In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome Volleyball Canada's Director for Athlete and Coach Pathways James Sneddon to discuss coaching certification, Smashball, Safe Sport, a club recognition program and Women's National Excellence Program. 

 

(1:05) - James' bio

 

(1:20) - What pushed James to pursue volleyball at a very young age?

 

(2:45) - What position did James play?

 

(3:25) - How did James' education background help him progress in his volleyball endeavours?

 

(4:01) - At what stage in his playing career did coach Sneddon know he was eventually going to coach?

 

(5:20) - What are some lessons that coaching at Capilano College taught James?

 

(7:40) - What does his role at Volleyball Canada as a Manager of Sport Development entail?

 

(9:00) - Why was the change in the coaching certification pathway such a big undertaking?

 

(12:50) - How can the online information on coaching certification be more intuitive and perhaps only be on one website?

https://coach.volleyball.ca/

 

(16:45) - What is Smashball and how has it grown quickly?

 

(22:00) - How is Volleyball Canada trying to make Smashball more accessible to schools and clubs?

 

(24:10) - Could there eventually be some Smashball competitions?

 

(25:05) - Is volleyball growing in Canada presently?

 

(26:03) - What is Volleyball Canada developing presently in regards to Safe Sport?

 

(30:30) - How can a badge system perhaps stimulate a higher quality club program delivery?

 

(32:33) - Why will the badge recognition system be more successful than the accreditation process?

 

(34:44) - When will this club approval model likely be put in place?

 

(35:45) - What aspects do clubs tend to be good and not so good at when it comes to being accredited or recognized?

 

(38:45) - What is the Women's National Excellence Program that will be inaugurated in 2020?

 

(42:18) - How will the athletes selected for this program be identified?

 

(44:20) - Would it be possible to have a professional league in Canada or North America?