What Paperwork Do Youth Hockey Players and Coaches Need Each Season?
If you’re managing a youth hockey team, you already know: the paperwork never ends. Between registrations, certifications, and safety forms, it’s easy to lose track — and even easier to miss a deadline. This guide breaks down the essential documents your players, coaches, and staff need each season.
1. For Players:
- USA Hockey Registration Number
Required annually. Needed for rostering and insurance. - Birth Certificate
Typically required once, but must be submitted to prove eligibility. - Consent to Treat / Medical Forms
Often required by the league or organization. - Code of Conduct Acknowledgement
A signed document to ensure players understand behavioral expectations. - SafeSport (if applicable)
For players aged 17+ who turn 18 during the season.
2. For Coaches & Team Staff:
- USA Hockey Coaching Certification
Must be kept current; coaches need to move up levels as they continue coaching. - USA Hockey Registration
Just like players — required every season. - SafeSport Certification
Mandatory for anyone 18+ in a supervisory role. - Background Screening
Required by most leagues for all adult staff. - Concussion Awareness Training
Varies by state, but increasingly required.
3. Why It’s Hard to Keep Track
Managing these documents manually — especially across multiple teams — becomes a full-time job. Email chains, spreadsheets, missing PDFs… it’s chaotic.
That’s exactly why we built BenchLocker — to centralize everything, notify families and staff when documents are missing or expiring, and give clubs peace of mind.
Final Tip:
Whether you use BenchLocker or a clipboard, the key to a smooth season is organization. Don’t wait until roster deadlines — collect early, track everything, and automate reminders if you can.
Want to make it easier?
Check out BenchLocker — built by a hockey parent who was tired of chasing paperwork.
