USAH coaching level requirements

[MThockeydad 469]

Is there a USAH requirement for the head coach to be a particular level to coach Midgets?

I can find a stated requirement for our state association (MT), but couldn't find anything on the USAHockey.com website.

Thanks for any help/insight.

[chrisg19 5]

I am pretty sure they have done away with the need to be a certain level to coach one particular group. The only exception being if you are coaching a national Tournament bound team.

As long as you complete, and are current on your CEP level, whether it be 1,2,3, or 4, and you have completed the proper age module, you may coach any level.

[badger_14 601]

What ChrisG said.

"(a) All coaches must enter USA Hockey’s Coaching Education Program at Level 1, and must continue their education with a coaching clinic each year until, at a minimum, they achieve Level 3. EXCEPTION: Coaches of 8U or younger players may remain at Level 1 or their current level. A coach may attend only one (1) certification clinic per year (not including age-specific requirements). Coaches who do not coach in continuous years must re-enter the program at the next level when they resume coaching responsibilities. Once Level 3 is achieved, periodic renewal [as outlined in Paragraph © below] is required for coaches who have not achieved Level 4. Coaches of national tournament bound teams (Tier I 14U, 16U and 18/19U and Tier II 16U and 18/19U) must complete Level 4 in their fourth season of coaching. Coaches who attain Level 4 certification are not required to attend any further certification clinics but must adhere to the age-specific requirement as outlined in Paragraph (b) below.

(b) In addition to the training in paragraph (a) above, coaches must also complete online age-specific training modules specific to the level of play they are coaching, if they have not already taken that module. This requirement applies to all coaches at all levels, 1 through 5. Coaches may complete more than one age-specific module in any given season."

via

(bolding mine)

So for practical purposes the highest level you need to have at any point is Level 3, you only need to go to 4 if you're coaching a Nationals-bound team (or if you feel like getting it).

[MThockeydad 469]

Thank you all. That's the way I read it as well.

Helping recruit some new midget-level coaches for our association. The players hit a skill level where the parent coaches don't feel they're giving them enough.

Now that I say that, I think it would be beneficial to recommend that some Level 3/4 assistant coaches be considered if nothing else be involved for the "big picture", while the more technically skilled new coaches can run great practices and games.

Once Level 3 is achieved, periodic renewal [as outlined in Paragraph © below]

So for practical purposes the highest level you need to have at any point is Level 3, you only need to go to 4 if you're coaching a Nationals-bound team (or if you feel like getting it).

Except that you would need Level 4 in your 8th? year of coaching.

1st: Level 1

2nd: Level 2

3rd: Level 3

4th: OK

5th: Level 3 renewal track I

6th: OK

7th: Level 3 renew - track II

8th: OK

9th: Level 4

Correct?

[badger_14 601]

Thank you all. That's the way I read it as well.

Helping recruit some new midget-level coaches for our association. The players hit a skill level where the parent coaches don't feel they're giving them enough.

Now that I say that, I think it would be beneficial to recommend that some Level 3/4 assistant coaches be considered if nothing else be involved for the "big picture", while the more technically skilled new coaches can run great practices and games.

Except that you would need Level 4 in your 8th? year of coaching.

1st: Level 1

2nd: Level 2

3rd: Level 3

4th: OK

5th: Level 3 renewal track I

6th: OK

7th: Level 3 renew - track II

8th: OK

9th: Level 4

Correct?

Ah, you are correct, I'm sorry, I misread it. Yes, you can only renew it twice. Level 4 clinics are longer (usually two days, here) and more expensive than Levels 1 - 3, and some associations won't reimburse coaches for taking it (mine does not - ymmv, of course). (my local association doesn't because, as I've been told "we don't expect anyone to coach that long").

Personally: I took a Level 3 and didn't necessarily find it more or less useful than Levels 1 or 2, in terms of content. I suspect a lot of it varies on who's attending the clinic (my own spent about 45 minutes talking about different kinds of face-off alignments at the peewee level). They didn't give us a lot of new information in terms of take-home materials, although less time was spent discussing the ADM.

I agree with your idea of higher-leveled coaches for 'big picture' stuff - a Level 3 or 4 is likely, by virtue of time spent as a coach, to have a better idea of big-picture running of teams and interaction with leagues and that sort of thing. The two most important things I think I'd look for is someone familiar with the age group, and someone who shares your philosophies about what kind of team you want, etc. Something my association has had trouble with, at the higher levels, is deciding where on the spectrum of 'player development/recreation/competitiveness' they want to fall. (particularly since high school hockey is a big thing here, and some attrition happens). So I think a higher-level coach would help with that, from whatever experience they bring to the table.

(disclaimer: if any of what I'm saying isn't clear, I blame the latest concussion)

[Capt.Hook 23]

In my opinion the level 4 clinic was the only one worth attending. I would skip renewing level 3 if you can scratch up the dough and attend the level 4. The speakers were really good and it was very informative and entertaining. I put off the level 4 for a bit but wish I would have just done it earlier. It's excellent.

[MThockeydad 469]

I agree with your idea of higher-leveled coaches for 'big picture' stuff - a Level 3 or 4 is likely, by virtue of time spent as a coach, to have a better idea of big-picture running of teams and interaction with leagues and that sort of thing.

Exactly.

The two most important things I think I'd look for is someone familiar with the age group, and someone who shares your philosophies about what kind of team you want, etc. Something my association has had trouble with, at the higher levels, is deciding where on the spectrum of 'player development/recreation/competitiveness' they want to fall. (particularly since high school hockey is a big thing here, and some attrition happens). So I think a higher-level coach would help with that, from whatever experience they bring to the table.

The guys we're talking to have Junior and College level experience, and are in their mid-20's....so "firsthand" experience with the age group. One has direct experience coaching that age group as a football coach.

The team is transitioning from a player development/recreation team to a more competitive team. Two players moved to Juniors this year, three are on a Tier II select team; as a group, they push themselves pretty hard, so are willing to make the sacrifices and commitments necessary to be a more competitive team, hence the search for better coaches for that level of competitiveness.

I'm on the association's programs/coaching committee, don't have a kid on the team(s), so no dog in the fight. I'm cautiously optimistic it will work out. Should be great for the kids if it does.

In my opinion the level 4 clinic was the only one worth attending. I would skip renewing level 3 if you can scratch up the dough and attend the level 4. The speakers were really good and it was very informative and entertaining. I put off the level 4 for a bit but wish I would have just done it earlier. It's excellent.

I only did my Level 1 last year, but a couple of friends did their Level 4 last year and said the same.

The classroom portion of our Level 1 pretty much only covered liability. :( More of the same "don't touch kids" as the SafeSport online training. Duh?!

I'm impressed by the ADM, but IMHO coaching philosophy is glossed over at this level.

I'm also an AAU Volleyball coach and state 4-H shooting sports instructor (and past certified ACA coastal kayak instructor). The coaching philosophy parts are always worthwhile.

[Tailboard Jockey 25]

In my opinion the level 4 clinic was the only one worth attending. I would skip renewing level 3 if you can scratch up the dough and attend the level 4. The speakers were really good and it was very informative and entertaining. I put off the level 4 for a bit but wish I would have just done it earlier. It's excellent.

I just registered for Level 4. $350 bucks! Ouch.

[Tailboard Jockey 25]

Has anybody here done Level 5?

[MThockeydad 469]

What does Level 5 do for you--can you put on coaching clinics or is that a separate track?

[Capt.Hook 23]

Dang! $350. Everything costs more in California and you have no water!!! Mine was around $225 in Chicago. I hope your experience is a good one like mine. It was really an excellent group of presenters and worth taking notes at.

[MThockeydad 469]

I believe the people who took their Level 4 in western Montana last season paid $225 or $250 as well.

[chrisg19 5]

I did my level 4 last year, and it was $250. as well.

I would definitely recommend the level 4 over renewing the 3 again. It was a great course with a ton more insight than the previous three levels.

[TPRO 1]

There is one going on next weekend in MO for the central division. $240 plus hotel.

[MThockeydad 469]

Thanks all.

We got it clarified through our state association that they're following USAH requirements directly.

They agreed to coach our HS team, so I'm pretty stoked for those players.

One of our local assn. members has a degree in coaching philosophy from his university in Japan, and he's going to help them with some of the coaching philosophy/sports psychology parts they won't get in Level 1.