For WINTER 2026-27

It is the time of year to start thinking about winter again.

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Registration for our rec program is open – and registrations are rolling in fast!

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Bring on the snow!  

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Below are some updates for you to note as we prepare for the coming season.

 

Expressions of Interest

If you are interested in coaching with Fortune Freestyle, you must complete and return the Expression of Interest form (linked above) to fortunefreestyle@gmail.com, with copies to Natasha (natashatq97@gmail.com) and Colin (colin.ingram@rogers.com) by no later than 6:00 PM (EDT) on Friday, October 23, 2026. We are always interested in hearing from potential new coaches, but coaches returning an "Expression of Interest" form by the October 23rd deadline will be given priority for coaching for the 2026-27 winter season.

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Please submit an Expression of Interest even if we have already been communicating with you about coaching – the Expression of Interest is part of the formal hiring process and ensures that we have confirmation of your interest and availability. Complete an Expression of Interest even if you may only coach occasionally during the winter season; this will ensure that we get the necessary paperwork completed, and you are on our roster in the event that we need you!

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Coaches' Meeting - Save the Date

We have scheduled our coach kick-off meeting for the evening of Wednesday, November 18, 2026. Please save the date as this will be mandatory for coaches planning to coach with us on a regular basis (i.e., full camps and programs) during the 2026-27 winter season, and strongly encouraged for all occasional coaches. Coaches who coach with us for five or more days in the season will be paid for their attendance.

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Among other topics, we will be discussing some updates to our recreational program, as well as some changes/updates to the coach licensing process. It is always great to get everyone together before the season starts - and we look forward to seeing you!

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Coach License Renewal Requirements

By way of reminder, the coach licensing process continues to become more stringent. To renew your coaching license, you must have completed the Making Ethical Decisions (MED) online evaluation, Safesport Training, and Making Headway in Freestyle Skiing. The Safesport Training must be completed every two years. Please don’t wait to complete these requirements to ensure that you are eligible to coach with us this year!

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New this year, we require all new and returning coaches to provide us with a copy of their coach transcript (coach qualifications) from https://thelocker.coach.ca/ (i.e. a copy of the “Certification” tab under Profile in The Locker). We can no longer access your coach qualifications simply using your name and NCCP number. We need your coach transcript to verify coach qualifications for compliance reasons and to confirm your coach pay rate for the season.

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Additionally, Freestyle Ontario require all coaches to have a valid Criminal Records Check (“CRC”) on file.  You will be prompted to consent to do the CRC when renewing your coach license on Snow Reg.  Fortune Freestyle will reimburse the cost.  The CRC must be repeated every two years.  If you had a CRC completed last year, when you renew your license, there is a box to “check” during registration so that you don’t have to get new CRC this year.

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Finally, Freestyle Ontario and Freestyle Canada now also requires coaches born before March 12, 1994 (i.e. over 32 years old) to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) in order to obtain a coach licence. The VSC goes further than a Criminal Records Check (CRC) and is the recommended standard for adults working directly with children and youth.  For Ottawa residents, a VSC can be obtained from the Ottawa police (see Level 3 - Vulnerable Sector Check - Police Record Checks | Ottawa Police Service) at a cost of ~$70 which will be reimbursed by the club. Residents outside of Ottawa will need to look into requirements of the jurisdiction where they live.

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The VSC can also take time to obtain and may require you to attend in person at the police station - especially if it the first time you are getting one. Don't wait until the last minute!