Coaching in Ontario

Who needs an OCF Coaching License? 

Only OCF certified coaches are allowed to coach athletes, enter isolation zones (ISO) and file appeals at OCF sanctioned competitions, training camps and events. 

This policy does not cover coaches or staff hired by individual gyms; it is up to each gym to determine the appropriate certification and training for their coaching staff. 

2024/2025 OCF Coach Requirements

  1. OCF 2024/2025 Coach Membership (purchase at member.climbontario.ca) 

  2. Signed OCF Participation Waiver (at member.climbontario.ca)

  3. Signed Concussion Code of Conduct Waiver (at member.climbontario.ca)

  4. Criminal Record Check (EPIC or VSS, instructions below)

  5. Making Head Way in Sport – (Free @ Link)

  6. CAC Safesport Training (Free @ Link) OR Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders ($35 @ Link)

  7. Making Ethical Decisions ($75 @ Link)

  8. CAC Mental Health in Sport (Free @ Link)

Please send your NCCP# and permission to view your NCCP coach transcript to info@climbontario.ca.

Criminal Record Check Instructions

Coaches occupy a position of trust and authority with respect to the athletes under their care. In accordance with the recommendations of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport and the Coaching Association of Canada, all individuals accredited as an OCF Coach must complete a Criminal Record Check. 

We will accept either: 

a) An Enhanced Police Information Check (EPIC); or 

b) A Vulnerable Sector Check (VSS) 

IMPORTANT: Coaches have an obligation to self-report to the OCF any changes to their criminal record between criminal record check renewals.

Procedure: 

  • Coaches younger than 18 are exempt from the requirement to provide a Criminal Record Check.

  • If you have a current EPIC or VSS (less than 3 years old) on file with the OCF and there are no changes to your criminal record, you don’t need to take any further action. 

  • If you have an EPIC or VSS to submit, please email it to info@climbontario.ca or share it with us through the Sterling Backcheck system (search for “The Ontario Climbing Federation”). 

  • If you need to complete a new check, please email info@climbontario.ca, and we will send you an invitation to complete an EPIC through Sterling Backcheck. The check can be completed online, usually within 24 hours, at a cost of $25+tax. 

  • If the result of a Criminal Record Check is not “clear”, the OCF Board will review the applicant’s criminal record to determine if the recorded infraction is relevant to the coaching position and whether the applicant’s record shall prevent them from being certified as an OCF coach. The decision of the Board will be final. 

  • The results of all Criminal Record Checks will be kept confidential by the OCF Registrar and shared only with the OCF Board, in confidence and only on a need to know basis. 

  • The OCF will require coaches to renew their criminal record checks every three (3) years or upon request.