Coaches Corner
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COACHES AND VOLUNTEERS MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Our coaches and volunteers are integral keys to keeping practices and games organized and running smooth.
We strive to make our program a great experience for our players and our volunteers. Volunteer roles are based on your interest and availability, as well as the needs of the teams and programs. Thank you for your interesting in being part of Fleetwood Ice Hockey!
A FEW REQUIREMENTS:
While we certainly look to accommodate as many volunteers as possible, there are some special requirements & expectations we have of our volunteers that we want to communicate upfront for you to consider:
1. TRAINING, CERTIFICATION & CLEARANCES ARE REQUIRED - Coaches and Assistant Coaches must be at least 18 years of age and are required to complete all of the items listed below:
2. AGE REQUIREMENTS - On-ice volunteers must be at least be a freshman in high school, or be able to be accompanied by an adult on the ice each time.
3. COMMITMENT - Yes, winning games is great, but that is NOT the main goal of our coaches. We ask that everyone keep in mind that there has never been an NHL Scout in the stands at our games. Their priority of the coaching staff is to focus on player development. Help the players prepare for the next level of hockey. Help them improve, and enjoy the game. Hockey is a gift and many people play for many years casually or semi-competitively.
4. WILLING TO HAVE FUN - It is imperative that our volunteers are out-going and have a sense of humor, as well as a hockey sense. It is imperative that we all have fun!!!!!
PA Act 15
The following are a requirement of all coaches and volunteers in the state of Pennsylvania:
· PA Act 153 Background Check- The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association (AAHA) District has adopted the PA Act 153 requirements for the following mandatory screenings
PA State Police Criminal Background Check – Free
- Apply online at: https://epatch.state.pa.us/Home.jsp Click on NEW RECORD CHECK. Accept the Terms & Conditions, then complete the rest of the form online.
- Apply via paper using: http://www.dhs.state.pa.us/cs/groups/webcontent/documents/form/s_001769.pdf
Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services - Free
- Apply online at: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home
- Apply via paper using: http://www.dhs.state.pa.us/cs/groups/webcontent/documents/form/s_001762.pdf
- For those who have continuously lived in the state for 10 years (or longer)
- A signed "Disclosure Statement Application for Volunteers" for residents of PA for the past 10 continuous years. It must be signed and notarized then submitted to FIHC to be kept on file.
- For those that have NOT been residents in the state of PA for longer than 10 years,
- A fingerprint based Federal criminal history (FBI) submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent Background check must be done in person at fingerprinting sites
- Find sites here: https://www.pa.cogentid.com/index_dpw.htm
- Cost is $27.50
- A fingerprint based Federal criminal history (FBI) submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent Background check must be done in person at fingerprinting sites
Please keep this in mind as you submit clearance requests to the Department. If you have questions regarding the clearance process, please visit Volunteers. Individuals seeking clearances can go directly to www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis to create an individual account and apply for their child abuse clearance electronically.
Complete Information on the PA Keep Kids Safe Initiative can be found here: www.KeepKidsSafe.pa.gov
Thank you for your continued commitment to keep our children and ALL Pennsylvania’s children safe!
SafeSport Program Training
http://www.usahockey.com/safesporttraining
The safety of player participants is of paramount importance to the FIHC and to USA Hockey. This includes not only on-ice safety, but also off-ice safety in any part of USA Hockey programs.
USA Hockey has long had systems in place to try to protect its participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse and other types of abuse and misconduct that can be harmful to youth hockey players and other participants. These include without limitation, physical abuse, sexual abuse, screening, locker room supervision and hazing policies, in addition to Codes of Conduct applicable to administrators, coaches, officials, parents, players and spectators.We would urge all parents, players and coaches to show the appropriate level of sensitivity and compassion to each other.
For more information, please go to the website link: http://www.usahockey.com/SafeSport.aspx.
Steps to Become a USA Hockey Coach
USA Hockey and the Coaching Education Program require both registration (as a Coach) and certification to be eligible to coach. Registration is done online on a yearly basis. Certification is also required, which means coaches are required to attend a USA Hockey Coaches Clinic. USA Hockey Coaches Training and required age-specific modules must be completed before December 31. The clinic dates can be found here on the USA Hockey website.
- Register as a member of USA Hockey Coach: (Cost is $46 plus any affiliate fees if applicable).
- Complete the Background Screening (Steps listed above in Act 15)
- Complete the Safe Sport Training: (Required every two years and cannot be added to a roster until completed).
- Complete the online age-specific module(s) for the age level of play you are coaching. (Cost is $10 per module and only needs to be completed once per age level. Must be completed PRIOR to participating in any team activities and cannot be added to a roster until completed)
Coaching Education Program Certification Clinic Requirements (Must be completed by Dec. 31)
- Find, register and attend the required certification clinic. (Cost is $45 plus any lunch fees if applicable) You can only attend one clinic per season and all coaches start at Level 1. (The coaching clinic season for Levels 1-3 officially runs from September 1 to December 31).
All the steps above (and links on how to complete them) can be found here: http://www.usahockey.com/coachingcertification
At this point you may be asking yourself, "Why do coaches need so much clearances, training & certifications?"
It's very important that volunteers in leadership roles have a strong understanding of the sport, and the situations that may come up and how to handle them. Unfortunate situations happen and we are no exceptions to them. Over the years we've experienced each of the situations covered and want to make sure you are prepared to help.
FIHC requires all coaches to make initial payments for all trainings or certifications, and at the end of the season, FIHC will reimburse coaches for any fees/costs associated with all trainings & certifications. Please make sure you save all receipts/emails/documents relating to any costs you wish to be reimbursed for. The ONLY way to be reimbursed is to provide supporting documentation of the costs.
If you meet the criteria listed above (or are willing to go through the required steps) and want to apply for a volunteer position in our program, please contact our organization via the Contact Us link.
Thank you for your interest in Fleetwood Hockey!
