Coaching Requirements

Thank you for stepping up to lead and guide our youth hockey teams. Your commitment, expertise, and passion for the sport are instrumental in shaping our athletes both on and off the ice. On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for dedicating your time and energy to nurturing the talents and character of our young players.

Your responsibilities include:

1. Creation of Practice Plans: Designing and implementing structured practice sessions that focus on skill development, teamwork, and game strategies tailored to the needs and abilities of the players.
2. Athlete Evaluations: Conducting regular assessments of player performance and progress to provide constructive feedback and identify areas for improvement.
3. Team Meetings: Organizing and leading team meetings to discuss team goals, review game footage, engage in team-building activities, and foster a sense of unity among players.
4. Season Plans and Progressions: Developing a comprehensive season plan outlining goals, objectives, and progressions for the team's development throughout the season.
5. Informational Parent Meeting: Conduct meeting with parents to communicate expectations, team policies, schedules, and any pertinent information for the upcoming season.
6. Attend All Coaches Meetings/Clinics: Participating in all coaches meetings or clinics organized by the organization to discuss league updates, rule changes, best practices, and other relevant topics.
7. Be a Role Model: Exemplifying professionalism, integrity, and sportsmanship at all times, both on and off the ice, to serve as a positive role model for the athletes.

Your responsibilities include:

1. Following Head Coach's Directions: Collaborating closely with the head coach and adhering to their guidance and instructions during practices and games. Your role is pivotal in executing the team's strategies and plans effectively.
2. Assisting in Practice Preparation: Helping set up and organize practice sessions by gathering required equipment and materials. Ensuring that the necessary gear, such as pucks, cones, and drills, are ready for use, facilitating smooth and efficient practices.
3. Preparing Team for Games: Prior to games, assisting in setting up the team benches with essentials such as water bottles, pucks, spare sticks, and dry erase boards. Ensuring that players have everything they need for optimal performance during games.
4. Be a Role Model: Exemplifying professionalism, integrity, and sportsmanship at all times, both on and off the ice, to serve as a positive role model for the athletes.

• USA Hockey Player/Coach Registration
• USA Hockey Background Check
• USA Hockey SafeSport Certification 
• USA Hockey Online Age-Specific Module(s) 
• USA Hockey Coaching Education Program Certification 

Explanation on each requirement:

USA Hockey Registration: Annual registration that must be completed each season starting on April 1. You will receive an electronic copy of your registration from USA Hockey and must add the USAH number to your Crossbar account each season.

SafeSport Certification: The Safe Sport Training and Refresher Training are each valid for twelve (12) months. Safesport is a yearly requirement and consists of a core course followed by three refresher courses. Every fourth year one must take the core course over again.



Background Screen: USA Hockey has instituted a national background screening program. The screening is required every two seasons. Background screening is done through NCSI and takes an average of 10 - 14 business days to be completed. 

Online Age-Specific Modules: USA Hockey e-Learning system. All coaches must complete Foundations of Player Development Module before completing Age-Specific Modules.  The Age-Specific Modules are for 8U, 10/12U, and 13+ and you must complete the module for the module for the age you are coaching.

Coaching Education Program (CEP): USA Hockey comprehensive coaching education program. All coaches must enter USA Hockey's Coaching Education Program at Level 1, and must continue their education with a coaching clinic each year until, at a minimum, they achieve Level 4. Coaches of only 8 and Under players may remain at Level 1 until such time as they are coaching any older age level of play.

** All requirements must be completed PRIOR to participating in any team activities and you can not be added to a roster until completed **