Coaches
$65.00 (includes $30 CFF Licence)
Coaches who do not have a Competitive or Recreational Membership must purchase this membership level.
For those with multiple roles in the community, please purchase only the most relevant membership category. Members who have an active Competitive or Recreational membership do not need to purchase an additional coaching licence. However, all those involved in coaching must tick the appropriate box on the registration form, complete the Safe Sport Module, and submit a background check.
Please note that you are required to purchase a coaching membership at the beginning of each season.
To coach at National events (Canada Cups and Nationals), coaches must hold a CFF coaching licence and pay additional levies.
In alignment with CFF Safe Sport policies, Coaches and Officials will be required to provide the following documents upon registration
- Safe Sport Training: CAC Safe Sport Module (Free)* or Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders ($35) or equivalence.
Renewed Annually. - Emergency First Aid Training**: St. John’s Ambulance or Red Cross or equivalent First Aid training with CPR/AED. (Recommended)
Renewed as required based on certification expiration date. Must be valid for the entire training season (August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027). - Background Check: Sterling Backcheck* or Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC) or equivalence.
Valid for three (3) years from the date of issuance. Must be valid for the entire training season (August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027). - Vulnerable Sector Check: (all Full-time coaches; coaches who travel with a vulnerable sector athlete without parental/guardian accompaniment; coaches who work in private settings with a vulnerable sector athlete): can be obtained from the Ontario Provincial Police and is required for:
- Full-time coaches
- Coaches travelling with a vulnerable sector athlete without a parent or guardian accompaniment
- Coaches providing private one-on-one instruction to vulnerable sector athletes
Valid for three (3) years from the date of issuance. Must be valid for the entire training season (August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027).
- MED: Making Ethical Decisions.
*Documents from CAC and Sterling( marked with a *) are integrated into the membership registration system. All other equivalency documents must be uploaded through the membership registration portal.
**We recognize that there is currently a high demand for Emergency First Aid Training certification. For the 2026-2027 season, Emergency First Aid Training is no longer a requirement (but highly recommended) for coaches to be considered in good standing. Coaches who have already scheduled Emergency First Aid Training in the 2026-2027 season should proceed and upload the certification to their membership account.
NOTE: You will be able to log back in and submit additional documents at a later time. However, please note that CFF/OFA memberships will only be issued fully upon receipt of all documentation.
Need Help?
If you have any questions or concerns, please email info@fencingontario.ca.
Quick Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Coaching Membership if I’m already a Competitive athlete?
No. Members with an active Competitive or Recreational Membership do not need to purchase an additional Coaching Membership. Simply indicate your coaching role during registration and complete the required Safe Sport and screening requirements.
When do I need a coach’s license?
OFA does not have credentialing requirements for coaches at our events. However, all those involved in coaching must tick the appropriate box on the registration form, complete the Safe Sport Module, and submit a background check. To coach at National events (Canada Cups and Nationals), coaches must hold a CFF coaching license and pay additional levies.
What documents do I need to submit?
Coaches are required to complete Safe Sport Training, a Background Check, Making Ethical Decisions (MED), and any additional requirements applicable to their coaching role, such as a Vulnerable Sector Check. Emergency First Aid certification is strongly recommended.
Can I upload my documents after I register?
Yes. You may log back into your membership account at any time to upload outstanding documentation. However, your membership will only be finalized once all required documents have been received and approved.
When should I purchase my membership?
Coaching Memberships must be purchased at least 72 hours before participating in a competition. Membership coincides with the fencing season and is valid August 1st to July 31st.
