Armstrong Cooper Youth Hockey

The following CEP levels are required:

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Level I (Initiation)
This program is the Learn to Skate Program centered around the goals of USA Hockey and the fundamentals of teaching 4-8 year players. The program addresses team organization, cross ice skill development concepts, and beginning coaching techniques.
Cost: $25.00 (reimbursed by ACYHA to each coach)

Level 2 (Associate)
Attend Introductory Clinic
Primary Skills, Tactics
Receive Coaches Manual
Classroom, On-Ice Instructions
Pass Open Book Study Examination
Receive Associate Patch/Card
Cost: $35.00 (reimbursed by ACYHA to each coach)

Level 3 (Intermediate)
Prerequisite - Associate Level Card.
Attend Intermediate Clinic
Instruction on USA/European Systems
Receive Intermediate Coaches Manual
Complete Intermediate Requirements
Receive Intermediate Patch
Cost: $45.00 (reimbursed by ACYHA to each coach)

Level 4 (Advanced)
Prerequisite - Intermediate Level Card
Attend 4 Day Long Advanced Clinic
Complete Skills, Tactics Systems
Complete Advanced Level Paper
Receive C.A.P. Shirt, Cap
Become Eligible for Master Level
Cost: Subject to site (reimbursed by ACYHA only with board approval)

CEP Clinics are available on the USA Hockey Website. Please note that clinics will be held statewide beginning in September and running through November. Please check back often for newly added clinics.

All youth hockey coaches in Minnesota and the rest of the country are required to attend a series of clinics before they are eligible to coach. The clinics are designed to help coaches provide curriculum and use the proper teaching techniques to insure the proper development of their players.

The clinics are mandated and overseen by USA Hockey qualified instructors with at least a Level 4 certification. Each of the 12 districts in Minnesota Hockey has a head coach who serves as the USA Hockey CEP instructor. The clinic manuals they use and seminar content presented have been designed by the best hockey coaches and skill acquisition professional in the country. Each level is specific to the age of the players and their needs.

Clinic levels 1 through 3 are offered each year across the state on the weekends beginning in late September and concluding in late December. Many clinics offer on ice sessions as part of the program. Levels 4 and 5 are offered once a year in March and every two years at the National Coaching Symposium.

An explanation of the required levels is below.

Re-Certification

The CEP Cards expire after three years. Level 3 coaches may re-certify online. Coaches holding a level 4 card do not have to be re-certified under the current policies. Obtaining the next level of certification eliminates the need to re-certify for three years.