New RIHF regulations concerning the certification of coaches

The Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) has developed and published new regulations concerning the certification of ice hockey coaches.

The new rules are aimed at increasing the professional level of Russian coaches.

Certification is required for coaches working with teams participating in official Russian competitions, as well as for coaches working with professional ice hockey clubs.

The regulations establish the RIHF coaching categories, the order of their assignment, requirements for the level of education and work experience and the procedure for certification for the corresponding coaching categories.

In case of suspension or termination of the certificate, the coach is not allowed to manage the team or work with its management during the competition in question.

The regulations provide for these following four types of RIHF coaching categories:

- The “Standard” category allows the coach to work with teams participating in regional competitions and physical education events (including amateur and student tournaments);

- The “Expert” category is required to manage a team participating in interregional and all-Russian competitions;

- A specialist with the “Pro” category receives the right to work with youth and junior national teams of the country, as well as in club tournaments held by the RIHF;

- The “Elite” category gives the right to participate in any international tournaments (including World Championships and Olympic Games) as a coach of national teams of the Russian Federation.

Before submitting an application for a certificate, the applicant must master one of the educational programs specially developed by the RIHF and successfully pass the final certification. A list of educational organisations implementing such programs, as well as detailed information about the certification procedure and the procedure for submitting documents, are posted in the "Certification Department” section on the RIHF.

You can read the regulations with regard to the certification of ice hockey coaches here.