Coaches Corner

Requirements for Coaching

Below are steps that need to be followed in order to coach with the West Madison Youth Hockey Association. Note that all expenses incurred as a registered coach will be reimbursed and should be submitted to the club’s treasurer.

Step 1. USA Hockey Registration

Go to USA Hockey Registration and register as a coach. Be sure to SAVE a copy of your confirmation code. You will need the confirmation number in next step. The registration fee for USA Hockey is $46 plus Affiliate fee. Your registration fee will be reimbursed as long as you are on a team roster as a coach for the season.

Step 2. Polar Caps Registration

Go to the 2024-2025 Coaches registration form on this website and complete your registration. Note the box you check for the club to check your background doesn’t satisfy our requirements. See step 3.

Step 3. Background Screening

Complete a background check which can be found on USA Hockey’s website. Follow this link: https://www.usahockey.com/backgroundscreen

Step 4. SafeSport

Complete SafeSport training which can be found on USA Hockey’s website. Follow this link: https://www.usahockey.com/safesporttraining

NOTE: Background checks are good for two years. Safesport must be refreshed every twelve months.  

Step 5. Age Specific Module

Complete the age level specific online module required for the level you are coaching. You must complete each module PRIOR to participating with your team or being placed on a roster. Coaches must be current members of USA Hockey in order to register for the modules. Follow this link: https://www.usahockey.com/agespecificmodules

Step 6. CEP Level Course

Register and attend the appropriate USA Coaching Education Program (CEP). Follow this link: https://www.usahockey.com/coachingclinics

NOTE: You can find these locations on USA Hockey’s website along with your information and where you stand in regards to levels and modules completed. Age level online modules never expire!

Timeline:

Background Checks and SafeSport need to be completed prior to stepping on the ice. This includes preseason.

Online Modules/CEP Clinics need to be completed by December 31st.

Understanding USA Hockey’s coaching requirements:

Level 1 in your Coaching Education Program is the first step in the program which allows you to coach any level as long as it’s not EXPIRED and you have completed the age level specific module. If your Level 1 is expired, you can still coach through RWB level of play. Once you start coaching Squirt level of play, you need to attend a Level 2 clinic.

Once you complete Level 2, USA Hockey expects you to take Level 3 the following year. Once you complete Level 3, USA Hockey expects you to take Level 4 the following year.  Level 4 is good for three years, then you refresh it with "continuing education" credits from USA Hockey.

NOTE: USA Hockey will not allow you to take multiple levels in one year or skip to a higher level.

Thank you for your commitment to coaching hockey with the West Madison Polar Caps.

Go Caps!