How do I become a coach?
Coaching Certification & Requirements
The Newfoundland and Labrador Volleyball Association (NLVA) requires coaches participating in Provincial Championships to meet established coaching eligibility and certification standards.
These requirements help ensure that every athlete is supported by coaches who have the knowledge and training necessary to provide a safe, inclusive, responsible, and positive sport experience.
Guiding Principles
All athletes have the right to an NCCP-trained and certified coach.
All coaches have a responsibility to:
- Complete the training required for their coaching role and level of competition.
- Provide an environment that is physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially safe for athletes and participants.
- Provide a responsible learning environment that incorporates Volleyball Canada teaching methodologies, technical guidelines, and Long-Term Development principles.
- Keep required training and certifications current.
Getting Started as a Coach
Coaches should complete the following steps before registering for NLVA events.
Step 1 — Register as a Coach at Coach.ca
All coaches must first register with the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) at coach.ca and have an NCCP number.
To register:
- Visit https://thelocker.coach.ca/
- Select the option to create an account if you are a new coach.
- Complete the required personal information to create your NCCP profile.
- Once registered, you will receive an NCCP number. Keep this number handy—you will need it when registering as a coach with NLVA.
If you have previously completed any NCCP training or already have an NCCP number, do not create a new account. Log in to your existing account instead.
Your NCCP Locker is where you can view your coaching transcript, completed NCCP training, certification status, and professional development credits.
Step 2 — Register with NLVA
All coaches must have a current NLVA membership through Sportlomo.
Register here:
https://canada.sportsmanager.ie/sportlomo/registration/member-registration/club/12320
When registering, make sure you enter your NCCP number in your coaching information. This allows your coaching credentials to be connected with your volleyball membership.
Step 3 — Access Volleyball Connect
Volleyball Connect is the platform used for Volleyball Canada coach education and course registration.
You do not need to create a separate Volleyball Connect account.
Once you have created your Sportlomo account and entered your coaching information, including your NCCP number:
- Log in to your Sportlomo account.
- Locate your ID Card on your main account page.
- Select “Click Here for Volleyball Connect.”
- You will automatically be taken into the Volleyball Connect platform using your Sportlomo account.
Once inside Volleyball Connect, coaches can view the volleyball-specific training and courses available to them.
The platform is used to:
- View available volleyball coaching courses.
- Register for e-learning courses.
- Register for coaching workshops.
- Register for evaluations.
- Access online workshops and meeting rooms.
- Follow the requirements associated with your coaching pathway.
Coaches are encouraged to take some time to explore Volleyball Connect after completing their registration.
Step 4 — Complete the Required Training for Your Coaching Role in Volleyball Connect
Depending on the level and role you are coaching, you may be required to complete additional training in Volleyball Connect, including:
- Safe Sport Training
- Making Headway
- Make Ethical Decisions
- Foundations of Volleyball
Step 5 — Register for the Applicable Coach Workshop
Coaches must register for and complete any coach workshop required for the level of team they are coaching.
The specific coaching requirements vary depending on factors such as the age group, level of competition, coaching role, and event. Coaches should review the applicable NLVA Coach Eligibility Requirements to determine which workshop and level of certification they require.
Coach workshops are registered for through Volleyball Connect.
IMPORTANT: Foundations of Volleyball E-Learning must be completed before registering for a coach workshop.
Important Items:
- At all Provincial Championship events, there must be a coach on the bench who meets the standard at all times. The Head coach must meet the certification standard.
- For coaches who received the “Certified” Status under the old NCCP system, please read the Coaching certification document above for more information.
Professional Development Credits
On January 1st, 2014, Volleyball Canada complied with the Coaches Association of Canada’s (CAC) NCCP Professional Development policy and procedures. Coaches who are Development Coach certified will now receive credit within the Locker database for approved professional development experiences. Once all remaining courses are approved by the CAC, then these certified coaches will also begin to receive credit. In order to maintain certification Development Coaches will need to accrue 20 points over a period of 5 years. Please review the CAC’s FAQ for all the details.
*For Non-NCCP activities, and coach self-directed activities, coaches must get approval from Volleyball Canada (PTA’s may be given authority to approve) to confirm that credit can be claimed. Procedures for PTA submission of PD points is described in the “Submission of Partner Delivered Non-NCCP PD FAQ” document. Contact Volleyball Canada for a copy of this document.
