Every Longhorns coach is a volunteer. Some are alumni who came back. Some are parents who said yes when we asked. All of them go through the same five-step process to be ready for kickoff. Here's the path.
Take them in order, or in parallel. NCCP, Safe Contact, and the Criminal Record Check can all happen at the same time — the application is what starts the clock.
Coach applications live on Teamlink — same system parents use for player registration. Pick your preferred division and age group; the registration team will route you to the right head coach.
If you're an alumnus or already coaching elsewhere, mention it in the application — we love bringing former players back.
Every Longhorns coach needs an NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) number. If you've coached any Football BC-sanctioned program before, you already have one — log in to The Locker to find it.
If not, create one for free via the Coaching Association of Canada. You can also knock out the required online modules in the same sitting — Making Headway, Anti-Racism, and Safe Sport.
Every tackle coach must be Safe Contact certified by the BCPFA. It's an in-person, half-day course covering modern tackling technique, equipment fitting, and concussion protocols. Player safety is non-negotiable — this is how we make sure every kid who steps on the field is coached by someone who knows what they're doing.
Course schedules are posted by BCPFA throughout the year. Register early — they fill up.
The BCPFA also runs an online Medical Emergency Decision (MED) clinic. It's the same framework used in CFL and university programs — concussion recognition, injury triage, and when to pull a player.
The next online MED is being scheduled by BCPFA — registration link goes out when dates are set. Coaches who've completed MED previously are tracked in our internal coach list.
BC law requires anyone working with kids to complete a Criminal Record Check (CRC) through the provincial Justice department. The online form takes about 20 minutes; results are emailed in 1–2 business days.
Use the Longhorns access code: FH5EN8CANF. The CRC is free for volunteer coaches with the access code applied.
Quick links every Longhorns coach should bookmark. League rules, playbooks, criminal-record letters, and the football networks we plug into.
Application takes ten minutes. We'll route you to the right division head coach within a week. Every season starts with a "yes" from someone like you.