Interested in Coaching Hockey in Surrey Minor Hockey Association?

All individuals who are interested in coaching with the Surrey Minor Hockey Association (SMHA) for the upcoming hockey season are required to complete the Coaches’ Application Form – see links below. The SMHA Coaching Committee will review all applications and make offers for Head Coaching positions. Assistant Coaches on each team are chosen by the Head Coach. Each coach in the association is required to complete all certifications as required by both BC Hockey and Hockey Canada.

What Coaching Certifications do I require to coach in SMHA?

SMHA must follow BC Hockey’s Coaching Certification Requirements for each level of hockey. Please be aware that different levels of minor hockey may require different coaching certifications. If you are uncertain what you require for the age level that you are interested in coaching, please visit the BC Hockey Team Coaching Requirements page HERE.

What if I don’t have my Coaching Certification at the start of the season?

BC Hockey will begin running their coaching clinics again in the summer. If you apply to coach but do not have your coaching certification at the start of the season, that is ok. You can begin coaching and register to complete your required coaching courses prior to December 1, 2023. SMHA will require confirmation of your registration early on in the season. Please visit the Hockey Canada Clinics Information page HERE to locate and register for a course. If you do not complete the required courses prior to the deadline, SMHA will need to remove you from the team roster and your team will risk ineligibility for the remainder of the season.

Are there additional requirements that coaches, and team staff will need?

As per BC Hockey and Hockey Canada guidelines, all team official, regardless of their level, are required to hold the following valid course/certifications:

  • Criminal Record Check (CRC). This is required every three years.  There is no cost. To apply for your CRC, please submit online HERE. Please be sure to use the SMHA specific Access Code:4NX4CF5GJG.
  • Respect in Sports (RIS) – Activity Leader. This is required every five years. It is an online course that SMHA will reimburse you for provided you complete the course and you are rostered to a team. To register for the RIS course, visit HERE.
  • Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT). Currently, there is no expiry date on this course.  It is available online and is free. To register for CATT course, visit HERE.

Each of the above requirements should be complete and in place prior to the start of the 2023-2024 hockey season. If you are uncertain as to which courses you have taken and/or their expiry dates, you can check on the Hockey Canada Spordle My Account Page HERE or follow up with the SMHA Certifications Coordinator at certifications@surreyminorhockey.com.

How do I apply to Coach in SMHA?

To apply to coach in SMHA, please click on the link below.

  • New and returning U11 – U21 A1 Rep Coach Application Form 
  • New and returning U11 – U21 A2/A3 Rep Coach Application Form 
  • New and returning U6 – U21 C Coach Application Form 

Link: COACHING APPLICATION

How the selection process works/what happens next?

  • U11 – U21 A1 Rep Coach interviews to be scheduled for early June
  • U11 – U21 A2/A3 Rep Coach interviews to be scheduled for late June
  • U6 – U21 C Coach assignments to occur between July 15 – September 1

The SMHA Coaching Committee will be in touch with you to discuss the next steps of the process and set up an interview time. Having all certifications in place PRIOR to your interview is recommended. Should you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to follow up with Steve Gauthier at coachcoord@surreyminorhockey.com or Shawn McMullin at vp1@surreyminorhockey.com.

How do I go about getting reimbursed the cost of a course or certification?

If you take a coaching course or complete a required certification during the 2022-2023 hockey season and are rostered to a SMHA team, you will be reimbursed. Please save your receipt(s) and complete the Surrey Minor Hockey Expense Form HEREOnce completed please send both to the attention of the SMHA Treasurer at treasurer@surreyminorhockey.com. Please note refund are issued after the season is complete and you have completed your rostered role.

Thank you for your interest in coaching in Surrey Minor Hockey Association!