What coaching qualifications should my child's U12 coach have?

Alpine Canada's Policy for Coach Accreditation (last revised September 1, 2022, so older than the 2026-27 rules) sets these standards for coaches of U12 and under:

• First-time hire: Entry Level (EL) Trained (or Level 1 Certified under the old system) or CSIA Level 1 Certified, and licensed annually by ACA-CSC.
• Re-hire: EL Certified, and licensed annually by ACA-CSC. A coach must reach EL Certified within 24 months of completing the EL course (provincial bodies may shorten this).
• Best practice: EL Certified Advanced, licensed annually.

Beginning coaches work under the direction of a more experienced certified coach. Entry Level coaches must also complete annual licensing requirements: 2 ongoing education credits, 1 risk management credit, the annual Code of Conduct sign-off, a criminal background screen on file (renewed every 2 years), the annual release waiver and Safe Sport training every 2 years (ACA-CSC Licensing Policy, revised August 2024).

Sources: Alpine Canada Policy for Coach Accreditation (2022) and ACA-CSC Licensing Policy (August 2024), both on alpinecanada.org/coach/resources/documents.