(June 21, 2004)
Sixteen Master Learning Facilitators were trained in Ottawa this past weekend as part of Skate Canada’s overhaul and transition of its NCCP Level 2 program to a Competency Based Education and Training (CBET) system.
The Level 2 program, which will be known as the Intermediate STARSkate Coach / Provincial Coach program, will be a comprehensive approach to coach training involving all figure skating disciplines, stroking and the Skating Skills program.
The Skate Canada professional coaches selected as Learning Facilitators were briefed regarding the revised format of the program and the technical standards they will need to ensure their participant coaches acquire during their training.
On-ice training session for Learning Facilitators in Ottawa
L-R, Front row: Vesna Markovich, Josée Landriault, Carolyn Allwright, Marijane Stong, Eric Loucks, Wendy Mercer, Greg Rochefort
Middle row: Patricia Glenwright, Lyne Koper, Denis Beaudoin, Patricia Hole, Wendy Philion
Back row: Cathy Dalton, Monica Lockie, Shelley Glazer-Clements, Claude Robert, Heather Fraser, Louis Stong, Steven Sugar, Connie Frazee, Marilyn Kreuzinger
Besides the name, one of the major changes in this program will be that all coaches will be trained in singles, dance, pairs and synchronized skating disciplines. They can then choose to certify in one or more disciplines at this level.
Louis Stong, Skate Canada Director of Skating Development, was one of the trainers leading the Learning Facilitators through technical standards this past weekend. Following the on-ice portion of the training, he said the revised format will be invaluable in helping coaches assist their athletes become more well-rounded.
“There are elements in each discipline that strengthens the others,” said Stong. “Hopefully, the next generation of Level 2 coaches will be able to raise the bar and produce skating athletes who will be strong overall skaters and be able to reach their full potential.”
Josée Landriault, Skate Canada Club and Recreation Coaching Coordinator, is responsible for overseeing all the details of this program transition including the Learning Facilitator training. She says the revised format will create coaches with a wider range of skills to offer their clubs, which is beneficial to coaches, clubs and athletes.
“This multi-discipline approach is a positive step because it provides increased employment opportunities for coaches, more well-rounded development for our athletes, and more support to our clubs and skating schools so that they may offer and run a wide range of Skate Canada programs,” said Landriault.
Cathy Dalton, a world leader in the synchronized skating community and former Chair of the Advisory Coaching Council, is excited about the program revisions.
“I think it’s great that all coaches will be trained on synchronized skating skills at this level,” said Dalton. “These coaches will be able to offer a synchronized program for skaters at their club and maybe be able to keep other skaters around the club longer by offering a wider variety of programming.”
In accordance with the Coaching Association of Canada’s CBET format, Skate Canada’s coaching programs will soon have an instruction stream and a competition stream. All NCCP levels in Skate Canada’s coaching program will eventually be renamed to fit the coaching contexts that apply in each of these streams.
Landriault believes the new program names will more clearly describe how a coach has been trained, which is helpful for skaters and parents.
“We really began this transition with the introduction of the CanSkate Professional Coach category a couple of years ago,” said Landriault. “Now we will add to that the Intermediate STARSkate Coach and Provincial Coach as well.”
The new Intermediate STARSkate Coach / Provincial Coach training program will be implemented over the coming skating season.
For more information on the NCCP program changes, visit the Coaching Association of Canada web site.