Coaching Education Required Levels

USA Hockey requires that the following set of coaching education levels must be the minimum criteria.

All coaches (head and assistant) must have their USA Hockey Coaching Education Program card by December 31 of the calendar year.

NOTE:
Level 1 Initiation
Level 2 Associate
Level 3 Intermediate
Level 4 Advance
Level 5 Master

Education and Coaching Prerequisite

Education and coaching prerequisite requirements are noted in the Coaching Education Chart above. These requirements must be strictly adhered to. The Southeastern District follows the recommended USA Hockey requirements listed above. 


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 (1Initiation, 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.

Continuing Education Requirement

All coaches below Level 4 (Advance) 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.

Penalty and Enforcement

In as much as local Associations interview and choose their coaches, it is incumbent upon those Associations to ensure their coaches are certified at the proper level with respect to the age level they are participating. The local Association shall ensure all coaches are properly certified by December 31st of each season. In the event that a coach is not properly certified, the coach shall not be eligible to participate in any post season play. Should the coach be making satisfactory progress toward attaining the proper level of certification, he or she may obtain one (1) temporary coaching card during his or her career.

Beginning January 1 of each year, a coach who has not met the required level of certification with respect to the age level they are coaching, the “Association” must remove that coach from the roster of that team immediately.

In an emergency situation, the use of a coach not meeting the minimum required certification level shall not be grounds for protest, but should merely be recorded on the scoresheet by the scorekeeper. 

Enforcement of this policy shall be the responsibility of the Association.

Under-Age Coaches

Definition of a Student Coach - A player between the ages of 13 and 17 who is currently properly registered with USA Hockey.

Qualifications

Must attend a training session conducted by the local hockey association.

Must always be under the supervision of a carded, screened adult coach during all practices, clinics, try-outs and in the locker room.

May help out at practices, clinics, try-outs only. (May not participate in scrimmages or games as a STUDENT COACH).

May not act as an assistant or head coach during practices or games.

May be on the bench during games with an adult.

Must wear a helmet with full face shield, gloves and skates while on the ice. Must wear helmet during games while on the bench.

May only work with players at least one full playing age level down (e.g., a Pee Wee age player may act as a STUDENT COACH at the Squirt or Mite level).

The organization that is using the STUDENT COACH must provide a form indicating on what team he/she is participating as a STUDENT COACH, and, if applicable, what team he/she is properly registered/rostered as a player. A model form is available on the usahockey.com web site.

Upon reaching the age of 18, the STUDENT COACH must comply with the USA Hockey Screening Program and meet the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program requirements which will qualify him/her to act as an assistant or head coach. 

Student Coach Information Form