Become a Coach
In the Canadian sport system, there is an officially recognized process for becoming a coach known as the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).
The NCCP gives coaches the knowledge, skills, and training they need to succeed. Designed for all coaches, the NCCP offers flexible pathways that lead to your preferred cycling coaching destination.
Watch a Video on the NCCP
Coach Management System
Our new system is designed to help streamline your training and certification journey. The process includes the purchase of your Cycling BC membership, background screening, and submission of previous learning credentials like first aid, instructor certifications, and more. Continue reading to learn more about what type of leadership role you wish to pursue and then begin the process @ cyclingbc.net/coachstart.
Choose a Role & Pathway
Whether you’re looking to work with cyclists at the community level, with a cycling club, Gran Fondo riders, or competitive athletes, there’s a leadership pathway for you.
To begin your journey, select the role that best matches your interest and follow the pathway for that role.
Continue reading below to learn more about each training program or download our SafeSport & Coach Excellence Policy, including prices.
Adult Ride Leader
Cycling BC members 19 years and older may participate in our Ride Leader Training module and pursue certified (MAROON) status.
We recommend this 1-day module for all adult clubs and members participating in group riding activities (road or dirt*) and high school teachers who wish to lead school-associated bike rides. This module helps your club cultivate your guiding vision and culture and plan safe group activities. Participants work through an interactive journal during a 2.5-hour ZOOM call, followed by an afternoon outdoor ride with our facilitator.
Participants submit a reflective journal we begin during the ZOOM call to achieve certification, including an Emergency Action Plan within seven days of the outdoor group ride. We also recommend that leaders complete a basic 1-day First Aid course.
This module matches the goals of the NCCP Community Participation context, where leaders help participants in the Active For Life stage of Long-Term Development engage in meaningful social and recreational pursuits.
Topics include:
- Club Culture & Why Statements
- Route Planning & Pre-Ride Briefing
- Insurance, Liability, & Risk Management
- Emergency Scenarios & Action Plans
- Traffic Safety & Road Hazards
- Group Riding Etiquette
- Group Riding Formations
*Alternatively, explore the PMBIA’s 1-day Ride Guide module. View upcoming Ride Leader modules.
HopOn Instructor
Cycling BC members 14 years and older may participate in our 35-hour HopOn Instructor (ORANGE) pathway (formerly iRide), including NCCP Community Coach Training.
The NCCP Community Initiation context is designed for leaders working with participants under 11 and outside of organized club programs. Leaders use age-appropriate game-based activities to help pattern beginner and intermediate cycling skills for participants in the Active Start and FUNdamentals stage of Long-Term Development.
To achieve certification, HopOn instructors must complete additional training, including role-specific basic requirements. Once certified, additional mentorship is included throughout the season by weekly calls and monthly in-person observations. HopOn instructor training is heavily discounted and available only to official staff and registered after-school instructors. Learn how to become an HopOn Instructor here.
Modules:
- Community Theory*
- Basic Skills
- HopOn eLearning & Orientation
*Unofficial title for advertising purposes. View upcoming HopOn Instructor modules.
Club Assistant Coach
Cycling BC members 15 years and older may participate in the 40-hour Club Assistant (YELLOW) pathway, including NCCP Competition-Introduction Coach Training.
The NCCP Competition-Introduction context is for leaders working with youth club athletes before the growth spurt or adult riders with 1-3 years of cycling experience. Leaders help participants in the Learn to Train stage of Long-Term Development learn intermediate sport-specific skills, develop an appreciation for training, and reinforce the importance of flexibility, leg speed, and manoeuvrability.
The Club Assistant Coach pathway is for leaders who wish to attend or lead youth club practices or adult skill development Learn to Ride/Race clinics:
Modules:
- Club Theory A*
- Basic Skills
- Club Skills (choose one sport: Road, Track, BMX, Mtn. Bike)
*Unofficial title for advertising purposes. View upcoming Club Assistant modules.
Club Certified Coach
Cycling BC members 15 years and older may participate in the 55-hour Club Certified Coach (GREEN) pathway, including NCCP Competition-Introduction Coach Training.
The NCCP Competition-Introduction context is for leaders working with youth club athletes during the growth spurt or adult riders with 3-6 years of cycling experience. Leaders help participants in the Train to Train stage of Long-Term Development learn advanced sport-specific skills, pattern comprehensive training habits, and reinforce the importance of aerobic conditioning, social connection, and mental health.
The Club Certified Coach pathway is for leaders who lead youth club programs, manage trade teams, or operate a private coaching business focusing on adult fitness and skill development.
Modules:
- Club Assistant (YELLOW) status
- Club Theory B*
- Evaluation
*Unofficial title for advertising purposes. View upcoming Club Certified modules.
Performance Certified Coach
Cycling BC members 18 years and older may participate in the 85-hour Performance Certified (BLUE) pathway, including NCCP Competition-Development Coach Training.
The NCCP Competition-Development context is for leaders working with provincial and national team athletes pursuing cycling as their primary vocation. Leaders help participants in the Train to Compete and Train to Win stage of Long-Term Development master advanced sport-specific skills, develop healthy travel habits, and reinforce the importance of team building, work/life balance, and goal-oriented preparation.
The Performance Certified pathway is for leaders who support and lead provincial team projects or manage national trade teams and beyond.
Modules:
- Multi-Sport Modules
- Performance Theory*
- Evaluation
*Unofficial title for advertising purposes. View upcoming Performance Certified modules.
SafeSport & Coach Excellence Policy
Cycling BC acknowledges and adheres to the British Columbia Universal Code of Conduct (BC UCC).
Program leaders in good standing abide by the Coaching Association of Canada’s Responsible Coaching Movement and Cycling BC’s Coach Excellence Policy.
The following section outlines our expectations. Additional information is available on our SafeSport page.
Leaders working with U19 participants
Effective April 1st, 2021:
Cycling BC requires all youth clubs and teams to employ at a minimum:
- 1 NCCP Club Certified (GREEN) or Performance Certified (BLUE) coach fulfilling the role of Head Coach or Club/Team Advisor. This person mentors Club Assistants and facilitates a healthy club/team culture.
- All coaches and instructors attending and leading practices must hold the Club Assistant (YELLOW) status. This certificate includes role-specific basic requirements, Club Theory A, Basic Skills and a Club Skills module pertinent to their cycle sport.
We also recommend head coaches of sub-age groups (i.e., U13) achieve the GREEN certificate.
Effective April 1st, 2022:
Leaders working with athletes of any age require a Cycling BC membership, a background screening (anyone 12+ years old), and ethics training pertinent to the athlete age:
- Making Ethical Decisions & Quiz (YELLOW and beyond)
- Commit to Kids (GREEN and beyond)
- Safe Sport (BLUE)
Parents attending youth activities to tail-gun rides, support optimal adult: child ratios, and the Rule of Two, require a Cycling BC Membership and Background Screening (e-PIC).
- Register at cyclingbc.net/coachstart and select CHAPERONE.
Leaders working with +19 participants
Effective April 1st, 2021:
Cycling BC recommends adult clubs members complete the Ride Leader training (MAROON) program.
- This module helps your club cultivate your guiding vision and culture and plan safe group activities.
- Participants work through an interactive journal during a 2.5-hour ZOOM call, followed by an afternoon outdoor ride with our facilitator.
- To achieve certification, participants submit a reflective journal we begin during the ZOOM call, including an Emergency Action Plan, within seven days of the outdoor group ride.
- We also recommend that leaders complete a basic 1-day First Aid course.
Effective April 1st, 2022:
All coaches and instructors leading Learn-to-Ride/Race skills development clinics require NCCP Club Assistant (YELLOW) status.
- Club Assistant status includes all role-specific basic requirements, Club Theory A, Basic Skills and one Club Skills module pertinent to their cycle sport.
- This new policy helps our coaching community work towards a standardized club & performance skills curriculum over the coming seasons and create safer, more welcoming introductions to cycling and cycling in a group.
- Experienced coaches and PMBIA certified instructors can explore the additional opportunities in the following section.
Provisions For Special Applicants
Schedule a call with Cycling BC to learn more about any of the below opportunities.
Certified Professional Mtn. Bike Instructors (PMBIA): Leaders with recognized PMBIA certifications may forgo the NCCP outdoor teaching modules and attend or lead club practices or learn-to-ride/race clinics as a Club Assistant Coach (YELLOW). Learn more about Cycling BC’s partnership agreement with the PMBIA.
Module Audit: To foster mentorship opportunities, certified Club coaches and ride leaders may return to repeat any previous module or an outstanding Club Skills module, free of charge. If spots are still available, registration opens seven days before an event. Request a discount code via email.
Club Theory Home Study: Cycling BC members with a history of cycling who cannot attend the regularly scheduled Club Theory A and B modules may apply to our Home Study program. Cycling BC retains the right to decline an application.
Club Coach Challenge: Leaders with NCCP education from another sport, including NCCP multi-sport modules or international coach education, may apply to CHALLENGE the pathway. Cycling Canada retains the right to decline an applicant’s request to pursue the challenge process. A challenge costs $250 to $335 and includes:
- Making Ethical Decisions Quiz ($85)
- Submit portfolio and pass online quiz & debrief call ($250)
Leaders with YELLOW status by way of PMBIA certification who wish to pursue the GREEN certificate must do so by officially challenging. Alternatively, attend both NCCP Basic and Club Skills modules for mentorship purposes (free of charge), as well as Club Theory B ($100), and the cost of evaluation (online quiz, portfolio, and debrief) remains at the standard $150 rate.
Post-Certification Development
Designed to help you refine your coaching expertise in areas you find interesting.
Once you have completed your preferred Cycling BC leadership pathway, it’s time to explore ways to master skills and abilities relevant to your interests and maintain your coaching credentials in fun and learner-centred ways.
There are many choices available. You can participate in our Certified Coach Mentorship program and pursue mastery as an instructor, trainer, mentor, or manager. In addition, you can apply for Chartered Professional Coach status, enroll in the NCCP’s Advanced Coach Diploma, or pursue graduate studies at the University of British Columbia. Schedule a call with us to chart the next step in your coaching journey.
The following section illustrates how you can accumulate professional development credits and maintain your certification.
On-Demand Professional Development: Attend standalone NCCP eLearning modules like ‘Mental Health in Sport.’ View all.
Chartered Professional Coach: Apply for ChPC accreditation in your LOCKER profile. NCCP Performance Head (BLUE) status is required (Comp-Dev certified).
Self-Directed Reading: Pursue a topic of interest and submit a 750-word reflective academic paper (APA 7 Style).
Facilitated Professional Development:
- Attend NCCP multi-sport modules like Advanced Practice Planning
- Audit a different NCCP Club Skills module
- Become a Learn to Ride/Race instructor
- Become an HopOn Instructor (ORANGE)
- Pursue NCCP Coach Developer status (Cycling BC nomination required) (BLACK)
- Complete PMBIA’s eLearning re-certification (every three years) or attend other modules like Adaptive Mtn. Bike
Certified Coach Mentorship Program: Available for NCCP Club Head (GREEN) and Performance (BLUE) coaches who wish to pursue additional interests in physiology and training plans, skills instruction techniques, team culture building and psychology, or director Sportif technical leadership skills. The blended learning model includes monthly educational calls, reflective activities, in-person learning, and special events, available from February 1 – December 1 annually. Attendants accumulate professional development points.
Advanced Coach Diploma: This 2-year part-time program is available for ‘trained’ (all modules complete) and ‘certified’ Performance (BLUE) coaches. It prepares you to operate in the Sport for Life’s Podium Pathway at the national and international levels. Two cohorts begin the diploma each calendar year. The Spring Cohort starts in March (application deadline January 31) and September (application deadline June 30). ~$4000 CDN
Graduate Studies @ UBC: This 3-year flexible and blending learning program is available for Performance Head (BLUE) coaches (Comp-Dev certified) and five years of coaching or athletic experience in the podium pathway. Students complete a one-year HPCTL graduate certificate (~$7,000), followed by two years of graduate course work for the MHPCTL master’s degree (~$16,000)