Hockey Alberta’s 2019-2020 Coaching Requirements must be completed by November 15, 2020 for all Hockey Calgary team officials. All coach qualifications are assigned to your Hockey Canada ID and available to view through your Hockey Canada eHockey Participant Profile.

Update for 2020-21: Certification programs will include a combination of in-person clinics (using physical distancing) and online programming. Hockey Alberta will maintain the same requirements for all Coaches and Team Officials for the 2020-21 season (November 15 deadline), with the addition of an online Hockey Canada Return to Hockey Safety Guidelines module for all head coaches.

  • All clinics offered via Physical Distancing. A two-metre distance between attendees and instructors will be in place throughout all clinics.
  • All participants will be required to complete a pre-screening document prior to attendance.
  • Facility policy regarding masks will be followed.
  • All registration must be done online, prior to the clinic. No walk ups will be accepted.
  • For the clinic, ensure you bring the following:
    • Mask/ Face Covering
    • For the on-ice portion (skates, stick, gloves, CSA-approved helmet)
    • For the in-class portion: notepad, pen/pencil, and/or iPad/ laptop

Cohort Leader Requirements

Each team is required to have one (1) Head Coach. This is a mandatory position. Head Coaches must be up-to-date with the following qualifications:

  1. RIS Hockey Alberta Activity Leader
  2. Hockey Canada National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) training required by Age Division
  3. HU – Planning a Safe Return to Hockey *New*
  4. Police Information Check
  5. Hockey Canada Safety Program*
  6. Keeping Girls in Sport *New*

*In U7 & U9, one coach per 10 players must have the Hockey Canada Safety Program. In all other age divisions, including Female Elite, one team official must have the Hockey Canada Safety Program.

Mini Team Coach Requirements

Each team is required to have one (1) Head Coach. This is a mandatory position. Head Coaches must be up-to-date with the following qualifications:

  1. RIS Hockey Alberta Activity Leader
  2. Hockey Canada National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) training required by Age Division
  3. HU – Planning a Safe Return to Hockey *New*
  4. Police Information Check
  5. Hockey Canada Safety Program*
  6. Keeping Girls in Sport *New*

*In U7 & U9, one coach per 10 players must have the Hockey Canada Safety Program. In all other age divisions, including Female Elite, one team official must have the Hockey Canada Safety Program.

Mini Team Assistant Coach Requirements

Each team will have a maximum of four (4) Assistant Coaches, including one (1) Goalie Coach if designated. These are mandatory positions. Assistant Coaches must be up-to-date with the following qualifications:

  1. RIS Hockey Alberta Activity Leader
  2. Police Information Check

Insurance

Cohort Coach Leaders, Mini Team Head Coaches and Mini Team Assistant Coaches who are on the official team roster are covered under the Hockey Canada Insurance program. As per Hockey Calgary regulations, only individuals on the official team roster (and therefore insured) should be on the ice for practices and on the bench during games. The Hockey Canada Insurance Program is a mandatory supplemental insurance program and is not designed to replace individuals existing insurance.

Is COVID-19 coverage included as part of the Hockey Canada Insurance?
Yes. Under Hockey Canada’s current General Liability policy, there is a specific definition for the term ‘bodily injury’ and that definition includes sickness and disease. Many insurance companies are implementing Communicable Disease/COVID-19 exclusions on policies, but Hockey Canada has successfully negotiated to leave that exclusion off until September 1, 2023 at the earliest.

Helpful Hints

  • Obtaining your Respect in Sport (RIS) Activity Leader

The Respect In Sport (RIS) – Activity Leader course is an on-line, self-guided course that takes approximately 2.5 hours in total to complete.

RIS Activity Leader is required for all team officials (Head Coach, Assistant Coach, On-Ice Helpers.) This must be completed or renewed (if expired) asap. Re-certification will be required every 4 hockey seasons. GHC will reimburse the cost of RIS Hockey Canada Activity Leader for team officials as required.

  • Obtaining your Police Information Check

Applicants can apply in person at a Calgary Police Service location, or online through ePIC – the electronic Police Information Check. For a guide to the online application process, please refer to the Calgary Police Information Check Instruction Manual.

GHC will provide a letter to coaches and on-ice helpers who need a current Police Information Check so applicants can apply as a “volunteer” with our agency. This letter will be sent to your Team Manager before November 1, 2019. Team officials who required a Police Information Check must apply as soon as possible. As this is busy time of year for Police Information Checks, the current processing time is approximately two weeks. If your Police Information Check has been submitted but is not processed by November 15, 2019, please notify coaching@girlshockeycalgary.com. Police Information Checks must be renewed every three years.

  • Registering for Hockey Canada NCCP Training (Including *New* HU – Planning a Safe Return to Hockey)*GHC will be hosting an NCCP Coach 1 Certification Clinic on Saturday, October 3 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at East Calgary Twin Arenas (ECTAS). Sign up here!*

Minor hockey coaches require Hockey Canada NCCP (National Coach Certification Program) training, delivered through our provincial hockey branch (Hockey Alberta). Coaches in Alberta have access to a wide variety of clinics and training opportunities to help develop their skills as teachers and instructors of players of all ages across the province. Required coaching courses are hosted across the province, beginning at the end of August, and ending November 15.

You can register for NCCP training through Hockey Canada’s eHockey system.

To view Hockey Alberta Coach Requirements, Upcoming Clinics, please visit: https://www.hockeyalberta.ca/coaches/clinic-information/

  • Keeping Girls in Sport

Keeping Girls in Sport was created to help everyone who coaches girls, even parents, understand how girls develop physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. When we understand how and why girls play we can help every young athlete stay in sport, reach their potential, and remain active long after the competitions end. Finally becoming the next generation of inspiring female coaches and role models. Keeping Girls in Sport was created by Respect Group Inc. in partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart, the Coaching Association of Canada, and the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport.

*A link will be provided to GHC coaches access this course with no charge to you.

Coach Reimbursements

GHC will reimburse coaches for the cost of required courses taken to meet certification requirements. Reimbursement requests will not be accepted after December 31, 2020.

For reimbursement requests, please submit the Coach Reimbursement Form and forward copies of applicable receipts to admin@girlshockeycalgary.com

Coach Development

GHC may approve coach certifications for current and future coaches as development opportunities are available. Coach Development reimbursement must be approved by the Director(s) of Coaching at coaching@girlshockeycalgary.com

Please direct any questions on coach development to coaching@girlshockeycalgary.com.

Posted in Coaches, Community, Return to Play