The OSA News Bulletin  

VAUGHAN, ON — At the December meeting, the Board of The Ontario Soccer Association determined that all competitive coaches in the province must meet certain minimum standards in order to be granted permission to coach at a competitive level in 2012.

A youth coach must either have competed their Senior Diploma or Learning to Train and Making Ethical Decisions (MED) license (for coaching U9-U12 boys and U8-U11 girls). Those who plan to coach a U12 or older male side, or a U11 and older female team, must have either their Senior Diploma or have completed the Soccer for Life and MED course.

To clarify, if you are coaching female players who turn 11 in 2012 (born in 2001) or male players who turn 12 in 2012 (born in 2000) and you do not have your senior diploma, you will need to complete Soccer for Life and MED.

All competitive-level coaches must complete the “Respect in Soccer” program by April 15th before the 2012 outdoor season.

This program was introduced in 2011 to provide coaches with invaluable information about coaching and essential approaches around working with youngsters in an appropriately respectful and nurturing coaching environment. While the program was introduced free of charge in 2011, competitive coaches will be required to pay $30 plus tax to complete this compulsory on-line course for the 2012 season.

We recognize that it is sometimes difficult for those who are already volunteering their time and skills to “pay” for the opportunity to coach. We trust that coaches will recognize the long-term benefits of the program in terms of the values it promotes and what it teaches regarding important practical guidelines for youth coaches.

Commencing in January 2012, you can take the course on-line whenever is convenient in terms of your own schedule. We believe it is not only a protection for our young people, but protection for our coaches as well, so that they are fully aware of the responsibilities and expectations they take on as a youth coach, especially in the current environment.

The course is very thorough and provides genuine value. We do ask that our coaches embrace this opportunity.

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Filed under: Club and Team News, Coach Development, District News, League News, OSA Policies & Rules, The OSA News, Volunteers   Related Posts:  2012 Coaching Transition | Respect In Soccer Update | The OSA Launches Respect In Soccer Program | Club Excellence Year In Review: Blizzard Youth Soccer Club | Ontario Soccer Association Kicks Negative Behaviour And Scores With Respect |