High Performance Certification LEAD Parasport Module Women in Sport Science (WiSS)

About LEAD

LEAD is a leadership-training program for experienced sport scientists currently working within the Canadian high performance sports system. The LEAD program recognizes the importance of collaboration and a unified multi-disciplinary approach in creating a sustainable better than world-class high performance environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

LEAD stands for Learn, Engage, Accelerate, Develop.  
Canada recognises that leadership is not just a difference maker, it is the difference maker in high performance sport. Exceptional leaders are the catalyst for elite performance. They enable individuals to achieve things that they would not achieve on their own. Leaders take athletes beyond talent. More importantly, truly effective leaders have an unyielding passion to get better every day. That is why this LEAD program exists. 
LEAD provides current sport scientists the opportunity to examine leadership of self and others within the context of a competitive high performance environment. Consideration is given to the role and impact of values in shaping a responsible and safe approach to working with, and leading others in an integrated support team. Learners will explore and practice communication skills, oral and written, to affect change within the high performance environment.  
The program includes two, two-day workshops, each followed by two months of online reflective assignments, webinars, peer group discussion forums and one-on-one meetings with instructor, mentor and/or mentee. In total, the program will last for approximately six months. 
Experienced sport scientists working in the context of high performance sport within Canada. Nomination criteria may vary with each cohort; however, LEAD targets Leader and Senior sport scientists, and experienced Practitioner sport scientists with leadership roles who are moving towards being Senior sport scientists. Participants are selected based on their leadership experiences and their current and future contributions to high performance sports in Canada.  

  • How to lead an integrated support team (IST)  

  • Engage in mentorship best practices in terms of personal leadership goals, operational goals & strategic management directions  

  • Build productive and professional relationships with coaches, IST members and drive a culture that helps others do the same  

  • Prepare IST members to understand and feel comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty  

  • Play a key role in setting and enacting a clear vision and mission for the team and organization within which you operate 


How to Apply

Application process includes: 

  1. Leadership Profile: 
    • Written profile highlighting leadership experience 
  2. Intent:  
    • Written statement indicating ability complete curriculum modules within stated timeline 
  3. Endorsement: 
    • Written endorsement from Performance Services Director at COPSIN location and/or from NSO High Performance Director 
  4. Mentorship: 
    • A signed acknowledgment of support from recognized (trained) mentor 

Applications will be received and reviewed once per year and will be notified of successful / unsuccessful application 3 months before the course start date.