To become registered as an official with USA Hockey you must complete the following three-step process. Officials over the age of 18 will also be required to pass a background screening prior to completing their registration.

 

Step One

 

Attend a USA Hockey Officiating Seminar.  Seminars are scheduled on weekends beginning in August, running through October. There are a few makeup seminars in November and sometimes December, but don't wait for a late seminar. November and December seminars are only scheduled based on local need.

 

There are four seminar levels. You must attend a Level 1 seminar. Everybody starts as a Level 1. You may advance one level each year until you become a Level 4. You must be a Level 1 for a full season before you are eligible for Level 2.

 

Reserve your seat at the seminar using the Southeastern District Seminar Reservation system. Bring materials to take notes and the mandatory equipment listed below. If you have any of the optional equipment, bring it along. There is no charge for a seminar and you are not obligated in any way if you choose not to complete your registration.

 

Mandatory Equipment: Hockey Skates (No figure or goalie skates), Black Hockey Helmet (HECC Approved), Finger Whistle – No Whistles on lanyards

Optional Equipment: Athletic Supporter with protective cup, Protective Girdle, Shin Guards, Elbow Pads, Visor or Half Shield, Referee Sweater, Black Trousers

 

Step Two

 

Register with USA Hockey. Go to the USA Hockey online registration web site and follow the directions to complete the Ice Hockey Officials registration for a Level 1 official. Minors (under age 18) will require the assistance of a parent or guardian to complete the online registration. You will need to know your medical insurance provider and policy number to complete the registration form. There is a $35 fee for Level 1 officials plus a $10 Southeastern District Officiating Program Assessment.  These fees cover the cost of registration, rulebook, test materials, and insurance coverage for the season. You should complete the online registration immediately after attending the seminar to avoid delays in the registration process.  You can apply online before you attend the seminar, but if you apply and cannot attend a seminar, you cannot complete your registration.  USA Hockey does not offer refunds for incomplete registrations.  

 

Step Three

 

Once your registration fee is received by USA Hockey, you will be sent information on how to take the on-line open book test. You will also be sent a rulebook in the mail. New officials are required to answer the first 50 questions on the 100 question test. You must attain a passing grade of 35 out of 50. The questions are designed to familiarize the new official with the rulebook. If you fail to pass on the first attempt, you will be given a second chance to take the test. Do not attempt to take the open book test without the rulebook. Every year we get people who think they know the rules only to find that they are on their second attempt to take the test. Hint: print out the on-line test and as you take the test, write the rule number for each answer on the test next to the question. When you complete the test, USA Hockey will score the test and tell you the rule numbers of the questions that you missed. It'll help you if you fail the test the first time.

If you pass the test, you will receive a membership card and crest.  You are now certified to serve as Referee or Linesman in any USA Hockey game. Officials over 18 will also require a completed background check before registration is complete. See the screening page for information on the Southeastern District screening program.

Don't worry, your first assignments will be non-body checking games with the younger age groups. You will work with senior partners who will help you learn the ropes. As you progress, you will be assigned to higher level games and be eligible to attend advanced Referee training camps.

The USA Hockey season runs from August to August. You must renew your registration every season to remain current and eligible to officiate. You can advance one level each season, so if you complete your first year as a Level 1 you can apply at Level 1 or Level 2 the following season. There is a four month grace period for renewal, so although the season runs from August 1 to August 1, you have until November 30th each year to complete your renewal. If you do not complete all requirements for renewal, you will be ineligible to officiate on December 1. The requirements for renewal at the higher levels are more stringent. At Level 2 and 3 the open book test has 100 questions and you will be required to pass a closed book test at the seminar. Level 4's must pass open book, closed book and on-ice skating tests. However, as you progress you will be allowed to attend advanced training camps and may possibly be selected to work national championship, collegiate or Olympic Games. Many professional officials began their career with USA Hockey.