COACHING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Note that for 2011-2012 season, the requirements will change significantly.  See Q&A section below. 

For specific wording of MAHA Coaching Rule and Coaching Policies, refer to Coaching Forms section of this web site...download the Michigan Coaching Rules document.  Or, read the actual text in the MAHA rules & regulations, found in the guidebook given to each team or online here at this web site.

Below is the chart of coaching requirements enacted by the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association, and applicable to all youth and girls coaches in the Michigan District.  These requirements must be met by all coaches by December 31 of the regular (winter) season.

NOTE that in addition to having a coaching card at the proper level, coaches at Levels 1-3 must renew their coaching card every three years.   Refer to the explanation of renewals below for more information.

 2010-2011  -  REQUIRED LEVELS: ALL COACHES

                                              LEVEL   LEVEL     LEVEL   LEVEL

DIVISION          CLASS.             1            2              3            4

  8 & under        ALL                   X                           

10 & under        C, B, A, Tier II  X            X

10 & under        Tier I                 X            X              X           

12 & under        C, B, A, Tier II  X            X              X

12 & under        Tier I                 X            X              X            X

14 & under        C, B, A, Tier II  X            X              X             

14 & under        Tier I                 X            X              X            X

16 & under        C, B                  X            X              X

16 & under        Tier I & II (A)    X            X              X            X

18 & under        C, BB                X            X              X

18 & under        Tier I & II           X            X              X            X

High School       USA                 X            X              X

Junior C             USA                  X            X              X

GIRL'S 8 & u.     ALL                  X

GIRL'S 10 & u.   ALL                  X            X

GIRL'S 12 & u.   ALL                  X            X              X

GIRL'S 14 & u.   ALL                  X            X              X

GIRL'S 16 & u.   Non-Nat'l.        X            X              X

GIRL'S 16 & u.   Tier I & II          X            X              X            X

GIRL'S 19 & u.   Non-Nat'l.        X            X              X

GIRL'S 19 & u.   Tier I & II          X            X              X            X

 RENEWALS

USA Hockey requires that coaches at Levels 1-3 should "renew" their credentials every three years.   To see if you need to renew, check the expiration date on your coaching card sticker.  IMPORTANT...if your card has been expired for a long time, you do NOT need to repeat a level you have already obtained...just follow these instructions. The process is very simple. 

For coaches at Level 1, after three seasons, they must move up to Level 2.   Similarly, for coaches at Level 2, after three seasons they must move up to Level 3.     

Level 3 coaches have four (4) options for renewing.  Option 1 is to move to Level 4, and possibly eventually Level 5.   (These two levels are exempt from all renewal requirements).   Option 2 is to re-take Level 3 in the current season.  Option 3 is to attend a renewal workshop, officially designated for renewals by the USA Hockey Coaching Education program.  Option 4 is to renew on line, at http://www.flexxcoach.com/

For the 2010-2011 season, in order to be CURRENT at Levels 1-3, you must have a sticker on your coaching card from the 08-09, 09-10, or 10-11 seasons.  All other Level 1-3 card stickers are expired.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE COACHING REQUIREMENTS

All coaches are expected to make an effort to achieve their required level of coaching education by the deadline, December 31 of the current season.  For those who do not, there is a process available to obtain a ONE-TIME temporary coaching card.  For information on who qualifies, and how to proceed, see the Coaching Forms section of this web site.

Q & A  (Questions & Answers)

Q.  What's this about new coaching requirements in 2011-12?
A.   As part of the learning from the American Development Model research, USA Hockey's professional staff, the Coaches-in-Chief, and the Board of Directors, all felt that some new coaches are being "rushed" through our current system, to meet a certain level for the team they coach.   Coaching is a combination of formal learning and experience, and the new requirements (found in this year's MAHA rules and regulations as an information item) implement this philosophy.  They turn coaching education into an up-to-nine-year journey.

Q.  Why does my 2010-11 Level 1 or Level 2 Sticker expire on 12/31/2011?
A.  This was done to implement the new coaching requirements, which go into effect on 9/1/2011.   The new standard requires coaches to attend Level 1 their first year, Level 2 their second year, and Level 3 their third year.  (Coaches with existing cards are grandfathered at their current level).  Thus, all Level 1-2 stickers given this (2010-11) season will expire next season.

Q.  Then why does my 2010-11 Level 3 Sticker expire on 12/31/2012?
A.  The new standards provide Level 3 coaches 2 years before their first renewal cycle, so this year's Level 3 stickers adhere to that new policy.