Become a Referee
Officiating is a great way to stay close to the game, support youth hockey in your community, and earn extra income on a schedule that works for you. New officials are always welcome — USA Hockey provides the training and certification, and we'll help you find your footing.
Why officials do it
No experience required
USA Hockey provides the training and the certification. Plenty of officials start having never worn stripes — you'll learn the standards before you ever step on the ice.
You set your availability
You keep an availability calendar and we assign around it. Officiating fits around school, a job, or your own playing schedule — you work the games you've opened up for.
You get paid for it
Pay runs monthly for the games you work.
Young officials aren't thrown in
New young officials are paired with a veteran who skates alongside them, and they start on levels below their own.
More on how games are assigned, how you get paid, and what a young official's first season looks like.
What's involved
The short version: register with USA Hockey for the season, complete your training in their Officiating Learning Center — self-paced online modules, an open-book exam, and a seminar that's now held virtually — and USA Hockey mails you your card and crest. Registration generally opens in early summer, and most people are done well before the season starts.
The full step-by-step certification guide →Ready to get started?
New to officiating or already certified — including experienced officials new to the area — reach out and we'll help you get set up and on the schedule.
Officiate with us →