Become an On-Ice Official

Getting Started…

If you are interested in becoming an on ice official please contact us. We provide training and direct you to a certification program that provides you with all of the tools needed to enjoy officiating. Our programs and schedules are for games played at all levels ranging from youth hockey to Adult hockey including travel leagues as well as High School and some College level games. Our program provides the opportunity for officials to gain the proper experience at the lower levels of competition and promotes the more experienced, talented officials to high ranks of officiating local collegiate games. Our officiating program offers a unique opportunity to practice and further develop on-ice skills while providing a safe environment in which all participants may compete.

Who Should Officiate?

We can register male and female officials between the ages of 11 and 70. These officials are recruited from all aspects of life. Players, students, adults and parents are all welcome to join the program and participate as on-ice officials after completing a registered certification program.

Why Do People Officiate?

People officiate for many different reasons. Officiating is a great way to supplement a playing career. It provides players with an “extra edge” that comes from the additional ice time and rules knowledge that they receive. Ex-players find officiating a rewarding method to stay involved in ice hockey, while parents can enhance their child’s involvement in the game by participating as well. Students find the additional income helpful in financing their education. Above all, most officials are involved because they love the sport. There is a great deal of self-satisfaction after completing a well-officiated game.

How Do Officials Get Started?

All officials who work sanctioned games must complete a Certified Hockey Officiating Program.  After registering, the applicant must pass an open-book rules exam that is designed to cover the basic playing rules that are required at the lower levels. New officials will also have to obtain a black hockey helmet, official’s sweater, black trousers and a whistle.  As experience is gained, officials advance to higher level seminars.

What Are the Various Levels of Officiating?

The Officiating Program establishes “levels of achievement” for each individual, from the beginner to the highly-skilled official.First-year officials must register as a Level 1 official and may officiate at the lower levels of hockey. New officials who have past experience in officiating ice hockey may register at a different level, on a case-by-case basis, as determined by the District Referee-in-Chief.

LEVEL 1: May officiate games at age levels 8 or Under – 12 or Under (Mites through
Pee-Wees) after completion of the registration and testing process in addition to attending a pre-season  seminar.

LEVEL 2: May officiate at the 14 or Under (Bantam) and younger age classes after
completion of the registration and testing process and after one or two years at Level 1.
Attendance at a pre-season seminar is mandatory.

LEVEL 3: The Level 3 official has proven his abilities over a period of years. The
official is required to complete all registration and testing requirements and must attend
a pre-season seminar. Level 3 officials may referee games through the 17 or Under age
classification (Midget) as well as Over 20 (Senior) and act as a Linesman for Junior hockey
games (19 and under).

LEVEL 4: Level 4 officials may work all levels of USA Hockey. Applicants must have one
year experience at Level 3, must successfully complete the open-book exam, the closed-book
exam, a skating test and attend a pre-season seminar.

If you are interest in either officiating or scorekeeper please complete this form below;

[contact-form 1 "Contact form 1"]