Future Coach Certification & Reimbursement Requirements

SOUTHERNMOST HOCKEY CLUB

Future Coach Certification & Reimbursement Requirements

Dear Prospective Coaches,

Thank you for your interest in coaching with Southernmost Hockey Club and for volunteering your time to support our players and the Key West hockey community.

To protect our athletes and ensure that all teams are properly rostered and compliant with USA Hockey requirements, every head coach and assistant coach must complete the required USA Hockey registration, screening, education, and certification requirements.

USA Hockey requires coaches to complete several items through their own individual USA Hockey account. Because registrations, background screenings, SafeSport training, and coaching education are connected directly to each coach’s personal profile and legal identity, coaches will generally need to register and pay any required fees individually.

Southernmost Hockey Club will reimburse 100% of approved required USA Hockey coaching certification expenses once the applicable requirements have been completed and receipts have been submitted.

Coaching Requirement Breakdown

Before You Begin Coaching

Before participating in practices, games, evaluations, or other team activities, prospective Southernmost Hockey Club coaches must complete the applicable USA Hockey requirements, including membership registration, an approved background screening, annual SafeSport training, and the appropriate age-specific module.

SafeSport training is provided at no cost and must remain current.

Age-specific modules only need to be completed once for each age level coached.

Southernmost Hockey Club Reimbursement Process

Please save all receipts and confirmation emails associated with your required USA Hockey coaching expenses.

Once your required registration and training have been completed, submit your receipts together to Southernmost Hockey Club for reimbursement. Whenever possible, we ask coaches to submit one complete reimbursement request rather than several individual requests.

Southernmost Hockey Club intends to reimburse approved required coaching certification expenses at 100%.

If the upfront cost of completing the required certifications creates a financial hardship that could prevent you from coaching, please contact the Club President privately before registering. We will work with prospective coaches whenever possible so that out-of-pocket certification costs do not prevent qualified volunteers from becoming involved.

Important

Completing the certification process does not automatically guarantee a coaching position with Southernmost Hockey Club. Coaching assignments will be made by the Club based on program needs, age divisions, experience, availability, background-screening eligibility, completion of required certifications, and the best interests of our players and program.

Our goal is to build a strong group of knowledgeable, dependable, positive coaches who will help create a safe and enjoyable environment while teaching hockey skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, responsibility, and respect.

Thank you for considering becoming part of the Southernmost Hockey Club coaching team and helping us continue building year-round inline hockey in Key West.

Coach Requirements

Coaches must be approved by SMHC and may not begin coaching until required items are complete.

•   Be at least 18 years old unless SMHC approves a legally permissible supervised junior role.

•   Complete the Florida Level 2 background screening required for covered athletic coaches

under Florida Statutes 943.0438 and 435.0

•   Complete required USA Hockey registration, SafeSport, coaching education, and age-

specific modules for the league or age group being coached when applicable to the SMHC

program.

•   Attend required preseason coach meetings, rules/referee training, and safety briefings.

•   Complete concussion and SCA education required by SMHC and applicable law.

•   Provide proof of required certifications, memberships, screening, and training before team

activities.

•   SMHC will pay or reimburse the reasonable cost of required USA Hockey coaching

courses/modules for approved coaches, subject to Club procedures and budget approval.

Coach Expectations

Pre-Season: Participate in assessments and planning and complete all requirements before

team activities.

Attendance: Attend scheduled activities when possible and arrange an approved replacement

when unavailable.

Communication: Maintain timely communication with families and SMHC.

Keys & Access: Safeguard keys, codes, and equipment and return them when requested.

Opening the Rink: Inspect the rink and surrounding area for safety hazards before play.

Closing the Rink: Secure equipment, storage, gates, and facilities and ensure minors are not

left unattended.

Rules: Teach and facilitate play according to applicable rules.

Impartiality: Provide development opportunities and reasonable playing opportunities

consistent with safety, conduct, attendance, and team needs.

Equipment Check: Confirm athletes are wearing required protective equipment.

Safety: Report accidents and incidents and follow return-to-play requirements.

Role Model: Demonstrate professionalism, sportsmanship, maturity, and positive guidance.

Referee Requirements

Referees must satisfy the age, registration, training, background-screening, and insurance requirements applicable to the event or sanctioning organization. Individuals under age 18 may serve only in supervised trainee or youth-official roles when permitted.

Florida Statute 943.0438 includes certain referees, coaches, assistant coaches, and managers with direct contact with minors within the definition of an athletic coach. Effective July 1, 2026, covered individuals must receive a Level 2 background screening under section 435.04 before being authorized to serve, subject to statutory exceptions and exemptions.