REFEREES

Officials perform a vital role in the game. At all levels, the referees and linesmen are the third team on the ice, without whom the game would not happen.

NEW OFFICIALS

UPDATE: August 28, 2025

This is for NEW officials only

Certification clinic for 2025-2026 is TBD. It will held be in late October.

The certification process involves several steps.

You do not have to proceed with any steps until you have confirmation that you have been accepted into the officiating program.

Certification is a three step process.

1) Online training
2) In-person classroom training (5 hours)
3) On Ice training session  (1.25 hours)

Steps 2 and 3 will be held on separate days.

You MUST be available for both sessions #2 and #3.

BMHA members that are interested in becoming an official can submit their online application during the specified time period.

Link will be posted on this page when applications open.

All applications will be reviewed and all applicants will be notified whether they have qualified or not.

You must be 12 years old by the end of the year, but no older than 16 years old.

Selection is NOT first come, first in.

Space is limited!

The process will be as follows:

  • Only successful candidates will be asked to complete an online training module. This prerequisite is mandatory and must be completed FIRST before you register for the in-person portion. You will not be able to complete your clinic registration if this is not completed!
  • Attendance at both sessions is mandatory. There will be no other makeup sessions.
  • New officials will begin their officiating career in U9 or U11C.

RETURNING OFFICIALS

If you worked the previous season, you are a returning official and must register for a returning official clinic with BC Hockey by December in order to re-certify.

Current officiating certification will expire on Dec 31.

If you are 15 years or younger, you will register as a level 1 returning clinic, and if you are 16 years or older, you register in a level 2 returning clinic.

If you are turning 18 this year, you must complete a Criminal Record Check and submit it to BC Hockey prior to registering for a clinic.

Click here for the webpage to start your CRC.

 

***NEW for 2025-2026 for all recertification ***

The recertification program has been divided into two components.

Step 1- You MUST complete an online training first, before you can register for the in-person clinic.
Step 2 – attend in-person clinic.

Click here to access information regarding certification clinics.

 

EQUIPMENT

As an on-ice Official, you are representing BC Hockey, and as such are expected to follow BC Hockey standards.

Mandatory Equipment for Officiating

  1. CSA approved BLACK helmet WITH half visor
    • Or full cage WITH an electronic whistle
    • No team decals
  2. Two finger Referee whistle (No lanyard, wrist strap style)
    • Suggested: Acme Thunderer or Fox 40 (the steel ones are traditional)
    • Fox40 Official NHL Caul Whistle is popular in the NHL
  3. PLAYER SKATES only – no goalie skates or figure skates permitted
    • White, or black and white laces
  4. Black shell pants or officiating pants.  NO TEAM LOGOS.
  5. Hockey Official’s jersey (stripes)
    • Crests will be provided
  6. Jock or Jill
  7. Equipment bag
  8. Hockey Canada rule app (if you have a phone)
    • Or hard copy rule book
  9. Water bottle

Helmet, visor, skates and whistle will be necessary by clinic time.  The other items may be acquired later but before any game assignments.

Optional Equipment

  1. Shin pads (recommended for U13A and above)
  2. Elbow pads (recommended for U13A and above)
  3. Protective girdle
  4. Extra whistle
  5. Note book
  6. Tape
  7. Laces/string to repair nets
  8. Red Arm bands or Head referee jersey with armbands pre-sewn on (not mandatory for first year, but recommended to have at least the armbands)

RESOURCES

Referees are expected to be knowledgeable about the rule book but there is also a lot of other information you need for the season.  Knowledge will assist you in handling many game situations.  Be prepared!

PCAHA

All the primary information you need for the season can be found here.  Information regarding the various assignors in the Lower Mainland is listed.  You can also find Grading levels and game allowances.  Click here

 

BC Hockey

You can find clinic registration information here.  This is a good source for training material.  The Hockey Canada casebook and various and various manuals can be found.  There are a lot of interesting  videos created by the WHL. Click here

 

Hockey Canada

A great document outlining the pathway for officials can be found on the Hockey Canada website. Click here

Links to download the Hockey Canada rule book app can be found here.

Link to Hockey Canada officiating page

 

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