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Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to do to become a referee?

1) Register with USA Hockey as an official.

2) Complete Safesport and AAHA Background Screenings

3) Take your online, open book, USA Hockey Rules test

4) Attend a seminar

5) Complete your online modules as assigned by USA Hockey

6) Receive your USA Hockey crest in the mail

How long will my seminar last?

Most level 1 and 2 seminars will last about 7 hours and include an ice session. Check out the seminars page for more info!

What should I bring with me to my seminar?

1) A notebook, laptop, or tablet to take notes during instruction. (Note: Level 1 seminars will need a laptop or tablet to complete online modules)

2) A hockey helmet for ice sessions

3) Skates for ice sessions

4) Clothing suitable for ice sessions

5) Headphones if bringing a laptop/tablet

When Can I Start Working Games?

You can start working games after you have completed all registration steps, and receive your USA Hockey crest in the mail. In order to get games, you must create a user profile on Horizon Web Ref.

How long do the online modules take to complete?

There are about 2 hours of online content that must be completed in order to complete the required online modules. 

When do my card and crest expire?

Your card and crest expire on November 30 of the registration year. For example, if you are registering for the 2020-2021 season, that card and crest will expire on November 30, 2021.

Can I advance more than one USA Hockey Officiating Level in the same season?

No. An official may not advance more than one level per season. 

How do I request an evaluation?

Visit the evaluations page for more information!

When will I get paid?

Most organizations pay their officials monthly. If 4 weeks have gone by and you still have not been paid for a game you officiated, reach out to your assignor. It is a good idea to keep a personal payment record of games that you skate. It is not your assignors job to look out for your money.

How do I start skating higher levels of hockey?

Talk to your assignor, and let him or her know that you are interested in progressing. Before you are placed in a higher level game, you will likely be supervised or evaluated at the level you are currently at.