Coaches

Updated: June 2, 2026

“A good coach can change a game; a great coach can change a life.”
— John Wooden

Coaches and bench staff are essential to the game, and MDRA is dedicated to supporting you to help make your season a successful one.

The Metcalfe and District Ringette Association (MDRA) shares Ringette Ontario’s belief that team staff are the foundation of successful teams.

Frequently Asked Question

Ringette Ontario also has a collection frequently asked coaching questions.

What qualification do I need to become a coach? See Ringette Ontario Coach Qualification Pathways

How do I register for coaching courses? Register through Ringette Ontario Coaching Clinics

Where do I find a list of coaching courses? Visit the Ringette Ontario website or The Locker

Why Coach?

As a coach or bench staff member, you will:

• Teach fundamental skills and game strategy
• Support athlete development on and off the ice
• Serve as a positive role model for young athletes

Without qualified staff, our teams cannot operate—your involvement truly matters.

MDRA needs coaches and bench staff for all levels, from Fun1 through U19.

Our Commitment

MDRA continues to prioritize inclusion and development through:

• Next Play Program
• LACE UP (Lead, Achieve, Commit, Elevate) initiative

We are committed to supporting women and girls in sport and building strong leaders in our community.

Course Reimbursement

MDRA will reimburse approved coaching course fees. If you register for and successfully complete a course that has a cost, please submit your receipt to the Treasurer for reimbursement.

Getting Started

Plan Your Coaching Pathway Now

• Review certification requirements early
• Register for courses as soon as possible (they fill quickly)
• Reach out if you need support—we’re here to help

Certification Requirements

All coaches must complete required NCCP and Ringette Ontario certifications within the timelines below.

Important Deadlines

Competitive Teams (U14A and U16A)

• Full certification required by: September 15

U14A - Trained

• Pre-clinic workbook
• Clinic attendance
• Annual plan submission

U14AA, U16A/AA, U19A/AA - Certified

• All “Trained” requirements
• On-ice evaluation

Regional Teams (B/C)

• Full certification required by: October 31

Key Requirement Reminder

• Competition Introduction (CI) is mandatory for ALL bench staff
• The pre-clinic workbook must be completed before registering for a CI clinic

Coaching Resources

• Ringette Ontario Coach Pathways
• Coaching Clinics (Ringette Ontario)
• Coaching Association of Canada (The Locker)
• Team Staff Qualification Chart
• Bench Staff Requirements Notice (2026-2027)
  

If there are resources you need and cannot find, let us know and we will be happy to help.

Junior Coach Qualifications

• Junior Coach Requirements.pdf

On-ice Assistant Qualifications

• On-Ice Assistant Position.pdf

Ringette Ontario Coach Division Qualifications (Head and Assistant)

• FUN1/FUN2 Coach
• U10 (FUN3) Coach
• U12 A/B/C Coach
• U14 A Coach
• U14 B/C Coach
• U16 A Coach
• U16 B/C Coach
• U19 B/C Coach

Professional Development

There are a number of NCCP courses offered throughout the year.

Core Requirements

• NCCP Coach Initiation in Sport
• NCCP Making Headway
• NCCP Making Ethical Decisions & Evaluation eLearning
• Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders or Safe Sport - Direct Athlete Contact
• Keeping Girls in Sports

Additional PD Opportunities

• Coaching Athletes with Disabilities
• Emergency Action Planning
• Safe Sport Training
• Mental Health in Sport
• Leading a Return to Sport Participation
• Support Through Sport: Understanding Teen Dating Violence

Access all courses through The Locker

What’s Coming Next

Keep an eye out for:

• Summer programming
• Additional professional development opportunities

These are designed to support you as a coach and leader within MDRA.

Get Involved

If you’re ready to make a difference in an athlete’s experience and development, we’d love to have you on the bench.

Coaching tools

National Ringette School Drills

Practice plan sheets

Instructional videos