Coaching Registration
Requirements
Interested in coaching with the Sara-Placid Lakers? That’s awesome—we’re excited to have you. To become a USA Hockey Certified Coach and be eligible to step on the ice, there are six steps you’ll need to complete.
Each step is important and must be done before the season starts in order to coach or assist on the ice.
The 6 Steps to Get Started
- Submit a Coaching Application: Let us know you’re interested and ready to volunteer.
- Register with USA Hockey: All coaches must complete annual registration through USA Hockey. You'll receive a USA Hockey confirmation number—hang onto it!
- Complete a Background Screening: Required for all coaches and volunteers over 18. This screening helps us maintain a safe environment for our players.
- Take the SafeSport Training: A free online course that must be completed annually. It’s an important step in protecting our players and building a respectful culture.
- Attend a CEP Coaching Clinic: All coaches need to attend a Coaching Education Program (CEP) clinic at the appropriate level. If your certification is expired, you’ll need to renew it.
- Complete the Age-Specific Module: Coaches are required to complete the USA Hockey age-specific module for the division they’ll be coaching.
Keep an Eye on Your Deadlines
All six steps must be completed before stepping on the ice. CEP clinics and SafeSport do have seasonal deadlines, so don't wait until the last minute. Reach out if you need help navigating the process.
Quick Links
USA Hockey Registration
All ice hockey coaches as well as instructors of USA Hockey programs shall be registered annually as individual Participants of USA Hockey for the current season (before the start of the season) in order to be eligible to coach/instruct in any regular-season activities (practices, clinics, games, tournaments, try-outs, etc.), state, district, regional playoff, national championships or in the USA Hockey Player Development Programs. There will be an annual fee to register the coaches (head and assistants) and instructors.
Required Background Screenings
The New York State Amateur Hockey Association, in compliance with the USA Hockey Affiliate Agreement, employs a policy to screen coaches, on-ice officials and volunteers who have regular, routine or frequent access to minor-age players, whether girls or boys, under the age of 18.
SafeSport Training
The USA Hockey SafeSport Program includes required training for all USA Hockey coaches, officials, managers and volunteers with regular, routine or frequent access to or supervision over youth participants.
CEP Clinics
Find, register and attend the required certification clinic. PLEASE NOTE: you can only attend one clinic per season. (The coaching clinic season officially runs from September 1 to December 31).
Age-Specific Modules
Complete the online age-specific module for the age level of play you are coaching.