Changing the Game – Changing the Conversation

Changing the Game – Changing the Conversation is back for 2018

Join as an Apprentice or Mentor today!

The Coaches Association of Ontario is excited to announce the Changing the Game – Changing the Conversation program has been renewed for 2018. This initiative is aimed at creating balanced leadership in coaching roles, and developing a support network for female coaches across the province.

Changing the Game is a mentorship program for female coaches in Ontario. The program is open to existing coaches or coaches-to-be of every sport, every age, and every experience level. Using a professionally designed mentorship model, the Changing the Game program has already engaged 250 apprentice coaches with support of 100+ experienced sport coaching mentors (2017 Program).

Even better, the program is completely free.

This Mentorship Program is for:

  • Women who want to become a Coach for the first time and be supported with Mentorship and Development
  • Existing Coaches looking for Mentorship and Development

OR

  • Experienced coaches looking to give back as a mentor (Both Male and Female Coaches accepted as Mentors).

Participants Receive:

  • Access to a personal mentor sport coach with a wealth of experience
  • An online community of coaches
  • Access to development resources and events
  • Financial assistance
  • Mentors receive NCCP Mentorship training and resources

Sign up to be a mentor, or enroll as an apprentice coach to join the initiative!

PROGRAM DETAILS

2018 Ontario Coaches Conference

Ontario’s 12th Annual Coaches Conference
April 20-22, 2018 – London, ON

LEARN MORE

The Ontario Coaches Conference is the place to be for coaches, teachers, sport administrators, and leaders of all sports to take part in Ontario’s premier coach development weekend.

Keynotes and Speakers
  • World renowned sport scientist with Manchester United, USA Football, Wimbledon and Asst. Director of High Performance with the Toronto Blue Jays, Clive Brewer
  • Head Coach of the Canadian Women’s National Basketball Team, Lisa Thomaidis
  • Six-time coach of the year winner, TED Talk speaker, and cultural transformation expert, Dr. Ivan Joseph
  • …And over 20 other North American coaching experts and sport leaders!
Bonus NCCP workshops include Mentorship, Aboriginal Coaching Module, and Make Ethical Decisions. 
The moves we make today set the table for future success in sport and life. What’s your next move? See you at the conference!

safeTALK Workshop Opportunity

The Kitchener Sports Association is encouraging minor sports groups to host a “safeTALK” workshop — at no charge!
Through the generosity of Kitchener Sports Association and the Rotary Club of Kitchener-Westmount, and in collaboration with Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council, minor sports organizations are encouraged to host a “safeTALK” workshop for their leadership and stakeholders.
 
The “safeTALK” workshop, as outlined at the Tuesday Feb. 21 KSA dinner meeting, is a certified learning opportunity to prepare those attending to become more aware of the signs of suicide, and to share tips on dealing with this sensitive issue. (In sports, with the stress to achieve and perform, the challenges to mental health are significant.)
 
Did you know? In Waterloo Region, the average for the last few years is an alarming 57 suicides per year… and the number of attempted suicides is much greater… and the number of those who consider suicide is significantly higher.
 
Many progressive organizations including the Ontario Hockey League, Ontario Hockey Association, Waterloo Region Police and KW Titans Professional basketball have provided these workshops as part of their philosophy of creating a positive support atmosphere for their stakeholders — players, coaches, employees, etc.
 
INVITATION:  KSA and Rotary are providing funding for a workshop for members of a local minor sports organization at “no charge” (regular fee is $55/participant). The minimum number of participants needed is 15, and it’s suggested that perhaps 2 or 3 minor sports collaborate to participate in a workshop.
For more information, please visit www.wrspc.ca . For arrangements, contact John Thompson by Tuesday Feb. 28 or earlier at 519-884-4050 or sstj99@gmail.com. 

Workshops for Accessible Sport

The Accessible Sport Committee of the Kitchener Waterloo Sports Council is proud to be running four workshops on accessible sport this spring. Please see below for a description of the free workshops. Registration now open!

Workshop #1: Program Adaptations

This workshop will provide information about how to structure program/routine, transitions, modify equipment, rules and the environment. This workshop will be led by an Occupational Therapist and a Recreation Therapist. Come join us for an educational and collaborative session! Participants will receive a completion certificate at the end of the workshop.

Date: Wednesday May 10, 2017
Time: 6:30-8pm
Cost: FREE
Location: KidsAbility, Waterloo Site
500 Hallmark Drive, Waterloo, Ontario
Register online: HERE
Questions Call:

Marie Malcolm, Recreation Therapist                                   519.886.8886 ext. 1302
Sue Gibson, Recreation Therapist                                          519.886.8886 ext. 2241

Workshop #2: Communication with child/parents

This workshop will provide tips for communication within recreational environments. Communication is a key component in the facilitation of inclusion, fun, and safety for those who are leading and participating in recreational activities. This workshop aims to help provide key strategies to achieve successful communication between leadership, participants, and parents. This workshop will be led by a Speech Language Pathologist and a Parent. Come join us for an informative and interactive session! Participants will receive a completion certificate at the end of the workshop.

Date: Wednesday May 29, 2017
Time: 6:30-8pm
Cost: FREE
Location: KidsAbility, Waterloo Site
500 Hallmark Drive, Waterloo, Ontario
Register online: HERE
Questions Call:

Marie Malcolm, Recreation Therapist                                   519.886.8886 ext. 1302
Sue Gibson, Recreation Therapist                                          519.886.8886 ext. 2241

Workshop #3: Behaviours & Inclusive Environments

This workshop will provide information about the basics of behaviour, effective communication techniques and calming strategies. Come join us for a useful and interactive session! Participants will receive a completion certificate at the end of the workshop.

Date: Wednesday May 24, 2017
Time: 6:30-8pm
Cost: FREE
Location: KidsAbility, Waterloo Site
500 Hallmark Drive, Waterloo, Ontario
Register online: HERE

Questions Call:
Marie Malcolm, Recreation Therapist                                   519.886.8886 ext. 1302
Sue Gibson, Recreation Therapist                                          519.886.8886 ext. 2241

Workshop #4: Safety for self & child

This workshop will provide information about how to organize your thinking about how behavior escalates and how to respond appropriately during moments of chaos. Come join us for an enlightening and interactive session! Participants will receive a completion certificate at the end of the workshop.

Date: Wednesday June 7, 2017
Time: 6-7pm
Cost: FREE
Location: KidsAbility, Waterloo Site
500 Hallmark Drive, Waterloo, Ontario
Register online: HERE

Questions Call:

Marie Malcolm, Recreation Therapist                                   519.886.8886 ext. 1302
Sue Gibson, Recreation Therapist                                          519.886.8886 ext. 2241