Steps to Become a Coach

The head coach and assistant coaches are in charge of the on-ice activities. The head coach is responsible for:

• Practice preparation
• All aspects of preparing and coaching team games
• Working to develop player skills per EYHA & USA Hockey guidelines where applicable
• Mentoring players
• Setting/enforcing player and parents ground rules
• Ensuring that zero tolerance guidelines are adhered to by all team members
• Serving as a first-class role model to the players he/she coaches.
• Selecting the team manager volunteer

All coaches are asked to hold a mandatory meeting for their team prior to the season starting. This meeting is to include all parents, coaches and when possible, the Division ACE Coordinator (it may also include any Board member). The purpose of this meeting is for the families to get to know one another and to provide an overview of the coaching philosophy to be executed by the coaches, team goals/objectives, review expectations and identify volunteers as well as to address questions, concerns or suggestions.

Please click on the large blue button at the top of this page in order to access links which will walk you through the process of becoming a coach. In short, you will need (1) to obtain a USA Hockey number and give it to your registrar. (2) Complete the annual safesport training. (3) Have a background check done every other year (4) Complete the age-specific modules (5) Attend a CEP clinic either in person or via zoom, no later than the end of the calendar year. **Please note steps 1-4 should be completed before the start of the season.

USA Hockey SafeSport Training

 The safety of its participants is of paramount importance to USA Hockey. USA Hockey SafeSport is the organization's program related to off-ice safety.

USA Hockey has long had systems in place to protect its participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse and other types of abuse and misconduct that can be harmful to youth hockey players and other participants. These include without limitation Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Screening, Locker Room Supervision and Hazing Policies, in addition to Codes of Conduct applicable to administrators, coaches, officials, parents, players and spectators. The USA Hockey SafeSport Handbook is intended to update and collect USA Hockey’s various policies to protect its participants from all types of misconduct and abuse.

All Coaches, Assistants, Team Managers, and Board Members must complete the online SafeSport Training. We also encourage all parents to complete the online FREE training.

Mandatory Background Checks 

In an effort to provide a safe and fun environment for our participants and volunteers, Mid-American Hockey (EYHA's USA Hockey District) requires that all new volunteers, including coaches, assistants, board members, and team managers submit to a background screen before they have routine access to children who participate in our organization.

Please be aware that each individual will be responsible for a $30 fee to undergo this process for certification. EYHA Mavericks will reimburse volunteers for the $30 background fee. To submit reimbursement, volunteers need to send a copy of their receipt to the EYHA treasurer. 

Thank you for assisting us in providing a safe and fun environment for all of our children and participants.

Please contact the Treasurer at eyhatreasurers@gmail.com to request reimbursement information.

Ohio's Return to Play Concussion Law

Ohio's return to play law is intended to protect the brains of young athletes by promoting the recognition and proper response to concussions when they first occur in order to prevent further injury or even death. In addition to new training requirements for coaches and referees, the law requires any young athlete participating in school or organized recreational sports to be removed from practice or play if they are suspected of sustaining a concussion. The athlete is then prohibited from returning to practice or play until they have written clearance from an authorized health care provider.

In addition, under the new law, individuals are not allowed to serve as a coach or referee for a youth sports organization, whether volunteer or paid, without successfully completing (every three years) an online training program in recognizing the signs and symptom of concussions and head injuries. There are a couple of free on-line training programs. If you are a coach, in addition to your required Coaching Clinics and modules, you will need to provide a certification of completion of the online training program. 

Upon completion of this course, you will receive a certification of completion and completion code.