COACH CERTIFICATION FUNDING

What Coach Education Is Eligible?

Funding is available for eligible coach education and certification within the Canada Artistic Swimming Coach Development Pathway, including:

• • AquaGO! Instructor
  • OAS Regional Coach Module
  • Competition Introduction
  • Competition Development
  • Competition Development Advanced Graduation (CDAG)
  • High Performance Coach

Eligible expenses may include required artistic swimming-specific courses, NCCP multi-sport modules, evaluations, and other required certification components within the applicable pathway. Candidates must meet the applicable CAS and NCCP age, prerequisite, and eligibility requirements.

Funding is intended to support progression through the certification pathway. Professional development undertaken solely to maintain an existing certification is not eligible unless specifically approved by OAS.

How Clubs Can Access Funding

The funding will be administered through OAS member Clubs, rather than through individual coach applications.

Clubs are invited to identify and nominate individuals they believe are strong candidates for coach development and who are likely to contribute to their coaching programs.

For AquaGO!, this may include prospective coaches who have demonstrated a genuine interest in coaching and are expected to coach within the Club following their training.

For Competition Introduction, Competition Development, and advanced pathways, Clubs should identify coaches for whom additional certification represents an appropriate next step in their development and anticipated coaching responsibilities.

How the Funding Process Works

1. Identify a Candidate

The Club identifies an appropriate candidate based on its current or anticipated coaching needs and the coach’s appropriate next step within the CAS Coach Development Pathway.

2. Apply to OAS for Funding Approval

The Club submits the candidate to OAS before registering them for the course or certification component.

3. Receive OAS Approval

OAS reviews the request and confirms whether the candidate and proposed certification are eligible. Funding approval is subject to available funding and course capacity.

4. Register and Complete the Training

Once approved, the Club registers the candidate and pays the applicable certification fees. The coach then completes the approved certification requirements.

5. Coaching Commitment

Following completion, the coach must have a coaching agreement with the sponsoring Club for the applicable/current or upcoming season.

6. Receive Reimbursement

The Club submits its proof of payment and confirms that the coach has completed the funded requirements and has a coaching agreement in place. OAS will then reimburse the approved eligible expenses directly to the Club.

Clubs will maintain proof of certification completion and the coaching agreement in their own records. These documents do not need to be submitted with the reimbursement request but must be available if requested by OAS.

Ready to Invest in Your Coaches?

Clubs interested in accessing the Foundation Coach Development Fund are encouraged to consider both their immediate coaching needs and longer-term coach development plans when identifying candidates.

Both the sponsoring Club and nominated candidate must be registered and in good standing with OAS. Funding is subject to availability, and OAS may establish Club or candidate limits to ensure the opportunity is available as equitably as possible across the province.

To Apply

Clubs can apply by completing the Coach Certification Funding Request Form. Funding must be approved by OAS before the candidate is registered for the course.  

For any questions, please reach out to Laura Steacy at ldmsteacy@ontarioartisticswimming.ca or 647-567-7756