What coaching certification do I need for U14 and U16 athletes?

Alpine Canada's Policy for Coach Accreditation (last revised September 1, 2022, so older than the 2026-27 rules) places Development Level (DL) coaches with U14 and U16 athletes, who are at the "Learn to Train" and "Train to Train" stages. All coaches must be licensed annually by ACA-CSC.

• First-time hire: DL Trained or EL Certified (or Level 2 Certified under the old system). An EL Certified coach has a maximum of 12 months to attain DL Trained.
• Re-hire: DL Certified (or Level 2 Certified with a history of relevant professional development). A coach must attain DL Certified within 24 months of completing the DL course; provincial bodies may shorten this.
• Best practice: DL Certified Advanced.

Coach in charge at major competitions:

• U14 Provincial Games: DL Trained or Level 2 Certified
• U14 Provincial Championships: EL Certified, DL Trained or Level 2 Certified
• U16 Provincial Championships: DL Certified, PL Trained or Level 3 Certified
• U16 Nationals, Whistler Cup, Canada Winter Games and Topolino: DL Certified, PL Trained or Level 3 Certified

Sources: Alpine Canada Policy for Coach Accreditation (alpinecanada.org/coach/resources/documents); alpinecanada.org/coach/pathway/development-level.