MIHC may identify and recommend its own coaching candidates, and there are no league restrictions on clubs proposing their preferred coaches, provided they meet safety, credentialing, and eligibility standards. All coaching hires and terminations for MIHC high school teams must be submitted to, and approved by, the AT&T High School Hockey League Advisory Group Coaching Committee to ensure player safety, quality coaching, proper credentialing, and completion of all required background checks.

To be eligible for recommendation and approval as an MIHC coach within the league, an individual must:

• Be properly registered with USA Hockey and the relevant league or affiliate.
• Hold the required USA Hockey coaching certification level (including age‑specific modules) for the level they are coaching by the required deadlines.
• Complete all required background screening and be deemed eligible under applicable screening and SafeSport criteria.
• Complete and maintain current SafeSport/MAAPP training under USA Hockey and U.S. Center for SafeSport rules.

MIHC may also consider prior coaching experience, fit with club culture, communication style, player‑development philosophy, and disciplinary history when recommending coaches to the Advisory Group Coaching Committee.

MIHC expects all approved coaches to uphold standards consistent with USA Hockey and league guidance, including:

• Prioritizing player safety and welfare, following concussion and injury‑management protocols, and modeling responsible behavior at all times.
• Complying with SafeSport/MAAPP requirements, including boundaries around one‑on‑one interactions and electronic communications with minor athletes.
• Adhering to USA Hockey rules, AT&T High School Hockey League regulations, and all MIHC policies (non‑discrimination, travel, discipline, data privacy, and cybersecurity).
• Emphasizing skill development, effort, and sportsmanship over “win at all costs” approaches, and maintaining professional conduct toward officials, opponents, and spectators.

These expectations inform both MIHC’s internal evaluations and any feedback provided to the Advisory Group Coaching Committee regarding a coach’s continued suitability.

MIHC may evaluate coaches throughout the season using:

• Observations from Board or hockey‑operations leaders at practices and games.
• Compliance checks for certification, SafeSport training, and screening status.
• Patterns in team discipline, adherence to policy, and overall team environment.
• Development‑focused feedback from players and families, where appropriate.

Where concerns arise, MIHC may provide feedback, mentoring, or corrective guidance to coaches and, if warranted, communicate with the Advisory Group Coaching Committee consistent with league processes.

If MIHC determines that a coach is not meeting expectations or poses safety, compliance, or reputational concerns, the club may recommend removal or non‑renewal to the AT&T High School Hockey League Advisory Group Coaching Committee. Consistent with league language:

• All coaching terminations for MIHC high school teams must be reviewed and approved through the League Advisory Group Coaching Committee process.
• MIHC may take immediate interim steps (such as temporary suspension from team activities) where necessary to protect player safety while formal review is pending.

Grounds for recommending removal or non‑renewal may include, but are not limited to, failure to maintain required credentials, violations of SafeSport/MAAPP, serious or repeated breaches of MIHC or league policies, abusive coaching practices, or unsportsmanlike conduct.

Coaching roles are not guaranteed from season to season, and final decisions regarding approval, continuation, or termination of coaching assignments rest within the combined framework of MIHC governance and the Advisory Group Coaching Committee’s authority.