OFA Coach Training & Certification Program
Community Instructor & Instructor Beginner
June 13–14, 2026 (Toronto) | June 28–29, 2026 (Ottawa)
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Program Overview
The Ontario Fencing Association (OFA) is delivering the first stages of the coaching pathway through the Community Instructor and Instructor Beginner training and certification program.
These courses are aligned with the NCCP framework and are designed to provide foundational coaching skills, progressing from group instruction to introductory individual lesson delivery.
- Community Instructor (Level 1): Entry-level certification focused on safety, basic fencing instruction, and group lesson delivery. One weekend (June 13–14).
- Instructor Beginner (Level 2): Builds on foundational skills with an introduction to individual lessons, technical progression, and athlete development. _Two weekends (June 13–14 and June 28–29)
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Dates & Locations
Weekend 1 (June 13–14 | Canadian Fencing Academy | Toronto)
Community Instructor + Instructor Beginner (training & evaluation)
Weekend 2 (June 28–29 | Ottawa Fencing Club | Ottawa)
Instructor Beginner only (advanced training & certification)
Registration Fees
- Community Instructor (training & certification): $250
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Instructor Beginner (training & certification): $550
| Download the Community Instructor Coaching Pathway Stream |
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| Download the Instructor Beginner Coaching Pathway Stream |
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Program Structure
Weekend 1 – Foundations (12 hours)
Focus: Safety, group management, warm-up design, footwork, and basic technical instruction.
Participants will:
- Learn how to structure and deliver safe, engaging group sessions
- Develop fundamental coaching skills (demonstration, observation, correction)
- Build and deliver complete beginner-level lessons
- Be introduced to technical progressions and coaching communication
Evaluation (Community Instructor):
- Delivery of warm-up, footwork, and group lesson components
- Demonstration of safe and effective coaching practices
- Completion of workbook/portfolio
Weekend 2 – Instructor Beginner (12 hours)
Focus: Skill progression, individual lessons, and performance-oriented coaching.
Participants will:
- Develop structured individual lessons (introduction, development, feedback)
- Improve technical analysis and correction skills
- Apply progression in footwork, tactics, and blade work
- Gain experience through supervised coaching rotations
Evaluation (Instructor Beginner):
- Delivery of a complete individual lesson
- Assessment based on progression, clarity, corrections, and communication
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Participation in video analysis and performance review
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, coaches will be able to:
- Plan and deliver safe, structured fencing sessions
- Teach fundamental fencing skills using clear progressions
- Manage groups effectively in a club environment
- Deliver introductory individual lessons
- Provide appropriate feedback and technical corrections
Approach & Methodology
The program emphasizes experiential learning, combining:
- Demonstrations by Learning Facilitators
- Small-group collaboration and lesson planning
- Practical coaching delivery with peer feedback
- Guided reflection and continuous improvement
Next Steps in the Coaching Pathway
Upon successful certification, coaches will be prepared to:
- Coach beginner and developing athletes in club environments
- Continue toward higher NCCP certification levels
- Engage in ongoing mentorship and professional development opportunities
Learning Facilitators
- Paul Apsimon
- Olivier Tyteca
- Patti Howes
Additional Information
For questions, please contact the OFA.