Training Requirements

Coach & Bench Staff Training Information

Overview

The Gloucester-Cumberland Ringette Association (GCRA) is committed to providing a safe, positive, inclusive, and development-focused environment for all participants.

All coaches, assistant coaches, trainers, and managers must meet the certification, screening, and qualification requirements established annually by Ringette Ontario and Ringette Canada.

Training requirements vary depending on the role, age division, and level of play.

Important: Ringette Ontario updates coaching pathways and qualification requirements from time to time. Bench staff should always refer to the current Ringette Ontario Team Staff Qualification Charts and Coaching Pathways for the most up-to-date requirements.

For questions regarding certification requirements, training, or reimbursement, please contact the GCRA Coaching Director.

Getting Started

If you are volunteering as a coach, assistant coach, trainer, or manager, please complete the following steps as early as possible.

Step 1 - Obtain an NCCP Number

Many Ringette Canada and Coaching Association of Canada training programs require an NCCP number.

If you do not already have an NCCP number, create one through the Coaching Association of Canada before registering for clinics or e-learning modules.

Step 2 - Register as Bench Staff

Step 3 - Review Your Requirements

Review the current Ringette Ontario Coaching Pathways and Team Staff Qualification Charts to determine the certifications required for your role and division.

Requirements may include:

NCCP coaching clinics
E-learning modules
Safe Sport training
Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders
Making Headway in Sport
Making Ethical Decisions
Manager Certification
First Aid Certification
Screening requirements

Step 4 - Complete Training Early

Bench staff should complete all required training and screening as early as possible to avoid delays in roster approval or membership activation.

Bench staff who do not meet Ringette Ontario requirements by the applicable deadline may not be eligible to participate in sanctioned team activities.

2026-2027 Qualification Deadlines

NEW for the 2026-2027 Season

Ringette Ontario has established mandatory qualification deadlines for all team staff. Bench staff who do not meet the required certification, screening, and e-learning requirements by the applicable deadline will not be eligible to participate in sanctioned team activities.

September 15 Deadline

All team staff, including coaches, trainers, and managers, appearing on a:

U14A
U16A
U19A
U14AA
U16AA
U19AA

roster must meet all current Ringette Ontario requirements by September 15, including:

NCCP Competition-Introduction clinic requirements
Required e-learning modules
Screening requirements
Any other applicable Ringette Ontario requirements

Bench staff registering after September 15 must meet all requirements before their membership can be activated and before they are eligible to participate in sanctioned team activities.

October 31 Deadline

All team staff, including coaches, trainers, and managers, appearing on a:

House League
FUN1
FUN2
FUN3
U12
U14B/C
U16B/C
U19B/C
Adult / 18+

roster must meet all current Ringette Ontario requirements by October 31, including:

Any required NCCP clinic
Required e-learning modules
Screening requirements
Any other applicable Ringette Ontario requirements

Bench staff registering after October 31 must meet all requirements before their membership can be activated and before they are eligible to participate in sanctioned team activities.

January 31 Deadline

All Competition-Introduction Trained coaches who require Competition-Introduction Certified status must become certified by January 31.

This may include completing the applicable evaluation process required by Ringette Ontario.

Screening Requirements

All bench staff must satisfy Ringette Ontario screening requirements before being activated on an official team roster.

Screening requirements may include:

Criminal Record Check and/or Vulnerable Sector Check
Screening Disclosure Form
Annual Declaration or Attestation
Compliance with Safe Sport and Athlete Protection requirements

Bench staff who do not meet screening requirements may be deemed ineligible to participate in sanctioned activities.

Coaching Requirements

Coaching requirements vary depending on the division and level of play.

Depending on the team, coaches may be required to complete:

Ringette Community Coach
Competition-Introduction
Coach Initiation in Sport
Making Ethical Decisions
Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders
Making Headway in Sport
Safe Sport training
On-ice evaluation or certification requirements

All coaches are responsible for ensuring they meet the qualifications required for the level they are coaching.

Trainer Requirements

All teams must meet Ringette Ontario trainer and safety requirements.

Trainers may be required to complete:

Valid First Aid Certification
Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders
Making Headway in Sport
Safe Sport or other required e-learning modules
Screening requirements

Trainer Responsibilities

The Trainer is responsible for:

First aid and injury management
Emergency Action Plan implementation
Risk management and safety procedures
Incident and injury reporting
Supporting athlete welfare and safe participation

At least one qualified bench staff member with valid First Aid certification should be available at games and team activities.

Only one trainer may be on the bench at one time.

Manager Requirements

Managers play an important role in supporting team operations and communication.

Managers must complete the Ringette Canada Manager Certification Program and any other requirements established by Ringette Ontario.

Managers may also be required or encouraged to complete:

Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders
Making Headway in Sport
Safe Sport training
Screening requirements

Manager Responsibilities

Managers assist with:

Team communications
Scheduling and logistics
Tournament coordination
Team administration
Roster and registration support
Distribution of Association information
Supporting coaches and families throughout the season

Training Reimbursement & Funding Opportunities

GCRA supports the development of coaches, trainers, and managers by reimbursing approved training and certification expenses required for volunteers actively serving on a GCRA team.

Training expenses will be reimbursed upon successful completion of the required course or certification. Volunteers taking training who are not currently serving in a GCRA bench staff role may be responsible for the initial cost of training.

Coaches Ontario Funding

Coaches are encouraged to apply for available funding through the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO) Funding for Coaches Program prior to requesting reimbursement from GCRA.

The CAO program may provide funding toward coach education, certification, evaluation, and professional development activities. Eligibility requirements and funding amounts are determined by Coaches Ontario and may change annually.

Eligible Training Reimbursements

Training / Certification	Reimbursement
Coach Initiation in Sport	100%
Ringette Community Coach (RCC)	100%
Competition-Introduction (CI) Clinic	100%
Competition-Introduction Certification Evaluation	100% upon successful completion
Manager Certification Program	100%
Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders	100%
Making Ethical Decisions (MED)	100%
Standard First Aid Certification	100% (one Trainer per team)
Approved Professional Development Opportunities	Subject to pre-approval

Reimbursement Conditions

The volunteer must be actively serving as a coach, assistant coach, trainer, or manager with a GCRA team.
Training must be required for the volunteer's current role.
Coaches should apply for available Coaches Ontario funding where eligible.
Original receipts and proof of completion must be submitted.
Reimbursement requests should be submitted during the current season.
GCRA will reimburse training expenses for one (1) manager and one (1) trainer per team.
Additional trainer or manager training expenses are the responsibility of the individual or team unless approved in advance by GCRA.
Reimbursement is subject to annual budget approval and available Association funding.

All reimbursement requests should be submitted to the GCRA Coaching Director.