← Officials guide

How to Get Games

You're certified and ready to work. Here's how assigning works with us — and the handful of habits that get you the games you want.

New to us? Start here.

First, reach out so we can add you to our Horizon group. Tell us about your experience and we'll get you set up.

Get set up with us →

Set your availability

Everyone keeps an availability calendar in Horizon — we use it to see who can work each game.
By default you're blocked. You have to open the dates and times you can work. If nothing is open, you won't get games.
The more on top of your calendar you are, the better your first crack at the games you want.
On any day you open up, you can add a short note — anything that helps us get you the games you want.

Horizon help: Understanding the availability calendar · Set a recurring range of availability · Managing availability with multiple organizations

When a game is assigned to you

You'll get an email, a text, and a push notification.
Respond promptly — timely responses are huge.
Declining is fine, but always give a reason. "n/a" doesn't help us get you the games you actually want.
No response within 7 days = automatically declined.
We assign 2–3 weeks ahead. If you get a game on Tuesday for that Friday, don't sit on it until Thursday night — decline early so we can re-assign.

Horizon help: How to accept or decline game assignments

Turning back a game

Turn-backs are done in Horizon. It's a request to turn the game back — not a guarantee we can find someone else.
Always include a reason.
Inside 72 hours of the game, contact Ryan directly — Horizon blocks turn-backs close to game time.

Horizon help: How to turn back an accepted game

Before the game

Once you've accepted, Horizon sends reminders (email, text, push) as the game approaches — generally the day before and the day of.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before puck drop.
You can see your partner in Horizon. Running late? Contact them.
If your partner isn't there 20 minutes before game time, call or text Ryan. A call two minutes before the game leaves no time to reach the official or find a replacement.

How games are assigned

You generally work the level below your own. For example, a 12U player officiates up to 10U.
You never officiate a sibling's game. If you have a sibling playing, Ryan must know about the conflict.
New young officials are often paired with a veteran mentor at first — more on that in the young officials guide.

Work hard. Have fun.