How to Become an NHL Referee

The National Hockey League (NHL) is the highest level ice hockey league, with 30 teams in the U.S. and Canada. The best hockey players in the world play in the 82-game season and vie each year for the Stanley Cup. If you're interested in officiating as a referee in the NHL and hobnobbing with the best, these suggestions can help make that dream come true.

Instructions

    • 1

      Approach your local NHL officiating governing body and make them aware of your interest. This connects you with other referee officials who can guide you through the process.

    • 2

      Rack up as much experience as possible by officiating at all levels of the game. There is no such thing as experience that is not valuable, regardless of the level of play. Most officials were at one time players.

    • 3

      Take advantage of official training opportunities as well as power skating sessions in Canada and the U.S. This training is key in your development and gives you the technical skills you need. Many of the instructors are current or former officials in the NHL who at one time were students at these very same programs.

    • 4

      Study ice positioning, penalty calling, skating skills, signals and off-ice theory. These classes and sessions gives you a greater sense of the game.

    • 5

      Representatives from the NHL, AHL, ECHL, CHL, UHL Canadian Major-Junior Hockey League and USA Hockey Associations are present at the officials' schools. The goal of these representatives is to encourage and develop young officials to further their careers.

    • 6

      Get and stay fit. Fitness is a key factor and is closely monitored by the league to ensure that all staff members are able to do the game.