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JUNE/JULY 2020 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 11 PHOTOS BY Harry Thompson; NAHL The 2020 Level 5 Coaches Symposium is the latest event that has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event, set for Aug. 20-23 at the Duluth Enter tainment Convention Center in Duluth, Minn., has been rescheduled for Aug. 19-22, 2021. Par ticipants who have already registered will have the option to either transfer their registration fee to next year's event or receive a full refund. "It's definitely disappointing, but at the end of the day it is the right call," said Mike MacMillan, USA Hockey coach-in-chief. "We want to ensure everyone's safety at our events and this is the best way for- ward during this time of uncertainty." The bi-annual event is for coaches looking to attain their Level 5 coaching certification, the high- est offered by USA Hockey. In addition to general sessions, coaches explore innovative approaches to coaching through intensive breakout sessions dedi- cated to age-specific teaching and techniques. This will be the third time Minnesota has played host to the event starting with Minneapolis in 1999 and St. Paul in 2009. The event features an impressive lineup of speakers presenting on topics dealing with all aspects of the game of hockey including a num- ber of prominent NHL, AHL and college coaches who will be announced at a later date. Coaches Symposium Pushed Back To 2021 COACHING k The Level 5 Coaches Symposium offers coaches a hands- on approach to learning. JUNIORS Coaches Get A Virtual Assist With Clinics, Certification k Being able to effectively read and react to the situation on the ice is a valuable skill for any hockey player. The same is true for USA Hockey's Coaching Education Program during these uncertain times. With the current situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, USA Hockey knows that in-person coaching clinics may be different based upon social gathering criteria set by each state. To help coaches get ready to return to the rink, the CEP will conduct a series of virtual coaching certification clinics until it is deemed safe to host large group gatherings. "We understand that these are very different times for everyone," said CEP director Mark Tabrum, who added that in-person clinics will resume when it is deemed safe. "It is important for us to support our coaches during this time and adapt as much as we can to fit their needs." Virtual clinics are currently under way and can include 30-50 coaches at a time. Coaches can find upcoming virtual clinic at usahockey.com/coachingclinics. In addition to the virtual clinics, the CEP is introducing a new temporary coaching card as a flexible option for coaches to maintain their certification for the 2020-21 season without attending a clinic. The temporary card applies to coaching levels 1-4 and will be offered through June 30, 2020. Coaches can register for the temporary card online click here or download the form that can be completed and submitted to the USA Hockey national office. All coaches who sign up for the temporary card will be able to participate in any virtual or in-person USA Hockey coaching clinic this season if their circumstances change for no additional charge.