Level 1 Initiation

The Level 1 is the introduction of the basic skills in hockey of skating, puck handling, passing, receiving and shooting. The primary role in Level 1 is instructing the basic skills hockey to beginners. Topics include leadership qualities, communication, teaching skill progression and skill analysis. Four teaching progression practice plan manuals are provided to each coach attending the clinic.

Training Topics
Criteria
Attendance at Level 1
Coaching Development
Leadership
Communication
Teaching Skills
Skill Analysis
Lesson Organization
Principles of Safety
Player Development
Skating
Passing & Receiving
Puck Handling
Shooting
Team Development
None
Achievement
Participation in group sessions
Identification
Coaching Education Program card with Level 1 sticker

Level 2 Associate

The Level 2 clinic involves the study of coaching skills such as the role of the coach, teaching techniques, and practice organization; individual player skills such as skating, puck control, shooting, body play, goaltending and team development related to the basic concepts of offensive and defensive team play.

Training Topics
Criteria
Attendance at Level 2 clinic (8 hours)
Successful completion of Level 1
Coaching Development
Role of the Coach
Teaching Techniques
Practice Organization and Ice Utilization
Equipment and Injuries
Player Development
Skating
Puck Handling
Passing and Receiving
Shooting
Body Play
Goaltending
Team Development
Basic concepts of offensive and defensive team play
Achievement
Assignments
Identification
Coaching Education Program card with Level 2 sticker

Level 3 Intermediate

The Level 3 clinic involves the study of coaching psychology and physiology as they relate to hockey. Player development skills include body checking, overspeed skating and dryland training. Discussion will take place on team concepts and systems which include defensive, offensive and specialty situations.

Training Topics
Criteria
Attendance at Level 2 Clinic (8 hours)
Coaching Development
Role of the Coach
Psychology of Coaching
Ethical Issues
Practice and Drill Development
Player Development
Dryland Training Techniques
Checking
Overspeed Skating
Team Development
Off-Wing
Regrouping
Offensive Systems
Defensive Systems
Specialty Situations
Achievement
Assignments
Identification
Coaching Education Program Card with Level 3 sticker

Level 4 - Advance

The Level 4 clinic examines in great depth the psychological, motivational and teaching aspects of coaching young athletes, along with the physiological and conditioning requirements of training ice hockey players. It will also deal in-depth with more complex tactics and systems and advanced levels of player skills and development. The Level 4 Clinic is held once each year in the Southeastern District. 

Training Topics
Criteria
Attendance at Level 4 clinic (3 days)
Successful completion of Level 3
Coaching Development
Teaching Techniques
Psychology of Coaching
Nutrition
Physiology and Conditioning
Player Development
Dryland Training Techniques
Individual and Positional Skills
Goaltending Dryland Training
Team Development
Advanced Systems of Modern American Hockey
Offensive Systems
Defensive Systems
Special Situations
Achievement
Advanced level special project
Identification
Coaching Education Program Card with Level 4 sticker
Level 4 certificate

Level 5 Master

The Level 5 clinic examines in great depth the physiological aspects of coaching young athletes. It also will take a more in-depth look at systems of team play and player skill development at the international level. Daily, small-group breakout sessions occur with an assigned leader that address present day hockey issues. The Level 5 clinic is held every two years at a designated regional site.

Training Topics
Criteria 
Successful completion of Level 4
Possible criteria nomination and selection
Coaching Development 
Psychology of Coaching Elite Athletes
Physiology and Conditioning
Player Development
Training Techniques for Elite Players
Advanced Individual and Positional Skill Development
Team Development 
Advanced Tactics
Advanced Systems for Offensive Systems
Advanced Systems for Defensive Systems
Advanced Systems for Special Systems
Achievement
Thesis/Research Project
Identification
Coaching Education Program Card with Level 5 sticker
Level 5 Certificate