If you have a passion for sports and have a good knowledge of the English language, then you may be able to enter the world of hockey officiating. The ability to communicate effectively with the both the players and coaches is essential, as well as having the physical ability to handle the heavy workload that comes with the position. According to statistics, there are over 400 active hockey referees in the United States, which makes it one of the more popular sports leagues in the country. If you’re considering this career path, then here are some of the things you should know and consider before taking the step.
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The Significance Of Hockey Officiating
Hockey is a very popular sport in the U.S., and this is largely thanks to the officials who are on the ice to make sure that the game is played by the rules. In most cases, hockey is considered a game of skilled movement and speed, which means that it requires a lot of physical activity from the participants. In fact, one of the biggest challenges for aspiring hockey officials may be finding the time to devote to fitness training and maintaining a healthy weight while also learning the rules and diving into games on a regular basis. It’s not just about physical fitness, either, as making correct calls relies on having all the necessary knowledge and understanding of the game. For that reason, it’s not uncommon for people who have a passion for hockey to also become officials simply because they find the sport to be so engaging and meaningful.
The Education Requirements
Being a hockey referee requires a college degree of some kind. This is mainly because the majority of the officials are employed by the Professional Hockey Referees Organization (PHRO), and they prefer to hire people with some formal education. There are four years of college required to become a referee – that is two years of undergraduate studies followed by two years of graduate studies. Once you have your degree, you will be qualified to take the exam required to get your license, which will enable you to officiate college and high school games. In addition to this, you will also need to study and take the Hockey Officials Referees Licensing exam, which is offered by the National Hockey League (NHL). The test is offered every year and must be passed with a minimum score of 70 percent to become licensed. The official study guide for the exam can be downloaded from the NHL website for free, and it’s recommended that candidates spend a minimum of four hours per day studying for the test. Once you have passed the exam, you will be able to apply for a position as an NHL Referee. The exam itself is very comprehensive and covers a lot of material, so you may find it challenging and tiring to tackle everything in one go. Preparation for the test takes a lot of time, so it’s not uncommon for applicants to be at their peak of mental and physical fitness when they take the test. In most cases, candidates are expected to pass the test within the first two hours of the time limit, so they can immediately begin their officiating career. Unfortunately, a high number of applicants fail to live up to this expectation, so the NHL doesn’t tend to rush the process when it comes to hiring new officials.
The Income Potential
Once you have your official license, you will be able to find work remotely, which is ideal for those who may have family responsibilities. The income potential is relatively high, with some officials making a six-figure salary per year. However, this is subject to change, as salaries vary from year to year, and it all depends on the workload and if there are any hirings or job promotions within the PHRO. The good thing about working remotely is that you will be able to set your own hours and take time off whenever you need to, which is not something that can be said about many other jobs. On top of this, it’s a great training ground for candidates who may want to make the switch to television or radio broadcasting, as they can gain valuable experience by shadowing experienced officials and game broadcasts.
The Stressful Life As A Hockey Referee
Being a hockey referee can be both rewarding and a stressful experience. On one hand, you will be able to enjoy the game that you have worked so hard to learn – after all, studying the rules and getting the knowledge needed to pass the exam should be enough to give you an adrenaline rush, even if you don’t end up using any of this knowledge on the ice. On the other hand, handling the stress of big games and dealing with tense situations can take its toll, especially if you are not used to this type of lifestyle. For that reason, it is essential that candidates prepare for the stressors that come with the position, and they should be encouraged to seek help if they need it. It is also recommended that they get in some good training and preparation for the upcoming year so they can tackle games confidently and without any stress.
The Opportunity For Growth
Hockey is a game that is all about growth, and this extends to the field of officiating as well. Over the past decade, there has been a rise in the number of women who have taken up the role, which started with minor league hockey and has since spread to the NHL and major international competitions. In 2019, for example, there was an all-time high of 22,000 girls and women who participated in the sport across the country. This number represents a massive 41 percent increase from the 14,600 participants who took part in the sport in 2015. The growth in participation among women is particularly exciting, as it suggests that there may be equal opportunity for everyone regardless of gender when it comes to hockey. This may be partly attributed to the fact that the game is less physically demanding than many other sports, which means that it requires less physical preparation for participation.
That being said, it’s still very uncommon for women to enter the field of hockey officiating, which is why there are so few female officials in the U.S. To begin with, men tend to dominate the role, and the number of women who have been promoted to higher positions is also extremely low. This may be because women often hold other jobs to provide for their families, which leaves less time for studying and training. In addition to this, women who are promoted to higher positions in hockey tend to do so because their male counterparts are more experienced, which may mean they are less likely to be given the opportunity to grow.
The Career Advancement
The career path for a hockey referee is fairly traditional; candidates start out in lower-level leagues and work their way up through the ranks. The number of women who have risen to the position indicates that there is likely to be more flexibility when it comes to career advancement, as there are now more females holding senior roles in hockey than there have ever been before. This also means that candidates may have the opportunity to progress beyond the initial years of their career, which is great for those who may want to make the switch to a more stable and higher-paying job.
The Lifestyle
Hockey referees are well-known for their passion for the game, which often results in long hours at work. This is, in part, because most of them are employed by a governing body that has to adhere to a strict work schedule – typically, they work either four 10-hour days or five eight-hour days at the most. In most cases, there will be two or three games per week, which means that they may need to be on the road for long stretches of time. This is, in part, because the majority of the games are held in the evening so that students can attend classes – something that will continue to drive the need for flexibility around work times.
Overall, being a hockey referee is a rewarding and challenging career that has a lot of upside. It’s a great opportunity for those who want to make a difference in young people’s lives while also being able to use their skills in a practical manner – provided they can deal with the stress of big games and tight schedules.
To learn more, visit the American Association of Hockey Official (4AHO) website for a complete profile on becoming a hockey referee.