Rocky Mountain District

Coaching News – September/October 2021

Introducing the 2021-22 Hockey Season

While some of us are experiencing what we might call a “return to normal”, others are still coping with various effects of the Coronavirus.  Thus, like last season, we need to take care of ourselves and our athletes and be flexible and patient in dealing with any issues that may arise.

I ask each Coach to keep the best interests of their fellow coaches, their players, and their families in mind with each considered activity this season.  The one thing you can do is to give your players the best experience possible in whatever situations you encounter.  This will ensure their continued growth and ongoing participation in our sport and will prepare them for whatever comes next.   Thank you for all you are doing, and will do, to keep them on their path of development as an athlete and as a person! 

Coaching Education for Fall, 2021

For this season, USA Hockey has enacted a series of changes in Coaching Certification, including updated content for all levels, the need for ongoing training after reaching Level 4 or 5, and a reduced set of online age-specific modules (available near the end of September).   This year is also a Rule-Change year, meaning that many changes (some minor, some not) have been incorporated into the playing rules for the next four years.   You will experience all of these as you progress through coaching activities this season.

Last season, all clinics were virtual.   That format will continue this season, but we will try to also offer in-person clinics where possible.  Each format has its advantages, and coaches are free to fulfill their requirements in either format.   The age-specific modules (8U, 10-12U, and 13 & Older) are only taken online.

Heads-Up on when Rocky Mountain Clinics will “go live” …

Many of you have emailed me or the National Office about clinics.   We are late getting our clinics posted online, and I apologize for that.   Without going into a lot of detail, let me say that we are about ready to begin our clinics, and for your information, ALL Rocky Mountain Clinics will go Live for enrollment on September 29 at 7:00 P.M. Central Time.   We know that it has been tough to find open clinics, so we are giving you this advanced notice so you can plan to enroll at that time.   There should be plenty of openings.

As we look forward to starting the season, I encourage you to (1) find out who your club’s Coaching Leader is, (2) ask them how you can help your program get better, (3) make sure you understand all the requirements to be a coach, including Coach Education, Safe Sport Training, and other registration processes, and (4) focus on coaching every one of your athletes to the best of your ability.   Do this, and you’ll have a successful and memorable season.  

Thank you for coaching in USA Hockey!

Cosmo Clarke, Rocky Mountain District Coach in Chief    

(cosmo@clarke-athletics.com)