Coaching Requirements
REQUIREMENT CHECKLIST
USA Hockey, Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA), and Alpena Hockey Association (AHA) require registration, education, and certification to be eligible to coach (any on-ice and off-ice activity is considered a coach). We take the education and safety of our children very seriously!
The following will detail everything that must be completed to be eligible as a coach for the coming season. AHA requires all coaches (head and assistant) to have the first four items below completed BEFORE taking the ice with the team.
Not sure about your coaching certifications? Confirm your CEP #, completed modules, and CEP Expiration.
Steps to becoming a coach
Step 1: USA Hockey Registration:
Annual registration. You will receive an electronic copy of your registration from USA Hockey.
Step 2: MAHA Background Screening
You must submit a new background screening every two years. If you are unsure if you need to complete it, please ask the Registrar. Please allow for at least two weeks for your background screening to clear. You will not be able to be placed on a roster or coach until the screening is complete. We recommend completing your screening by September 1st to allow enough time for it to clear.
Step 3: USA Hockey SafeSport Certification
A 90-minute video with tests. This certification is good for 1 season to the date of completion.
Safesport is now a yearly requirement and consists of a core course followed by three refresher courses. Every fourth year one must take the core course again.
Step 4: USA Hockey Age-Specific Modules
These modules are available in August.
One-time requirement per module.
Some age groups have been combined. New modules are – 8&Under; 12&Under; 13&Over. For instance, a coach with an existing 10U module would be eligible to coach at 10U without taking the new module. However, if the same coach now wants to coach 12U they will need to complete the new 12&Under module.
- The cost is $10 per module and only needs to be completed once per age level.
USA Hockey requires the online age-specific module(s) to be completed before a coach can be on the bench or ice. If the items are not completed, a coach will not be permitted to participate in sanctioned activities until completed.
Step 5: USA Hockey Coaching Education Program (CEP) Clinic
This must be completed by December 15 of the current season. CEP courses will be offered in person and virtually. You can take a virtual course offered by any state.
- Costs vary with the level
- You can only attend one clinic per season and all coaches start at Level 1.
All Registration, CEP, Age Modules, SafeSport, and Background checks must be completed before any on-ice activities with the team!
Step 6: Apply to be an AHA coach!
OPTIONAL: Online Concussion Training
This is optional training but is recommended as it offers a lot of great information for coaches, parents, and players. You will receive a certificate and email confirmation after you complete the course. Annual certification with no cost.