Coach Education
Wherever there is an athlete, there is a coach. While some coaches start out as athletes, most are parents, teachers, sport fans, and community members who want to be part of a sport they love and make a difference. Basketball can be a vehicle for positive development, as it prompts participants to learn, achieve and develop.
When you coach, you encourage participants of all ages to challenge themselves, to be active, and to have fun. Coaching offers immeasurable benefits for both coaches and participants and is one of the most important ways individuals can impact values such as self-confidence, fairness, and teamwork. Coaches will develop exceptional planning skills, promote safety in sport, promote diversity and inclusion, help others build confidence and improve performance, create engaging activities, teach important physical skills, and model respectful behaviour. If you are looking to become more involved in your community, get into sport in a new way, and help youth remain active for life, coaching is for you!
As the National Sport Organization for Basketball in Canada, Canada Basketball is responsible for creating the coaching education pathway and developing the educational tools that coaches need in order to be successful on and off the court. Our mission is to achieve excellence in leading the growth and development of the game at home. In partnership with our Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations, we work to deliver the highest quality coaching courses and professional development events.
Coaching Pathway
The National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) provides standardized, inclusive, and safe sport education to coaches and coach developers. Within each NCCP Coaching stream are NCCP Coaching contexts, which align coaching activities with specific types of participants and the stage of their respective development.
Canada Basketball’s coach education pathway is based on the Long Term Development Model. It is evidence based and aims to provide coaches with the necessary tools they need to coach athletes at each stage of development.

On the coach education pathway, a coach can achieve different statuses based on the course work they have completed. These are:
In-Training Status: the coach has completed some of the course work, but has not finished the entire module(s) for their specific pathway
Trained Status: the coach has completed all of the course work, but has not completed their evaluation(s)
Certified Status: the coach has completed all of the associated course work on their pathway and has successfully demonstrated their competency through evaluation(s)
Coach Developer Pathway
NCCP Coach Developers are directly responsible for the development of coaches and need to be experts in learning as well as experts in coaching. For basketball, they include:
Learning Facilitators (LFs): coach developers who deliver NCCP workshops and clinics
Coach Evaluators (CEs): coach developers who evaluate Portfolios, Practices and Competition for identified coaching competencies
Master Coach Developers (MCDs): coach developers who are responsible for training new LFs and CEs
NCCP Coach Developer candidates must complete training that is consistent across Canada. To be certified as an NCCP Coach Developer in any of the three roles above, you must:
Successfully complete the online evaluation NCCP Make Ethical Decisions
Demonstrate your competency by completing the four-step pathway below

The NCCP now has a simple and universal 4-step process for becoming a Coach Developer.For more details and steps on becoming a Coach Developer visit https://coach.ca/become-nccp-coach-developer
Core-training: Provides NCCP Coach Developers with the skills to perform their role.
Content-specific training: This includes relevant sport or multi-sport training, as well as micro-facilitation and/or micro-evaluation for an opportunity to practice delivery with peers.
Co-delivery: New NCCP Coach Developers can practice with real coaches alongside an experienced Coach Developer. NCCP Coach Developers are considered "trained" when they've completed the first three steps of the pathway.
Evaluation: Once NCCP Coach Developers are evaluated as having the abilities necessary for their role, they are considered "certified."
Coach Developer Characteristics
Learning Facilitator (LF)
Possess a passion for sport and coaching
An effective communicator
Ability to work in a collaborative environment
Ability to adapt content to meet the needs of all coaches to ensure learning outcomes are met
An understanding of his/her Provincial/Territorial sport community and the contribution of coaching and sport leadership education
Coach Evaluator (CE)
A passion for sport and coaching
Attention to detail and observation
Effective communicator
Knowledge of the outcomes, criteria and evidences as outlines in the NCCP evaluation tools
An understanding of the value of Certified coaches and the contribution of coaching and sport leadership education
Master Coach Developer (MCD)
A passion for sport and coaching
A strong communicator and charismatic leader
Ability to work in a collaborative environment
An understanding of the Canadian sport community and the contribution of coaching and sport leadership education
A proven track record of supporting and promoting the importance of National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) certified coaches and familiarity with competency-based coach education
Flexible work schedule
Professional Development
Maintenance of Certification
Do you want accreditation on things that you already do? The CAC and Canada Basketball recognize the value of having certified NCCP coaches that are engaged in Professional Development programs which reinforce the values of lifelong learning and sharing amongst the coaching community.
In order for NCCP coaches to maintain their certified status, they will be required to obtain Professional Development (PD) points.
There are many ways to accumulate points. Events that are organized by the CAC, Canada Basketball, P/TSO or P/TCR will allow coaches to accumulate PD points. Such events include: Coach Schools, Canada Basketball Conferences and Workshops, eLearning modules, NCCP workshops, coach mentorship programs, active coaching and many more!
In most cases coaches are already earning their required PD points -- Maintenance of Certification Status is simply the introduction of tracking these points and recognizing coaches for their efforts.
In General:
NCCP Training = 5 points
Non-NCCP Events = 1 point/ hour (up to 3 points)
Active Coaching = 1 point/ year
The PD Points System
Coaches will need to maintain their certification on 4-year cycles after becoming certified. Therefore, if the coach does not reach the required PD point threshold in the 4-year period, they will lose their certified status.
Required Points
Please refer to the below table for the number of points required for each context.
Context
Required Points
Learn to Train
16
Train to Train
20
Train to Compete
24
Multi-Sport Professional Development Modules
Below are various multi-sport modules that can be taken to gain PD points and maintain your certification. For more information and a course description, please click each title.
- Leading a Return to Sport Participation
- Mental Health in Sport
- NCCP Coach Initiation in Sport
- NCCP Coaching Athletes with a Disability
- NCCP Emergency Action Plan
- NCCP Fundamental Movement Skills
- NCCP Making Head Way in Sport
- NCCP Sport Nutrition
- Safe Sport Training
- Support Through Sport: Understanding Teen Dating Violence
CB PD Opportunities
Check back soon for coach education events!
Game Plan
Game Plan is Canada Basketball’s comprehensive coach education website used for any coach at every stage in their career, and is used to track your coaching pathway. With a variety of tools and resources, coaches can plan practices, create yearly training plans, and watch videos of past professional development events. Game Plan houses many of the upcoming coach education workshop registrations and is your one-stop-shop for all things coaching!
FIBA Licence
Why get a FIBA Licence?
As a coach holding a FIBA license, you are a member of the World Association of Basketball Coaches (WABC). The overall objective of the FIBA Licence is to create a productive interaction between FIBA and the TOP coaches in all countries around the world that will in turn contribute to global basketball coach development. As a Canada Basketball Train to Compete certified coach, get your FIBA Licence as a top coach in the National Coaching Certification Program Competition Development stream.
Other benefits of the FIBA Licence?
Worldwide recognized licence that will be issued from Canada. The Canadian FIBA licence is recognized with Canada Basketball’s level of coach education by FIBA and all other countries
All coaches need their FIBA licence to work with national team programs or coach at FIBA competitions
As a member of the World Association of Basketball Coaches (WABC), you may become involved with:
The worldwide basketball coaches community
Contributing to different decision in multiple areas (e.g. Basketball Rules...), through future consultations (e.g. survey...)
Further information/tools from WABC/FIBA, which will help your development
Opportunities to connect with coaches in the community, to share your knowledge and to learn from others.
Who can get their FIBA Licence?
To be eligible for this certification a coach must be Train to Compete Certified or Level 3 Certified plus have completed and passed the Making Ethical Decisions (MED) evaluation.
Please note that while completing the MED course and online exam this will also automatically give a Level 3 Certified coach a Train to Compete certified status in the new NCCP context.
How do I get my FIBA Licence?
To apply for your FIBA license, please complete the application form here. Send your completed application form, along with your Headshot and Passport copy to demmons@basketball.ca.
The Headshot
The headshot must be in the JPEG, GIF or BMP format that is no larger than 5 MB
If provided with a headshot that fits the requirements Canada Basketball can crop the headshot to fit the format requirements listed before uploading your application to FIBA
Headshot requirements listed by FIBA that will prompt errors
The headshot is cut
The headshot is not centered
The headshot is not in colour
The headshot is not zoomed in enough
The headshot is not in colour
The Passport
A digital copy of your passport will be required as part of the registration. The file must be no larger than 5 MB. The Passport Number may be blocked out however all of the other information must be visible. This information will be cross referenced with the registration form and entered into the database. Your passport will only be seen by Canada Basketball and FIBA as the information is uploaded into the database.
The passport is required because you cannot be a FIBA Coach and a player agent at the same time. This document helps prevent people from entering both systems. A passport is also necessary to verify your nationality and citizenship.
Your passport will only be needed for the initial registration so as you renew your passport you will not have to provide it to Canada Basketball or FIBA.


What is Game Plan?
Game Plan is Canada Basketball’s comprehensive coach education website used for any coach at every stage in their career, and it can be used to track your coaching pathway. It includes a variety of tools such as practice planners, video library, and drill bank. Register for Game Plan here.
What is an NCCP number and how can I get one?
A National Coaching Certification Program Number (NCCP#) is your coach education profile. All NCCP coach training and education you take is recorded through an online database called The Locker. Your training from every sport and at every context is recorded here. As well, professional development (PD) training can also be recorded here. In order to take an NCCP module you will need an NCCP#.
Follow these steps to get your NCCP#:
Go to www.coach.ca
Click on the tab called The Locker
Click on “Don’t have an account? Create one now!”
Check the box “I agree”
Check the box “I want to create a Locker account for access to my transcript, eLearning opportunities, to sign up for coaching events, and more!” – Fill in your info – Click Register
Login to your email account and open the verification email that was sent to you
Click on the “click here” at the very end of the email
Create a password
Click submit
Click on the Icon “Profile”
In the left hand corner of your screen under your name is your NCCP#
Where can I find my NCCP number?
First go to coach.ca. On the right-hand side of the website, it will read "My Locker", hover over that tab, then press the Profile button. This will then bring you to the log-in screen. From here you can press the "lookup my NCCP#" button. You will then follow the steps on the screen to retrieve your NCCP#.
How does old NCCP transfer? NCCP transfer guide
The NCCP Transfer guide helps coaches who may have taken coach education in the old system (the Levels system) transfer their credentials into the new system. The chart below outlines how these credentials are currently recognized:
What Coach Has:
FUNdamentals In Training (Transferred)
Possible Situtation:
Took Steve Nash Youth Basketball Module
Requirements for Certification
There is currently no Certification at the FUNdamentals level. Coaches with this status should complete the FUNdamentals Workshop
What Coach Has:
Learn to Train "Trained" (Transfer)
Possible Situtation:
Level 1 Certified
Requirements for Certification
MED Online Evaluation
What Coach Has:
Learn to Train In Training (Transferred)
Possible Situtation:
Level 1 Technical
Level 1 Technical and Level 1 Theory
Requirements for Certification
MED Online Evaluation
Learn to Train Portfolio & Practice Evaluations
What Coach Has:
Train to Train Trained (Transferred)
Possible Situtation:
Level 1 Certified AND Level 2 Certified
Requirements for Certification
MED Online Evaluation
What Coach Has:
Train to Train In Training (Transferred)
Possible Situtation:
Level 1 Certified and Level 2 Technical + Level 2 Theory
Level 1 Certified and Level 2 Technical
Requirements for Certification
MED Online Evaluation
Train to Train Portfolio & Practice Evaluations
Train to Train workshop, Train to Train Portfolio & Practive Evaluations
What Coach Has:
Train to Compete Trained (Transferred)
Possible Situtation:
Level 1 Certified AND Level 2 Certified AND Level 3 Certified
Requirements for Certification
MED Online Evaluation
Managing Conflict Online Evaluation
Leading Drug Free Sport
What Coach Has:
Train to Compete In Training (Transferred)
Possible Situtation:
Level 1+2 Certified and Level 3 Technical
Level 1+2 Certified and Level 3 Theory and Technical
Requirements for Certification
MED Online Evaluation
Managing Conflict Evaluation
Leading Drug Free Sport
Competition development multisport courses, Train to Compete Portfolio, Practice and Game Evaluation
Train to Compete Portfolio, Practice and Game Evaluation
What Coach Has:
FUNdamentals In Training (Transferred)
Learn to Train Trained (Transferred)
Possible Situtation:
Took Steve Nash Youth Basketball Module
Level 1 Certified
Requirements for Certification
There is currently no Certification at the FUNdamentals level. Coaches with this status should complete the FUNdamentals Workshop
MED Online Evaluation
How can I see how many PD points I have?
Coaches can check the number of PD Points they’ve earned at thelocker.coach.ca. Once on this website, you can follow these steps to confirm your number.
Sign in with your login credentials
Click your name at the top right corner
Click the “Certification” tab near the top of the screen
Click the “Maintenance” tab on the left side
This page will show:
Your certification(s)
How many points you have
How many points you need to maintain your certification
The date the renewal cycle concludes
Below is a list of ways to acquire PD points:
NCCP Clinics
Multi-Sport Modules with Provincial/Territorial Coaching Representative
Active Coaching
Self-Reporting
The number of PD Points obtained can vary depending on the training. In general:
NCCP Training = 5 points
Non-NCCP Events = 1 point/hour (up to 3 points)
Active coaching = 1 point/year
*Maintenance of Certification functions on a 4 year cycle.
When are the next NCCP Clinics being held in my area?
Check out the Workshops tab on Game Plan. If you do not see any clinics available in your province/territory, take a look at the Provincial/Territorial Sport Organization’s website for more information.
How do I get my FIBA License
To apply for your FIBA license, please complete the application form here. Send your completed application form, along with your Headshot and Passport copy to demmons@basketball.ca.
Are there special considerations made for long-time coaches, international coaches or athletes transitioning to coaching?
Canada Basketball does not offer an equivalency system. Instead, we provide a Recognition of Knowledge process in which former athletes, long time coaches, or those with a physical education background can apply to proceed straight to evaluation for competency at the level at which they wish to coach. To inquire if you are eligible for this process, please contact demmons@basketball.ca.
What course should I take if I want to coach high school, elementary school, etc.?
Based on our LTAD model we have broken the NCCP Clinics down into four different streams: community sport, competition introduction, competition development and high performance.
Each of these streams focuses on different levels of competition in the sport.
Each clinic is targeted for specific age ranges:
Active Start 0-6 year olds
FUNdamentals F 6-8, M6-9
Learn to Train F 8-11, M 9-12
Train to Tain F 11-15, M12-16
Train to Compete, F 15-18+, M16-18+
Learn to Win F 18-23+, M18-25+
Train to Win F 23+, M25+.
*Please note that these provided age targets are just guidelines, and coaches can take further certification than is recommended.
Who can I contact for Game Plan bugs?
Please contact coaching@basketball.ca! Let us know if there is anything we can do improve your experience on game plan.