I want to be a parasport coach: how do I begin?
More information to come soon in this section!
Behind every participant and athlete, is a great coach. Whether you are new to coaching or you already coach an able-bodied sport, you are capable of becoming a parasport coach.
It's a misconception that coaching an athlete with a disability requires highly specialized skills, knowledge or training. In fact, most coaches who work with athletes with a disability soon discover that coaching these participants is really no different than coaching any other athlete. The secret to successful coaching is to truly understand the person, to focus on their abilities, and to see what they can achieve.
The Role
A coach in a parasport is similar to sports within the able-bodied sport system. You require a knowledge of, and passion for, the sport, an ability to teach and motivate your athletes, and an awareness of the Long-Term Athlete Development model to ensure your athletes develop in a safe and successful environment. Quality parasport coaches are important to ensure athletes have a good experience and are given every chance to reach their full potential.
Training Required
To ensure you have the skills to coach parasport successfully, there is a National Coaching Certification Program offered by the Coaching Association of Canada which provides the resources. In addition, many National Sport Organizations have sport-specific coaching resouces that you can tap into.
Training to be a coach is a rewarding way to play a vital role in the community, stay active for life, and make a difference in the life and career of a para-athlete. Become a coach today!
What other ways can I get involved?
You can also become an official, classifier, or volunteer.
- David Greig, ChPC, National Coach, Talent Development, Para-Athletics [Athletics Canada] and winner of the CPC’s 2010 Para Development Coach Award
