Becoming a Referee
Watch the usahockey.com website for upcoming clinics that start in late summer or early fall. Attendance in this clinic is mandatory. There is a fee for this clinic; you will also need to bring skates, helmet, pen, and paper. More information can be found at http://www.usahockey.com/michigan_ric/default.aspx?NAV=AF_04&id=161274&DetailedNews=yes Before completing the class, you might want to take some time to find out what the opportunites are in your area for ‘calling’ games. Carefully read the Getting Games section below.
Once you’ve completed this clinic you will need to mail away for the test that will be sent to you from Colorado. The fee is based on the level you qualify for. The beginner level test starts at approximately $50 and increase by level. After receiving the test, it should be completed and mailed back. If you do not pass it the first time you will get one more chance with a re-take. If you pass you will receive in the mail a wallet size card with your name, official number, and certification level; you will also receive a patch also known as a Crest. This will need to be sewn on your officiating jersey.
Gearing Up
Now you will need to buy the equipment: helmet, black pants, official jersey, and whistle. Young officials are suggested to buy black dress pants as your size will continue to change. Black official pants are quite expensive. Equipment can be purchased locally; however, many buy equipment through websites. One site is officialswearhouse.com. An estimate of what it will cost to start out is roughly $200.00; this would include the seminar, test, and uniform.
So you’ve passed the test and have all the equipment, what’s next?
Getting Games
Contact each ice arena and or association and find out how you would obtain information about possibly officiating at that rink. Registering starts in late July. You must be an official registered through USA Hockey before you register with any officiating organization. Here are a few organizations that register referees and provide opportunities to “call a game”.
· Novi/Canton: Contract with RINC, Inc. They can be found at www.rinc.nu
· Farmington Hills: The FHHA registers officials through their website at fhhahockey.org and a system called erena.com
· Livonia/Kensington Valley/Lakeland/Hartland/Howell: All do this independently. Go to their association websites for more information.
You should be aware that simply registering with USA Hockey is not a guarantee of game assignments. The economy has really impacted ice hockey, with at least 100 fewer teams in the Metro Detroit area. We have also been told there are 300 new officials this season alone! Fewer teams means fewer opportunities to officiate. Contact the local organizations who are responsible for scheduling referees and let them know you are now eligible to work games and when you are available. If possible, identify a more experienced official in your local area to serve as a mentor and who can also help you get games. Once you get that first assignment, go out and give 100% to do your best and the rest will take care of itself.
