Coaching Requirements

Coaching Education

For 2023/2024 season:  

  • All coaches must have a USA Hockey CEP level to coach in the ACHA.  
  • USAH has granted Levels 2&3 to any coach that is currently Level 1.
  • The current progression will be as follows:
    • New coaches will be required to secure their Level 1 CEP
    • Any coaches that are Levels 1,2 or 3 entering the 23/24 season, can now sign up for a Level 4 clinic.
    • Current and future Level 4 coaches will be required to do a certain number of continuing education hours during a period of several years to remain compliant.

 

Update from Coach-in-Chief concerning CEP Requirements (12/1/23)

Background Checks & SafeSport Training

ALL coaches, staff and other persons who have significant contact with players are required to complete:

  • Background Screen with USAH screening company
  • SafeSport Training

Background Screening

Each coach, members of his/her staff that have regular, routine or frequent access to or supervision over ACHA players must complete the background check prior to participating in ACHA events, including practices and tryouts.

USA Hockey has had a background screening policy in place since the 1993-94 season. The responsibility to ensure background screening took place was handled through the appropriate USA Hockey Affiliate. That will no longer be the process and instead the background screening program will be handled at the national level using NCSI. 

Screenings will be valid for two seasons. For those members would completed their screening after April 1, 2022, their screening is still valid for the 2023-2024 season. For those members whose screening took place prior to April 1, 2022, and updated screening will be required prior to the beginning of the 2023-2024 season.

Background screens through NCSI under the national program will cost $30 for all domestic screens. For international screens (members who have lived outside of the U.S. for six consecutive months in any one country during the past 7 years) the fee in $150. If that country is solely Canada, the fee is $75.

Be advised that employer letters will no longer be accepted.

Background Screen Links

You must use the links below for your background check. These links will auto-populate the ACHA code for you and tie your background check to your registration.

Coaches // Officials // Managers, Trainers & Staff

SafeSport

Each coach, members of his/her staff that that have regular, routine or frequent access to or supervision over ACHA players must complete the SafeSport Training prior to participating in ACHA events, including practices and tryouts. The SafeSport Training is available for you to take right now, at no cost, so you can get a head start on your upcoming season.

The SafeSport Training and Refresher Training are each valid for one year from the date of approval.

How to Register for Training

As of January 1, 2018, all relevant individuals who need to be SafeSport certified or are seeking recertification will need to complete the new SafeSport training, which features updated content. 

Once you have completed the Core SafeSport Course, there will be a Refresher Course available for individuals who have previously completed the core SafeSport course and need to recertify. Users completing the SafeSport refresher course will be certified for an additional season.

PLEASE NOTE, that you will need your own USA Hockey Confirmation Number or Referee Number and your own email address to access the training. You can locate your number OR obtain a number here www.usahockeyregistration.com

Register for SafeSport Training: www.usahockey.com/safesporttraining