Note that the screening and age-appropriate module links were recently added to this page for your convenience.

Thank you for your interest in coaching within the Ithaca Youth Hockey Association (IYHA)! IYHA is proudly a USA Hockey Sanctioned association, so we must comply with USA Hockey Coaching Guidelines. To make this process a little easier to understand, we have outlined the process below. 

Here are the steps you need to complete as a coach;

1. Register with USA Hockey as a coach/player (if you play in an adult hockey league this is the same registration). But note this this is NOT the same registration as an on-ice official (referee). If you are a ref, you will have to also register as a player/coach. You can do this at the following website:

https://www.usahockeyregistration.com/login_input.action

2. Register with IYHA as a coach. This is needed so we can build an Official USA Hockey team roster and add you to our database. Being in our database ensures you will receive pertinent information about IYHA.

You can do this through the IYHA website (similar to registering your player, but a different database since there is no fee for a coach). You will need your USA Hockey number to perform this step, so make sure to complete step 1. The registration link can be found on the IYHA home page when coaching registration is open. Here is a direct link to the 2020-21 registration:

https://ithacayouthhockey.sportngin.com/register/form/367611486

3. Submit to a background screening

This is to show you that your criminal record is clean. This is an important step in keeping our kids safe and MUST be completed before any contact with an IYHA Team and/or players. This screening must be done every season.  

4. Complete the USA Hockey SafeSport Module

This is a fairly new step in the process but is extremely beneficial and important to the safety of our players.  This important step MUST be completed before any contact with an IYHA Team and/or players.  This screening must be done every season.  Here is a direct link to the SafeSport page:

https://www.usahockey.com/safesporttraining

5. Take the next step in the Coaching Education Program (aka - the CEP "clinic"). All coaches are required to take USA Hockey CEP training. These are usually in person clinics that must be completed by December 31st. If not completed by December 31st you will not appear on the USA Hockey Roster and will not be allowed on the ice or bench for practice or games. You can find your status on the USA Hockey website.

There are several clinics being given in the area this fall in the Central New York area. Please register soon to ensure you can attend the one you want (they are first-come, first-served and sometimes DO fill up).

Note: Here is the info for CEP status expiration.

Levels 1 and 2 expire after 1 year (unless you are in Mites or Initiation, then the Level 1 is good until you move on to coach squirts).

Level 3 expires after 2 years, but you can re-register on-line twice before you have to take a Level 4.

Level 4 never expires.

Level 5 is generally not required for youth coaching.

Clinic Registration is through USA Hockey. Follow this link below:

https://www.usahockey.com/page/show/892976-coaching-clinics

6. Take your on-line Age Appropriate Module. (AAM)

This is to focus your knowledge on the age group you intend to coach this year. Once you take the module for a specific age group, you are done forever (so you only have to do each one once).

You must complete the AAM for your current coaching level by Dec 31, 2023 for your coaching status to remain valid.  This WILL BE checked at USA Hockey-sanctioned tournaments.

If you still have questions after reviewing the information above, please contact:

Elissa Cosgrove, IYHA's Director of ACE & SafeSport