As youth hockey players strive for better performance, a real challenge has been issued to youth hockey coaches throughout the United States. Good quality coaching is the key component to both development of hockey and enjoyment of the individual hockey players.

USA Hockey’s Coaching Education Program has accepted this challenge by developing and providing the best possible coaching education, programs for the grassroots coach. The Coaching Program realizes it is important that all youth hockey players participate in hockey in a positive, enjoyable, and safe environment. These young athletes must be introduced to hockey and coached in a way that assists them to develop their skills, have fun while playing, compete inn a spirit of fair play and provide them with the maximum opportunity for participation. This is vital in insuring that all youth hockey players develop a love of the game, which will promote active involvement throughout their life.

Hockey has been in an environment of rapidly changing techniques, strategies, teaching methods and safety concerns. Each year, thousands of new dedicated people begin coaching hockey. Most have had little or no preparation for such and important role. USA Hockey’s Coaching education Program provides these coaches with simple, up to date age specific and user friendly material regarding all aspects of coaching.

Coaching Education Program Vision Statements

Purpose
Education coaches in the pursuit of excellence in hockey.

Mission
The USA Hockey Coaching Education Program is committed to developing coaches who will be effective instructors and role modes through a comprehensive education program at all levels.

The Coaching Education Program shall emphasize the teaching of fundamental skills, conceptual development, sportsmanship, and respect for the dignity of the individual athlete.

Values
USA Hockey’s Coaching Education Program will embrace the following values to establish the moral and ethical priorities that serve to guide the Coaching Program: character, commitment, enjoyment, integrity, knowledge, leadership, sportsmanship, vision.

COACHING GUIDELINES

1) V.S.A.H.A. MANDATORY EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A) Initiation Instructors Initiation Program
(Mite & House Inclusive)

B) Mite & Squirt, U-12 Girls Associate (Level I)

C) Pee Wee, Bantam, & Midget Intermediate (Level II)
U-15 & U-19 Girls

2) Coaches must progress through the Coaching Education Program in order of coaching level. Example: Associate Level must be taken before the Intermediate Level.

NOTE: The Initiation program is not a prerequisite for the Associate Level, however, all Initiation Instructors must attend an Initiation Clinic.

3) An active coach may progress through two different CEP levels in one year. An inactive coach may progress through one coaching level.

4) A Coaching Program calendar year is August 1 - July 31st.

5) All USA Hockey registered coaches (head & assistant) will meet the standardized requirements set forth in the CEP guidelines. Participation in State Tournament play WILL NOT be allowed without proper certification. Coaches must be able to display an up to date Coaches Card upon demand by State or Tournament officials.

Associate, Intermediate and Advance educational achievement levels will be valid for 3 years and must be renewed at or prior to expiration to remain a coach or instructor in good standing.

Replacement cards may be requested from the State Coaching Program Director at a fee of $5.00 per card.

NOTE: REQUIREMENTS APPLY TO BOTH GIRLS & BOYS PROGRAMS