Becoming a Referee

So, you Want To Be A Hockey Official? You want to start officiating but have no idea what to do.

Step 1 – Contact the Referee Chief, Jason Blanchard, at [email protected]

Step 2 – Attend the clinic
You will most likely be required to attend a clinic where you will learn the basics of officiating both inside a classroom and on the ice.

Step 3 – Ask about equipment
As a novice official, you will work many low-level games, so there’s no need to purchase unnecessary gear. Before the clinic is over, ask the instructor if he knows of anyone with used gear for sale. Many experienced officials have collected a wealth of old gear and are looking to get rid of it. 

Step 4 – Ask about games
Before the clinic is over, ask how you can get games in your local area once you are completely registered and certified. 

Step 5 – Don’t get discouraged
Remember, this is your first season. You might not receive many games, and the games you will receive will probably be at the lowest levels of hockey. When you work these games remember what it was like to be their age – each game is important to those kids.

As an official, you will need to develop the ability to block out negative criticism. If you’re looking for a job where people will be happy with you every game, you might want to reconsider officiating. Don't expect to go out there and make friends with everyone.

During the season don’t be afraid to ask more experienced official’s questions. The best way to learn and develop as an official is to watch and ask those with more experience than you. You should consider helping out at tournament or playoff time as an off-ice official running the clock or keeping score. This is an excellent way to learn from those with more experience than you.

Step 6 – Officiate with ethics
Your duty as a hockey official is to act as an impartial judge, which requires the official to perform accurately, consistently, objectively, and with the utmost integrity.