Becoming an Ice Hockey Official

For most people the decision to become an Ice Hockey Official comes after one of three scenarios:

• a current or past player becomes an official
• a current or past coach becomes an official
• a fan of the NHL becomes an official

The above scenarios are not mutually exclusive. You can see where I came from here. From which scenario you come from matters little-great referees have come from each. A great official has many characteristics that contribute to their success such as: skating ability, rule knowledge, game management, positioning, communication skills, quick decision-making ability, and many others. Typically a current or former player will already have good skating abilities while he will need to work on skating like an official (different form, posture, and stopping). A coach may have more rule knowledge than a player or fan, but she may need to focus on her skating ability and positioning (different view-point than from the bench. Those on the bench see everything-right?). The NHL fan may have seen hundreds of games on the TV and developed a keen eye for the game, but USA Hockey rules and the NHL's rules differ in many ways.

If you have now decided you want to become a hockey referee-now what? You will need to become USA hockey certified (unless you will be officiating in another organization) and obtain the required officiating gear.

Obtaining USA Hockey Certification:
For a great starting point, take a look at the USA Hockey Officials Site. This site has great resources for all officials.

Registration Rules- You will need to:

• Complete the on-line registration and pay the fee
• Attend a seminar in your area
• Pass the required tests-depending upon the certification level there are open and closed book tests.

Certification Completed:
Once you have received your officials crest and USA Hockey referee card, you will need to contact your local association Scheduler. Many associations have websites where you can find the contact information for your scheduler. Get in touch with the scheduler and be persistent if needed. I have worked with several schedulers over my career and each has their own preferred scheduling system: some prefer a website, some prefer email, and others prefer a phone call.

Gear:
As stated in the USA hockey rulebook, an official needs:

• a black helmet
• black pants
• an officials jersey
• a whistle
• skates

Where to Purchase Gear? A beginning official is not required to have brand new and expensive gear. A pair of $15 black slacks will work just as good as $100+ CCM brand referee pants. The $100+ dollar pants can be bought after it's been decided that officiating is enjoyable and will be continued. Current officials can be a good source for used gear-especially jerseys. Play It Again Sports also may have used, and new, gear.

To buy new gear check your local ice rink pro shop and The Officials Wearhouse.