Team Ontario day in Carp

Team Ontario, a U20 Men's team that will be participating at the Canada Games in St. John's, NL in August, visited Carp on Saturday at an event hosted by the West Carleton Fastball Committee.

Early in the day, a free skills clinic was organized by the Team ON players and coaches, and it was well attended by local youth from across the area.

Later in the afternoon, Team Ontario played a doubleheader exhibition game against a team of Greater Ottawa Fastball League players from five different clubs. 

The first game saw Team O win 3-1. Dakota McComb, Sean Demarest, and Jared Vosper pitched for the U20s while Andy Barber and Adam Rueckwald pitched for the GOFLers. Matthew Van de Wynckel, the Most Valuable Player at the U20 Men's Canadian Championship in Carp last year, hit a homer. Brad Pender hit one out for the GOFL club. 

The second game was a 6-3 win for the youngsters. Joe Weiler and Vosper pitched for Team O and Drew Hathway, Rueckwald and Barber were on the slab for the GOFL. Sam Diamond and the only local player on the team, Conner Hopper of Fitzroy Harbour, hit homers for Team Ontario.  Joran Graham had a two RBI double for the GOFL.

 

Team Ontario coming to Carp on July 12, doubleheader vs GOFL players

The West Carleton Fastball committee is welcoming Team Ontario to Carp Fairgrounds on Saturday July 12.

Team Ontario, a U20 Men's softball team, will be representing the province at the 2025 Canada Games in St. John's, NL in August. The team has local representation with Conner Hopper of Fitzroy Harbour who is a member of the group.

Admission is free and a barbecue will be onsite. Here is the schedule of events.

9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. - Team Ontario batting practice

10:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. - Set up

10:30 to noon - Youth skills clinic led by Team ON coaches and athletes.

Noon to 3 p.m. - Team Ontario on field strategy session

3 p.m. and 5 p.m. - doubleheader games between Team Ontario and the GOFL.

The GOFL team will consist of various players from member clubs of the Greater Ottawa Fastball League.

For more information, check out Facebook.

UPDATE: Competition Intro softball coaching course to be offered in Ottawa

UPDATE: Spots are still available for this training.

For the first time in many years, Softball Ontario will be offering the Competition Introduction softball coaching course in the Ottawa area. Completion or some (or all) of this course is mandatory for coaches in competitive boys and girls softball in Ontario, depending on the age group. 

There are two weekends to the training, followed by completion of a coach's portfolio and on-field evaluation.

The two in-class courses in Ottawa will be offered at Algonquin College on the weekends of March 15-16 and April 26-27. 

For more information or to register, visit the Softball Ontario site: Coach – Softball Ontario.

Umpire clinic in Ottawa

The Eastern Ontario Umpire Association is always looking for umpires.  As well, leagues without umpires may be looking to train their own umpires.  The Eastern Ontario Umpire Association is hosting a Softball Canada Level I Clinic on Saturday, May 7 at the Granite Curling Club, 2026 Scott Street, Ottawa starting at 08:30 a.m..  The cost is $100 and the session will last till about 4:00 p.m..  All are welcome.  We will provide you with the fundamentals that you need to start your umpire career.  If you are interested or have any questions, please contact David Herbst at eoua.president@gmail.com, 613-791-6767. 

Kenmore Heat win U14 Girls Select gold

The Kenmore Heat U14 girls won the eight-team Softball Ontario House League Select provincials this past weekend in Kingston.

NCCP Competition-Development course in Ajax

NCCP Competition-Development, Softball: Ontario Registration is OPEN!
 

Softball Ontario is proud to host NCCP Competition-Development, Softball Coaches Clinic as delivered by Softball Canada in Ajax, ON.

Dates and Time:

Weekend #1
Friday, February 22, 2019 6 :00 pm to 10:00 pm
Saturday, February 23, 2019 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday, February 24, 2019 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Weekend #2
Friday, April 24, 2019 6 :00 pm to 10:00 pm
Saturday, April 25, 2019 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday, April 26, 2019 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

This context focuses on coaches working with athletes who are in the Train to Compete stage of Softball’s Long-Term Player Development model. These athletes/teams are competing at the U18, U23 and Senior Canadian Championships, at the Canada Summers Games and at Junior and Senior World Championships.

Venue:
Triple Play Academy, 650 Lakeridge Road South, Ajax, ON

Softball Coaches who are in Ontario; are eligible for Quest for Gold Funding for these both weekends.  For more information about the Quest for Gold Program, please click here.

For more information about the NCCP Competition-Development, Softball Clinic please contact Kristin Noonan, Softball Canada:  knoonan@softball.ca

For more information about Softball Ontario Coaches Program and NCCP clinics in Ontario, please contact Steph Sutton, Softball Ontario:  ssutton@softballontario.ca

Softball Ontario seeks two CANpitch master pitching instructors

Softball Ontario's CANpitch Committee has a great opportunity for individuals with a passion for pitching and the desire to help train Regional Pitching Instructors and young pitchers develop their skills.  The CANpitch Committee is currently recruiting for the following positions within our program:

• Master Pitching Instructor (2) Positions- 1 representing the Men's Fast Pitch game of Softball and 1 representing the Women's Fast Pitch game of Softball

The primary role of the Master Pitching Instructor is to train, evaluate, support and mentor the Regional Pitching Instructor(s) within Ontario. In addition, shall play a key role in assisting Softball Canada with the design of the CANpitch national pitching program.

Also, Master Pitching Instructors are the pitching expert in their region in Ontario and to be responsible for delivery of the six-week training session for both players and coaches. The Master/Regional Pitching Instructor will also support and mentor pitching coaches within their region in Ontario. They shall play a key role in assisting Softball Ontario with the delivery and implementation of the CANpitch program.

MASTER PITCHING INSTRUCTOR (MPI)

The Master Pitching Instructor is responsible to both Softball Canada and Softball Ontario. The primary role of the Master Pitching Instructor (MPI) is to work with Softball Ontario and train, evaluate, support and mentor the Regional Pitching Instructor(s) (RPI) within Ontario. In addition, the MPI shall play a key role in assisting Softball Canada with the design and implementation of the national pitching program and to provide feedback about the program.

Qualifications to become Softball Ontario Master Pitching Instructor include

• Must complete Softball Ontario's Volunteer Application Form
• Must sign Softball Ontario's Confidential Agreement
• Must sign a MPI Duties and Responsibility Contract
• Must have a Vulnerable Sector Screening complete and receive approval from Softball Ontario’s Screening Task Force

The ideal candidate should have the following qualities:

• Demonstrated a commitment to pitching instruction
• Have strong communication skills
• Have strong leadership ability
• Be a positive role model
• Experience in pitching a requirement; coaching experience is an asset.

The Master Pitching Instructor Duties and Responsibilities include (but not limited to):

• To be accountable and responsible to both Softball Canada and Softball Ontario
• Attend all national meetings and conference calls held by Softball Canada regarding the CANpitch Program
• To help organize and deliver training sessions for the Regional Pitching Instructors in collaboration with Softball Ontario
• Agree to submit a Police Records Check to Softball Ontario prior to attending any training sessions with athletes
• To train, evaluate and mentor Regional Pitching Instructors according to Softball Canada's guidelines
• Act as a liaison between Softball Canada and Softball Ontario by enduring communication with the Softball Ontario office in regards to any Softball Canada meetings
• This may require the MPI to prepare a report to give Softball Ontario
• To communicate regularly with the RPIs and Softball Ontario
• Host RPI Training and/or professional development session when needed or scheduled by Softball Ontario's CANpitch Committee
• To perhaps be responsible for delivery of training sessions for players and coaches, if necessary
• To assist in developing resource material for the CANpitch program
• To assist Softball Ontario in writing an annual report for Softball Canada providing data about the program and summarizing the feedback from players, coaches, fellow Master Pitching Instructor, and all Regional Pitching Instructors regarding the CANpitch program
• To annually evaluate the CANpitch program in regards to format, content and delivery and provide recommendations for revisions to Softball Canada

Those who are interested in becoming a Softball Ontario Master Pitching Instructor please send a letter of interest along with a letter outlining your Fast Pitch pitching experience to Steph Sutton via ssutton@softballontario.ca  by Friday, December 8, 2017 by 4:30 pm.

Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards

For the past decade, with the help of many of you in every part of Ontario, we have been able to tell the story and celebrate a long list of incredible Ontario community sport coaches.  Once again, we are looking to celebrate coaches who stand out in their community for how well they lead in sport, inspire and deserve provincial recognition.  We are looking for Ontario coaches who embrace diversity, push the envelope and break through barriers; those unsung coaching heroes, men and women who continue to be great role model for citizenship and those who inspire and instill a life-long love of sport in their teams and athletes. 

Nominate them for an Ontario Coaching Excellence Award who should be celebrated as part of the 4th annual National Coaches Week celebration, September 22-30, 2018.  The Coaches Association of Ontario is accepting nominations up until June 28, 2018.    

More information is attached.   Please share this call for nominations with your community sport networks.

Coaches can be nominated in one of the following six categories:

-         Grassroots (1 male, 1 female)

o  Coaches recognized in this category are inspirational role models in the community who measure their daily success in the number of smiles achieved.

-         Good-to-Great (1 male, 1 female)

o  Coaches recognized in this category have a coaching focus on performance excellence and competing to win and achieving a higher level of success in competition over a period of time.

-         Trailblazer

o  The Trailblazer coach is an innovative out-of-the-box thinker who inspires others to follow and has made a difference in their sport or for their athletes

-         Everyone Matters

o  The “Everyone Matters” Award recipient has influenced the culture of their team, organization or community by embracing diversity.

-         Aboriginal Impact

o   The “Aboriginal Impact” Award recognizes a coach who has made a significant impact by advancing the Indigenous Sport system/community in Ontario.

-         Andy Higgins Lifetime Achievement Award

o  An outstanding coach who has made a significant contribution to coaching in Ontario over a long sustained period of time—20+ years. 

As mentioned above, nominations are due by June 28th, 2018. Nominations can be completed online at www.coachesontario.ca/awards or submitted via the attached form.

Contact: Brooke Leonardo at brooke@coachesontario.ca or call 416-426-7427

Thank you for helping recognize and celebrate the coaches all across Ontario!   As always, feel free to reach out to me with any Coaching related questions, or suggestions from your Region.

Yours in Coaching,

Susan Kitchen | Executive DirectorCoaches Association of Ontario
Suite 200A |  1 Concorde Gate | Toronto, ON M3C 3N6 | 416-426-7088

www.coachesontario.ca    

Three (3) NCCP Professional Development Point Opportunity

Three (3) NCCP Professional Development Point Opportunity! OASA U19 Boys Elimination Provincial Championships The Ontario Amateur Softball Association hosts the U19 Boys Elimination Provincial Championship to qualify male softball teams to participate in Softball Canada’s U19 Boys Canadian Championships and to declare a provincial champion(s) annually. Softball Napanee will host male softball teams from across to participate in this 2018 provincial tournament. This event will provide an opportunity for softball Coaches will learn about; Scouting, Game Management, and Peak Performance Strategies while obtaining one (1) PD Point per session. The objectives for Coaches in attendance will be: 1) Coaches will understand the role of Scouting to Peak Performance 2) Coaches will develop a process to create Scouting Plans for Performance 3) Coaches will learn a process to help "pick" Pitches 4) Coaches will identify Strategies and Tactics used in High-Performance games Where: Napanee Fairgrounds – Napanee, ON When: Saturday June 16, 2018 before, during and after the undefeated game Cost: $25 All Softball Coaches who have been certified in any Softball’s NCCP you will be required to obtain Professional Development (PD) points to maintain your NCCP certification. This is a part of a multi-sport initiative required by all 67 sports within the Coaching Association of Canada. Here's an overview PD Point Requirements: Context Minimum Professional Development Credits required for a period of 5 years Community Stream- Learn2Coach/Community Softball Coach N/A Competition, Introduction, Softball 20 points Competition-Development, Softball 30 points To register, interested Softball Coaches should email Paddy Fitzgerald-Nolan:fitznol@hotmail.com If you have any questions specifically about this 3 PD Point Opportunity, email Scott Searle: scottsearle@rogers.com If you have any questions about Softball’s NCCP or Softball Ontario’s Coaches Program, please email Steph Sutton: ssutton@softballontario.ca

Softball Coaching course coming to Stittsville

Stittsville Minor Softball Association will be offering the Softball Ontario "Competition - Introduction" coaching course. This course is open to all coaches interested, and is held over two weekends.

Weekend 1 -  9am to 5pm on Saturday April 21st and Sunday April 22nd, at the Goulbourn Recreation complex
Weekend 2 -  9am to 5pm on Saturday May 5th and Sunday May 6th , at the Goulbourn Recreation complex

GRC address is 1500 Shea Road, Stittsville ON K2S 0B2

Weekend 1  - $285.00
Weekend 2  - $170.00

The Costs includes the Softball Ontario Coach Fee, Classroom & Gym rental and lunch.

Reminder. Once you have completed the weekends, you can apply to the “Quest for Gold” program, which is funding to support coaches who have completed these workshops.

Visit - http://coachesontario.ca/qfg/ for more information to get reimbursement for the program.

To register

http://www.stittsvillesoftball.org/site/

- Click Register On Line at the top of the page.
- If you are already a member with the SMSA, log into your account.
– If you are not a member of the SMSA, you will need to create an account.
- click “register to Play/Participate
- choose the registrant – Register Now
- Click Weekend 1 coaching Certification clinic.

For more information, contact Al Read at aread@solowaywright.com.

Softball Ontario seekns Coaches Program Committee Chair

TORONTO, ONTARIO – Softball Ontario is now accepting applications for the volunteer position of its Coaches Program Committee Chair.  The successful candidate will be an active part of Softball Ontario’s National Coaching Certification Program, which is an opportunity for Coaches across Ontario to enhance their softball coach education.  

To help Softball Ontario run a successful Coaching Program, Softball Ontario is looking for a Chair who will take on the task of attending and leading all the Coaches Committee meetings and overseeing daily operations in conjunction with Committee Members and the Softball Ontario's Technical Program Specialist to ensure assigned tasks are completed by their deadlines. Knowledge and experience in coaching softball is a requirement.

Highlights of the qualifications and responsibilities of the Softball Ontario’s Coaches Committee Chair include:

Qualifications:

• Strong communication and administrative skills
• An excellent understanding of the National Coaching Certification Program
• Must be a "Certified" in Competition-Introduction, Softball Coach
• Must sign Softball Ontario's Confidentiality Agreement
• Must complete Softball Ontario's Volunteer Application

Responsibilities:

• To schedule, establish an agenda and chair Coaches Committee meetings
• To delegate duties as required to Coaches Committee Members and follow up on the completion of these duties
• To communicate closely with Softball Ontario's Technical Programs Specialists, Softball Ontario's Executive Director and report to Softball Ontario's Board of Directors
• To determine the Softball Ontario’s Coaches Committee budget (with assistance Softball Ontario Staff)
• To prepare and present the Coaches Program Report to Softball Ontario Board of Directors at their two (2) annual meetings
• To organize and ensure the smooth running of Coach Developer training in conjunction with Softball Ontario's four (4) Master Coach Developers
• To ensure the delivery of the National Coaching Certification Program for Softball in the Province of Ontario
• To oversee Softball Ontario's Coaches Symposium

How to Apply
All interested candidates are asked to apply in writing, expressing their interest along with a detailed resume outlining your Softball, Coaching, Facilitating and professional background and qualifications for this position. Applications should be sent no later than April 30, 2018 - 4:30 pm.

In the coming weeks, Softball Ontario will collect and evaluate all applications, and choose a candidate. Softball Ontario is confident that the Coaches Program will be a huge success and will produce future Coaches of tomorrow.

Email your resume to Steph Sutton at ssutton@softballontario.ca, for consideration.

NCCP Professional Development Points Webinar Series - Andrea Wolfe

NCCP Professional Development Points Webinar Series

Our 2018 Webinar Series lineup continues! Each webinar is 1 (one) hour in length (8:00 pm EST on the dates listed).

Those who register will be granted 1 (one) Professional Development Point per webinar.

Pricing: $15.00 (plus HST) per webinar

Registration for Webinars close at 1:00 pm EST on the presentation date.

                                              
                                                Click the image below for more information!

Softball Ontario Webinar December 19

Softball Ontario is continuing its webinar series on December 19th with Kaleigh Rafter. NCCP Certified Coaches will earn 1 point towards maintaining their certification and learn valuable tips from one of Canada's top athletes.

Kaleigh Rafter was a 2008 Olympian and is a current member of the Canadian National Team. This year will mark her 12th year with the National Team program. She also spent two seasons playing in the Japanese Professional Softball league from 2013-2015.

A graduate of Florida State University, Kaleigh holds a Masters in Criminology as well as a Masters in Sports Management and Administration. She currently is an assistant coach at the University of Virginia and works with catchers, infielders, and hitters.

Coaches can register here:

https://www.softballontario.ca/english/our-programs/coach/softball-nccp/professional-development-points-webinar-series.html

Softball Ontario coaching webinar on December 5

The Softball Ontario Webinar Series is starting this week with Alison Bradley discussing "preparation". Alison is a two-time Olympian, and Team Leader for the National Team. She will give ccoaches specific examples of yearly planning, in-game goals for offense and defense, and will talk about her Olympic experience

Alison Bradley - Preparation
Thursday, December 5, 2017 @ 8:00pm EST

Alison Bradley is a two-time Olympian (2004-Athens & 2008- Beijing) and an eight-year veteran of Team Canada-Senior Women’s. After retiring in 2009, Alison joined the Team Canada Coaches Staff as the Team Leader. Alison is an NCCP Competition-Development, Softball Certified Coach. In 2010, Alison joined the U21 Team Canada Women’s Team as the Assistant Coach. Following the 2013 U21 Women's World Championships, Alison accepted a position with the Women’s National Team as the team’s Manager, a position she held until August 2017. Alison is currently the Dean of Students at a middle school in Boulder City, NV.

Coaches can register here:

https://www.softballontario.ca/english/our-programs/coach/softball-nccp/professional-development-points-webinar-series.html

Softball Ontario Seeks CANpitch Regional Pitching Instructors (RPIs)

Softball Ontario Seeks CANpitch Regional Pitching Instructors (RPIs)     Toronto, ON- Softball Ontario's CANpitch Committee has a great opportunity for those of you with a passion for pitching and the desire to help young pitchers develop their skills.  The CANpitch Committee is currently recruiting Regional Pitching Instructors. Regional Pitching Instructors (RPIs) The primary role of the Regional Pitching Instructor is to be the pitching expert in their region in Ontario and to be responsible for delivery of the six-week training session for both players and coaches. The Regional Pitching Instructor will also support and mentor pitching coaches within their region in Ontario. They shall play a key role in assisting Softball Ontario with the delivery and implementation of the CANpitch program.  Softball Ontario currently has 25 Regional Pitching Instructors, and is looking to expand our reach even further and ensure that CANpitch Clinics will be available in all regions of Ontario. Click here to review Softball Ontario's CANpitch Regional Pitching Instructor Job Description If you are interested in applying for this position, please view the job description below or online (Regional Pitching Instructor) and send your softball pitching resume and cover letter via email tossutton@softballontario.ca by Friday, December 8, 2017 at 4:30 pm.  Alternatively, if you know someone who would be an ideal candidate for one of the available positions, please pass along this email.

10th annual Get in the Game Symposium

2 NCCP Professional Development Poiubts Opportunity!

The 10th annual Get in the Game Symposium will take place on November 25, 2017 from 9:00am-12:00pm, at the Holiday Inn in Burlington, Ontario, located on 3023 S Service Road.

The Symposium is geared toward softball associations and its purpose is to improve grassroots softball across the Province, developing coaches and their skills and to create networking and learning opportunities for local softball associations/leagues.

Not available to join us in person in Burlington, ON on Saturday, November 25, 2017? NO problem! You can register for the sessions via webinar online at www.softballontario.ca!

The 2017 Symposium will feature two sessions:
Session #1: 9:00am - 10:00am

Featuring Special Guests:

• George Ryder - Team Ontario Men's Head Coach
• Roger Davis - Team Ontario Women's Head Coach
• Mike Crawford - U21 Team Ontario Pitching Coach
• Jessica Mancini - Team Ontario Women's Assistant Coach
• Scott Searle - Team Ontario Men's Assistant Coach

Session #2 - 10:30am - 12:00pm

Featuring Special Guests:

• Bruce Casselman - 2x ISC World Championships, 2x Canadian Championships, Softball Ontario NCCP Coach Developer
• George Ryder - Softball Ontario Regional Pitching Instructor, Team Ontario Men's Head Coach
• Robin Mackin - Member of 2008 Canadian Olympic Roster, Pan American Games Gold Medalist
• Tyler Randerson - 2x U21 Men's National Team member, 206 ISF Bronze, 2017 Canada Games Gold Medalist
• Todd Martin - 6x ISC World Champion, 3x ISC World Most Valuable Pitcher, Pan American Games Gold Medalist
• Elissa Sivel - Softball Ontario Master Pitching Instructor, 2x OIWFA All-Star, NCCP Coach Developer
• Mike Crawford - 12x Canadian Champion, 2x Pan American Games Gold Medalist, U21 Team Ontario Pitching Coach

Each session is worth one (1) NCCP PD Point, which NCCP Certified Coaches can use towards their Maintenace of Certification.

Prices (all prices include HST):

• In-person (Both Webinars) ............... $12.00
• 1 Session (Webinar) ......................... $16.95
• Both Sessions (Webinar) .................. $28.25

                                                       
For more information on the event visit, www.softballontario.ca, or contact Kyle Cormier atkcormier@softballontario.ca

 

For more information about NCCP or NCCP PD Points, please contact Steph Sutton atssutton@softballontario.ca

Softball Ontario Seeks Members for its Coaches Committee

Softball Ontario's Coaching Committee is pleased to announce three (3) openings on the Coaching Committee.

 
Softball Ontario's Coaches program mandate is to create and implement coaching development programs that improve and enhances the quality of Softball Coaching in Ontario.  Our Coaches program offers the following services:

• National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) - Community Sport Stream and the Competitive Sport Stream contexts
• Workshops- Beyond the NCCP - interactive clinics for Coaches
• Coaches Conferences/Symposiums- host and provide coach education opportunities for softball coaches
• Coach Resources/Materials- designed specifically for softball coaches

Successful candidates will take a leadership role in the development of the Coaching Program in Ontario and will assist the Coaching Committee Chairman in setting program goals and objectives, representing the Coaching Program and working to provide coach education in the Province of Ontario.

Coaching Committee members will be expected to attend all committee meetings (approximately two (2) per year) as well as facilitate two (2) National Coaching Certification Program clinics. Ideally, a Coaching Committee Member will have experience coaching softball in addition to the following qualifications and responsibilities:
 
Qualifications:

• Good communication and administrative skills
• A willingness to do tasks as assigned by Softball Ontario Coaches Chairman
• A keen interest in Coach Development
• Coaching experience is an asset
• A good understanding of the National Coaching Certification Program
• Must be Certified in  Competition-Introduction, Softball
• Must sign Softball Ontario’s Confidentially Agreement
• Must complete Softball Ontario’s Volunteer Application

 Responsibilities:

• Attend all Coaching Committee Meetings
• Receive and review all materials/meeting minutes distributed by Softball Ontario
• Do tasks assigned by the Coaches Committee and/or Chair
• Help promote the Softball Ontario Coaches Program
• Instruct/Facilitate Coaches Clinic(s)
• Submit articles for Coaches Clipboard
• Be a mentor to another softball coach if requested

Click here for a copy of the Softball Ontario Coaches Committee Member Job Description

How to Apply

All interested candidates are asked to apply in writing, expressing your interest in a cover letter along with a detailed resume outlining your softball and coaching background and qualifications for this position. Applications should be received by the Softball Ontario office no later than at Friday, September 29, 2017, 4:30 pm.  If you have applied in the past for a position or held a position on the Coaching Committee, Softball Ontario asks that you re-submit your resume/letter of intent.

Email your resume to Steph Sutton, Technical Program Coordinator atssutton@softballontario.ca for consideration.

Nominate your Softball Coach Today!

Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards   The Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards program celebrates the dedication and commitment of exemplary individuals who inspire, innovate and share knowledge of sport with others. The Awards recognize the importance of leadership, performance and the value of human insight which are all integral to great coaching. A coach is recognized in one of six categories: Grass Roots - coaching youth or children under the age of 12   Good-to-Great - coaching athletes that achieved a high standard of performance   Trailblazer - a coach who has made things better for their sport for years to come   Everyone Matters - a coach who demonstrates the value of an inclusive approach   Aboriginal Impact - a coach who has made a significant impact within the Aboriginal sport community   Andy Higgins Lifetime Achievement - a coach who has made a significant contribution to coaching over 20+ years Nominations are due by June 29th at 4pm. For more information please contact events@coachesontario.ca or visit www.coachesontario.ca/awards.

Bruce Casselman to lead Softball Ontario webinar on May 15

from Scott Searle

Softball Ontario is hosting a webinar series and coaches can earn 1 PD point and learn about pitch sequences next Monday.

Bruce Casselman has the legacy of being one of the top players to play Men’s fastpitch in Canada. In the 1990’s he led the Toronto Gators to two ISC World Championships and two Canadian Championships. He was a member of the Senior Men’s National Team that won Gold at the 1999 Pan-American Games champion in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He also represented Team Canada at the ISF World Championships in South Africa. A very humble person, Bruce is most proud to have caught some of the best pitchers from around the world including; Darren Zack, Brad Underwood, Micheal Piechnick, Dean Holein, Chubb Tangerora, Doug Middleton and Steve Price. Bruce moved away from softball to coach hockey in the Ottawa area but had his passion for the game rekindled by coaching his daughter's U14 team. Bruce is a Softball Ontario Learning Facilitator and provides support on technical skills. More recently he was a Guest Coach with the u21 Men’s Canada Games Program in Ontario where he consulted with the catchers on setting up batters with proper sequences.

Bruce will be leading the next Softball Ontario Webinar on be Monday, May 15th at 8:00.

Watch Bruce Casselman explain how he used pitch sequences, changed speeds, to set up batters.

Coaches will earn 1 PD Point towards maintaining their NCCP Certification.

The National Coaching Certification Program is now asking coaches to participate in activities that enhance their coaching to reinforce “values of lifelong learning and sharing amongst the coaching community.” All coaches in all sports will be” required to obtain Professional Development (PD) points. PD points can be earned through a multitude of activities that coaches already participate in, including: national and provincial sport organization conferences and workshops, eLearning modules, NCCP workshops, coach mentorship programs, and active coaching. In most cases, coaches are already earning their required PD points.

For more information, you can check http://coach.ca/maintenance-of-certification-s16745. Softball coaches will need to obtain 20 points in a 5 year period.

Sign up for the webinar here: https://www.softballontario.ca/english/our-programs/coach/softball-nccp/professional-development-points-webinar-series.html 

If you have any questions, contact Scottsearle@rogers.com.