Coaches
While most coaches are typically volunteering parents looking out for the well-being and development of their children’s teams, there are a number of requirements they must meet to ensure they are capable of providing the best environment for our young athletes. Coaches are our front-line people and they will impact more young people in a year than the average person does in a lifetime. A good coach can change a game, a great coach can change a life.
It is very important that our coaches adhere to the minimum requirements outlined by the OMHA, follow our CAL Fairplay policy, be familiar with our CAL handbook, and promote a healthy development environment for our athletes.
CAL Coaches Fair Play Code & Policy:
As a coach in the CAL I will emphasize the following principles:
- Respecting the rules of the game
- Respecting officials and their decisions
- Respecting our opponents
- Provide all participants with equal opportunities.
As a coach, I will be reasonable when scheduling games and practices, remembering that players have other interests and obligations. I will teach my players to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials, and opponents. I will ensure that all players get equal instruction, support and playing time. I will not demean my players for making mistakes or for performing poorly. I will remember that players play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves. I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the players’ ages and abilities. I will remember that participants need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with praise and set a good example. I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills. I will work in cooperation with officials for the benefit of the game.
Coaches Requirements
In addition to being familiar and adhering to the CAL Handbook, coaches in the CAL must meet & maintain the requirements for team officials as outlined in the current OMHA MANUAL OF OPERATIONS.
Click HERE to find the online coach clinics. Once you’ve taken your training you may wish to seek certification. See ‘How to become a certified coach’ below.
Click HERE to see the official OMHA Coach Education page.
How To Become A Certified Coach Level Two
Coaches with Coach Level 2 ‘trained’ status have 5 years to become certified after taking the clinic or must take the clinic again. To become a certified coach level 2 you must:
- Complete the written assignment <- Click to Download
- Complete your MED (Making Ethical Decisions) <- Click for Information
Coaches pre-June 30th 2014 received ‘trained’ status and must complete their certification as indicated above before Jan 2020 or will have to take the clinic again.
Once certified you must acquire ’10’ amount of professional development points within 5 years of becoming certified or you will be reverted back to ‘trained’ status.
Coaches Resources
- OMHA – Coaching Requirments and Outlines: Check here to ensure you understand all the OMHA requirements for coaching hockey in Ontario
- OMHA – Coaching Resource: Resouce links include coaching tools, off ice training, videos, goaltending, small area games, national skills,and standardized testing. Definitely loads of valuable information.
- Hockey Canada – Coaching Resources: Players, coaches and parents can get valuable resources, including practice plans, skill evaluation tools, core skills and more.
- Long Term Player Development Manual: Long-term Player Development is the Hockey Specific response to Sport Canadaʼs Long-term Athlete Development model. Please take the time to read the Hockey Canada LTPD Guide.
- The Coaches Site: Ice Hockey Coaching Tips and Drills from the Pros.
- Ice Hockey Systems: Over 600 animated hockey drills and systems, Denis Savard coaching videos, and online tools to create hockey practice plans and share with your team.
