limited. If the courses at your preferred location are filled up before you register, then you will have to travel further, or take the course on-line, to get certified.
Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders (Soccer) is a 3-hour e-learning course taken on-line. It is designed as a tool to assist participants in identifying and dealing with abuse, neglect, harassment and bullying in sport. While, RiS is mandatory for all coaches and managers, certification is portable between different sports, such that if you coach soccer, hockey and basketball you only have to take the course one time. Certification is valid for 5 years. Click here for details- Respect in Sport.
Making Head Way in Sport (Soccer) – All coaches and managers are required to complete the Making Head Way e-learning module. This course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to ensure the safety of your players when they suffer a possible concussion. This on-line course is currently offered for FREE on the NCCP – Coach Canada website. Coaches and managers should take the course soon before the price goes up.
Emergency Action Plan – All coaches and managers are required to complete the Emergency Action Plan e-learning module. This activity prepares coaches to respond calmly, quickly and effectively if a sport participant is seriously injured during practice or competition. This on-line course is offered for FREE on the NCCP – Coach Canada website and will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Understanding the Rule of Two – All coaches and managers are required to complete the Understanding the Rule of Two e-learning module. The goal of the Rule of Two is to ensure all interactions and communications with vulnerable persons are open, observable and justifiable. This on-line course is offered for FREE on the NCCP – Coach Canada website and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
Link to Ontario Soccer coaching site.
