Become an Official (Athens Youth Hockey Association | Athens Ohio | Bird Arena)

There is always a need for ice hockey officials to referee youth hockey games, and without officials, the AYHA cannot have games.  So, if you can proficiently skate and have an interest in ice hockey, why not consider becoming an on-ice official?

REGISTRATION
Registration and training of officials is provided by USA Hockey, and the registration season begins on August 1st and ends on May 9th of the following year.  Membership with the AYHA or in an ice hockey officiation association is not required to become registered with USA Hockey.  All those who have never officiated before must register at Level 1 for the first season.

AGE REQUIREMENTS
While USA Hockey has no minimum age for officials, it is not recommended that anyone under the age of 10 register.  Additionally, it is recommended that, regardless of the training level achieved with USA Hockey, officials not referee games with players their own age or older.  For example, a 12-year-old should not officiate a 12U or older game.  

USA HOCKEY TRAINING LEVELS

Level 1	Yearly USA Hockey Application Achieve an open book exam score of 35 / 50 Attend and complete a USA Hockey officiating seminar
Level 2	Yearly USA Hockey Application Be a Level 1 or higher official within the last two seasons Achieve an open book exam score of 85 / 100 Achieve a closed book exam score of 24 / 30 Attend and complete a USA Hockey officiating seminar
Level 3	Yearly USA Hockey Application Be a Level 2 or higher official the previous season Achieve an open book exam score of 90 / 100 Achieve a closed book exam score of 40 / 50 Attend and complete a USA Hockey officiating seminar
Level 4	Yearly USA Hockey Application  Be a Leve 3 or higher official the previous season Achieve an open book exam score of 90 / 100 Achieve a closed book exam score of 40 / 50 Pass a skating exam and complete a Level 4 USA Hockey seminar each season Evaluation by USA Hockey each year while officiating a high-level game

When you are ready to register to become a USA Hockey official, simply follow the steps below.


Officiating Step 1
First, regardless of your level of experience or officiating level, prospective officials must register with USA Hockey (fee required).  USA Hockey will provide you a confirmation number, which is typically a 9-digit number followed by the first five letters of your last name (e.g., 123456789ABCDE).  USA Hockey officiating registrations requires a yearly renewal.

Link: USA Hockey’s Membership Registration


Officiating Step 2
Complete USA Hockey online SafeSport training (no cost).  The SafeSport training consists of a number of core courses for those taking it for the first time as well as yearly refresher modules.  Please note that you will need your USA Hockey confirmation number as well as a unique email address not already in use by another family member at USA Hockey.  Officials under the age of 18 prior to June 1st of the current year are not required to complete this training.

Link: USA Hockey’s SafeSport Training


Officiating Step 3
Next, submit your information to USA Hockey for a background check (fee required). The background check is in compliance with the requirements of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.  Background screenings are good for two years.  Officials under the age of 18 prior to June 1st of the current year are not required to complete a background check.

Link: USA Hockey’s Background Screening


Officiating Step 4
After registering with USA Hockey, instructions will be provided for Online Seminar Modules, which must be completed before an officiating card and crest are issued.  Additionally, a USA Hockey open book exam must be passed.


Officiating Step 5
All USA Hockey officials must attend an in-person officiating classroom seminar annually.  USA Hockey provides seminars typically between late June and early November, with seminar schedules typically appearing online in early May.  Seminars fill up quickly, and it is strongly recommended those interested in officiating check on their ability to attend a seminar before beginning the USA Hockey registration process, as the registration fee is non-refundable.

Once all of the above steps are completed, a USA Hockey Officiating Card and Sweater Crest will be provided in the mail, and you can begin officiating games.


Additional Officiating Training
While not required by USA Hockey specifically for becoming an on-ice official, it is recommended officials be familiar with the following:

Review a State of Ohio approved youth concussion training program (no cost).  Ohio provides several options for free, online concussion management training modules, which must be reviewed on a yearly basis.

Link: Ohio Online Concussion Management Training


Review training for Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), also known in Ohio as Lindsay’s Law, which includes a SCA video and informational handout (no cost)

Link: Ohio Lindsay’s Law 


Updated 2022-04-10.