This toolkit was developed for the Coaching Association of Canada based on the research findings found in the Embracing Excellence report, which was based on the dissertation of Erin Willson, PhD. The purpose of this toolkit is to provide tangible ways for coaches and sport organizations to implement positive coaching within their sport environment. In particular, it aims to expand upon current definitions of success in sport and provide suggestions for coaches to implement more positive coaching strategies into their repertoire. We hope that this toolkit encourages all sport participants to consider their definitions of success in sport and the best ways to achieve this success.

This toolkit is designed to provide competitive coaches evidence-based suggestions for enhancing coaching practices to facilitate safe, inclusive, and welcoming sport environments. This toolkit can be used as a foundation for recognizing your strengths as a coach and identifying priorities for change. Although this toolkit was informed by research with Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes, the content may be applied in any competitive sport environment.