Coach Certification Requirements

To be eligible to coach for LHA during the 2025-2026 season, all requirements listed below must be completed. Coaches can view their coaching status on USA Hockey HERE.

A coach will not be permitted to participate in sanctioned activities until all requirements are completed.

Click the red links below to access each site

1. USA Hockey Registration:

• Annual registration
• You will receive an electronic copy of your registration from USA Hockey.
• You cannot be rostered until this is complete.
• Submit USA Hockey Number HERE.

2. USA Hockey Safesport Certification:

• A 90-minute video with tests.
• The Safe Sport Training and Refresher Training are each valid for twelve (12) months. 
• Safesport is now a yearly requirement and consists of a core course followed by three refresher courses. Every fourth year one must take the core course again.
• You cannot be rostered until this is complete.

3. USA Hockey Background Screen:

• Cost: $30 (valid for two years).
• Completed through NCSI.
• Processing takes approximately 10–14 business days.
• You cannot be rostered until this is complete.
• Use the pre-filled self-registration ID (35615801) — do not change this number.

4. Online Concussion Training:

• Free annual certification.
• Choose one of the following:
• CDC Heads Up
• NFHS Concussion in Sports
• Submit Concussion Certificate HERE once completed.

5. USA Hockey Coaching Education Program Clinic:

• CEP Deadline: December 31, 2025, for coaches at 10U and older.
• Find clinics here.  CEP courses will be offered in person and virtually. You can take a virtual course offered by any state.
• All coaches must enter USA Hockey’s Coaching Education Program at Level 1 and must continue their education with a coaching clinic every year until, at a minimum, they achieve Level 4.
• Coaches of only 8 and Under players, as well as coaches of disabled hockey, may remain at a Level 1 or other certification level, even if expired, until they are coaching any older age level of play or something other than disabled hockey.
• CEP Levels:
• Level 1–3: Valid for 1 year each.
• Level 4: Valid for 3 years; requires 5 continuing ed credits to renew.
• Level 5: Valid for 4 years; also requires 5 continuing ed credits.