Coach Status Program

Coaches are the backbone of our sport. They inspire their participants to excel and lead while building tomorrow’s leaders. We value the hard work and dedication they bring to the barn and to the ring everyday. Our aim is to work together with coaches and our community to uphold standards and professionalism that allow everyone to enjoy the benefits and joys of participating.

We appreciate that it can be challenging to understand why Coach Status was implemented and navigate the evolving coach requirements in competition. We hope you can find answers to your questions about Coach Status here. For information about how the program applies for athletes competing at events, visit the Coaching in Competition page.

Coach Status is part of a collective commitment to safety for human and equine athletes and excellence in instruction and coaching. Standards for earning and maintaining coaching designations help protect athletes, coaches, and our industry.

Responding to the growing demand for oversight and accountability Sport Canada in 2018 mandated all national sport organizations implement enhanced standards for the screening and training of coaches. EC acted on this Canadian sport directive by creating the EC Coach Status Program.

The Coach Status program is an accreditation that confirms coaches have been screened, that they have training and certifications, and hold appropriate insurance. It gives athletes, parents/guardians and the community a standard they can trust.

The program provides coaches formal recognition of their status as a professional within the equestrian industry and their commitment to upholding the principles of Safe Sport and shared ethical standards as described in EC’s Code of Conduct and Ethics. It also offers them eligibility to deliver/evaluate EC Learn to Ride/Drive and Rookie Riders programs and to be selected as a Coach associated with the Canadian Equestrian Team.

The EC Coach Status Program complements the already established National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) managed by the Coaching Association of Canada and is delivered in partnership with Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations (PTSOs) across the country.

Those working toward NCCP certification are eligible for EC Registered Coach Status, while those with valid NCCP certification or equivalent are eligible for EC Licensed Coach Status.

EC Coach Status provides athletes, caregivers, and facility owners a greater degree of assurance knowing that important standards for safety including Safe Sport training, First Aid/CPR, background screening, references and liability insurance coverage have been achieved and maintained by a coach.