Calling All Coaches!

Greetings AHA Coaches:

Welcome back to our returning coaches, and for those who will be new, welcome aboard! As you know, AHA consists of all volunteers, including our coaches. If you plan to coach a team, whether as Head Coach, Assistant Coach, or someone who hops on the ice/bench from time to time, USA Hockey requires you to complete a number of steps before you are eligible. We know this is time consuming, but in order to ensure the best experience for the kids, including their safety, anyone who plans to coach must follow the steps below, none of which are unique to AHA.

Please review the steps listed on the below link and let me know if you have any questions:

https://www.andoverhockey.org/coaching-resources/usa-hockey-and-aha-requirements-to-coach/501

 As compliance director, it is my unfortunate job to ensure compliance with the rules. Moreover, many of our coaches put in the time (and money) to attend courses, get certifications, etc., and it is not fair to them if others do not follow the same rules. Fortunately, coaches who complete all of the requirements may seek reimbursement of their actual costs to get certified by submitting proof of payment to the Treasurer (Treasurer@andoverhockey.org).

Please note once again all USA Hockey certifications are being done online this season. Trust me, there has never been a better/easier time to enroll or update your coaching certification to the next level then now. All usual certification classes are being done via Zoom, saving you a weekend in a class setting.

Note - for those intending to help with Learn to Play or Learn to Skate, the only requirements are to: 1) Register with USA HOCKEY (which will conduct a background check), and 2) Complete SafeSport.

 If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me and thank you in advance for your willingness to commit the time and energy necessary to become and be a coach. Without our dedicated and hard-working coaches, AHA would not survive.

Enjoy the summer!

Kevin Cormier

857-600-9501

Compliance@Andoverhockey.org