Sports SHSM
Athletic performance is about more than physical ability—it’s discipline, goal-setting, and mental toughness. Your Sports SHSM develops coaching, training, and sports management skills. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada adds structure for personal growth that extends beyond the playing field.
How you can link your SHSM experiences with Award Canada:
Complementary SHSM Experiences:
Coaching certifications (NCCP), sports leadership training, fitness instruction, athletic therapy basics, and sports industry placements.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 Weeks):
Over the next 13 weeks, I’ll work toward my NCCP coaching certification and improve my coaching skills by helping run training sessions for a youth team about an hour each week. I’ll focus on communication, breaking down skills, and creating positive learning activities. I’ll track my progress through feedback from my head coach.
Example Assessor:
Head Coach or Certified NCCP Coach
Example Log for ORB:
Today I helped run a passing drill for the U9 team and learned that breaking instructions into short steps helps players stay engaged. I gave clearer directions and more encouraging feedback this time. Next week, I’ll lead the warm-up and practice managing transitions between drills.
Complementary SHSM Experiences:
Personal athletic training, competitive sport preparation, fitness conditioning, strength and technique development, and sport-specific skills.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 Weeks):
Over the next 13 weeks, I’ll improve my athletic performance by training consistently in my sport for at least an hour each week. I’ll focus on technique, conditioning, and competition readiness, and track my progress through measurable improvements like times, distances, or skills mastered.
Example Assessor:
Sport Coach or Certified Trainer
Example Log for ORB:
Today at practice I worked on my technique and form, focusing on consistent execution and listening to feedback. I’m getting more consistent in my approach work. Next week, I’ll focus on mental preparation during competition-style practice.
Complementary SHSM Experiences:
Volunteering with athletics councils, coaching younger athletes, organizing intramurals, sports event support, and inclusive sports programs.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 Weeks):
Over the next 13 weeks, I’ll volunteer about an hour each week helping organize and run intramural sports or supporting younger athletes. I want to develop my leadership and organization skills while making sports more inclusive. I’ll track what I organize and how I help others participate.
Example Assessor:
Athletics Council Advisor or Sports Supervisor
Example Log for ORB:
Today I helped run lunchtime intramurals, setting up equipment and explaining rules. I communicated expectations more clearly and made sure everyone felt included. Next week, I’ll help coordinate teams and practice managing games and resolving conflicts.
(Completed as a team over 2 days and 1 night. Your team will plan, do, and review the journey together—learning through teamwork, challenge, and reflection.)
General Activity Description:
An athletic exploration where your team completes a multi-sport journey combining hiking, cycling, or paddling with visits to sports facilities, training centres, and athletic programs. You’ll learn about careers in sports, recreation, and athletic training while challenging yourselves physically as a team.
Example Team SMART Goal (Bronze – 2 Days, 1 Night):
As a team, we’ll complete a 2-day journey covering at least 20 km using a combination of hiking, cycling, or paddling. We’ll visit at least two sports or recreation facilities, interview professionals about sports careers, and reflect together on athletic development and how we pushed each other to grow.
Example Assessor/Supervisor:
SHSM Lead Teacher, Athletic Coach, or Recreation Program Coordinator
Example Group Debrief (Progress-Focused):
Combining physical challenge with facility visits taught us how much goes into developing athletes. We got better at pacing ourselves, encouraging teammates who struggled, and celebrating our achievements together. Next time, we’d train more beforehand and plan better rest stops.
Career Pathways
- conference and event planners
- announcers and other broadcasters
- broadcast technicians
- facility operation and maintenance managers
- film and video camera operators
- other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
- photographers
- photographic and film processors
- recreation, sports and fitness program and service directors
- authors and writers
- dietitians and nutritionists
- journalists
- other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
- producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
- professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
- psychologists
- recreation, sports and fitness policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- secondary school teachers
- athletes
- coaches
- operators and attendants in amusement, recreation and sport
- outdoor sport and recreational guides
- other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
- program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness
- retail and wholesale trade managers
