Coaches are key to the success of the sport. From introducing new players to the game, to nurturing the next big talents, coaches determine the quality of a player’s experience and their development both on and off the ice.
England Ice Hockey work closely with UK Coaching to deliver a comprehensive coaching pathway and help support and develop coaches to provide the best possible experience in ice hockey.
‘Great coaching is all about putting people first. Whether the participant or the person coaching them, being able to understand and connect with them is essential to creating an environment in which they can thrive.’ UK Coaching
England Ice Hockey currently offers the following coaching qualifications:
- Foundation Coach
- Level 1 (L1) Assistant Coach
- Level 2 (L2) Team Coach
- Level 3 (L3) Advanced Coach (IHUK)
We also offer an ‘Accelerated Coaching Pathway’, designed to encourage players to get into coaching.
Players must apply directly to the EIH for clearance that they meet one of the criteria detailed below:
- Over two seasons experience playing in NIHL 2 within the last five years or playing in a higher division for over three seasons more than five years ago.
- One full season in NIHL 1 or WNIHL 1 or higher in the UK within the last five years.
- More than one full season in NIHL or WNIHL Elite or above within the last five years.
- Any player that has played for any of the senior GB national teams (men’s, women’s, and para).
Apply for the accelerated pathway here or contact info@englandicehockey.com for more information.
All coaches must register directly with England Ice Hockey using the online portal. Registrations must be approved by England Ice Hockey before the coach’s license and insurance are confirmed. For more on registration, including terms and conditions of registration, please see section 1 of England Ice Hockey Rule Book.
It is mandatory for all coaches to:
- be registered with England Ice Hockey
- have paid all required fees and dues to England Ice Hockey
- understand the rules and regulations for the sport
- understand the rules for the age group and competition they will be managing
- follow England Ice Hockey Code of Conduct & Ethics and follow all England Ice Hockey rules, regulations and policies
- comply with WADA’s Anti-Doping Code and UKAD’s Anti-Doping Policy
- hold an EIH Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s Barred List) completed via EIH’s Vibrant Nation service
- be a competent skater
- have undertaken an England Ice Hockey qualification in coaching
- be able to communicate effectively in English
To get started on your coaching journey, the first step is to register as a Foundation Coach with England Ice Hockey through your club. You will then be provided with a unique code to complete your e-learning.
You must be at least 16 years old to start this qualification.
Once you’ve paid for your registration, you will be a pending Foundation Coach until you have:
- An EIH enhanced DBS check (with Children’s Barred List) through Vibrant Nation
- Attended a safeguarding briefing or completed a free online course
- Completed the required UK Coaching online e-learning
- How to: Plan, Coach, Reflect
- Duty to Care
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest
The Level 1 Coach is the next step in the pathway after Foundation Coach. Level 1 coaches must be at least 17 years old to begin the qualification.
After you have completed the Foundation requirements, to become a qualified Level 1 Coach you are then required to complete the additional Level 1 requirements:
- Hold an EIH Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s Barred List) completed via EIH’s Vibrant Nation service
- Complete a level 1 safeguarding course
- Complete a basic first aid course (online accepted)
- Complete the following UK Coaching e-learning:
- Get into Coaching
- Creating a Successful Coaching Environment
- Mental Health Awareness for Sport and Physical Activity
- Concussion Awareness for Coaches
- Attend and pass a level 1 Ice Hockey specific coaching course
- Log 25 hours of coaching, signed off by the club Head Coach
To maintain a Level 1 license, coaches must also complete two pieces of CPD over a three year cycle.
It is important to note that following courses expire after three years and must be retaken to progress or maintain your license:
- All safeguarding courses
- All first aid courses
- UK Coaching’s Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- UK Coaching’s Concussion Awareness for Coaches
The Level 2 Coach is currently the highest license England Ice Hockey offer and the next step in the pathway after the Level 1 Coach. Level 2 coaches must be at least 18 years old.
After you have completed the Foundation and Level 1 requirements, to become a qualified Level 2 Coach you are then required to complete the additional Level 2 requirements:
- Hold an EIH Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s Barred List) completed via EIH’s Vibrant Nation service
- Complete a level 2 safeguarding course
- Complete a level 2 first aid course (face-to-face)
- Complete the UKAD Coach Clean course
- Completed the IIHF Integrity course
- Attend and pass a level 2 Ice Hockey specific coaching course
- Have been a Level 1 Coach for a minimum of one season (10 months)
- Logged 50 hours of coaching, signed off by your Head Coach
To maintain a Level 2 license, coaches must also complete four pieces of CPD over a three year cycle.
It is important to note that following courses expire after three years and must be retaken to progress or maintain your license:
- All safeguarding courses
- All first aid courses
- UK Coaching’s Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- UK Coaching’s Concussion Awareness for Coaches
All individuals must follow their affiliated club’s membership process and then register with England Ice Hockey via their club. Registration will be accepted following the submission of any required documents, such as ID, and approval from England Ice Hockey and its affiliated club.
Clubs are accessible and friendly environments providing a range of ice hockey opportunities to meet your needs, from junior and senior hockey, to recreational (casual) opportunities and clubs dedicated to meeting the needs of Para and SEND participants.
Whether you’re interested in pursuing ice hockey semi-professionally, want to play for fun, or want to volunteer as a coach or off-ice official, our opportunities and variety of clubs aim to make sure ice hockey is accessible to all.
As every club is unique and has its own fees, rules and regulations, we recommend contacting them directly to see how they can meet your needs.
For full details of registration costs, benefits and terms and conditions, please see our Get Involved page.
