RBIHF NATIONAL COACHING CLINIC
COACH LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATION 2026–2027
Category: New students
Target competitions and age groups: U14 and U16
Kickoff weekend: Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026
Time: 09:00–18:00
Location: Mechelen
Attendance during the entire kickoff weekend is mandatory.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The RBIHF Coach Level 1 certification is designed for aspiring coaches who want to develop the foundational knowledge and practical skills required to coach youth ice hockey.
The program is open to new candidates and coaches who wish to coach or assist with U14 and U16 teams. It combines essential coaching theory, practical learning, personal guidance and club-based evaluations throughout the season.
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
From the 2026–2027 season onwards, the Coach Level 1 certification is directly connected to the RBIHF National Development Plan.
Participants will learn how to use the national development objectives for U14 and U16 players when preparing and delivering their practices. Particular attention will be given to building practices that support the technical, tactical, physical and personal development of players within these age groups.
COURSE CONTENT
The Level 1 program covers:
• Fundamental coaching principles
• The RBIHF National Development Plan for U14 and U16
• Age-specific player development
• Effective and structured practice planning
• Communication and leadership
• Creating a safe and positive learning environment
• Introduction to individual and team tactics
• Basic game preparation and bench management
• Player motivation and development
• Coach self-evaluation and personal improvement
SEASON-LONG CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
The Level 1 certification covers the entire 2026–2027 season and consists of:
• A mandatory two-day kickoff clinic in Mechelen
• Theoretical and practical sessions during the kickoff weekend
• An online open-book theoretical evaluation
• On-site observations during practices at the participant’s club
• Personal evaluation and feedback from a Regional Development Manager
• Individual follow-up calls or webinars during the season
• A final overall assessment at the end of the season
• A personalized development and improvement plan
ON-SITE PRACTICAL EVALUATION
Instead of submitting practice plans and assignments throughout the season, participants will now be evaluated while coaching within their own club environment.
An RBIHF Regional Development Manager will attend one or more practices delivered by the participant. The observation will evaluate:
• Preparation and structure of the practice
• Application of the RBIHF National Development Plan
• Suitability of the practice for the relevant age group
• Quality of instruction and demonstrations
• Communication with players
• Player activity and engagement
• Safety and practice management
• The coach’s ability to observe, correct and support players
Following the observation, the practice will be discussed with the participant. The Regional Development Manager will provide feedback and award an evaluation score. These scores will form an important part of the final certification decision.
KICKOFF WEEKEND
The mandatory kickoff clinic will take place in Mechelen on:
Saturday 12 September 2026, from 09:00 until 18:00
Sunday 13 September 2026, from 09:00 until 18:00
The detailed program will be communicated approximately two weeks before the course.
CERTIFICATION
Participants who successfully complete the theoretical evaluation, practical observations and season-long development program will receive the RBIHF Level 1 Coach Certificate.
The Level 1 Coach Certificate is valid for two seasons and allows the holder to coach or assist with U14 and U16 teams, in accordance with the applicable RBIHF competition and licensing regulations.
Successful completion also provides access to further development opportunities within the RBIHF coaching pathway, including progression towards Coach Level 2 certification.
Places are limited, and early registration is strongly recommended.