Shooting in Canada depends on the large number pf coaches across the country who work with athletes at every stage of the path, and each discipline, to grow and improve and continue to enjoy the sport.

SFC has a well-defined coach development model that allows coaches in Canada to become trained and certified to meet Canadian requirements.

Key to our Coach Development Model is our partnership with the Coaching Association of Canada and the National Coach Certification Program.

The National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) trains and certifies coaches in more than 60 sports. The NCCP uses a competency-based approach where coaches are:

  • Trained in NCCP outcomes relevant to the participants they are coaching (from recreational to National level athletes)
  • Evaluated by demonstrating coaching outcomes through specified standards

NCCP provides many base learning modules for coaches to learn from. There are some modules required at various stages of your coaching growth and many others available as well for your professional development. We encourage you to sign up with NCCP and start taking some of the key modules at any time.

Shooting Coach Certification Pathways

The four pathways below show the progression individuals can take in the shooting sports to develop as a coach.

Note that each pathway must be completed to achieve certification in the coaches’ specified discipline before progressing to the next pathway.

Shooting Coach Pathway

Instructor – Beginner (IB) Certification

Basic skills & technique for entry level or non competitive target shooters

This online workshop is tailored for new to coaching wishing to start coaching and provides fundamental shooting coaching knowledge. The focus is on planning, safety, basic theory of learning as well as preparing coaches to analyze shooting skills. Participants choose between pistol, rifle or shotgun disciplines and may be expected to complete exercises and read materials between workshop sessions.

Note that the Evaluation phase involves working with a facilitator directly for an observation and feedback session.

Shooting Coach Pathway

Competition Development Coach

Train to Train & Train to Compete

Intended for coaches who want to enhance their coaching skills to possibly enter athletes in competition, this course is a good introduction to the competitive environment of the sport. Coaches will learn in-depth planning, supporting and improving athlete competition skills, and a detailed overview of the rules governing shooting competitive settings. Usually, this course takes place over two weekends with homework assignments that will help to build the coaches portfolio.

Shooting Coach Pathway

Competition Development Advanced Gradation Coach

Train to Compete & Train to Win

For experienced coaches working with provincial and national teams, the mix of multisport and shooting specific topics covered will provide well-rounded training for developing high-performance athletes. Participants will learn to manage a competitive sport program, effectively deal with sport psychology and ethical issues, as well as learn to analyse and evaluate skill and performance.

Shooting Coach Pathway

Competition – High Performance (HP) Certification

Train to Win

For Senior coaches working with athletes on a path towards Olympic and world championship level competition this certification can provide more in-depth knowledge and resources for year-round planning and multi-faceted support.