What training and screening must my child's coach have?

Under the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards, the minimum for a Grassroots Stream coach is:

1. Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screen
2. NCCP Make Ethical Decisions module and/or online evaluation
3. Respect in Sport Activity Leader program
4. NCCP Making Headway (concussion) module
5. NCCP Emergency Action Planning module
6. NCCP Rule of Two module

Coaches at the Fundamentals stage (U6-U9) also complete an online theory module and a practical workshop. A Community Stream coach needs a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screen, the Canada Soccer Coaching Soccer in Canada online module and Respect in Sport Activity Leader. Provincial and territorial associations may require more.

Player-to-coach ratios: U6-U7 ideal 6:1, maximum 9:1; U8-U9 ideal 8:1, maximum 10:1.

The Canada Soccer Guide to Safety describes the Rule of Two as always having two screened and NCCP trained or certified coaches with an athlete, especially a minor, in a potentially vulnerable situation.

Sources: Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards (https://canadasoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-CS-GrassrootsStandards-EN_final91.pdf); Guide to Safety (https://canadasoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CanadaSoccer_Guide_Safety_EN.pdf)