Coaches Corner
Requirements for Coaching
Below are steps that need to be followed in order to coach with the West Madison Youth Hockey Association.
Note: all expenses incurred as a registered coach can be reimbursed - please email your receipts to the club’s treasurer (listed here).
Step 1. USA Hockey Registration (every year)
Go to USA Hockey Registration and register as a coach. Be sure to SAVE a copy of your confirmation code. You will need the confirmation number in next step. The registration fee for USA Hockey is $46 plus Affiliate fee. Your registration fee will be reimbursed as long as you are on a team roster as a coach for the season.
Step 2. Polar Caps Registration (every year)
Go to the 2025-2026 Coaches registration form on this website and complete your registration. Note the box you check for the club to check your background doesn’t satisfy our requirements. See step 3.
Step 3. Background Screening (every two years)
Complete a background check which can be found on USA Hockey’s website. Follow this link: https://www.usahockey.com/backgroundscreen
Step 4. SafeSport (every year)
Complete SafeSport training which can be found on USA Hockey’s website. Follow this link: https://www.usahockey.com/safesporttraining
Step 5. Age Specific Module (level-dependent)
Complete the age level specific online module required for the level you are coaching. You must complete each module PRIOR to participating with your team or being placed on a roster. Coaches must be current members of USA Hockey in order to register for the modules. Follow this link: https://www.usahockey.com/agespecificmodules
Step 6. CEP Level Course (level-dependent*)
Register and attend the appropriate USA Coaching Education Program (CEP). Follow this link: https://www.usahockey.com/coachingclinics
NOTE: You can find these locations on USA Hockey’s website along with your information and where you stand in regards to levels and modules completed. Age level online modules never expire!
Timeline:
Before you get on the ice (including pre-season): Background Checks and SafeSport
By December 31 of the season: Online Modules/CEP Clinics need to be completed by December 31st.
Thank you for your commitment to coaching hockey with the West Madison Polar Caps.
Go Caps!
FAQ
Q: How do USA Hockey’s coaching requirements work?
A: The USA Hockey "What Courses Should I Take?" website lays this out nicely in a flowchart.
If you are coaching Red, White, and Blue (8U) or Cross Ice (6U), you should take the 6U/8U Clinic. This clinic is good for 5 years or until you start coaching at a 10U level.
If you are coaching a 10U or older team for the first time, you should take the Level 1 Clinic. You will then progress each year to the next clinic level.
If you are a returning coach and have already completed a Level 1, 2, or 3, you should take your next clinic level in the progression and plan to continue that progression each year. Level 4 is good for three years, then you refresh it with "continuing education" credits from USA Hockey.
NOTES:
USA Hockey will not allow you to take multiple levels in one year or skip to a higher level.
Prior to the 2025-2026 season, coaches were allowed to coach with an expired Level 1-5 Clinic as long as they were coaching below the 10U level. This now only applies to those who received a Level 1-5 prior to January 1, 2025.
Q: How can I get a coaching jacket?
A: An order form is sent out early in the season with information on styles and sizes.