Want to be a Hockey Referee?

How to get Started 

The Hockey Canada Officiating Program is for anyone interested in officiating the great game of hockey, from beginners to seasoned veterans. There are six levels in the Officiating program, from those looking to get started to the top tier of officials.

The lower levels are designed to get you started in officiating, while the higher levels are open to officials who have advanced through the lower levels and show potential to work the top levels of hockey in Canada, and Internationally.

The Objectives of the Program are:

• To standardize the methods and techniques of Officiating in both the two and three Official systems.
• To acquire uniformity throughout the country with respect to rule interpretation.
• To offer participants national recognition for their achievements.

For new Officials or those interested in getting started, you will need to attend a certification clinic but before you do, contact your local Minor Hockey Association to find out of there is demand for new officials, when games will take place and how this fits your schedule.

The OMHA Referee School also provides a great opportunity for new officials to get started.

Hockey Canada Officiating Program [HCOP] Overview

The Hockey Canada Officiating Program [HCOP] began in 1973 as the National Referee’s Certification Program [NRCP].  The Hockey Canada Officiating Program has opportunities for everyone from the Initiation at Level I, through to the High Performance Levels V and VI

LEVEL I [Entry Level]
Purpose	To prepare a young or new official to officiate minor hockey
Registration/ Certification	An individual is certified at Level I through Clinic Attendance, and completion of a National Examination. New Level I Officials: Are 14 or 15 years of age as of December 31st of the current season Have completed a HCOP Entry Level Clinic or School  Have paid the current OMHA Registration fees Have submitted an appropriate Police Records Check [PRC] Have completed the current HCOP exam
Delivery	Minimum of eight [8] hours of instruction
Active Level I Officials turning 16 years of age as of December 31st of the current playing season will advance to Registered Level II stayus upon completion of the HCOP Membership recertification Clinic and successful completion of the current HCOP Exam.

LEVEL II [Entry Level]
Purpose	To prepare a young or new official to officiate minor hockey
Registration/ Certification	An individual is certified at Level II through Clinic attendance, obtaining a minimum of 70% on the National Examination, and a minimum of two successful on-ice evaluations, performed by a qualified OMHA Supervisor. New Level II Officials: Are a minimum of 16 years of age who of December 31st of the current season Have completed a HCOP Entry Level Clinic or School  Have paid the current OMHA Registration Fees Have submitted an appropriate Police Records Check [PRC] Have completed the current HCOP exam
Delivery	Minimum of eight [8] hours of instruction

LEVEL III [Upgrade Clinic]
Purpose	To prepare officials capable of refereeing Minor Hockey Playoffs, Minor Hockey Regional Playoffs
Registration/ Certification	New Level III Officials are: A minimum of 18 years of age as of December 31st of the current playing season. Have completed an HCOP Upgrade Clinic. Have paid the current OMHA Clinic Fees. Have passed the current HCOP Exam. Certified at Level III through Clinic attendance, obtaining a minimum of 80% on the National Examination, and a minimum of two successful on-ice evaluations, performed by a qualified OMHA HCOP Supervisor
Delivery	Minimum of eight [8] hours of instruction An official at Level III will have a thorough knowledge of the playing rules and the role of an official.

Levels IV-V

Require full Certification at the appropriate level before being eligible.  Selection at Level IV is by Branch Invitation, and Level V-VI are through nomination to a Selection Committee of Hockey Canada.  Officials Certified at these Levels will be qualified to Officiate Senior, Junior, Branch and National Championships, and International Hockey.

Certification involves Clinic attendance ranging from one weekend to a full week, National Examination standards, as well as practical on-ice and fitness evaluation.

LEVEL IV
Purpose	To prepare hockey officials capable of refereeing Senior, Junior A, B, C, D, Minor Hockey Regional and National Championships, Female Hockey National Championships and designated Minor Hockey IIHF competition, or being a linesman in Major Junior, Junior A, Senior, CIS, CCAA, Inter-Branch and IIHF competition
Registration/ Certification	Must be fully certified at Level III and referee at least one year at that level Attendance at Level IV will be by Branch invitation only Certification at Level III does not automatically make one eligible for Level IV Must attend and participate in all sessions of a Level IV clinic Must obtain a minimum of 80% on a written national examination Must pass a practical, on-ice evaluation, performed by a qualified Branch Hockey Canada Officiating Program supervisor Must be capable of officiating in any one of the categories as listed under purpose
Delivery	Minimum of fourteen [14] hours of instruction. Usually is presented over an entire weekend. The topic areas for a Level IV clinic are outlined by the Hockey Canada National Office.

LEVEL V
Purpose	To prepare competent officials to referee Major Junior, Junior A, Senior, CIS, and Inter-Branch Playoffs
Registration/ Certification	Must be fully certified at Level IV and referee at least one year at that level. Attendance at Level V will be by Branch invitation only Must attend and participate in all sessions of the Level V clinic Must obtain a minimum of 90% on a written national examination Must pass a practical on-ice evaluation, performed by a qualified Branch Hockey Canada Officiating Program supervisor Must undergo fitness and skating tests Must be capable of officiating in one of the categories as listed under A purpose
Delivery	Minimum of fourteen [14] hours of instruction. Usually is presented over an entire weekend. The topic areas for a Level V clinic are outlined by the Hockey Canada National Office.

LEVEL VI
Purpose	To prepare competent officials capable of refereeing at National Championship finals and designated IIHF competition [i.e. Memorial Cup, Royal Bank Cup, Allan Cup, Hardy Cup, University Cup, CCAA finals, World Championships, Olympics, FISU Games]
Registration/ Certification	Branch nominations are submitted to the Hockey Canada National Office and are reviewed by an established selection committee Must be fully certified at Level V [including fitness tests] and referee one year at that level Must attend and participate in all sessions of a Level VI clinic Must obtain a minimum of 90% on a written national examination Must pass a practical on-ice evaluation, performed by a national supervisor Must complete a written assignment assigned by the Hockey Canada Referee-in-Chief
Delivery	Level VI clinics are held based on national need for Level VIs. The Hockey Canada Manager, Officiating is responsible for the organization of the site and program, establishing criteria and review of the candidates qualifications Minimum of four [4] days of instruction Attempts are made to stage the clinic in conjunction with a major training program or early in the season, requesting cooperation from local leagues so officials are able to work scrimmages or games

Referee Quick Links

Referee Clinics Listing
­Hockey Canada Officials Programs website
­OMHA Referee School
Criminal Offense Declaration Form
­Frequently Asked Questions

For more information please contact:
Mark Krawczyk   – Coordinator, Development Programs