Coaching “with the mind of Christ” (Philippians 2:5)

Coaching, by definition, is the ability “to instruct or train in sport” (Oxford). While this description may speak to the mechanical function of coaching – those functions we know as skill development, goal setting and game strategy – it fails to express the authentic opportunity for role modelling, mentorship and evangelization that are a natural extension of the coaching role.

‘Catholic’ coaching builds on the rich tradition and selfless service of teacher-coaches throughout the board’s history who have influenced students through word, attitude and deed.

The Catholic Coaching Program evolved from the board’s understanding of the coaching ministry as an extension of the classroom. Since the goal of the Catholic school is faith development, gospel values are therefore intrinsic to all school athletics program. The Catholic Coaching Program recognizes that coaches have an enormous opportunity to influence their student-athletes, as well as an important responsibility to witness, teach and lead in “the mind of Christ.”

In his book Coaching Catholic: Gospel Values in Youth Sports, Rev. Richard J. McGrath talks about the tremendous influence coaches exercise over their student-athletes. “How they treat them, the way they speak to them, the kinds of goals they place before them, and the manner in which they conduct their business leave profound impressions on young minds and hearts,” he writes.

The Catholic Coaching Program explores how that influence can be used to create a sports culture in schools that is built on respect, integrity, fellowship and self-esteem. The program is offered to teachers and educational assistants who are, or plan to, coach sports in Catholic schools. The program enables participants to earn their Level 1 National Coaching Certification (NCCP) while fulfilling the requirements for a Religious Renewal Credit.

The program follows the NCCP’s Make Ethical Decisions Learning Facilitator guide, which focuses on the core competencies of problem-solving, valuing, critical thinking, leadership and interaction, all within a Catholic framework. Using Scripture readings, the program examines how Gospel values relate to, and support, ethical principles of sport – essentially, care for the physical safety and health of student-athletes, coaching responsibility, integrity in relations with others, respect, and honouring sport.

More than 150 teacher- and volunteer-coaches have graduated from the program since its implementation in March 2011. The program is offered twice a year – in March and November.

For more information, please contact Nadia Hryniewicz at 905-525-2930, Ext. 2141 or hryniewiczn@hwcdsb.ca.

Testimonials from 2015-2016

"I would recommend the Catholic Coaching Program to anyone who’s even considered coaching before. Aside from being a great resource for both how to effectively coach a team, and how to make coaching an extension of the classroom, it also provided great insight for integrating our faith into the sports we coach. The instructor, Jos kept it very interactive and fun, and the course provided me with the confidence to coach multiple sports this year. I look forward to doing the same next year!"

"The Catholic Coaching Program gave me a good opportunity to reflect on my experiences with coaches, mentors and my parents over time in terms of ethics, athletics, and religious experiences. Combining the course with religious renewal was a great way to show how we can integrate our faith into coaching and demonstrate to children a model of Christ-like behaviour, interaction and point of view."

"I absolutely loved the course and I can’t wait to take part 2 with Jos!"

"The Catholic Coaching Program was an excellent learning experience. Led by a seasoned veteran of 45 years, Jos Nederveen shared many stories of winning and losing, problems and solutions, as well as team building, ethics in coaching, and faith formation. The amount of material we covered in such a short time span was amazingly insightful, always informative, but never overwhelming. I was actually sad when our time together ended. I’d take the course again in a heartbeat or recommend it to anyone whose intentions are to become a better person, coach and Christian."

"The Catholic Coaching course was very well taught and presented. It is obvious that Jos is passionate about coaching. Any student who has had him as a coach is very blessed. As for Jerry Creedon, it’s always a pleasure to hear his perspective. Thank you for the opportunity to attend."

"Jos Nederveen was very knowledgeable about all aspects of the coaching context, including encouraging proper nutrition, team building, skill training, community building as well as helping us investigate and solve moral and ethical sports dilemmas. I thoroughly enjoyed this informative, practical and worthwhile course!"

Testimonials from previous sessions

"The Catholic Coaching Program was much more than lessons about sport. It was about the total impact of the coach-athlete relationship. With great coaches it's never been just about sport. Jos Nederveen exemplified this in his discussions on the importance of ethical decisions with proper athletic training, emergency protocol and follow-up to injuries. However, what made more of an impact was his coaching leadership and personal advocacy of athlete development that extends beyond sport itself."

"Great coaches give of themselves so that their players have the opportunity and the tools to excel in sport, in school and in their community involvement. What makes these coaches outstanding is the fact that they are not only a coach, but a teacher, a mentor, a guide that you trust. Coaches can have within them that mind of Christ, and that heart."

"It is uplifting to know that teacher-coaches can be impacted by the simple message of the Catholic Coaching Program - that you can make a difference in the life of a student-athlete. This is not measured by the number of medals won, but by being committed to caring for their athletes, on and off the field or court."

“The Catholic Coaching Program … is a chance to ‘recharge’ ourselves in the Spirit of God and see how we can bring Christ into the lives of children and youth through the ministry of coaching.”

“The Catholic Coaching Program has inspired me to take my coaching to the next level.”

“The Catholic Coaching Program was created to be much more than simply coaching development. The ethical issues tied in clearly with our faith beliefs. The effect we have on youth as coaches is profound. The tools we came away with were instrumental in further reinforcing our philosophies as a coach, leader and teacher.”

“The Catholic Coaching Program is a unique way of blending our faith with our passion for athletics. Developing the ‘whole athlete’ requires a coach who can not only help students hone their physical skills and talents, but also their spiritual ones.”

“I had not heard anything about this program prior to signing up … after a few minutes into the course, it was evident that it would be an intense and rewarding experience. The very first clue was the array of material and references made available to us. As we delved into the course, the scenario-based approach to learning assured that we became fully involved. However, for me, the most outstanding feature of this program was the integration of teaching/coaching with our Catholic faith. The course highlighted the fact that Catholic faith is an inherent part of anything we undertake as a teacher and coach.”

“I learned a great deal from this program. First it was beneficial as I got to create a practice plan and an emergency plan for my school. Secondly it allowed me to complete my Religious Renewal Program and lastly, I learned a lot from the other participants through sharing our different experiences. I would recommend this program to anyone and everyone in our system because it teaches you how to build self-esteem and confidence in the children you work with. If we can make a difference in even one child’s life …”

“This coaching program has allowed me to reflect on my past coaching experiences while at the same time prompting me to seek out areas in need of improvement. This course has also reminded me of the importance of faith in coaching practices and the need to serve as a positive role model for the children. I am so glad that I chose to enrol in this course and feel that I have greatly benefited from it. Thank you so much.”

“It was a fantastic experience. I enjoyed the connection we made between faith and coaching. It reinforced the relationship I can continue to build with my athletes and also share with other coaches. The NCCP program itself was a great way to observe and learn about the many responsibilities that are involved in coaching. It provided strategies and procedures to make the coaching experience a wonderful experience for both the athletes and coaches.”

“I feel that the Coaching Program helped unify the coaching spirit. We were able to share our coaching stories so that we can foster good practices and dispel the bad situations. The program enabled all coaches to work towards a common goal and to adhere to ethical standards and policies. (The facilitator) was able to impart his knowledge and guide us down an exemplary Catholic coaching path.”

“Made me reflect on my role as coach and educator and the impact I have on young people.”

“I feel more comfortable coaching a team. I am more organized and prepared. I appreciated the ‘What to do in the case of an accident’ part of the course. I was in a situation where an accident occurred during practice and knew what steps to take. Thank you for putting this course together, for making this course available for both full-time and part-time teachers, and for making it free for us.”