Coaching Requirements
All new potential coaching candidates must first be approved by the Mighty Penguins Board of Directors.
Email James Michael, Director of Hockey Operations, to begin the process of applying to be a coach for the Mighty Pens. james.michael@penguinssledhockey.org
- Once approved by the Mighty Pens Board, you will receive our Coaching Submission Form link that must be completed prior to being added to the appropriate team.
Step 1: Register with USA Hockey
Registration through USA Hockey (Valid for 1 year / season, 9-1 through 8-31. Must be renewed each season, registration begins April 1st).
This is essentially your insurance that helps cover medical expenses in the event of a sled hockey related injury.
Step 2: Complete SafeSport Training
SafeSport Certification is required every year and you cannot be added to a roster until completed. (Certification is valid for 1 year and must be renewed each season.)
SafeSport is an online module to help coaches and volunteers become aware of the information necessary to help prevent abuse from occurring in our sport.
Step 3: Obtain Required PA Clearances
The following 3 Clearances must be completed and on file with the Mighty Penguins.
1 — PA CHILD ABUSE HISTORY CLEARANCE (CY113) (Valid for 60 months / 5 years):
This is a check for a record of abuse on a child. **This will need to be uploaded to NCSI (Step 4) to complete the background screening process.
2 — PA CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS (SP4-164) (Valid for 60 months / 5 years):
This is a PA State Police criminal record check. **This will need to be uploaded to NCSI (Step 4) to complete the background screening process.
3 — FBI CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: PA Residents see VOLUNTEER AFFIDAVIT DISCLOSURE APPLICATION (Valid for 60 months / 5 years):
*PA Residents:
A Volunteer Affidavit can be used in lieu of an FBI Check by anyone who has lived in PA for the last 10 consecutive years AND is participating as a volunteer with USA Hockey. Please print and sign the application below. ** This will need to be uploaded to the NCSI (Step 4) to complete the background screening process.
*If you have not lived in PA for 10 years:
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is utilizing IdentoGO to process fingerprint-based FBI criminal background checks. The fingerprint based background check is a multiple step process. You must first register online, and then go and actually have your fingerprints taken, and then wait for the results. You can register online to schedule to have your fingerprints done by using the link below.
The required code for volunteers is 1KG6ZJ. The required code for employees is 1KG756.
Step 4: Complete NCSI Background Check
In compliance with requirements from the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), USA Hockey has implemented a national level background screening policy know as the NCSI Screening.
Background screens are good for 1 year the 1st time you complete it and then every two seasons thereafter. NCSI screens expire on August 31. Screens completed January–March are valid through August 31 of the following year. Screens completed April–December are valid through August 31 two years later.
Pennsylvania residents and those participating in USA Hockey sanctioned events within the state are required to complete the state of Pennsylvania mandated clearances in addition to the NCSI criminal background screen. PA clearances are valid for 5 years & these clearances must be uploaded in order to complete your NCSI application.
Please note: Returning coaches may already have the necessary clearances on file with the organization. Email Tara Garris (Registrar) for questions concerning clearance status: tara.garris@penguinssledhockey.org
Coaching Certification
Please reach out to James Michael, Director of Hockey Operations to find out what coaching certifications are needed: james.michael@penguinssledhockey.org
Certification includes the completion of the disabled module and find, register, and attend the required certification clinic.
You can only attend one clinic per season and all coaches start at Level 1. You can take clinics from April 1 to December 31st each season.
Coaching Education Program Certification Clinic requirements must be completed by December 31st if you are a returning coach. All 1st year coaches must have their Certification requirement before the 1st practice of the season.
All of the above requirements can be completed from your Coaching Profile Page at USA Hockey Learning Center — click HERE to visit the Learning Center