Central Alberta Lacrosse League (CALL)
Coach Certification & Helper Standards FAQ
This FAQ guide is designed to help clubs, coaching directors, and volunteers understand the requirements and policies related to coaching and volunteering within the Central Alberta Lacrosse League (CALL).
1. Coaching Certification Overview
Q: Which certification courses are available, and how many can a coach take per season?
A: Coaches may take one course per season. First-year coaches must begin with the Community Development certification.
2. U7–U13 Coach Requirements
- Community Development
- Making Headway
- Making Ethical Decisions
- Understanding Rule of Two
- Emergency Action Plan
- Current Vulnerable Sector Check (VSS) (valid for 3 seasons)
3. U15–U17 Coach Requirements
- Competitive Introduction
- Mental Health in Sport
- Safe Sport (eLearning)
- Current Vulnerable Sector Check (VSS) (valid for 3 seasons)
?? Non-compliant coaches will be removed from the bench as of May 15, 2026.
4. Helper Requirements
Under 16
- Must be registered with the ALA
- Must wear a helmet at all times
- Must be supervised by a trained coach
16 and Over (Helpers – Not on Bench)
- Must be registered with the ALA
- Must wear a helmet at all times
- Must be supervised by a trained coach
- Cannot be on the bench
16 and Over (Wanting to Be on the Bench)
- Must complete required coaching certification
5. Bench Personnel Requirements
- ALA 13.01 – Bench personnel are considered coaches and trainers
- ALA 13.02 – All bench personnel must meet Lacrosse Canada (LC) Minimum Standards
- ALA 13.03 – All female-only teams must have at least one registered female bench personnel
- ALA 13.04 – Only properly registered and qualified coaches/trainers may be on the bench
- ALA 13.05 – Trainers must hold approved certification (see below)
- ALA 13.06 – Only one trainer per team is permitted on the bench
- ALA 13.07 – Coaches must be at least 16 years old
Trainer Certification Requirements
Accepted certifications include:
- St. John Ambulance Emergency First Aid (8+ hours) or equivalent
- Canadian Red Cross Standard First Aid / First Responder
- Canadian Red Cross Sport First Responder / Sport Aid
- Hockey Canada Safety Program (HCSP) – Level 2
- Recognized medical professionals (MD, RN, Physiotherapist, etc.)
Note: CPR alone is not considered sufficient certification.
Additional Clarification
Q: Is a female coach or trainer required on the bench for coed teams with female players?
A: No. Under Alberta Lacrosse Association regulations, a female bench staff member is only required for female-only teams. There is no requirement for coed teams to have a female coach or trainer on the bench.
Best Practice:
CALL strongly recommends having a female volunteer available (on the bench or easily accessible) to support female players if needed (e.g., equipment assistance, injury, or general support).
Teams should also follow Rule of Two guidelines, ensuring that all interactions are observable and justifiable, and that no athlete is ever left alone in a one-on-one situation with a single adult.
6. Board Members, Managers & Screening Requirements
Q: Do board members, team managers, or treasurers require a CRC or VSS?
A: Yes. These roles are considered Level 2 – Medium Risk under ALA Screening Policy.
Who falls under Level 2?
- Team managers and treasurers
- Club, team, or league board members
What is required?
- Criminal Record Check (CRC)
When is a VSS required?
- If the individual also serves as bench staff
- If they have frequent or unsupervised access to vulnerable individuals
7. Minor Volunteers
Q: What if a minor wants to volunteer?
A:
- Must report to the Coach Coordinator
- Must follow Helper Requirements (Section 4)
8. Communication & Social Media
Many clubs do not address concerns on social media. Instead, members are encouraged to:
- Review official websites (ALA, CALL, etc.)
- Consult bylaws, regulations, and policies
- Contact their club President directly
This ensures accurate information and reduces miscommunication.
9. Use of Email Addresses
Q: Why are personal email addresses sometimes used?
A:
- Some clubs use forwarding aliases (e.g., president@...)
- Replies may show personal emails instead
- Dedicated role-based email accounts are recommended for consistency
10. Final Notes
We hope this FAQ helps clarify coaching and volunteer requirements within CALL.
For additional support, please contact:
- Your Club President
- Your Coach Coordinator
- Central Alberta Lacrosse League