Become A Coach

Becoming a coach at NPHA is a collaborative process. All candidates are recommended by the Hockey Development Committee (HDC) and approved by the NPHA Board of Directors. Our coaches are the face of our program, so we ask all our leaders to embrace our specific coaching and player development philosophies to ensure a consistent experience for every athlete.

Team Structure

To provide our players with the best possible instruction and mentorship, we typically structure our coaching staffs as follows:

• The Bench: Each team will have one Head Coach and up to three Assistant Coaches selected.
• Practice Coaches: Additional help on the ice is always welcome! Practice Coach roles are considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Focus & Balance: To ensure every team gets the attention it deserves, we recommend that Head Coaches do not fill a Head or Assistant role on a second team (though they are welcome to help as a Practice Coach elsewhere!).

Gear & Reimbursements

We want to make sure you have the tools you need to succeed:

• The Handbook: The HDC will provide you with a comprehensive coaching handbook to guide your season.
• Coaches' Jacket: If it’s your first year coaching with NPHA, we’ll provide you with a team jacket to wear during your tenure with us.
• Reimbursement Policy: We are happy to reimburse you for your USA Hockey Membership, certification clinics, and background screening fees. Please note that reimbursements are provided only to those officially selected by the board to a coaching position for the current season.
• How to Submit: Simply submit your request and receipts in writing to the NPHA Treasurer by the March 31st deadline. To keep our season accounting on track, we are unable to process any reimbursement requests received after this date.

To ensure the safety and development of our players, all coaches must be on an approved roster before stepping on the ice or joining the bench. Here are the steps to get you ready for the season:

1. Register with USA Hockey Every coach needs a current USA Hockey membership number for the coaching application each season. Remember, this fee is fully reimbursable for our selected coaches!

2. Background Screening Your background check is valid for two seasons. This must be fully processed and cleared before you begin any team activities, so we recommend starting this early!

3. SafeSport Training SafeSport is an annual requirement to ensure a safe environment for everyone. If it’s your first time, you’ll take the core course; after that, you'll just need a quick refresher.

• Note: You can typically access your next refresher course 30 days before your current certificate expires—keep an eye out for an email from USA Hockey!

4. Coaching Education Program (CEP) Clinics Our certification path has been updated to help you grow alongside our players:

• Starting Out: New coaches (as of the 2025-26 season) begin with the 6U/8U CEP certification.
• Staying at Mites: If you’re sticking with our 8U/Mite teams, you only need to re-certify every 5 years.
• Moving Up: Once you coach Squirts/10U or older, you’ll advance through the levels each season until you reach Level 4.
• Pro-Tip: Clinics are available virtually across the country and fill up fast! Be sure to update your level before the end of December.

5. Age-Specific Modules Before hitting the ice, you’ll need to complete the online module specifically designed for the age level you are coaching this year. This ensures you have the best drills and strategies for your team's development.

6. Concussion Training (HEADS UP) Player safety is our top priority. This training is required every two years. Once you’ve completed it, simply send your certificate to our Registrar. If you’ve taken it before but it’s been two years, you can easily relaunch the course by selecting the "Pre-Assessment" button.