How to Become a Hockey Referee

Becoming a hockey referee is a great way to stay in the game you love. A referee, or on-ice official, is responsible for enforcing the rules during a game being played. There are several requirements in becoming a hockey referee. For many who love hockey, most of the steps have already been taken throughout early life to begin a career as a ref. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

    • 1

      Be able to skate well. A hockey referee has to be able to keep up with, if not out-skate the best players in the league in which they ref. They need to have a quick take-off, quick stride, fast stop and fast reaction time. They also need to be quick enough on skates to get out of the way as a puck or player comes toward them.

    • 2

      Know the game well. Often referee have played nearly their whole lives, so this is not a huge problem. The ref needs to know the rules well, recall them instantly without thought, and be able to recognize actions immediately that the rules refer to.

    • 3

      Study the rules. Every rule needs to be known, even the ones that are rarely used or applied. There are rulebooks online such as the NHL rulebook on their website, or the USA Hockey official rulebook on their site. Contact the league you hope to referee for a copy of their official rulebook.

    • 4

      Speak to the president of the local hockey league. Even if you have hopes of someday being an NHL Official, be willing to start at the bottom. The president of your local league can give you more information and help.

    • 5

      Take and pass the written exam required to become an official. This is different for each league that you hope to referee for. Once again, contact the president of the local league to find out when and where to take the exam.

    • 6

      Develop a tough skin. Hockey parents and fans may be a bit more passionate and involved than many other fans. Don't get mad at personal jeers and judgments. Be able to deal with angry players and coaches that don't agree with decisions. Hockey is a full-contact sport, so be ready to dodge some angry words or even punches.