Coach Selection, Appointment, and Eligibility

The McKinney Ice Hockey Club (MIHC) has full authority and autonomy over the recruitment, selection, appointment, evaluation, compensation (where applicable), assignment, and removal of all coaches serving within the Club, whether in a paid professional or volunteer capacity. The MIHC Board of Directors, or its designated Hockey Operations Committee, is responsible for all coaching decisions and will ensure that every coach meets the Club's standards for safety, professionalism, player development, and organizational values.

To be eligible for appointment as an MIHC coach, whether paid or volunteer, an individual must:

• Be properly registered with USA Hockey, when required.
• Hold the appropriate USA Hockey coaching certification level, including all required age-specific modules, for the level they are coaching and maintain those credentials in accordance with USA Hockey requirements.
• Successfully complete all required USA Hockey background screening requirements and remain eligible to participate under applicable screening policies.
• Complete and maintain current SafeSport and MAAPP training in accordance with USA Hockey and U.S. Center for SafeSport requirements.
• Comply with all MIHC policies, procedures, codes of conduct, and risk management requirements.
• Demonstrate the character, professionalism, and commitment expected of individuals representing MIHC.

In addition to these minimum eligibility requirements, MIHC may consider an individual's coaching experience, technical knowledge, leadership ability, communication skills, character, player-development philosophy, organizational fit, references, performance history, and any prior disciplinary history when making coaching appointments.

Paid and volunteer coaches are held to the same standards of conduct, professionalism, player safety, and accountability. Compensation does not alter a coach's responsibilities, authority, or obligation to comply with MIHC policies and USA Hockey requirements.

All coaches serve at the discretion of MIHC. The Club reserves the right to evaluate, reassign, suspend, or remove any paid or volunteer coach at any time when it determines such action is in the best interests of its players, members, or the organization, subject to the terms of any applicable employment or independent contractor agreement.

All coaches, whether serving in a paid or volunteer capacity, represent the McKinney Ice Hockey Club (MIHC) and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the Club's mission, values, and commitment to excellence. Coaches are leaders, mentors, and role models whose actions directly influence the development, safety, and experience of MIHC athletes.

All MIHC coaches are expected to:

• Place the safety, health, and well-being of every player above competitive results, following all USA Hockey concussion protocols, injury management procedures, return-to-play guidelines, and emergency action procedures.
• Maintain full compliance with all USA Hockey SafeSport, MAAPP, Risk Management, and player safety requirements, including appropriate boundaries regarding one-on-one interactions, locker room supervision, transportation, overnight accommodations, and electronic communications with minor athletes.
• Adhere to all applicable USA Hockey rules and regulations, the rules, bylaws, policies, and playing regulations of the Texas Scholastic Hockey League (TSHL), and any tournament or event-specific rules governing competitions in which MIHC participates.
• Comply with all MIHC policies, including but not limited to:
• Code of Conduct
• Player Safety and Risk Management Policies
• Travel and Overnight Policy
• Anti-Harassment, Non-Discrimination, and Equal Opportunity Policies
• Social Media and Electronic Communications Policy
• Privacy, Data Protection, and Cybersecurity Policies
• Financial and Expense Reimbursement Policies (when applicable)
• Equipment and Facility Policies
• Support the Club's player development philosophy by emphasizing skill development, teamwork, accountability, character, discipline, respect, leadership, and sportsmanship ahead of a "win-at-all-costs" mentality.
• Treat players, parents, officials, opponents, volunteers, league representatives, tournament staff, and spectators with professionalism, integrity, and respect at all times.
• Foster an environment that is inclusive, free from bullying, intimidation, harassment, retaliation, discrimination, or abuse.
• Communicate professionally, honestly, and promptly with players, families, Club leadership, league officials, and tournament organizers.
• Maintain appropriate supervision of players during practices, games, tournaments, team functions, travel, and other Club activities.
• Properly safeguard confidential player, family, and Club information and use Club technology and communication platforms responsibly.
• Support the development of assistant coaches, volunteer coaches, and team staff while promoting consistency throughout the MIHC hockey program.
• Promptly report injuries, misconduct, SafeSport concerns, disciplinary matters, and any violations of Club, league, or USA Hockey policies through the appropriate reporting channels.

As the governing authority for its hockey program, the McKinney Ice Hockey Club (MIHC) is solely responsible for the oversight, evaluation, development, and accountability of all paid and volunteer coaches. Coach evaluations are intended to promote continuous improvement, ensure compliance with Club standards, and maintain a safe, positive, and development-focused environment for all participants.

Coach performance may be evaluated throughout the season using one or more of the following:

• Observations by members of the MIHC Club President, Board of Directors, Hockey Director, Hockey Operations Committee, or other designated Club representatives during practices, games, tournaments, and team activities.
• Compliance reviews verifying current USA Hockey registration, coaching certifications, SafeSport and MAAPP training, background screening, and any other required credentials.
• Assessment of practice planning, game management, player development, skill progression, communication, leadership, professionalism, and adherence to the Club's coaching philosophy.
• Evaluation of team culture, sportsmanship, discipline, player safety, and compliance with MIHC policies, USA Hockey requirements, Texas Scholastic Hockey League (TSHL) regulations, and tournament rules.
• Feedback from assistant coaches, team managers, Club administrators, players, parents, officials, and other stakeholders, when appropriate and at the discretion of MIHC.
• Review of player retention, athlete development, attendance, organizational effectiveness, and fulfillment of administrative responsibilities.
• Compliance with Club financial, travel, equipment, risk management, and reporting requirements.
• Any disciplinary actions, game misconducts, SafeSport reports, complaints, or other incidents that may affect a coach's suitability to continue serving the Club.

Performance evaluations may be formal or informal and may occur at any time during the season. MIHC may conduct scheduled evaluations, unscheduled observations, annual reviews, postseason assessments, or evaluations prompted by specific concerns or incidents.

When performance concerns are identified, MIHC may take one or more of the following actions as deemed appropriate:

• Provide verbal or written coaching feedback.
• Develop a performance improvement plan with defined expectations and timelines.
• Assign mentoring, education, or additional coaching development opportunities.
• Require additional USA Hockey, SafeSport, or Club-specific training.
• Issue verbal or written warnings.
• Limit coaching responsibilities or reassign duties.
• Place the coach on probation.
• Suspend coaching duties pending investigation or corrective action.
• Remove the coach from one or more teams or from all MIHC coaching responsibilities.
• Decline to renew future coaching appointments.

MIHC will periodically review this Coaching Selection, Approval, Evaluation & Removal Policy to remain aligned with USA Hockey guidance, SafeSport requirements, and Texas Scholastic Hockey League Requirements.