The Coaches Corner is a place to enhance your sports education. The goal of this area is to assist you in developing better players and better people for future success at whatever level you might be at. Our goal is for you to learn one new thing each time you visit this section. If you have any questions, suggested topics, or articles to contribute to this area please contact us.

Coaching certification levels are valid for three years; however, you must be certified for the level of play you are currently coaching. If you received your card prior to the 2005/06 season, your certification level sticker does not contain an expiration date. Please check the following chart for expiration dates:

Season Certification Received/Year Certification Expires
2005-06 / Dec. 31, 2008

If you are Level 1 or Level 2 coach, you must move up to the next Level and attend a clinic BEFORE the expiration date to remain a current coach. If you are a Level 3 coach, you must attend another Level 3 clinic, move up and attend a Level 4 clinic, or complete the online recertification program through FlexxCoach BEFORE the expiration date to remain a current coach.

NOTE: Coaches without proper certification WILL NOT be allowed to coach. There are NO EXCEPTIONS!

What level certification do I need to coach this year?
Level 1 - Mite, 8 & Under, 10 & Under
Level 2 - Squirt, 12 & Under
Level 3 - Pee Wee, Bantam, Jr. Gold, 14 & Under, 16 & Under, 19 &Under
Level 4 - Junior B (check with your local league)

Must assistant coaches be certified at the same level as the head coach? Yes. USA Hockey does not distinguish between an assistant and head coach in regards to required certification level. All coaches participating in ALL team functions (i.e. games, scrimmages, practices, try-outs, tournaments, off-ice training, etc.) must meet the same coaching certification level, based upon the level of play coaching.

Where do I find additional information on coaching clinic locations? You can find the location of local coaching clinics by following this link: http://www.usahockey.com//Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=CO_12&ID=220328

All Coaches and Board Members must fill out a Background Screening Form before they can go on the ice this year or participate in association activities. Please print out this form and turn and place in the REGISTRARS mail box.

Several changes pertaining to goalie equipment go into effect for the 2009-10 season, according to the USA Hockey rule book. See the document below for specifics on the rule changes.

What are the rules and regulations for using a Student Coach?

A player between the ages of 13 and 17 who is currently properly registered with USA Hockey may serve as a student coach under the following conditions:

• 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 play during scrimmages or games).

• May not act as the head coach or assistant coach during practices or games.
• 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.
• 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.
• Upon reaching the age of 18, the student coach must comply with all USA Hockey coaching and screening rules and regulations.