The number of coaches seeking certification in Baseball through the National Coaching Certification Program has more than tripled over the last three months, growing to just over 2,300.
The surge in coaches seeking certification is attributed to the web-based Initiation Coach Program, where future coaches can acquire basic baseball specific training without having to leave the comfort of their own home.
Baseball Canada’s on-line training model is garnering a tremendous amount of positive feedback, not only from coaches in training, but also from other national sports organization who have demonstrated an interest in following in Baseball Canada’s footsteps.
“I believe that many other national sports federations will take a close look at our on-line training program because it really responds to the need for more accessibility,” said Baseball Canada’s Operations Manager André Lachance. “In addition to being available at all times, the delivery system is interesting and interactive. Our committee is extremely proud to have been able to pioneer this kind of web-based training of coaches.”
The program is also receiving positive feedback from the Coaching Association of Canada.
“I think we’re going to see more and more sports moving in that direction,” said Cyndie Flett, the CAC’s director of the National Coaching Certification Program. “I think Baseball [Canada] has been very successful in launching the product and they’ve had a lot of buy-in. The five CAC consultants who each work with about 14 national sports organizations are all aware of Baseball Canada’s product and they have all presented it to their sports as a best practice and promote it as an idea to consider.”
In addition to having the luxury of completing their introductory training at their own pace, coaches can continue to benefit from the program after they’ve completed the on-line portion of their training. The NCCP Initiation Coach Program registration fee also includes access to an on-line library of coaching materials and videos.
“It made it really easy for me to learn what to teach the kids,” said Corunna Ontario’s Jon White, a first-time bantam coach. “It helps me a lot because when I started the season I didn’t know anything about coaching. Now I know the right drills to help the kids work on their skills. The program has taught me how to teach the kids to throw and hit more effectively among other things.”
Baseball Canada estimates receiving 3,000 registrations for its Initiation Coach Program during the course of the year.
