How to Become a Coach with Tonka Hockey

We want to make it as easy as possible. So, before you dive into the multi-step administrative sign-up process, please reach out and connect with us by contacting the correct age level director. See the list at bottom of page. This will save you time and help us manage the process. Please note the following:

1. Before you can ‘officially’ be considered to coach, you NEED to complete Step 1 and 2 below.
    
2. Coaches will NOT be authorized to take the ice or added to a roster until Step 3, 4 and 6 are complete.
    
3. The deadline to complete all certifications, including CEP Clinics (Step 5)  Deadline is December 31. This means coaches will NOT be able to continue coaching after December 31 if all requirements are not complete.

Work with your team manager to help make sure you are taking these steps in a timely manner.

Please Complete the Seven Step Application Process

Whether you are a parent or independent/hired coach, there is a step-by-step process to complete. 

Step 1: Register as a coach with USA Hockey

Visit and Register: USA Hockey Member Registration to register AS A COACH.
1.    Save your confirmation number on your computer or print. You will need this info later.

2.    Pay the reimbursable $47.00 fee. We will reimburse you provided you are rostered on a Tonka youth hockey team. 

3.    Send your registration receipt to treasurer@tonkahockey.org to be reimbursed.

 **Reimbursement request deadline is January 31.

Step 2: Fill out and complete MYHA Coach’s Application 

Visit and register at this REGISTER  link to apply. 
1.    During the application process you will need to enter your USA Hockey confirmation number. Please have handy when applying.

2.    Please note that registering Step 1 and applying in Step 2 does not guarantee a coaching position.

Step 3: Fill out and complete MN Hockey Background Screening form. 

A background screening is REQUIRED for anyone interacting with players. That includes hockey coaches, team managers, locker room attendants and is valid for two (2) years. You are NOT authorized to take the ice and will be rostered on the team until complete. MN Hockey uses the USA Hockey background screening system.

1.    Only USA Hockey background screenings are accepted. No other sport or organizations background screenings accepted.

2.    The reimbursable fee is $30.00. Reimbursement can be made through your team’s funds. Contact your team manager to be reimbursed.

3.    Complete your background screening by clicking HERE.

Step 4: Sign up and Complete SafeSport Training. 

This is an annual requirement for ALL coaches, MYHA board members, team managers and locker room attendants. No coach is authorized to take the ice or be rostered with a team until complete. 

There is NO fee for SafeSport training.

1.    You will need your USA Hockey Registration number to register.

2.    Click HERE to register and start your SafeSport training.

Step 5: Sign up and complete the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program (CEP) Clinics 

The USA Hockey CEP program is a multi-level, integrated educational program that combines online modules and on-ice instruction. 

1.    All available classes are posted on USA Hockey website. Click HERE for the most current listings.

2.    The deadline for completion of your appropriate CEP level is December 31.

Important Notes:
•    Clinics fill up quickly. Register ASAP! In-person and virtual coaching clinics are offered. Coaches can sign up for a virtual clinic offered anywhere in the country as long as it's the appropriate level.  Clinics, especially for the early levels, tend to fill quickly, so register ASAP.

•    Everyone Starts at Level 1. All coaches must enter USA Hockey’s Coaching Education Program at Level 1 and must continue their education with a coaching clinic each year until, at a minimum, they achieve Level 4.

•    No correlation between CEP levels and team level (Mite, 10U, Bantam, etc.). CEP levels are more closely related to the number of years one has been coaching.

•    Levels 1-3 are each good for one season. There are no longer online refresher courses for Level 3.

•    Level 4 is no longer a 2-day course; it is now the same length as levels 1, 2 and 3. 

•    Level 4 is valid for three (3) seasons and Level 5 is valid for 5 seasons, as indicated by the expiration date. Before the expiration of their level, coaches must take 5 credit hours of continuing education to renew their certification.

•    Credit value. The USA Hockey clinic listings will indicate all continuing education offerings and the credit value of each. The Coaching Education Program retains the responsibility for defining continuing education credit values, including clinic or online course work.

•    Grandfather Clause. For coaches who received Level 4 or Level 5 PRIOR TO January 1, 2021, your certification is still valid indefinitely (no continuing education credits will be required). Coaches with CEP 4 or 5 who coach Tier I and/or Tier II teams will be required to do continuing education moving forward. 

•    Mite/6U/8U: Coaches of  Mite/8U or younger can coach with an expired CEP Level Certification. 

•    Deadline. Certification must be completed by December 31.

•    Need or Lost CEP Number? If you are not sure what level you have or what your CEP number is, you can use the USA Hockey Online Coach Lookup to find your information. If you need more information on what you need to do this year, instructions are available on the USA Hockey CEP page.  Click HERE to lookup your number.

Step 6: Sign up and complete the USA Hockey Age Specific Modules 

Age-specific online training modules are specific to the level of play you are planning to coach.  You will need to take a new age module course when coaching a new team level for the first time. Age-specific modules are separate from the CEP certification levels.

1.    All available modules are posted on USA Hockey website. Click HERE for the most current listings. 

2.    USA Hockey requires all coaches to have the required age-specific modules before they can take the ice or be rostered on a team.  Age modules must be completed by December 31.

3.    Coaches can complete more than one age-specific module in any given season and modules don’t expire once complete.

Step 7: Sign up and complete MN Hockey Concussion Training 

Minnesota Hockey requires all coaches to complete concussion training prior to being rostered on a team.  The required concussion training form and training information can be found on the Minnesota Hockey website.  Click HERE to begin.

1.    Coaches send the completed form and the certificate of completion to the MYHA Registrar at registrar@tonkahockey.org. 

2.    Both the form and the certificate of completion documents must be received before a coach can be rostered. 

3.    Concussion training is good for two (2) years.