Try Officiating

About Try Officiating

The Try Officiating initiative is designed to provide hockey players aged 18 years and older, who have a passion for the game, a chance to experience officiating for the first time in a no cost, low pressure environment. The event is designed to provide EDUCATION, EXPOSURE and EXPERIENCE to current and former hockey players who have interest in this career path but would like to learn more before making the commitment to register as an official.

EDUCATION — A welcome classroom session will be held to introduce participants to the world of officiating, the benefits of becoming an ice hockey official and provide an overview of potential career paths. At the conclusion of the event, a Q & A session will also be held to answer final questions and provide next steps for those who are interested in registering to officiate for the current season with USA Hockey

EXPOSURE — Participants will be introduced to and have an opportunity to interact with and learn from current, experienced officials who will serve as Officiating Coaches. Officiating Coaches have a variety of experience ranging from local youth and adult, junior, collegiate, professional and international

EXPERIENCE — An on-ice skills session will be held to introduce participants to fundamental officiating skills and positioning. Participants will have a chance to gain in-game officiating experience by rotating as a Referee and Linesperson in the 4-Official System while being shadowed by an Officiating Coach. When not working, participants will have an opportunity to sit with an Officiating Coach off the ice to observe the game and ask questions in a live setting

Upcoming Events

Stay tuned for additional dates and locations!

Are you interested in hosting a NAHL Try Officiating event? Please contact Kendall Hanley, NAHL Manager, Officiating.

Cost & Benefits

FREE, there is no cost if selected to participate
No officiating membership is required to participate
Gain experience as a Referee and Linesperson
Exposure to and feedback from current, experienced Officiating Coaches
If you decide officiating is for you and would like to get started this season:
- Support navigating the USA Hockey Officiating Program registration and certification process
- Support becoming set up and established within a local officiating association

Requirements

The initiative is open to current or former hockey players who are new to officiating and are 18 years of age or older
- To further clarify age requirements, applicants must turn 18 the day prior to the start of the program

Are you a CURRENT official and interested in officiating in the North American Hockey League? Complete our online NAHL Officiating Show of Interest form.