OFA Competition Introduction Coaching Certification
October 3–4, 2026 | Ottawa
The Ontario Fencing Association is pleased to offer the Competition Introduction Coaching Course, the third level of the OFA Coaching Certification Pathway, taking place October 3–4, 2026, in Ottawa.
Building on the Community Instructor and Instructor Beginner levels, Competition Introduction is designed for coaches who are ready to work with developing and competitive athletes. This level focuses on advancing technical and tactical coaching skills, seasonal planning, and individual lesson delivery.
The OFA pathway progressively develops coaches from safe group instruction toward individual lessons, technical progression, athlete development, and performance‑oriented coaching.
Course Details
- Dates: October 3–4, 2026
- Location: Ottawa Fencing Club 1373 Ogilvie Rd, Unit 1, Gloucester, ON K1J 7P5
- Registration Fee: $550
- Registration Link
- Certification Level: Competition Introduction (Level 3)
- Format: 1.5 days of training + 0.5 day of individual lesson evaluation
Learning Facilitators
This clinic will be delivered by three highly experienced Canadian coaches:
Paul Apsimon
- 4× Olympic Team Coach
- Paralympic Coach
- National Team Coach (16 years)
- OFA Coach Developer
Jean‑Marie Banos
- 4× Olympian
- 3× Canadian Olympic Team Coach
- National Team Coach (16 years)
- Coach Developer
Special Guest – Julien Camus
- 2× Olympic Team Coach
- Québec Executive Director
- Coach Developer
Their Olympic, Paralympic, National Team, and coach‑development experience is highlighted throughout the clinic.
What You Will Learn
The Competition Introduction level focuses on the skills required to coach athletes in a competitive environment. Coaches will work on:
- Technical and tactical coaching
- Individual and tactical lessons
- Seasonal training planning
- Supporting athletes during competitions
- Performance analysis
- Athlete development
- Coaching communication and feedback
This level strengthens a coach’s ability to support athletes in both training and competition while advancing technical and tactical coaching proficiency.
Practical Training & Evaluation
The course emphasizes learning by doing, with practical coaching activities, group work, lesson planning, demonstrations, discussions, and feedback.
Participants will complete 1.5 days of training, followed by a half‑day of individual lesson evaluations. This hands‑on approach continues the OFA methodology of demonstrations, practical coaching, peer feedback, and guided reflection.
Pathway to Certification
This October clinic is a key component of the Competition Introduction certification process. The full pathway includes:
- NCCP online learning
- Practical coaching experience
- Seasonal planning
- Mentorship with an OFA‑approved coach
- Technical and practical evaluation
Required NCCP modules include: Make Ethical Decisions, Teaching & Learning, Planning a Practice, Basic Mental Skills, Design a Basic Sport Program, Making Headway in Sport, and Safe Sport Training.
Upon successful completion of all requirements, candidates will be recognized by the Ontario Fencing Association as Competition Introduction Coaches.
Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for coaches who already have foundational coaching experience and are ready to advance toward coaching developing and competitive athletes.
Join us in Ottawa on October 3–4, 2026, and continue your development through the OFA Coaching Certification Pathway.
