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2021-22 Coaching Requirements and Updates

By Minnesota Hockey, 08/30/21, 4:30PM CDT

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Over the past few seasons, USA Hockey has implemented several major enhancements to its Coaching Education Program (CEP). They launched new clinics designed specifically to educate coaches on training goalies, and last year, COVID-19 overshadowed the continued implementation of an entirely new curriculum and teaching style for coaching clinics as well as brand new age-specific modules.

This season USA Hockey is taking another step, adjusting how its CEP certification works for Level 4 and 5 coaches. The new system will require coaches at those levels to complete continuing education credits over a period of three years with the goal of ensuring the country’s top coaches stay in tune with the latest trends and teaching methods.

As coaches prepare for the upcoming hockey season, the Minnesota District of USA Hockey will once again be hosting close to 100 clinics across the state and working diligently to ensure every coach in Minnesota has the tools and resources they need to provide a great youth hockey experience to players in their community.

Below is a full list of the coaching certification requirements. Please note all of the steps, except the CEP Clinics must be completed before participating in any team activities.  For complete rules and details, visit USAHockey.com.

1. Register with USA Hockey

2. Attend a CEP Clinic

CEP clinics will be returning to in-person learning this fall with dates, times and locations being added in September. Clinics will be held from early October through December at locations around Minnesota. USA Hockey will also be offering virtual clinics. Coaches may attend a virtual clinic hosted from anywhere across the country and receive the same credit as attending in-person.

Coaches may only attend one certification clinic each year and must continue until they at least reach a Level 4, with an exception for coaches at the 8 & under level who may stay at Level 1. Coaches must attend a certification clinic prior to December 31st. To find a clinic near you, click here.

3. Age-Specific Online Modules

USA Hockey’s new age-specific coaching modules provide coaches with training tips, information and resources for the appropriate age group.  The modules for the 2021-22 season are available now online. Coaches must complete the appropriate module(s) for their age level(s) prior to taking the ice.

4. Background Screen

Coaches are required to complete a background screen every two years. If you are not sure when you were last screened, check with your registrar. Do not complete the screening form if you were screened for the 2020-21 season.

5. SafeSport Training

Coaches must also complete a SafeSport Training course through the U.S. Center for SafeSport. As of 4/1/2019, SafeSport training must be completed on an annual basis.

6. Concussion Training

Per a Minnesota state statute, all coaches are required to receive training regarding concussions. Each coach shall complete and provide a coach concussion acknowledgement form to the association prior to participating in any team activities. Training can be completed through USA Hockey’s online age modules, the Center for Disease Control, the National Federation of State High School Associations, or training provided through other youth sport programs.

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