A. Coaching Education Required Levels
USA Hockey requires that the following set of coaching education levels must
be the minimum criteria for districts and/or affiliates. Different districts
may have additional requirements, so please check with the District
Coach-In-Chief for compliance.
It must be clearly understood that coaching education requirements must
be monitored and enforced by the districts or affiliates.
All coaches (head and assistant) must have the USA Hockey Coaching
Education Program card by December 31 of the calendar year.
|
Level of Play |
Coaching Education Program Level |
Mites
(all 8 and under programs)
|
Level 1
|
|
Squirts
|
Level 2
(prerequisite Level 1)
|
|
PeeWees
|
Level 3
(prerequisite Level 1 and 2)
|
|
Bantams
|
Level 3
(prerequisite Level 1 and 2)
|
|
Midgets
|
Level 3
(prerequisite Level 1 and 2)
|
Midgets
Tier 1 and Tier II
(National Tournament Bound)
|
Level 4
(prerequisite Level 1, 2, and 3)
|
|
High School
|
Level 3
(prerequisite Level 1 and 2)
|
|
Junior C
|
Level 3
(prerequisite Level 1 and 2)
|
|
Junior A & B
|
Level 4
(per individual league guidelines)
|
|
Girls/Women 10 & Under
|
Level 1
|
|
Girls/Women 12 & Under
|
Level 2
(prerequisite Level 1)
|
|
Girls/Women 15 & Under
|
Level 3
(prerequisite Level 1 and 2)
|
|
Girls/Women 19 & Under
|
Level 3
(prerequisite Level 1 and 2)
|
B. Education and Years of Coaching Prerequisite
Education and years of coaching prerequisite requirements are noted in
the Coaching Education Chart. These requirements must be strictly adhered
to.
C. Grandfather Clause (Removed)
D. Evidence of Level
Proof of coaching education level will be evidenced by a USA Hockey Coaching Education
card with appropriate dated verification sticker. This card must be carried by all coaches
for all USA Hockey games.
Before the start of each game and in the presence of the referee, each
coach must present their card to one another for verification of coaching
education level.
If a coach cannot produce their current and up to date USA Hockey
Coaching Education Card prior to the start of the first period, it must be
noted on the official game score sheet and signed by the opposing coach.
Beginning January 1 of the current season, prior to the start of the game, all coaches (Head and Assistant)
present, from each team, are required to sign the designated area of the scoresheet in order to verify the
accuracy of the playing roster, as it appears on the scoresheet , for that game. In addition, all coaches
(Head and Assistant) must include their USA Hockey Coaching Education Program (CEP) card number, their CEP
level (1-Initiation, 2-Associate, 3-Intermediate,4-Advanced, or 5-Master) and the year their CEP level was
attained. The CEP card number, level and year attained shall be printed legibly and next to the signature
of each coach.
E. Continuing Education Requirement
All coaches below Level 4 shall progress through the Coaching Education Program, attending a coaching clinic
at least once every three years through Level 3 (Intermediate). After a coach has completed Level 3 (Intermediate),
the coach shall do one of the following: attend another Level 3 (Intermediate) clinic within three years,
take a USA Hockey Continuing Education Course within three years or attend a Level 4 (Advance) clinic as per
the Coaching Education Program Requirement chart. Once Level 4 (Advance) is achieved, there is no further
requirement for recertification.
If a coaches accreditation was received more than 3 years from the current calendar year, the card is rendered
invalid/expired below Level 4 (Advance) and a refresher course at the same level or attending a clinic at the
next level is necessary for the accreditation to remain current.
F. Penalty and Enforcement
Beginning January 1 of the current season, it will be the responsibility of the district/affiliate to determine
if there should be any penalties imposed on an individual coach who fails to produce a current, up-to-date coaching
education card with appropriate verification of level. It will also be the responsibility of the local association
registering the team to enforce any penalties.
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