Any tips from folks who coach?

[bidds55]

Looking for information on how to get involved in coach hockey, in particular at the lowest levels.
Do you need certification to coach 4/5 year olds in Canada? If not, at what level do you start needing certification?

Any assistance and/or general advice is appreciated.

 

[Metrags]

I know you are talking about Canada, which may be different from the States. But I know that rec league teams do not require any type of certification. As far as I know (and it may even be different from state to state here), you do not need certification unless you are coaching middle or high school level.

I would suggest simply calling up your local rink or town hall parks department and ask.

 

[Stadium Sports]

You do need certification to coach minor hockey in Ontario. You also need it to be a trainer. Your best source is Ontario Minor Hockey Association website or call the Belleville Minor Hockey President (your City Hall will have contact information).

They will be running clinics in the summer for the fall season.

EDIT:

Here is the website: http://www.omha.net/flash.asp?page_id=382

In Ontario - you need certification - even for house league - plus a police check.

 

[sholi2000]

Only in house league are you allowed to coach without qualifications. If you are planning on coaching novice, atom, bantam, midget, and junior you must be qualified to coach. The first step is to go to hockey Canada's web site. Use the contact us form and tell them where you live. They will let you know when the next official coaches clinics are and then you can pay and sign up. There are many levels, and you will not be able to receive 1-5 in one year. Good Luck.

 

[slappy69]

I don't think thats correct in Manitoba you have to have your IP certifaction , now you don't need it to start but prior to the middle of the season you have to get it, or you can be removed from the roster. You also need your respect in sport.

and judging by what when on this year on some teams in my area the parents should take it also

:|:|

 

[MMarch]

I'm surprised they do not require certification to coach in the house leagues in Canada. All coaches need to be certified here, and the certification level is higher for each level you coach at (mite, squirt, pee wee, bantam, midget). Not throwing stones, but having uncertified coaches may explain a lot of the behaviour we see from some Canadian coaches when they come down here to play.

 

[newfiecomicguy1]

I coach in the Novice group and in NL you need coaching level 1 & the speak out program. As you move up in divisions you need more coaching levels and certificates. With some of the programs like the trainers program each team only requires that 1 coach have it. However at least 1 must have it.

Right now I am a level 2 coach, I have the trainers and refresher done, Hitting, power skating, puck control, goaltending and a few other clinics done. I also have the speak out and I did the CPR course (recommended but not mandatory). In NL you also require a clear certificate of conduct from the RCMP. I won't need to go any higher as I am certified up until my son finishes high school. I can coach him until he graduates and finishes the junior division.

In some small associations you are able to enroll as a helper for the smaller kids with just the speak out and certificate of conduct. Basically you are there to assist the certified coaches but you have no say in the planning or actual coaching.

 

[bidds55]

Thanks for all the info. My oldest starts hockey in the fall, so I'm looking to get any required cerifications out of the way now, so I can coach him, and then his little brother next year. Much appreciated!

 

[newfiecomicguy1]

Approach the association as they will usually pay for the courses.

 

[iceberg08]

To the best of my knowledge, you'll need some sort of certification. In my area, for the little kids, the Hockey Canada Initiation Program (HCIP) is required. It's 4-6 hours long and our hockey association says it is mandated by Hockey Canada. Both Head coaches and Assistant coaches need to take a 3 hour harassment & abuse (speak out) seminar, which I believe is also mandated by Hockey Canada. I was re-imbursed by my association. A criminal record check is required too.

 

[chefjason]

you should also take a referee course...we refs like it when coaches know the rules too. lol. then you can yell at them an know what you are talking about.