Yellowknife (Oct 06/03) - There is good news and bad news associated with the new coaching education certification program.

The good news is potential coaches will no longer need to spend 14 hours sitting at a desk in a classroom.

The bad news -- see above.

"The coaching certification program is in the process of changing from lecture based instruction, which is a regurgitation of the manual, to a learner based program," said Rob Meckling, NCCP co-ordinator with Sport North.

What that means is instead of being glued to a chair for two days of instruction coaches will have to prove competency by actively participating in the learning process.

Meckling said it is a positive change and it makes sense.

"Before, as long as you showed up for 14 hours you were certified, but what kind of coaches were you getting, people that were qualified, maybe, maybe not," said Meckling.

The new certification is also different in it takes a horizontal approach to advancement.

Coaches can expand their knowledge base without advancing up the coaching echelon, which may not be necessary for those coaching at lower levels.

Not an easy transition

Like any time something changes there are bound to be problems. Meckling said he expects that some coaches, already certified under the old system, may shy away from the new program.

"It's like anything, it's hard for people to understand why you're changing something that was successful," said Meckling.

But the NCCP coaching program was more than successful, it put Canada near the top in the world for coaching education.

Meckling said the change will make that system even better and eventually the new courses won't be an option for already certified coaches, they'll be a necessity.

"Certification is going to be like a driver's licence or CPR, you'll have to re-certify, it's not for life anymore," he said.

Meckling assures coaches in the old system that the new system won't automatically negate their certification.

As well, it won't impact their ability to attend next year's Western Arctic Games in Fort McMurray.

Sport North is requiring all coaches to have a minimum level of certification this year to attend the games.

"We're not shutting the door on anyone," said Meckling.

Costly process

The biggest problem with the new system is the cost involved.

Meckling said it means new resource material and hours of instruction time just to qualify people to offer the course.

"The biggest concern is who is going to pay for it," said Meckling.

Most provinces have that concern and it is causing some provinces to drag its feet in implementing the changes.

But Meckling said the NWT is in the middle of the pack for incorporating the new training and have already offered the first level of training for sports such as volleyball and swimming.

"I think when April 1 comes along we'll be in the position to do what we've been asked to do and not offer the old courses any more," said Meckling.

Nunavut optimistic

Kyle Seely with Sports Nunavut is said the transition is going slowly and there have been some challenges.

"It's coming along, I think we're in good shape," he said.

Other than the transition process Seely agrees with Meckling's assessment that the new program is a positive change.