Key Takeaways from the 2023 Ontario Coaching Report

Unveiling the 2023 Ontario Coaching Report: A Call for Change

Welcome, sports enthusiasts! Get ready for a rollercoaster ride as we (lightly) dissect the Coaches Association of Ontario's 2023 Ontario Coaching Report, sponsored by Hydro One Networks Inc. This report is the talk of the town, and we're here to break it down. So, grab your snacks; this is going to be an eye-opener, and we might need your cheers for our coaches at the end.

About the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO)

The Coaches Association of Ontario is an independent, non-profit organization that supports coaches from community to high performance level across all sports in Ontario.

The coaching scene in Ontario, as per the report, is predominantly white and male-dominated. This includes coaching staff, referees, and even volunteers, even in teams led by or consisting of women. Diversity is a rare gem on the gridiron. To add to the mix, a mere 42% of coaches have undergone the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) training.

Now, the NCCP, crafted by the minds behind the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC), is like a superhero cape for coaches. It's comprehensive, covering everything from coaching philosophy to mental health, nutrition, ethics, and more. Coaches with NCCP are like the Avengers of the sports world, ready to tackle any challenge. But, of course, greatness takes time and a continuous investment of time and money for that NCCP certification.

Hold on tight because here's a shocker: One-third of coaches skipped background checks and avoided signing a code of conduct. That should raise eyebrows and prompt a visit to your local sports clubs, demanding transparency and safety measures. Yes, we need coaches, but we also need to prioritize players' safety. And that comes with paperwork. Demand it.

To level the playing field (no pun intended), we need accessible and affordable training options. Enter the Safe Sport 101 Playbook, a collaborative effort by CAO, Hydro One, and the Safe Sport Lab at the University of Toronto. It's like "Coaching for Dummies" for the sports world, making coaching less intimidating and more accessible. Full report can be found here: Ontario Coaching Report 2023

Now, let's talk about the ladies. The report highlights a significant gap in retaining female coaches, and as we step into 2024, it's time to address this imbalance. Ottawa Women's Football (OWF), led by a powerhouse of women, offers mentorship, a support network, and resources for aspiring female coaches, referees, and players.

As the 2023 Ontario Coaching Report points fingers and demands change, organizations like OWF show us the light at the end of the tunnel. It's not just about mandatory training and safety protocols; it's about injecting fun, diversity, democracy, and inclusivity into sports leadership. So, let's turn this into a collective celebration, involving athletes, parents, administrators, coaches, and government entities. Together, we'll pave the way for a more vibrant, equitable, and inclusive future for sports coaching in Ontario. Game on!

So, whether you're a coach, parent, or sports enthusiast, it's time to step onto the field and be the change we want to see. Support initiatives like the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), champion inclusivity, and demand accessible training options. Share this post, spread the word, and let's transform coaching into a welcoming playground for everyone. The game isn't over until we all win!

Jules Mckercher