Welcome Coaches!
Welcome to the 2016 edition of The Coach's Clipboard! Twice a year we provide you with up to date articles that are relevant and useful for all coaches. Â If you have any questions feel free to contact Softball Ontario; otherwise enjoy this newsletter.Â
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Time for a Shift
by Matt Allen, Softball Ontario's Coaches Committee Member
It’s time we as coaches make the shift from immediate team success to focusing our team, our programs, and our delivery on developing athletes over the long-term.
Long Term Player Development can act as your ‘roadmap’. Maybe you don’t always have every single detail on that roadmap but you just have the important things. A gas station here, an information stop there, a food place down the road….
LTPD is not here to stifle us all, to trick us, to prevent us from being creative, but instead gives us a golden thread of where to go, how to plan, and where to focus.  And isn’t that what we’ve always looked for as a coach; a roadmap to support us in developing our athletes?
As we head into the 2016 season, I encourage us all to take a few minutes to look at LTPD made for Softball  or the Canadian Sport for Life modelÂ
How much do we incorporate the appropriate training for the athletes we work with? Or do we even do training at all? So often I visit teams or stop in at practices and see the basic fundamental movement skills lacking or not even there. We tend to be blind to the fundamental skills in our athletes and we think it is all technical. I’ll make a bold statement by saying in most cases, it’s not the technique and it’s the movement skills that we haven’t helped the athlete develop.Â
Just last week, I saw some young players doing batting practice and the swings from the majority of the team were all arms. Given we are in March, I argue we would be better off to focusing on the core training for those athletes right now and that coach will start to see the full body in those swings sooner than focusing on altering the technique as I saw. This is just one example! There’s a reason a good friend of mine, Katherine Roberts is now working with seven, yes, seven Major League Baseball teams incorporating Yoga for Baseball in spring training this year.
Take a look: http://www.robertsyogaforbaseball.com/home.html
So let’s all take a moment to reflect and I will make a second bold statement in that if we start to incorporate fundamental movement skill training into our spring training, throughout the season, and as part of our off-season planning, I will guarantee you will see the results on the field! Let’s go make some success stories coach. |
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MAKING HEAD WAY IN SPORT!
Concussions can occur while participating in any sport or recreational activity. Since the circumstances under which a concussion can be sustained are so varied, it’s important for all coaches, parents, and athletes to be aware of the signs, symptoms, and what to do if a concussion occurs. Check out the new “Making Head Way in Sport†eLearning series on the Coaching Association of Canada’s web site (www.coach.ca) to help you gain the knowledge and skills required to ensure the safety of your athletes! Test your concussion IQ, find out what happens during a concussion, get concussion smart via our e-Learning module, or simply browse through real concussion stories.
FREE for a limited time! So check it out today!
Note: This concussion e-Learning series will apply towards the professional development credits required for maintenance of a coach’s NCCP certification.
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Wearing 2Â hats in Softball
By: Andy Roddau, Softball Ontario Coaches Committee Member
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Sometimes this feels like having a split personality. I'm not going to go Freudian here, but suffice to say that the upside of being both a coach and an umpire affords a unique perspective and an interesting path for sober second thought.
 I'm into rules and general order which may explain why umpiring is a thing for me. Like every other human, rules are seen as a good thing until that moment where circumstances dictate that “This isn't working for me right now.â€. Umpiring allows me to look at the game more objectively and at the same time be the devils advocate for either side.Â
 I still observe the game with a certain passion all the while rooting for both teams.  When bad luck finds one particular coach I empathize. Conversely when they find fortune I am honestly happy for them. I always look forward to helping a less experienced coach understand a rule so the next occurrence is more of an opportunity than a detriment. The other side of this is the coach who has their own idea of how the game is conducted. These are the ones who in our most tactful approach us umpires have to explain that the coach should know better (as they typically have some experience).
As a coach umpiring has definitely taught me to be more understanding. I've been coaching for almost 25 years and since getting my umpire card I get less excitable when a play or decision in a game doesn't go my way. It has taught me to be more respectful of both the game and it's officials. That is not to say that my level of annoyance or irritation has changed with real or perceived poor judgement (or lack of rule application). The difference is that now I'm more likely to just bury my head in my hands and carry on with the game.
 I still get emotional on what I think is a bad call when coaching and my skin isn't always as thick as it needs to be when umpiring. However, I can honestly say umpiring has made me a better coach and having coached has made me a better umpire.
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Force Fastball Attend U16 Boys Canadians
By: Ray Pavey, Softball Ontario Coaches Committee
Turn back the clock to September 2014, a quiet Saturday Night in small town Glencoe, solving the world's problems, and discussing the state of local kids Fastball.
For years, discussions would take place between local, players, parents, about amalgamating together and competing for a National Title. Â The night ended with an idea to run some fall tryouts, see if we could gather some interest with some of the area top players, and see if we could make the concept become a reality.
Fast forward to January, Team selections now moved indoors, uniforms ordered, a great group of players working towards their ultimate goal, smiles and laughter echoing throughout the local gymnasium.
As the weather began to warm up in May, the Team was outdoors preparing for the opening Tournament of the Year at the local park, with 3-4 of the Top Teams in Ontario attending. Â As the Tournament progressed, the Force quickly understood that they were going to have a great season, and how realistic their goals they set were going to be.
As July came along, a trip to the Ontario Elimination Tournament was in order, with the top two teams getting a berth in the U16 Nationals in Prince Albert Saskatchewan.
As Sunday afternoon rolled around, the boys found themselves taking home the Silver Medal and a berth in the National Finals. Â Prior to boarding a flight in Toronto destined for Prince Albert, the boys took part in the Provincial A Championships in Grafton, once again coming home with another Silver Medal.
The Team all arrived in Prince Albert excited and ready to get under way, and went 6-1 in the Round Robin finishing in second place.
The Quarter-Final match-up was against the Host Team Astros, with the Force coming away with the win and a Semi-Final Match-Up with our Ontario Nemesis Chepstow.
A good size crowd at the park were witnessed to a great game with the Force winning the Game and advancing to the National Finals.
Nerves set in early Sunday for the Team, awaiting for the Final to begin, and as the Elimination Games were completed, once again we were faced with meeting Chepstow in the National Championship.
As the last out was made, and the end of a very great week of Fastball, Chepstow were crowned National Champions, and the Force a very deserving Silver Medalist.  We have all heard the old cliché, "you never remember who finishes second" and "there is no silver lining".
But I say, if you have a dream, a goal, it does not have to be on a Saturday Night in small town Glencoe, it can be anywhere you want it to be. Â All you need is a plan, a vision, and a great group of character kids who all love playing the game of Softball, who came together as a Team, as a Family.
To me, that is the Greatest Victory of them all.
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PD Points and Maintenance of CertificationÂ
By Steph Sutton, Softball Ontario's Technical Program Coordinator
Softball Ontario, along with Softball Canada and the Coaching Association of Canada recognize the value of having certified NCCP coaches that are engaged in Professional Development programs which reinforce the values of lifelong learning and sharing within the coaching community.
All coaches who have been certified in any Softball’s NCCP contexts (Competition-Introduction, Softball (became certified between 2005-2016) &  & Competition-Development, Softball (2011-2016) you will be required to obtain Professional Development (PD) points to maintain your NCCP certification. This is a part of a multi-sport initiative required by all 67 sports within the Coaching Association of Canada. This does not impact any softball coach who has “In Training†or “Trained†status.Â
More information for those previously NCCP certified (became certified between 1980-2005), will be notified as to how they are to proceed.  Softball's timelines for this notification is currently August 2016. Â
Why do I need to maintain my certification?Â
The NCCP is asking Certified coaches to continue learning to help developing the best athletic performance from our athletes as well as and the integrity of the NCCP. This can be done through coaching professional development, as well as actively coaching.Â
When does this take effect?
Softball Coaches are able to accumulate points effective as of January 1, 2014 and onwards as well as from the point of certification after January 1, 2014.
What qualifies for points towards Maintenance of Certification?
| Â |
Activity Category |
Points |
Limitations |
| Sport-specific |
Active coaching |
1 point/year for every season coached
1 point/year for learning facilitator or evaluator activity |
To a maximum number of points equal to the number of years of the certification renewal period: 5 years |
| NCCP activity |
5 points/module |
No maximum or minimum |
| Non-NCCP activity* |
3 points for approx.3 hours activity |
No maximum or minimum |
| Coach self-directed activity* |
3 points for the valid certification period |
Maximum of 3 points for certification renewal period |
| Re-evaluation in context |
100% of the points required for PD credit in the context |
No other PD is required if coach chooses re-evaluation |
| Multi-sport |
NCCP activity |
5 points/module |
No maximum or minimum |
| Non-NCCP activity |
1 point/hour of activity up to 3 points maximum |
To a maximum of 50% of required PD credit for the context in a certification renewal period |
How can I accumulate PD points?
PD points can be earned through a variety of activities that certified coaches already participate in including. These include; national and provincial sport organization conferences and workshops, coaching committees, e-Learning modules, NCCP workshops, coach mentorship programs, and active coaching and/or instructing.
There are many ways to accumulate points. Events that are organized by Softball Canada, Softball Ontario, Coaching Association of Canada or Provincial/ Territorial Coaching Representatives will all advertise the number of PD points associated with the event. It is very important to first contact Softball Ontario before attending an event to ensure the event you are attending does count for PD points.
Please ensure that you contact Softball Ontario before attending an event as retroactive events will not be accepted as per the Coaching Association of Canada’s policy. For example, if you attend an event that has not been pre-approved by the necessary parties and report it for points.
Please contact Softball Ontario (Steph Sutton via email ssutton@softballontario.ca) or Softball Canada (Lise Jubinville via email ljubinville@softball.ca) for more details on softball specific opportunities that count towards PD points.
 What events can I self-report?Â
Actively coaching or instructing is one of the points softball coaches can self-report each year on your own behalf and reported directly through the Coaching Association of Canada. Simply login to www.coach.ca  and on the left hand side of your transcript you will see a “self-report†section, click and follow the prompts.
How long to I have to accumulate my points?
You will have five (5) years to get the required number of points for Softball. Â Your time to have this completed is tracked on your Locker profile. Â Please log into your Locker profile to determine the time frame you need have Professional Development points collected by.
What are the minimum requirements for me to retain my NCCP Certification?
| Context |
Minimum Professional Development credits required for a period of five years |
| Community Sport Initiation (Learn2Coach and Community Softball Coach) |
NA |
| Competition Introduction, Softball Certified |
20 points |
| Competition Development, Softball Certified |
30 points |
How can I check how many PD points I have?
Your PD points will appear on your transcript as long as your profile information (name, NCCP#, etc.) has been recorded correctly with the organizer of the event, and your profile is up-to-date on coach.ca. You can check your profile and points by logging into coach.ca and using your NCCP# to check your transcript. Remember that PD points will only appear on your transcript after the data has been entered in the Locker by Softball Ontario or Softball Canada. When you are on your NCCP transcript, on the left hand side there is a section called ‘Maintenance.’ Click there and follow the prompts. It will show which events you have attended as well as your certification deadline, number of points attained, and number of points required.
What if I am certified in other sports and/or multiple contexts in softball?
The PD points you earn will apply to all sports’ requirements. The coach needs to accumulate the highest number of required PD points. You only need to earn the higher number of required PD points. For example, if you have “Certified†status in both Instruction contexts, you will need to acquire 20 points to maintain your Certification in both contexts.
What happens to my NCCP Certification if I do not complete the required PD in the time allowed?
Your transcript would show that your “Certified†status has not been renewed. Requirements to regain your NCCP Certification will continue to be worked out by Softball Ontario/Softball Canada through this first PD cycle (2014-2019). |
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The Benefits of NCCP Coach Training
By: Gary Baker, NCCP Level 3 Coach
I have completed my Level 3 NCCP Softball Certification and I believe the courses, training and field evaluations needed to achieve this level have helped me to become a better and more effective coach.
The courses provide information, ideas and suggestions on all aspects of the game – nutrition, training, planning, health and safety, equipment & tools, drills & skills and game strategy and player development. These different courses have allowed me to see the game from different perspectives which have expanded my knowledge of the game and more importantly player development.  Â
The biggest advantage to going through the training however has come from meeting many other coaches in the sport of softball.  The collaboration that takes place at these training sessions has been invaluable. The participants all share ideas, their successes, and their failures – all of which has helped me learn more about the game – its individual parts and how they all fit together.Â
I have learned the importance of building a team maximizing players’ strength and minimizing their weaknesses.  Ultimately I have learned to evaluate my success as a coach not on wins & losses but on how my team develops throughout the season and whether my players had enough success and fun to play again the next year.
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Practice the Rules
By: Pippa Edwards, Softball Ontario's Coaches Committee Member & Dartfish Specialist
Every "off-season", more and more teams spend time during the fall, winter and spring learning skills and doing physical training. Some teams never have an off season and go four or even more nights a week all winter.Â
It seems though that the amount of time spent on learning 'the game' has been reduced significantly. Developing a softball `IQ` is just as important as physical and skill development and should be practiced. Part of softball IQ is learning how a full seven inning game can be played and how the rules can apply to tactical decisions throughout the game.
Over the last few years many competitive tournaments have handed out a 'rule sheet' . One 'rule' that keeps popping up is - 'everyone must bat'. This should not be applied in a competitive level sanctioned tournament. It is more suitable for early season 'spring training games' or recreational levels where participation is the goal.
Everyone involved (coaches, players, umpires, fans) in a competitive division needs to learn the format of a full seven inning game and:
- That players who do not start can enter a game anytime after it has started and make significant contributions by pinch running, pinch hitting or substituting into a position
- If a starter comes out they are available to go back in and are not always 'done'. They need to stay prepared and coaches need to see who can play that role effectivelyÂ
- Using proper substitutions help limit time for those returning from injury - games are not 'all or nothing'
- Learn how to physically and mentally endure a full seven inning game - not just for pitchers but for everyone
- Understand the use and purpose of substitution rules like a DP/DEFO rule
Batting everyone does not teach the lesson that just because you did not start the game that does not mean you will not play in the game at all. "Playing" does not always mean being in a full game either.
Just as we need to practice skills before the big tournaments so we should practice substitution rules like a DP rule. This should not be left until the coaches and umpires meeting at a Provincial level tournament to be learned by all for the first time. It needs to be used properly and enforced properly so all parts of the game (players, coaches, umpires and don't forget parents) can get used to and practice this throughout the year. Â
Teams would learn 'the game' better by playing three or four full seven inning games on a weekend and having to play it by the book of Softball Canada rules. Currently tournaments guarantee four or five round robin games, however innings are limited due to short time limits and 'everyone batting' limits the at-bats a player can have. So maybe a player gets one or two at bats within the hour and ten minutes of a likely four inning game. This does not prepare players for the endurance of 7 innings.
Ideally, sanctioned competitive tournaments are run by the Softball Canada Book with full seven inning games throughout to raise the level of the 'game' for everyone involved to both fully appreciate and enjoy the sport and also to prepare Ontarians for the next levels.
Practice these scenarios through the off-season and use them for relay in the early season and you are better prepared when the tournaments 'matter'.
A better developed Softball IQ will help put Ontario back on top at all ages of Softball in Canada.
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We hope that you have enjoyed this month's edition of The Coach's Clipboard!
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