Coaching Requirements

Thank you for stepping up to lead and guide one of our Blues teams. Your commitment, expertise, and passion for the sport are instrumental in shaping our athletes both on and off the ice. On behalf of the Blues Executive, thank you for dedicating your time and energy to nurturing the talents and character of our young players.

As a Head Coach, you play a critical leadership role in the organization You are tasked with leading your team both on and off the ice, developing our athletes to help them success in all areas of hockey and life.

Your responsibilities include:

1. Creation of Practice Plans: Designing and implementing structured practice sessions that focus on skill development, teamwork, and game strategies tailored to the needs and abilities of the players.
2. Athlete Evaluations: Conducting regular assessments of player performance and progress to provide constructive feedback and identify areas for improvement.
3. Team Meetings: Organizing and leading team meetings to discuss team goals, review game footage, engage in team-building activities, and foster a sense of unity among players.
4. Season Plans and Progressions: Developing a comprehensive season plan outlining goals, objectives, and progressions for the team's development throughout the season.
5. Informational Parent Meeting: Conduct meeting with parents to communicate expectations, team policies, schedules, and any pertinent information for the upcoming season.
6. Attend All Coaches Meetings/Clinics: Participating in all coaches meetings or clinics organized by the Blues to discuss league updates, rule changes, best practices, and other relevant topics.
7. Be a Role Model:Exemplifying professionalism, integrity, and sportsmanship at all times, both on and off the ice, to serve as a positive role model for the athletes.

As an Assistant Coach, you are a vital part of the Blues coaching staff, providing crucial support to the head coach and the development of our athletes on and off the ice.  

Your responsibilities include:

1. Following Head Coach's Directions: Collaborating closely with the head coach and adhering to their guidance and instructions during practices and games. Your role is pivotal in executing the team's strategies and plans effectively.
2. Assisting in Practice Preparation: Helping set up and organize practice sessions by gathering required equipment and materials. Ensuring that the necessary gear, such as pucks, cones, and drills, are ready for use, facilitating smooth and efficient practices.
3. Preparing Team for Games: Prior to games, assisting in setting up the team benches with essentials such as water bottles, pucks, spare sticks, and dry erase boards. Ensuring that players have everything they need for optimal performance during games.
4. Be a Role Model: Exemplifying professionalism, integrity, and sportsmanship at all times, both on and off the ice, to serve as a positive role model for the athletes.

All Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches need to complete the following registrations and certifications:

• The Shift Forward: Evolving Hockey Culture Online Training or Valid Respect in Sports Activity leader
• Gender Identity Online Training
• Valid Police Records Check (VSC - Vulnerable Sector Check)
• Signed Rowans Law Acknowledgement

U10 - U11

• Coach 2 (1 day in class course)
• Hockey Canada Coach 2 (online clinic)
• Hockey Canada Coach 2 - U11 (online module specifically for coaches coaching U11)

U12 - U18

• Hockey Canada Coaching Program - Development 1 (online clinic)
• Development 1 (1 day in class course)

For more information on certification requirements:  

6.25 HEO BENCH & ON-ICE STAFF CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Per the Blues agreement, the Coach Selection Committee makes the final decision on all coaching placement decisions and consists of the Association Presidents, Directors of Competitive Hockey or their delegate.