Coaching at CKHA

Interested in coaching youth hockey? CKHA is looking for passionate, dedicated coaches who want to develop the next generation of hockey players. We're specifically interested in coaches who care about player development, positive culture, and making hockey fun and accessible.

Make a Real Impact

You'll directly shape how young players experience hockey. Your coaching goes beyond skating and stick skills—you're teaching teamwork, resilience, sportsmanship, and life skills they'll carry forever.

Be Part of a Supportive Community

CKHA coaches are part of a tight-knit group. You'll work alongside other dedicated volunteers who care about the sport and the kids.

Follow USA Hockey's Development Model

We're committed to age-appropriate instruction and long-term player development. You'll have resources and guidance based on best practices in youth hockey coaching.

Flexible Opportunity

Whether you have coaching experience or are passionate about hockey and willing to learn, we have a role for you. From assistant coaches to head coaches, different levels require different certifications—we'll tell you exactly what you need.

What you do: Lead team practices, game strategy, player development, team culture

Time commitment: 2-3 practices/week + games + administrative time

Best for: Experienced coaches with USA Hockey certification

What you do: Co-lead practices, work with specific groups of players, support head coach

Time commitment: 2-3 practices/week + games

Best for: Hockey enthusiasts with or without prior coaching experience

What you do: Specialized instruction for goalies during practices and games

Time commitment: 1-2 practices/week + select games

Best for: Those with goalie experience or specialized training

Fill out our Coaching Application form to express your interest and provide your information:

Submit Coaching Application

In the application, provide:

- Which program/level interests you (8U, House League, Travel, High School)

- Your coaching or hockey background

- Your availability and contact information

Before you can participate in any team activities, USA Hockey requires you to complete the following (these can all be done online):

1. Register as a USA Hockey Member

- Visit USA Hockey Membership Registration

- Cost: $54 + any affiliate fees

- You'll get a USA Hockey membership number

2. Complete Background Screening

- Submit your information through the USA Hockey Learning Center

- You cannot coach until your background check clears

- CKHA will help guide you if you have questions

3. Complete USA Hockey Safe Sport Training

- Free online training (~30 minutes)

- Required every year

- Must be completed before being added to a roster

- USA Hockey Safe Sport Training

4. Complete Age-Specific Online Module(s)

- Choose the module for the age level you're coaching:

- 8U Module: $20

- 10U, 12U, 14U, High School Modules: $25 each

- Each module takes a few hours

- You only need to complete each level once (can coach multiple 8U teams without repeating)

- Must be completed BEFORE participating in any team activities

After completing Step 2, you must attend a Coaching Education Program (CEP) Certification Clinic before December 31st of each season:

- Cost: $65

- Duration: Full-day clinic

- When: Available June 15 – December 15 each season

- Important:

- You can only attend ONE clinic per season

- All coaches must start at the 6U/8U Level 1 clinic if coaching ages 8U and under

- Coaches for 10U and above start at Level 1 clinic

- Advanced levels (Level 2, 3) available after meeting prerequisites

Find and register for a clinic:

- Visit USA Hockey Coaching Clinics

- Search by your location and preferred date

- Register online

All coaches must undergo a background check. To get yours started click here!

Before the season, you'll meet with the Director of Hockey to discuss:

- Your team/program assignment

- Coaching philosophy and expectations

- Team roster and schedule

- Administrative details (Crossbar access, communication with parents, etc.)

- April: Coaching positions for next season posted and applications accepted

- May-June: USA Hockey certification window (take courses now for fall start)

- July: Team conditioning, team meetings

- August: Pre-season coach training and team preparation

- September: Season starts

If you're interested mid-season, we may have assistant coaching opportunities—reach out anyway!

Good news: CKHA reimburses coaches for certain certification costs to support your coaching journey.

Reimbursable costs:

- ✓ Background check screening fee

- ✓ Online age-specific module(s) ($20-25 per level)

How to get reimbursed

1. Complete your background check and age-specific module(s)

2. Download the Coaching Reimbursement Form

3. Fill out the form with your certification completion details

4. Email the completed form to treasurer@centralkentuckyhockey.com with receipts / proof of completion

5. CKHA will process your reimbursement within 2-4 weeks

Not reimbursed: USA Hockey membership registration and Coaching Certification Clinic are your responsibility.

All coaches commit to our Coach Code of Conduct which covers:

- Professional behavior with players, parents, and officials

- Positive communication standards

- Commitment to player development (not just winning)

- Consequences of violations

Download:

- Follow CKHA's Disciplinary Procedures for handling player conduct issues

- Know [Concussion Return-to-Play Protocol](#)

- Understand mandatory reporting requirements for CKHA and SafeSport

- Maintain Locker Room & Facility Policies

USA Hockey Coaching Resources

- USA Hockey Coaching Development – Skill progressions, practice plans, coaching education

- ADM (American Development Model – Philosophy and age-appropriate practices

- Rules & Officiating – Current rules, how to handle official disputes

CKHA Resources

- Team Manager Resources – How to use Crossbar, roster management, game operations

- Policies & Forms – Coach Code of Conduct, SafeSport, disciplinary procedures, locker room policies

- Get Involved – Volunteer opportunities and team support roles

Questions?

- About coaching: Email Director of Hockey at lipsett@centralkentuckyhockey.com

- About team/season details: Contact our Board of Directors at ckhaboard@centralkentuckyhockey.com

At CKHA, we believe coaching is about:

- ✓ Developing the whole player (skills, character, resilience)

- ✓ Making hockey fun and accessible

- ✓ Building a positive team culture

- ✓ Long-term player development, not just this season's record

- ✓ Following USA Hockey's development standards

We're looking for coaches who share these values.