Refereeing is a challenging job, but it’s also a rewarding one. Being able to affect the game in some way, shape, or form is incredibly satisfying for those who do it well. For those who are interested in pursuing a career in hockey, there are several different ways to get started.
Table of Contents
The Referee Exchange Program
One of the simplest ways to become a referee is via the referee exchange program. Launched by the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012, the program matches up student referees with professional hockey coaches for periods of up to five days a week. While not all of the matches make it to the final cut, the experience alone is invaluable to anyone who decides to pursue a career in hockey. The coaches also help the referees develop their skills by critiquing their decisions and offering advice on how to improve their overall effectiveness while on the ice.
The Graduate Certificate In Officiating
If you’re looking for something more structured, the graduate certificate in officiating is for you. This program is designed to give students the necessary tools to become a disciplined, objective, and analytical official. Students receive classroom instruction as well as on-ice training throughout the year. Once completed, the certificate is then offered as a qualification for professional careers in hockey.
Become A Graduate Of An Officiating School
One of the most prestigious ways to become a referee is to complete a graduate program in an officiating school. There are several schools across North America that provide graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to be a top-notch official. Not only does the graduate receive a respectable salary once they start working, but they also have the opportunity to progress through the ranks quickly.
Hockey Academy Programs
Another way to get into the game is through an academy program. This is where talented young people, typically between the ages of 16 and 19, are groomed to become professional hockey players. They generally spend four to five years living and training in a full-time hockey academy where they are taught the sport and gain practical experience. The best hockey academies offer an additional yearlong training program where young players get the opportunity to learn and develop their skills further.
Join The Hockey Referees Association
The Hockey Referees Association (HRA) is the national governing body for professional hockey referees across North America. Like the NHL, the HRA has established minimum standards for officials and makes recommendations to the AHL, the ECHL, and the NHL. In addition, the HRA manages the officials’ pension fund as well as provides insurance to its members.
By joining the HRA, an individual gain access to a community of professionals who can help them find work in the sport. On top of that, the HRA also provides referees with valuable job-search resources, including a pension guide and the opportunity to connect with top officials via an online database. Finally, if you’re a fan of hockey, the HRA offers an annual subscription to a member which grants you or access to vital information from across the sport.
The Bottom Line
For those who want to pursue a career in hockey, a referee is a viable option. In fact, several different paths can get you there. Those who join a graduate program in an officiating school will learn the fundamentals of being a referee and gain valuable practical experience. If you’re looking for a more direct route, you can join the Hockey Referees Association and work your way up through the ranks. Finally, if you want to shorten your journey, you can join the referee exchange program and get on-ice training from experienced professionals who will help you find work as soon as possible.