CBET-it means competency based educational training. Many of us have seen this term recently in the workplace. It is a process whereby all the skills to complete a specific task are identified. The worker must then demonstrate that he or she is competent to undertake the task at hand. Applied to the world of coaching it means the program a coach is expected to deliver is tailored to the needs of the participant receiving the training. This makes for a more enjoyable experience for the participant. Participants will more apt to return to the sport for more coaching if they are receiving information and skills applicable to their level of skill and the outcome they wish to achieve. Coaches employing the CBET philosophy will nurture qualities such as interaction, problem solving and empowerment that will prove to benefit the participant's experience. Let's look at both ends of the spectrum as it is applied to marathon canoeing. On one hand we have a weekend recreational racer-someone who enjoys the sport for the camaraderie and competition of people similar in skill. Then we have the high performance athlete who endeavors to train daily and is looking for podium results likely nationally and internationally. These two participants could not be coached by the same coach using only one criteria. Someone would not be getting the most "bang for their buck". It is easy to see that programs must be tailored to the participant and what he/she hopes the final outcome to be.

You might ask yourself-Why CBET? To answer this you must realize that Marathon Canoeing does not have a NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program). If we do not undertake the CBET process we will simply be perceived as a recreational activity- meaning we will not be eligible for sport funding.

Here is a brief description of what we have accomplished thus far. Representatives from Ontario, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia met in Ottawa in the winter of 2001 to begin the process. Initially we undertook to identify all the participants who played the sport. The list became quite extensive involving paddlers right across the spectrum . We then compiled Participant Identification Cards (PDM's) on each participant-This enabled us to start to group them based on their age, abilities, objectives, where they played their sport , etc.(see Marathon Participant Groups Chart) From this we were able to organize the participants into streams noting the various entry points for new paddlers. The arrows on the chart also designate how participants might move about within the various streams of the Marathon discipline.(see Participant Model Worksheet Chart)

From the Participant Model Worksheet we developed the Coaching Development Model (see chart) This demonstrates the various coaches that evolve due to participant needs. A breakdown of them are as follows:

Marathon Coaching Development Model

Draft Descriptions

CS Coach 1 - Someone who is delivering programs already developed by MRC to introduce participants to the basic skills of Marathon paddling.

CS Coach 2 - Someone who is planning a season for paddlers which includes scheduled group paddles and fun racing. Group paddles offer opportunity for Coach to pass on technical knowledge and help participants improve their skills.

Competition Coach 1 - Someone who is introducing paddlers to the basics of training to improve performance. Introduces basic tactics and strategies as well as working on improving technique. Coach is providing paddlers with a conditioning program appropriate for their age and ability. Coach is developing weekly training programs based on a more advanced coach's seasonal/yearly program priorities.

Competition Coach 2 - Someone who is striving to help athletes develop their competitive performance through the acquisition of advanced skills and tactics. Coach is developing seasonal training programs based on a more advanced coach's integrated annual and multi-year programs.

Competition Coach 3 - Someone who is developing advanced conditioning and training for athletes who aspire to national and international success. Coach is helping paddlers refine advanced skills, strategies and tactics. Coach is developing integrated annual and multi-year training programs.

Intermediate / Advanced Clinicians -- Someone who develops and delivers clinics specific to helping paddlers improve intermediate and advanced paddling skills.

After all this we attempted to complete a task analysis on each type of coach with the following items in mind: Program design, program management, support to athletes with regard to competition, support to athlete with regard to training and social support. A sample Task Analysis for Competition Coach 1 is included.(see Chart)

This is where we are at this point in the CBET transition. What comes next? Step 1 is to validate and endorse the Participant and Coach Development Models. What this means is that the Canadian Canoe Association is confident that these models represent who is participating in marathon canoe and what attributes a person coaching marathon should have. The Marathon Racing Council and all marathon paddlers need to be sure that the models are solid-ie boxes in the correct position with the right information in each.

From there we will have to identify the coaching program. we most want to see developed first. We also have to decide where Marathon can get the most out of a coaching manual-possibly community sport??

In closing, I hope you take time to evaluate the information. This is an exciting time for the sport of Marathon Canoeing whereby we have a chance to control our destiny and grow our sport.

David Lewis