FOCS courses

Foundations of Coaching Softball (FOCS) Training Courses

Background

Foundations of Coaching Softball (FOCS) is Softball Canada’s online National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) modules developed to introduce new and experienced coaches to the foundational skills of coaching and softball-specific coaching concepts. Click HERE to learn more about Softball Canada’s Foundations of Coaching courses.

The courses are completed online in a self-paced format at are hosted by the Coaching Association of Canada through their Locker training portal.

Starting in Spring 2021, we are asking that ALL VMSA coaches complete the following FOCS courses at the beginning of the season.
 
Name Length Cost Audience
Foundations of Coaching Softball (FOCS) #1 1 -1.5 hrs $10 ALL Coaches
Foundations of Coaching Softball (FOCS) #2 1.5 – 2 hrs $15 ALL Coaches
 
For those interested in learning more about coaching softball pitching, you are also encouraged to take the CanPitch eClinic course offered online as well.
 
Learning Outcomes

The Foundations of Coaching Softball courses are an excellent introduction to coaching softball (and a great refresher for those who may have coached before, with or without any formal training).

By completing the courses, coaches will better be able to:
  • describe their personal coaching philosophy.
  • describe Softball Canada's LTPD Stages.
  • assess risks during practice sessions.
  • use strategies to work effectively with players and their parents.
  • describe the 5 stages of skill development.
  • make coaching decisions that are appropriate for the players’ stage of skill development and long-term player development.
They have also recently become a pre-requisite for coaches wanting to go on and complete higher levels of NCCP Softball Coach training and, for many age groups, are mandatory for coaches wishing to coach teams in regional or national tournaments.
 
Who should take these courses?
 
As of 1st March, 2021, ALL VMSA Coaches are expected to complete at least the FOCS #1 & FOCS#2 training courses.

Exemptions

Coaches who have completed higher level courses are not required to complete the FOCS #1 & FOCS #2 courses but are welcome (and encouraged) to if they wish. Softball Canada training that would be considered “higher level courses” include Softball Canada’s:
  • Community Softball Coach Clinics
  • Competition – Introduction Training
  • Competition – Development Training
If you are unsure if your previous coach training meets the requirements for an exemption, please reach out to your Age Group Coordinator for further clarification.
 

Timelines/Deadlines

For the Spring 2022 season we are asking for all coaches to complete their FOCS #1 & FOCS #2 courses by Sunday April 18th. If you are unable to complete the courses by this date, please let your Age Group Coordinator know.
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How To Access the Courses

To start, you will need a computer with an internet connection. You will also need a way to print from the computer (or save/print to an electronic file). Many of the resources and materials referenced in the courses are also available to download from Softball Canada’s website under the Foundations of Coaching Softball Toolkit.
Step-by-step instructions for accessing the online courses are below.

 

Step by Step Instructions for Accessing the Courses

Start by navigating to “The Locker” at Coach.ca 
 

Logging In


 

  • If you have completed an NCCP course online in the past you should already have a Locker account. If so, login and/or use the lookup function to retrieve your account information.
  • If you have completed NCCP courses for other sports you may find that you already have an NCCP# and/or account setup. If so, you can use that same account for your Softball training courses.
  • If you have an NCCP number but don’t have a locker account yet you may or may not have a Locker account already setup. Use the lookup function to determine if you have one. If you don’t you will need to create one.
  • If you don’t have either an NCCP number or a Locker account you will need to create one.


Locker Dashboard

The Locker Dashboard shows all of the main information and options for your account.



While you are on this page, go down to the bottom right corner under the heading “Involvement” and add “Softball”.
 

Acessing the Softball Courses

To access the FOCS courses, go to E-Learning > Softball

  1. Choose the course you wish to take from the list on the left side.
  2. You should then see an Information page for that course. To enrol, go to the bottom of the page and click on the PAY NOW button.
  3. You will then be taken to a screen and asked to enter your payment/credit card information.
  4. Once that is successfully completed, you will see an onscreen receipt (which you can save/print for your records) and will also receive an email copy of the receipt. You can also access your payment history at any time by going to the Dashboard and choosing Profile > Purchases. This receipt is necessary to receive reimbursement from the club.

Example of Onscreen Receipt



You will then be taken back to the Information page for the course. The button at the bottom of the page should now say BEGIN. Click on that to start your course.
 

Tips for Taking the Courses

When taking the courses;
  • No time limit to complete. Can do in one sitting or you  might want to break it into a couple of sessions to allow time for reflection on some of the course materials.
  • Provides the ability to take notes online but you may also want to have a pen and paper handy.
  • The online courses are not currently supported for mobile devices (e.g. smart phones, iPads)

Course Completion

Once you have completed a course you will get the following Completion Message



Your account in Locker will also show COMPLETED status. You can also access this information through the Profile > Certification section of the website


 

Reimbursement

Reimbursement for courses costs will be done through e-transfer and online banking. If you do not have access to e-transfer or online banking, please contact your Age Group Coordinator so that another payment method can be organized.

Steps:
  1. Send an email to coach@vmsa.ca. The email must include:
    1. A copy of payment receipt
    2. A Copy of Completion Message (or Screen showing COMPLETED)
    3. An Email address to send the e-transfer to
  2. You should receive an e-transfer within 9 days but please contact coach@vmsa.ca if you have not received you refund within that time frame.
 

Feedback

We would love to hear any feedback you have about the courses so we can continue to improve the training for our coaches.

In particular, we welcome any feedback you might have on:
  • How hard/easy the course was to access and complete?
  • Things you most/least liked about the course?
  • Suggestions you would give to other coaches thinking of taking these courses?
  • Any extra coach training or learning you would be interested in?

Please send feedback to coach@vmsa.ca.