Coaching at the BC Games
These Games simply don’t work without the guidance and support from coaches and adult supervisors. We appreciate your time and passion to your sport through the BC Winter Games.
The BC Winter Games is different than a single sport competition. The Games offer unique travel, accommodation, food services and special events on top of sport specific competition, all in an athlete-coach setting that is distant from parents.
The Games are a powerful platform to identify, mentor, and certify coaches. Many PSOs and DSOs use the Games to elevate new or underrepresented coaches within their system.
The BC Games introduce athletes, coaches, and officials to the unique environment of a multi-sport Games, preparing them for future experiences such as the Canada Games, North American Indigenous Games, and beyond.
Coach Mentorship Program
In partnership with viaSport and the Canadian Sport Institute, the BC Games offers a structured coach mentorship program for PSOs and DSOs. PSOs can apply to the program and identify a Coach Mentor who works with one or more apprentice coaches serving the Games as Zone Head Coaches or Assistant Coaches.A Master Mentor develops a customized coach development plan in collaboration with the sport’s Coach Mentor.
The program is designed to build quality relationships while supporting the PSO’s targeted coach development strategy and building the capacity of coaching leaders in BC.
The primary role of a coach from a multi-sport Games lens is the supervision and the accountability of their athletes. Coaches and Adult Supervisors are ultimately accountable for the behavior of their athletes.
The BC Games are often the first sport experience for a young athlete without the oversight of their parents. This can create opportunities for young athletes to show up differently and allow zone teams to prepare and build connections.
The direct level of supervision that is expected can vary by respective sport culture, age of athletes, or situation. This can be clarified by your sport’s Provincial Advisor at the Athlete and Coach Meeting on the first day of the Games.
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- Every zone with athletes attending the Games must have a head coach and assistant coach. Discuss with your sport’s Provincial Advisor the need for exceptions for sports that include athletes with a disability or small zones when appropriate supervision can be established.
- Sports are required to set a minimum coaching requirement of NCCP Competition Introduction certified (or the sport equivalent) for head coaches, NCCP Competition Introduction trained (or the sport equivalent) for assistant coaches, and CAC Safe Sport Training for adult supervisors.
- Adult supervisors must complete the Safe Sport Training online module prior to attending the Games. Exemptions are not eligible to adult supervisors; they must complete Safe Sport Training. NCCP Make Ethical Decisions Training is considered an acceptable alternative to Safe Sport Training.
- Some sports may have additional coaching qualification requirements and will have screening expectations. Coach exemption processes may exist. Review your sports “technical package” (https://bcgames.org/sports/technicalpackages/ ) or contact your sports Provincial Advisor.
TIMELINE
Connect with your Provincial Advisor (PA)
The Provincial Advisor is the PSO representative for your sport at the Games. PAs are highly knowledgeable and closely involved in both sport planning and Games operations. They can provide sport-specific details and expectations and are engaged throughout pre-Games planning and during the Games.
Build an inclusive environment
For many athletes, this may be their first trip without parents/guardians supporting travel and competition. Additionally, these are zone or regional teams, which can feel different from typical club travel or competitions. Set an inclusive tone early and intentionally facilitate team building.
Reinforce the Culture of the Games
Be prepared to reinforce the Culture of the Games, which aligns with your PSO’s code of conduct. If athletes, coaches, and volunteers embrace this culture, the Games will be a positive, respectful, and inclusive experience for all. Coaches and adult supervisors may be called upon to address and correct athlete behaviour. While BC Games Accommodation Rules apply, be prepared to set clear team expectations and rules as a coach, such as:
- an earlier curfew when there is early-morning competition
- sign-out/sign-in procedures and whether parents/guardians may take athletes off-site (e.g., for lunch)
- cell phone use guidelines (e.g., quiet hours and screen-free team times)
Embrace the opportunity and responsibility
The Games provides transportation, accommodation, and meals that often fall to parent/guardian support networks. As a result, more is asked of coaches to supervise athletes outside the competition setting. Embrace this opportunity: athletes often show up differently without parents present, which can create a positive environment for athlete development and zone team building.
Work together with other coaches
Embrace a “one team – one sport” approach. Zone teams may compete against each other on the field of play, but you will share transportation, meal times, and accommodation sites. Model the values of sport and respect for competitors throughout the Games experience.
Focus on what you can control
Look around at the Games and you’ll realize there are a lot of moving parts, many delivered by volunteers. Some things will go wrong. Focus on a positive mindset by reacting calmly, adapting to the situation, and escalating issues early to the right people. When you respond positively, your athletes are more likely to do the same.
Prepare Games at the Games
Plan simple, back‑pocket games and team‑manager strategies to use during downtime at venues or accommodation sites. Have a selection of age‑appropriate team‑building activities, crafts, or engagement concepts ready to keep athletes occupied, connected, and energized. Incorporate practical tools such as head counts or sound‑offs to ensure no one is left behind during transitions. Effective tactics for managing a group in large, busy settings—and keeping youth engaged—help create a more positive, organized, and enjoyable environment for everyone.
How will I receive information before the Games?
Coaches will receive Coach and Participant Communications ahead of the Games at the email address provided during registration. Make sure to check your spam folder!
How do I know when and where to be at Games-time?
Prior to the Games, you will be given access to three important documents via our Coach Newsletters: the Arrivals Document, your Bus & Meal Schedule, and your Sport Schedule.
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- The Arrivals Document will outline what time your team arrives at the Games and what you will do once you arrive, including information about your first dinner and how you will transfer to your accommodation site.
- Your Bus & Meal Schedule covers everything after arrival day, from your bus schedule, to your meal times and competition windows.
- Your Sport Schedule includes all the information you need to know about competition while at the Games.
Where do coaches stay at the Games?
All athletes, coaches, and adult supervisors participating in the BC Games are required to stay in designated BC Games accommodation. This ensures a consistent Games experience for all participants, including access to meals, transportation, and supervision.
Are coaches required to use Games transportation?
Every athlete must be supervised by an accredited adult (Head Coach, Assistant Coach, or Adult Supervisor) from the time they board a bus/flight until the time they arrive at their destination. Coaches are expected to travel with their teams to provide supervision. If a coach cannot travel with the team they must plan accordingly with the Provincial Advisor to ensure other coach supervision is in place.