Minnesota Hockey District 15

 click on link below for details

In Fall of 2012, there will be coaching certification classes offered in District 15. Typically, there are 2 sessions of each level 1-3 offered, hosted by various associations. Schedules with dates and times will be posted as they are finalized. Begin looking here and at USA Hockey's website towards the end of summer.

Host associations are chosen based on variables including: schedule parameters of presenter and host; location proximate to a viable pool of known speakers/presenters; ice and meeting space venues conducive to quality learning; centrality of location to the most possible coaches.

Clinics will begin as early as end of September/October, with another round offered in November/December. The later clinics tend to be a bit more crowded with interlopers from other districts scrambling to get certified.

ALL CLINICS REQUIRE ATTENDENCE FOR THE ENTIRE SCHEDULED TIME. SINCE EVERYONE INVOLVED IS A COACH, THERE ARE NO ALLOWANCES MADE FOR LEAVING EARLY OR ARRIVING LATE TO ACCOMODATE GAMES OR PRACTICES.

ALL CLINICS HAVE AN ON-ICE COMPONENT, REWUIRING PARTICIPATION BY COACHES IN SKATES, HELMET WITH STICK AND GLOVES.

The language below is taken from the USA Hockey Website. It explains is depth the differences between the old certification requirements and the new. The new will be WAY better:

* The new system requires Level 1& 2 coaches to "move-up" one level (and only 1 level) each year, by attending a clinic for the next level. (Level 3 certifications are good for 2 years, and can be renewed 2 times online (Track 1 renewal and Track 2 renewal), before a coach is required to attend a Level 4 clinic to stay current).

*The new system ALSO requires that by December 31st, each coach must complete an online module  that is specific to the age-group he/she is coaching. The age-group certification does not expire. A coach only needs to do another age-specific online module in the future if the coach switches to another age-level in subsequent years. 

The new system eliminates the Friday/Saturday/Sunday, Level 1-2-3 grind that new Bantam coaches endured. It still requires coaches to further their general hockey coaches training (through yearly clinics) while also giving immediete training in the age specific strategies of coaching whatever assignment a coach has for a particular year (online modules).

 B. Coaching Education Program Requirements

(1) Required Coaching Education Program Levels for Ice Hockey

USA Hockey requires that all affiliates and/or districts shall establish the following requirements without modifications for all coaches (head and assistant).

All coaches must have the required certification level by January 1 of the current season.

a.   All coaches must enter USA Hockey’s Coaching Education Program at Level 1, and must continue their education each year until, at a minimum, they achieve Level 3. 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 (c) below] is required for coaches who have not achieved Level 4. Coaches of Tier 1 and Tier II (National Tournament Bound) 14U, 16U, and 18/19U teams 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.

c.   Coaching certification at Level 3 is valid for two (2) seasons, as indicated by the expiration date.

A coach whose Level 3 is due to expire must take the online Level 3 Recertification Track 1 curriculum or they may move up to Level 4. Level 3 Track 1 Recertification is valid for two (2) seasons.

A coach whose Track 1 Level 3 recertification is due to expire must take the online Level 3 Recertification Track 2 curriculum or move up to Level 4. Level 3 Track 2 Recertification is valid for two (2) seasons.

Coaches whose Track 2 Level 3 Recertification is due to expire must attend a Level 4 clinic prior to the expiration of their Level 3 Recertification.

Coaches must complete the online recertification program in order to recertify their Level 3 certifications. Attending a clinic or workshop is no longer valid for recertifying any certification level.

d.  Grandfather Clause

For coaches who enrolled in the Coaching Education Program prior to May 1, 2011, their entry into the above program will be at their current certification level. Level 1 and 2 coaches must adhere to paragraphs (a) and (b) above, effective May 1, 2011. Current Level 3 coaches must adhere to paragraph (b) and (c) above; effective with the season their Level 3 expires.

This chart outlines the progression for a new coach. Coaches with pre-existing certifications will enter the new program at their current certification level and must adhere to paragraphs 1. (a) and (b) above.

YEARS OF COACHING	CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Year 1 (ex: 2011-12)	Level 1 clinic + age-specific component
Year 2 (ex: 2012-13)	Level 2 clinic + age-specific component if not previously taken for current age level
Year 3 (ex: 2013-14)	Level 3 clinic (expires Dec. 31, 2015) + age-specific component if not previously taken for current age level
Year 4 (ex: 2014-15)	No Level certification required but can attend a Level 4 clinic + age-specific component if not previously taken for current age level
Year 5 (ex: 2015-16)	Complete the online Level 3 Recertification Track 1 (expires Dec. 31, 2017), or attend a Level 4 clinic + age-specific component if not previously taken for current age level
Year 6 (ex: 2016-17)	No Level certification required but can attend a Level 4 clinic + age-specific component if not previously taken for current age level
Year 7 (ex: 2017-18)	Complete the online Level 3 Recertification Track 2 (expires Dec. 31, 2019), or attend a Level 4 clinic + age-specific component if not previously taken for current age level
Year 8 (ex: 2018-19)	No Level certification required but can attend a Level 4 clinic + age-specific component if not previously taken for current age level
Year 9 (ex: 2019-20)	Must attend a Level 4 clinic + age-specific component if not previously taken for current age level
Year 10 and beyond	No Level recertification required but must complete age specific component if not previously taken for current age level. Coaches are highly encouraged to attend a continuing education course every two years.