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4 An American Hockey Parent Handbook PHOTOS BY PAUL TRESELER USA Hockey makes an unequaled commitment to coaching education, which means that members of USA Hockey receive an unrivaled level of support and resources geared toward developing young players. USA Hockey's Coaching Education Program is designed to improve the caliber and quality of coaching in amateur hockey. Five levels of achievement and six online, age-specific modules have been established to educate and train each coach, from the beginner to the highly skilled expert. The Coaching Education Program is committed to developing effective instructors and role models through a comprehensive education program at all levels of play. The program emphasizes fundamental skills, conceptual development, sportsmanship and respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, parents and off-ice officials. USA Hockey's district coaches-in-chief use trained coaching education personnel to conduct the first three progressive levels of instructional coaching clinics. The coaches-in- chief themselves organize and conduct the Level 4 clinics, while the director of the coaching education program conducts the Level 5 clinic. All registered coaches are required to complete clinics in accordance with USA Hockey standards. Additionally, USA Hockey has developed an internationally renowned library of instructional materials for coaches to use on the ice as well as in the classroom. Officials USA Hockey officials—the men and women in stripes—experience one of the most comprehensive officiating education programs in all of amateur sport. They attend clinics and pass tests annually that become progressively more difficult as they advance through the ranks. Additionally, each district has referee supervisors and mentor programs that help officials reach their fullest potential. If you're looking for a way to get involved and give back to the game, consider becoming a USA Hockey official. It's also a great way for teenaged hockey players to make money while learning more about the game. Unequaled Instruction for Your Child "The thing I like about coaching is looking at it from where they started to where they finished. It isn't about wins and losses; it's about how they develop. We take pride in that." — KEITH TKACHUK, hockey dad, youth hockey coach, 19-year NHL veteran, four- time U.S. Olympian, first American-born player to lead the NHL in goal scoring An American Hockey Parent Handbook