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How to Become a Certified Official

Officiating is a great way to stay in the game, support local hockey, and earn money on your own schedule. Here's the whole path to your first game — nothing hidden.

  1. 1

    Register with USA Hockey

    Registration is an annual step for every official — new and returning alike. Create or renew your USA Hockey membership and register as an official for the season. Everything else follows from here.

    Register at membership.usahockey.com →
  2. 2

    Complete your training in the Learning Center

    Once you're registered, the rest runs through the USA Hockey Officiating Learning Center: the online modules and the open-book exam are self-paced, and adults also complete SafeSport training and a background check. The seminar is the one scheduled piece — and these days it's held virtually, so there's no travel.

    See the officiating requirements →
  3. 3

    Get your card & crest

    When your requirements are complete, USA Hockey mails your official's card and crest for the season. That's your green light — you're a registered official.

  4. 4

    Start working games

    Carded and ready? Reach out and we'll get you on the schedule at rinks across West Michigan — no matter how much experience you have.

About the seminar

Seminars are held virtually now — nearly everywhere, not just here in Michigan — so there's no travel involved. You can attend any seminar offered for the level you're registering for, so you're not waiting on a single date or on one affiliate's calendar. Find a session that fits your schedule and take it.

Adults (18 and older)

Your Learning Center requirements include USA Hockey's SafeSport training and a background check. Build in a little extra time for these before your first assignment.

How old do I have to be?

USA Hockey sets a minimum age for officials. If your child is just starting out, see the young officials guide.

When & what it costs

There's a registration fee (current amount on USA Hockey's site), and registration generally opens in early summer. Get registered before the season starts so you're ready for assignments.

What you'll need on the ice

A hockey officials' jersey, black pants (no team logos), a black helmet with a visor, hockey skates, and a referee whistle. See the gear guide for the full kit and where to buy it. You don't need everything on day one — we'll help you get going.

USA Hockey resources

Fees, dates, and exact requirements are set by USA Hockey and can change year to year. These official pages have the current details:

Registered? Reach out and we'll set you up.

Tell us a bit about your experience and we'll add you to our group and start getting you games. (New to Horizon? We'll handle that — here's how getting games works.)

Officiate with us →