Coach's Corner

MANDATORY DISTRICT 15 COACHES MEETINGS

Every season, District 15 has a mandatory coach meeting that all coaches and team managers must attend. The meeting information for the 2025-26 season is shown below:

• Location TBD
• Date: TBD

COACHING REQUIREMENTS - ALL POTENTIAL COACHES FOR THE 2025-2026 HOCKEY SEASON

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 USAH 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 31.

STEP 1: USA HOCKEY REGISTRATION

• Required annually. Save your confirmation code / USA Hockey # as you will need it for the additional requirements.
• LINK: USA Hockey Registration

STEP 2: NLYHA COACH REGISTRATION

• You must register with NLYHA using the link below. Once you have registered and provided us with your USA Hockey #, we will be able to help you track your other requirements.
• LINK: NLYHA Coach Registration 

STEP 3: USA HOCKEY BACKGROUND SCREENING

• Background screening is required and valid for two (2) years. 
• Coaches need to complete the background screening BEFORE allowed on the ice. 
• USA Hockey's national background screening process requires a $30 fee. This means if you completed a screening anytime after 4/1/2024, it should be good for the 2025-2026 season.  
• It is your responsibility to confirm a valid screening.  
• Screening fees can be reimbursed by NLYHA
• LINK: USA Hockey Background Screening 

STEP 4: USA HOCKEY SAFESPORT TRAINING

• 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.
• LINK: USA Hockey SafeSport Training

STEP 5: ONLINE AGE SPECIFIC MODULES

• You must complete an 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. 
• Coaches completed modules can be found in the USA Hockey Online Coaches Certification list.
• LINK: Online Age Specific Modules 

STEP 6: CONCUSSION CERTIFICATION SCREENING

• Minnesota Hockey requires all coaches to complete concussion training. Training received from other sports will satisfy the training required for this certification.  
• You must provide a copy of your concussion certification by emailing it to NLYHA Registrar <nlyha.registrar@gmail.com> before team rostering. This certification is good for ONE year only.
• 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 12/31/2025.  
• EXCEPTION: Coaches of Mite, 8U or younger may remain at Level 1 or their current level even if it has expired. 
• For Travel team coaches, if your level 1 and 2 have expired, you need to proceed to the next level.  
• 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 

If you have any questions, contact Jared Betley; Chairman, NLYHA Hockey Committee.

USA HOCKEY COACHING FAQ'S

Please see the USA Hockey Coaching FAQ's