BECOME A REFEREE

Step 1: REGISTER WITH USA HOCKEY

Every season, new and returning officials must register with USA Hockey. New officials will register at level 1 and returning officials will register for the next level above their previous registration until level 3. Of course, if you wish, you may register for level 4. Links to register and registration rules are provided on the left. Registration must be done before any other steps can be completed. Classroom seminars fill up quickly so register as soon as possible. Once you have completed your USA Hockey officiating registration, USA Hockey will mail you a current copy of the playing rules & casebook as well as the basic officiating manual. Officials registration opens in June.

Once your registration is complete you will receive an email that looks like this.

Step 2: CLASSROOM SEMINAR

USA Hockey officials must attend a classroom seminar. Level 1 seminars will include a virtual session, in-person classroom session, as well as an ice session. Levels 2 through 4 seminars are virtual classroom only. Don't wait to register for a seminar as space fills up fast. Several seminars will be held in the area every year between June and December. Membership registration must be complete prior to registering for a seminar.

Step 3: SAFESPORT TRAINING

All officials birth year 2007 and older must complete the U.S. Center for Safe Sport training. All training is done online. This training is aimed at identifying and eliminating hazing, misconduct, and abuse of athletes, coaches, and officials. It can be accessed through your officiating profile on your USA Hockey portal. This can be done while waiting for your seminar date to arrive.


Step 4: BACKGROUND SCREENING

All officials 18 years old or older on June 1st, 2024 must complete a background screening. Background screens are valid for two years. Just like Safe Sport training, background screening can be accessed through your officiating profile on your USA Hockey portal. This can also be done while waiting for your seminar date to arrive.

Step 5: OPEN BOOK EXAM

Every season, all officials must complete and pass an open book exam. Access to the exam will be granted 24 hours after you complete your USA Hockey officiating registration. The exam can be accessed through your officiating profile on your USA Hockey portal. Remember this is an open book exam, use the rulebook and casebook to check your answers carefully prior to submitting an answer. If you fail the exam, a re-take will be available 7 days after your initial attempt. You will not be notified that your re-take is available. You can take this exam prior to your seminar, however, it is suggested you wait as you will learn from your seminar. 

PASSING GRADES:

Level 1: 35/50

Level 2: 60/75

Level 3: 85/100

Level 4: 90/100

Tenured: 45/50

Step 6: COMPLETED CERTIFICATION

Once you've completed steps 1 through 6, you will see on your officiating profile that you have been certified and your card and crest will be mailed. It may take up to 24 hours for your officiating profile to reflect your certification. 

Upon receiving your card and crest in the mail, you will need to setup your NorHOA account in order to submit availability and be scheduled for games. This is done by emailing registrar@norhoa.org with your full name, date of birth, email, phone number, USA Hockey official's number, and a photo of your officiating card.

EQUIPMENT