What training do U9 head coaches need?
Rule- Canada
- Hockey Canada
- Minor hockey
- U9
- Half-ice hockey
- 2026-27
- Parents
Hockey Canada's U9 Player Pathway says head coaches of U9 teams require:
- Hockey Canada Learning Lab - Coach 1 (the NCCP Coach 1 - Intro to Coach clinic, designed for coaches of under-9 players). Certification is not required at Coach 1: a coach can stay "Trained" indefinitely.
- The Shift Forward or Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders, as set by the coach's Provincial / Territorial Member.
- Additional qualifications where a Provincial / Territorial Member requires them.
Coaches also get 32 U9 lesson plans free through the Hockey Canada Network app, and free ice-session plans through Drill Hub.
Updated 25 Oct 2026