February 2, 2007 – The Canadian Cycling Association’s (CCA) Community Initiation program is a brand new part of cycling’s National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Scheduled for launch in mid-2007, Community Initiation is focused on young, pre-competitive cyclists and will:

– Ensure participants have a fun, safe, stage-appropriate experience that makes them want to come back;
– Help participants develop basic cycling skills which are transferable to all cycling disciplines, and which can be done on any kind of bike;
– Introduce participants to the idea of competition and introduce them to the competition pathway if they want to become more involved.

Learning Facilitators are needed to help new Community Initiation coaches meet learning objectives and prepare for coaching success. Learning Facilitators will help organize and lead the Community Initiation coach education program. This course will take place in March, on a date still to be set. The CCA is still determining what the costs will be and who will pay them, however the first round of the training will be free.

The ideal Community Initiation Learning Facilitator will have:

– Coaching experience with young, novice cyclists, including experience in cycling skills development (including Sprockids and Canbike).
– Teaching and facilitation experience in an adult education environment.
– Ability to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the new NCCP structure.
– Ability to apply the principles of adult learning in facilitating the workshops.
– Subject matter expertise in the various modules offered in the Community — Initiation context.
– Ability to demonstrate an understanding of and clearly articulate how to apply the content, reference materials, and the learning process to achieve the various learning outcomes.
– Ability to relate to coaches through sound facilitation interventions, reflection, and summative and formative feedback.
– Ability to lead a learning situation using effective communication and presentation skills such as listening, clarifying, reflecting, questioning, reviewing, and debriefing.
– Ability to engage learners.

The Learning Facilitator should also:

– Value diverse perspectives, opinions, and ideas.
– Model behaviors that are consistent with the NCCP Code of Ethics, fair play principles, values, and philosophy.
– Work as a team member with other LFs and program administrations to affect ongoing development of the program.
– Demonstrate professionalism as a coach educator.

Community Initiation Learning Facilitators will have a key role in shaping the new program and assisting with the development of a new generation of coaches- for a new generation of riders. If you are interested in becoming involved and being certified, please contact Cycling BC coaching@cycling.bc.ca or 604-737-3034.