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Coaching

Coaching Clinics
If you would like to register for our coaching clinics, please go to:  www.usahockey.com.   USA Hockey requests that all participants register online and pay by credit card.

Seminars
We have scheduled our only level 4 seminar that we will be holding for the 2008-09 season. More info is posted on: www.usahockey.com.

Accreditation
USA Hockey accreditation runs from August 1 to July 31 of the following year. Therefore, all accreditations for the level 1 and 2 's will expire on July 31, 2008. You will need to become current again after August 1 to be on the bench for the 2008-09 season.

If you are a level 3, your accreditation is good for two seasons. The season in which you took the clinic and the following season. e.g. If you took your level 3 in the 2007-08 season, you will still be current for the 2008-09 season. If you took your level 3 prior to August 1, 2007, you are expired and must become current.

If you are a level 4, you are good for a lifetime. However, we hope that you will attend any clinic of your choice every three years as a refresher.

Coaching Program Rules
USA Hockey has a set of rules for the coaching program. The Atlantic District has a set of rules. The Atlantic District rules override USA Hockey's and that is the rules that you must abide by. Listed below are the Atlantic District rules:

Coaches and Manager

12. All teams registering with AAHA and USA Hockey must have a head coach and assistant coach(es) in good standing. These individuals must be identified on the team registration form, player roster form, and on the score sheet, along with their CEP card number. The replacement and addition of managers and coaches must be reported immediately.

13. All coaches must have attained at least the Level I (Initiation Level) of USA Hockey Coaching Education Program (CEP). All coaches are defined as the Head Coach and the Assistant Coach(es) of the same team. The following levels, which are administered and/or waived by the District Coaching Program Director, must be obtained in order to be a coach in good standing in the Atlantic District:

Classification Level
Mite Level I (Initiation)
Squirt Level II (Associate)
Bantam & Younger Level III (Intermediate)
Junior & Younger Level IV (Advanced) or as approved by Junior Council
H.S. Junior Varsity Level III (Intermediate)
H.S. Varsity Level IV (Advanced)
Women’s 19-Under Level IV (Advanced)
Women’s 15-Under Level III (Intermediate)
Women’s 12-Under Level II (Associate)

CEP Level Prerequisite
Level I (Initiation) None
Level II (Associate) Level I (Initiation)
Level III (Intermediate) Level I & II + One (1) year of Coaching experience
Level IV (Advanced) Level I, II, & III + Three (3) years of Coaching experience

Accreditation Rules

• A coach may attempt two (2) Levels of coaching education per year.
• A coach may extend status to become current of his/her expired accreditation for the current season by attending and completing an approved USA Hockey Coaching Education Workshop.

It will be the responsibility of the league to receive from each of their individual clubs by October 15, a list of all coaches with that clubs teams as well as a copy of the front and back of the coach’s cards to confirm that each coach within that organization within the league are of the proper level of accreditation.

If the coaches are not accredited, the leagues will then notify the organizations involved. It will then be the responsibility of the league to follow up with the organizations as to the activation of current accreditation. If an organization allows a coach who is not accredited or not of the proper level to continue to stay on the bench after December 31, the final date for coaching accreditation, the organization will be subject to a fine of $175.00 per coach, the coach will be officially suspended until the league allows a hearing, and the team involved may not be allowed to participate in District/Regional Playoffs.

Temporary coaching cards may be issued at the request of the league to the Coach in Chief, or Coaching Administrator to allow a coach to stay on the bench without proper accreditation. The Coach in Chief and or the District President has the final say as to whether or not the temporary coaching card will be issued. No temporary cards will be issued after December 31 of that season.

In order to be eligible to represent the Atlantic District as a head or assistant coach or coach any team of select players sanctioned to represent the Atlantic District at events including, but not limited to the Chicago Showcase, and District, Regional, or National Development Camps, Festival, or Select Programs, he/she must hold current USA Hockey coaching accreditation of least the Advanced Level. At the discretion of the District (Coaching Program Director after consulting with the Player Development Program Director and the District President, the head coach or assistant coach may be exempt from obtaining the Advanced Level credentials.

The Atlantic District will have an ACE District Administrator appointed by the District Coach-In-Chief. Each local association must appoint an individual to be their association’s ACE Coordinator and notify the District/Affiliate ACE Administrator of that appointment.

The Association Coaching and Education (ACE) Coordinator is an individual who serves as the administrative link to USA Hockey and its Coaching Education Program (CEP). In their role, ACE Coordinators will organize and manage many CEP requirements, assist the local association in the development of a well-trained coaching staff, promote parent education and provide clear goals and objectives for player skill development.

It is strongly recommended that all coaches shall wear helmets while on the ice.