Coaching Requirements
Below are the coaching registration and certification requirements to be an HCF Coach. Requirements #1-4 MUST be complete before participating in team activities. HCF must and will take a hard stance on certification and age specific module completion for coaches. We cannot accept the risk exposure of not being under the USA Hockey umbrella for insurance purposes. Thanks for your understanding, patience, and time to complete these sessions.
- Register with USA Hockey ($55)– Annually
- Complete SafeSport Training (no charge) – Annually
- Complete the National Level Background Screening ($45) – Every 2 years
- Complete the Online Age Specific Module for levels coaching ($10)
- Have a current Coaching Education Program (CEP) Certification or register for and attend a course by 12/31
*Coaching Reimbursement* HCF will reimburse coaches for certification expenses, please fill out the Coaching Reimbursement form located under the Forms HQ menu.
Links to complete each registration and certification step are listed below.
Step 1- Register with USA Hockey- Annual
Step 2- Safe Sport Training- Annual
SafeSport Training must be completed before you step on the ice and is valid for 12 months.
There are three courses included in the initial SafeSport Training. Please make sure to complete all three. If you already did SafeSport training during a previous season, then you will just need to complete the "Refresher" course this season. There will be three refresher courses before you are required to take the full course again.
Step 3- Complete National level background screening- Every 2 years
Follow the below link through USA Hockey to access the NCSI website to enter information for a background check.
Step 4- Complete Age Specific Module
You are required to complete a separate module for each age level that you plan to coach. These modules are approximately 5-6 hours in length and you can pause or exit and resume in the spot you left off at.
To access the age specific modules you must log in to your USA Hockey profile here.
Once logged in click on Coaching E-learning link on the home menu. On My Dashboard available courses, courses in progress and completed courses are all available to select.
Step 5- Check USA Hockey CEP Certification level/status and register for a course if needed
All coaches must have a current CEP status. If your CEP is expired or is expiring this year, you must register for and attend a CEP session by Dec. 31, 2023. Coaches may only attend one certification clinic per year. Starting in 2021, once a Level 4 is achieved, coaches will need to complete at least 5 hours of continuing education within the next 3 seasons.
Exception: 6u and 8u coaches only need a Level 1 certification even if it has expired.
These courses can fill up fast! Please ensure you know which level you need to attend, if you have any questions please contact the Coaching Coordinator.