Coaching Information

It is EXTREMELY important for our coaching volunteers to become certified each season. Steps 1-5 below MUST be met before a coach can be rostered and be on the ice with their team. If you have not completed all required steps you cannot be on the official USA Hockey roster and on the ice or behind the bench for an on-ice team event.

Steps 1-5 must be completed before coaches can be rostered 

Step 6 should be completed as soon as possible. Step 7 MUST be complete by December 31st.

STEP 1: REGISTER WITH USA HOCKEY

If you haven't registered with USA Hockey yet, please follow the steps below:

• Click HERE to Register with USA Hockey as a coach.
• You will receive a confirmation code via email, which will be used for both SafeSport Training and Background Screening.

STEP 2: SEND USA HOCKEY NUMBER TO NHA

• Please email your USA Hockey # to registrar@northfieldhockey.net along with the level you would like to coach. This information will allow us to help you track your other requirements needed by USA Hockey to coach for the season.

STEP 3: USA HOCKEY BACKGROUND SCREENING

**Background screenings are required every 2 years.**

• Coaches need to complete the background screening BEFORE allowed on the ice.
• If you completed a screening anytime after 4/1/2026, it should be good for the 2026-27 season.
• It is your responsibility to confirm a valid screening.
• Click HERE to Start the background screening process.
• Click "CLICK HERE TO BEGIN A NEW BACKGROUND SCREEN."
• Enter your personal information and upload a picture of your Government ID.
• Enter your USA Hockey Confirmation Number and continue through the screening process.
• Once the screening is submitted, you will receive a 16-digit confirmation number.

NOTE: The fee for the background screening is $30. NHA will reimburse this fee—email your confirmation to your team manager.

STEP 4: COMPLETE SAFESPORT TRAINING

**SafeSport training is required annually. If you completed it last year, you will need to retake it up to 30 days before your last certification expires.**

• ALL Head and Assistant Coaches, Managers, Locker Room Volunteers and Board Members need to complete the USA Hockey SafeSport online training.
• SafeSport training is free, and in some cases all that is required is a quick "refresher" course that can be completed in 15-20 minutes.
• Click HERE Access SafeSport Training.
• Enter your USA Hockey Confirmation Number.
• If you forgot your password, click "Forgot Password" to reset it.
• After logging in, click the red button that says "Go to SafeSport Training."
• Complete the Core or Refresher Course available under "My SafeSport Courses."

STEP 5: ONLINE AGE SPECIFIC MODULES

• First, you must do the Foundations of Player Development module.
• Then, you must find the right Age Specific Module for EACH playing level you will be coaching.  If you have completed an online specific age module in a previous year, you do not have to re-take that module. 
• Coaching 8 and under = 8U Coaching Module
• Coaching Squirts/10U/12U = 10U/12U Coaching Module
• Coaching Peewee/Bantams/U15 = 13+ Coaching Module
• Coaches completed modules can be found in the USA Hockey Online Coaches Certification list.
• CLICK HERE FOR: Online Age Specific Modules 

STEP 6: CONCUSSION CERTIFICATION SCREENING

• MN Hockey requires all coaches to complete concussion training. Training received from other sports will satisfy the training required for this certification.  
• LINK: Concussion Certification Training  

STEP 7: USA HOCKEY CEP TRAINING

• Your Coach Education Program (CEP) level certification MUST be up-to-date and appropriate for the level you are coaching.
• If your CEP is expiring you MUST find the next available class online and complete prior to 12/31/2026.  
• EXCEPTION: Coaches of 6U/8U may remain at Level 1 or their current level even if it has expired.
• All coaches must enter USA Hockey's Coaching Education Program at the 6U/8U clinic if coaching 6U/8U classifications or a Level 1 clinic if they are coaching 10U classification and above. 
• Coaches at the 6U/8U Level do not need to progress any further until one of the following occurs:
• The coach moves up to another age classification above 8U, or
• The coach returns to 6U/8U for the fifth consecutive season and the level is now expired.
• As of the 2025-26 season, Level 1 coaches must continue their education with a coaching clinic each year until such time as they are coaching any older age level of play.
• Effective in the 2022-23 season, Level 4 coaching certifications are valid for three (3) seasons, and Level 5 coaching certifications are valid for four (4) seasons, each as indicated by an expiration date.

• Review your current CEP level with the USA Hockey Online Coaches Certification list. 
• Register for an available clinic at USA Hockey Coaching Clinics. CEP Levels 1, 2 and 3 clinics are now provided virtual!
• IMPORTANT - If you do not complete the required CEP level before December 31st  you will be removed from your roster and will no longer be eligible to coach for the remainder of the season.
• LINK: Register for a USA Hockey Coaching CEP Clinic 

NOTE: If you would like reimbursement for any coaching certification costs, submit your receipt to treasurer@northfieldhockey.net

STEP 8: CHECK ON YOUR CURRENT CERTIFICATIONS

• Want to know where you are with certification requirements, check out this page.
• LINK: Coaching Requirement Report

If you have any questions, contact Heather Poepping or Michael Gilomen.

Please see the USA Hockey Coaching FAQ's regarding CEP requirements.