The CSI Atlantic develops partnerships and delivers programs that help grow high performance sport in Atlantic Canada at the provincial, university, and national level. The CSI Atlantic prides themselves on building strong relationships with athletes, coaches and sport organizations such as the AUS, in the pursuit of excellence.

Working in partnership with Coaching NB, Coaching PEI, Coaching NL and Coaching NS, AUS schools have adopted guidelines for all coaches and support staff who work closely with student-athletes based on a three-year model.

This phased in approach will see all AUS coaches and support staff complete a series of courses through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), safety screenings and other certifications over the course of the next three years, or in their first three years with the conference.

There will also be further offerings to encourage ongoing education beyond the three-year model.

A number of AUS schools have already invested heavily in this area.

“AUS and its members aim to foster a safe, inclusive environment all across our conference,” said AUS executive director Phil Currie. “We hope to show leadership within the sport sector with this commitment and partnership and we’re hopeful that it encourages other groups across the sport landscape to look at similar initiatives.”

The newly established AUS guidelines recommend that in year one of three, all full-time, part-time and volunteer head and assistant coaches, as well as athletics administrative and support staff, will complete the NCCP’s Safe Sport Training course as well as the Enhanced Police Information Check screening process.

Year one recommendations for full-time head coaches and integrated support team (IST) leads also include the completion of the NCCP’s Making Headway module. This same module is included in the year two of three guidelines for part-time and volunteer coaches.

Timelines within the recommendations vary based on coaches’ and staff members’ status as full-time, part-time or volunteer. Other recommended training modules and safety screening over the course of the three-year model include: NCCP’s Make Ethical Decisions, Respect in Sport sessions, Vulnerable Sector Checks, and more.

Ultimately, the goal of the conference and its members through these recommendations is to have all coaches attain Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC) designations within the three-year timeframe.

A ChPC designation signals to employers, participants and parents that a coach is committed to excellence and the highest ethical standards.

“An agreed upon minimum coaching standard across so many organizations is a first of its kind in Canada and a huge accomplishment, said Natasha Johnson, the CSI Atlantic’s coaching lead. “The coaching support organizations from across Atlantic Canada are excited about the partnership with AUS and look forward to engaging with the member institutions and coaches on a regular basis.”

As part of the ongoing partnership, coaching representatives from each province will work with member institutions and their coaches to help them understand the next steps in their education pathways. They will provide recommendations for coaches’ professional development and the maintenance of certifications and connect coaches with provincial and national sport organizations for sport-specific course and evaluation information.

AUS member schools have, in turn, committed to support coaches in achieving the recommended guidelines and encourage all coaches and individuals engaged in athletics programs to live and champion the principles outlined within the newly established guidelines.