When you become an official through NBHOA, you become a certified Hockey Canada official. All officials across Canada in their first year take similar courses and clinics.
Throughout the seasons you officiate, you will follow the Hockey Canada Officiating Pathway. This pathway has been developed to:
- Be inclusive and gender neutral.
- Defining a process to allow individuals to join the system at the appropriate level.
- Providing equal opportunities for officials of the same skill level.
- Developing a national standard that is adhered to by Members.
- Building flexibility into a linear system.
The Hockey Canada Officiating Pathway is the foundation for all officials across the country. Certified Hockey Canada officials work through a levelling system as they develop their skillsets.
Hockey Canada has categorized hockey into five basic streams, each with different priorities. They include:
- Introduction
- Recreational
- Competitive
- High Performance
- Adult Recreational
Requirements (Under 18)
- Officials must be a minimum of 12 years of age as of December 31st of the current season. (Note: Members that have requests by individuals wishing to start at 11 years of age may permit entry at their discretion, but these officials will be limited to cross-ice hockey until they reach the age of 12)
- It has been more than two seasons since you were a registered official
- Being registered in minor hockey is NOT a requirement to be an official, but please speak with your local association RIC about registration costs.
Requirements (18+)
- New Officials of any age are welcomed!
- All new Officials regardless of age are required to go through the new official process, but officials older than 15 years as of December 31st of the current season can start at Level 2, speak with your local association RIC.
- It has been more than two seasons since you were a registered official.
- Being registered in adult hockey is NOT a requirement to be an official.
- A current criminal background check and vulnerable sector check is required for all officials over 18 years old.
Certification Process
Hockey University
Every year in early September, registration will open for the season’s clinics. The first step in becoming a certified officials is completing the New Official course through Hockey University. This course is a national program which means you will be taking the same self-paced online course along with all other new officials in Canada.
This course needs to be completed before the next step in the process.
In Person Clinic – Classroom/Exam/On-ice
After completing your Hockey University course, you will register for an in person clinic. These clinics will include a classroom component where key information will be reviewed, your certification exam and an on-ice portion to review skills (this session may happen at a later date).
These clinics are offered at multiple dates and locations in each zone. You would typically attend a clinic in your zone, but if you need to travel to another zone for the clinic you are able to do this.
Make Sure You Have Your Gear Before Your First Game
When you take your Hockey University (HU) New Officials Modules, they will review the necessary equipment you will need as an official. We’ve also created a guide to official equipment that includes some information on where you can purchase the necessary equipment. If you ever have questions around purchasing equipment, please speak with your local association RIC.
Game Assignments
Within each association there is a local association RIC. This person is responsible for making sure all games hosted by the association have the appropriate officials assigned in experience and in the number of officials required. Some associations may also have an assignor who works with the RIC in managing game assignments.
There are different methods that are used by associations for assigning games. Speak with your local association RIC in order to make sure you know the method that is used. Examples would be through our NBHOA Goalline, an associations goalline account or with weekly schedule emails. In almost all instances it will start with you setting or providing your availability for games. So keep in mind that as an official providing your availability and quickly accepting or rejecting games is a key part of making sure we are able to get every hockey game covered in New Brunswick.
Who’s Who?
Local Association RIC
This will be your main point of contact and who you should go to first with any questions throughout the season.
Zone Officiating Director
This is the level above the local association RIC and generally is involved with facillating training and sits on the council.
Provincial Officiating Director
Chair of the council and is one of the main point of contacts with HNB and other organizations.
Technical Director
Is in charge to the operational side of everything related to NBHOA officials and another main point of contact with HNB and other organizations.
Ongoing Mentorship and Skill Development
During your first season, your local association RIC and other senior officials that you work games with will help you develop your skills. You might hit situations in games that you’re unsure of, but that’s okay! We learn from every game experience whether it is your 1st game or your 1000th. If you’d like ways to continue to develop your officiating skills, there are a few ways you can do that.
Ask Questions
One of the best ways to learn, is to ask questions. Talk to your RIC and other senior officials whenever you need assistance.
Learn The Rules
Make sure you have the Hockey Canada rule book app downloaded to your phone or access it online. More time you spend reading and understanding your rulebook the better prepared you’ll be as you move up the officiating levels.
Watch Hockey
But instead of watching just the players, keep your eye on the linespeople and referees. It’s a great way to learn positioning, test your knowledge to see if you’d make the same calls for penalities and just enjoy the game we all love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Become An Official If I'm Not Playing Hockey This Season
Yes! Being a registered player is not a requirement for becoming an official. There is a different registration amount due, so please speak with your local association regarding those costs.
My Child Would Like To Be An Official This Season, Who Do I Speak To?
The best person to speak to would be your local association RIC. If you contact the minor hockey association in your area, they will be able to assist you with contact information. We do also have contact information available for our zone officiating directors as well.
You are also able to register your child directly to the new official process.
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