All coaches and assistant coaches that coach within the KVHA are certified by the guidelines set forth by USA Hockey and MAHA.  All certifications must be completed by the required dates for the current season to be eligible.  Coaches level of certification are required and monitored by the KVHA Board. 

Those interested in being a Coach within the KVHA must complete in full and submit an application for the division of interest that they would like to coach.   Coaching application links are posted on the KVHA home page prior to each season when coach recruitment is in force.  Applications are reviewed, criminal background checks are conducted, and a formal interview with the KVHA Coach Selection Committee is then conducted.  Selected candidates are submitted to the KVHA Board for approval before a team will be awarded.

Once selected, the Head Coach is ultimately in charge of their team.  This means that they assume responsibility for all team personnel, credentials and conduct, financial dealings and other aspects of the team within the scope of the By-laws and regulations set forth by KVHA, MAHA and USA Hockey. 

KVHA Head Coaches are responsible for conducting themselves as a positive role model for those players selected or drafted to their team.   As a role model and positive influence , they will accept responsibility for not only their own behavior and conduct but also the conduct of their assistant coaches, managers, players, and parents.

All KVHA Head Coaches are appointed by the KVHA Board of Directors and all Head Coach positions are at all times, ‘at will.’  

KVHA Head Coaches are volunteer positions.  They are not compensated or receive any other remuneration or fringe benefit from KVHA for serving in this position.

• Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Care more about the child than winning the game. Remember, players are involved in hockey for fun and enjoyment.
• Be a positive role model to your players. Display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of players.
• Be generous with your praise when it is deserved; be consistent and honest; be fair and just; do not criticize players publicly; learn to be a more effective communicator and coach; don’t yell at players.
• Adjust to personal needs and problems of players; be a good listener; never verbally or physically abuse a player or official; give all players the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence and develop self-esteem; teach players the basics.
• Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques and strategies of hockey; encourage all your players to be team players.
• Maintain an open line of communication with your players’ parents. Explain the goals and objectives of your association.
• Be concerned with the overall development of your players. Stress good health habits and clean living.
• To play the game is great, to love the game is greater

NON ROSTERED PLAYERS/COACHES ON THE ICE OR BENCH

The only people allowed on the ice during practice or on the bench during games are those players rostered to the team and that team’s rostered coaches.  Having others on the ice or the bench invalidates the USA Hockey insurance and puts the head coach at risk for disciplinary action and potential lawsuit should an un-rostered individual be injured.  The USA Insurance coverage will not cover you or anyone on the ice, including an injured party.  The rule applies to player siblings, coaches other children, friends, and even those rostered on other KVHA teams. This is not optional, and coaches will be suspended immediately pending a hearing if it occurs. This is not a KVHA rule, but a USA Hockey / MAHA rule and it will be strictly enforced.

HELMETS

All coaches on the ice are required to wear a helmet. Guest ‘instructors’ on the ice with teams must also wear helmets.  It is the head coaches responsibility to make sure this is followed. If your team has someone come to your practice to work with your team and they are on the ice, they must have a helmet. NO EXCEPTIONS. These coaches must also be USA Hockey registered.  Again, failure to follow this policy puts the head coach at risk for disciplinary action. Both of these are USA Hockey rules and are not negotiable.