Referee Clinics
If you are interested in becoming a hockey official, this is for you! It will provide all the information needed to get your officiating career started.
The level system, Level I through Level VI, is the foundation for the training and development of officials across Canada. Hockey Canada has categorized the hockey played in Canada into four basic streams, each with different priorities. They include:
- Initiation
- Recreational
- Competitive
- Program of Excellence
The Hockey Canada Officiating Program has opportunities for everyone from the Initiation at Level I, through to the Program of Excellence at Levels V and VI.
Select a level and start officiating!
Certification Procedures
Certification at all levels, except Level I, is a two-part process involving clinical and practical assessment. The official must attend all clinic sessions and obtain the minimum mark on the examination.
The practical assessment portion is the most difficult to apply consistently across the entire program. It is strongly recommended that all supervisors be provided with a copy of the Hockey Canada Officiating Procedures Manual to ensure a consistent approach to this task.
Certification is not complete until both phases – clinical and practical – have been completed.
General Certification Rules:
Certification at any level with the Hockey Canada Officiating Program does not make an official automatically eligible for entry to the next level (except Level I). Demonstration of ability or potential ability is necessary to move to the next level.
Being certified at any one level does not necessarily mean an official will be able to officiate all categories of hockey defined at that level. Conversely, an official does not have to officiate all categories of hockey at a certain level in order to gain certification at that level.
Where it has been determined (through supervision) that an official is no longer able to officiate at a certain level, they will be certified at a new, lower level in line with their present ability.
An individual must be at least 16 years old to be certified at Level II or higher.
Re-Certification Procedures
Once certified, it is essential that an official continues to update and be completely familiar with new rule interpretations and officiating techniques.
To maintain their present level of certification, an official must attend a full Hockey Canada officiating program clinic and write a national examination every year, earning apassing mark. An open-book exam is not acceptable for re-certification purposes.
Should an official fail the Level IV, V or VI examination, the Member shall be authorized to allow them to write a supplementary examination during the current season. The second exam shall be different from the first and shall originate from the Hockey Canada head office. Only those officials whose supplementary examinations are successful and sent to the Hockey Canada head office shall be eligible to officiate regional playoffs.
An official will not be eligible to advance more than one level of the Hockey Canada officiating program per season, except for Levels I and II. Certification at the higher level cannot be granted until one year has passed.
When an official has not officiated for one season or more, they must attend a full Hockey Canada Officiating Program clinic at the appropriate level and successfully complete a practical assessment.
When a Level VI official has not officiated for a season or more and wants to regain Level VI status, they must first obtain Level V status within the Member. They may then apply to the Hockey Canada manager of officiating for Level VI certification through their Member referee-In-chief, which requires the successful completion of the Level VI examination and an on-ice evaluation by a national supervisor.
HOCKEY CANADA REGISTRY (HCR) LOG IN OR ACCOUNT CREATION
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HCR 3.0 |
The GTHL uses the Hockey Canada Registry to register participants for clinics.
As of May 15th, 2021 eHockey can no longer be accessed. Registration for clinics and to check qualifications will be done through the (new) Hockey Canada Registry (HCR 3.0).
If you have been registered for hockey previously as a Player, Coach, Official or Trainer you will be able to view your profile and sign up for a clinic by creating an account in the Hockey Canada Registry. If you are new to hockey you will be required to create a new account and profile.
All new registrants (whether you had an eHockey account previously or not) must create a new HCR account and link a member to the account (ie. yourself or the person you are creating an account for eg: a child for a camp/clinic). If you are brand new to hockey, you will have the option to create yourself as a new participant. If you were previously registered in our system but cannot find yourself to link, please do not create a duplicated profile, simply send an email with your issue and we will work with you on the matter. Email: Referee Development
Click here to register or view your profile.
*note: be sure to check your junk mail for any communication during set up/ registration
STEP-BY-STEP: How to Set Up Your Hockey Canada Registry Account
- Log into your Hockey Canada Registry profile (Create an account if you do not have one)
- Once logged in, click “Link a Member”
- Search by first name, last name and date of birth in the YYYY-MM-DD format
- Click “Search”
- If found, select “Link this member” and add the relation (eg: self or child)
- View profile
*The landing page will be defaulted to the main account holder. Under “Member” and on the top left hand side, you will see two icons with initials of the account holder and linked member (whether this is yourself or someone linked to your account). Please be sure to click on the linked member if you are looking for any qualification information, registrations or calendar information (clinics).
The following links provide additional assistance in setting up your account and how to check your qualifications:
How to Create a New Account – Click HERE
How to Link your Profile and Check Qualifications – Click HERE
Entry Level
Entry Level is the entry point for officials as they begin their officiating career at the Introduction and Recreational levels. The role of a Level I official and their on ice partners is to be responsible for administering the rules of the game and to ensure it is played in a fair and safe manner for all participants. Rule knowledge and proper execution of the in-game procedures and duties will be vital to the success of officials.
Prerequisites
Prior to any registration, prospective officials are encouraged to check with their local hockey association to confirm that the association is looking to hire new officials for the season. A list of contacts for our local House Leagues can be found here: 2022-2023-RIC-Contact-List
- Officials must be a minimum of 14 years of age as of December 31 of the current season.
- Officials are required to register and complete the Hockey University Level I on-demand course.
- Officials will be required to purchase basic officiating equipment
For those over the age of 18, a Vulnerable Sector Screening document is required, please see link for details: https://www.gthlcanada.com/referee-clinics/#ontario-hockey-federations-criminal-background-check-centralization
REGISTRATION
The 2023-2024 clinic season has passed. Entry Level clinics take place in September and October. If you would like to be notified when registration opens, please click here to be added to a distribution list.
How to create a new Hockey Canada Registry (HCR) account:
https://www.gthlcanada.com/referee-clinics/#hockey-canada-registry-hcr-log-in-or-account-creation
Level 1 Re-certification and Level 2 Upgrade
Level 1 Re-cert and Level Two Upgrade Clinics are designed to provide recertification training to returning officials. Officials that successfully complete all mandatory components of this clinic receive a HCOP certification and HCOP insurance coverage for the season. On completion of the clinic, participants who will be 16 years or older at the end of the calendar year will be promoted to HCOP level 2 provided they complete all components of the clinic AND pass the level 2 recertification exam.
Prerequisites
- Officials should already have the Hockey University Level I on-demand course completed from the previous season
- Officials must be a minimum 14 years of age as of December 31 of the current season AND have successfully officiated for one year
For returning officials over the age of 18, a Criminal Offence Declaration Form is required for years two and three while a Criminal Record Check will be required for the return at year four: https://www.gthlcanada.com/referee-clinics/#ontario-hockey-federations-criminal-background-check-centralization
REGISTRATION
The 2023-2024 clinic season has passed. Clinics take place in September and October. If you would like to be notified when registration opens, please click here to be added to a distribution list.
Obtaining Level 2 Status
Officials who are 15 years old as of December 31 of the current season are eligible to progress to Level 2 for the following season. Officials who have completed a minimum two years at Level 1 and have shown the skills and maturity required for early advancement may do so with approval of their Member officiating development program.
Level 2 Re-certification
Level 2 enhances the development of officials in areas of core procedures and rule knowledge at the lower levels of Competitive hockey. Level 2 officials and their on-ice partners will be responsible for administering the rules of the game to ensure it is played in a fair and safe manner for all participants. Rule knowledge and proper execution of in-game procedures and duties will be vital to the success of officials.
Prerequisites
- Officials must have been HCOP Level 2 certified in the previous season.
For returning officials over the age of 18, a Criminal Offence Declaration Form is required for years two and three while a Criminal Record Check will be required for the return at year four: https://www.gthlcanada.com/referee-clinics/#ontario-hockey-federations-criminal-background-check-centralization
REGISTRATION
The 2023-2024 clinic season has passed. Clinics take place in September and October. If you would like to be notified when registration opens, please click here to be added to a distribution list.
Obtaining Level 3 Status
The advancement to Level 3 is a decision made by the Member officiating development program and may be subject to identification by the Member and local hockey association as meeting/exceeding the performance levels of Level 2. This may be done through on-ice evaluations and performance. Ideally, an official would spend two seasons developing in Level 2 before advancement to Level 3, but Members have the ability to advance officials who they feel meet the criteria of Level 3.
Level 3 Re-certification
Level 3 is designed for officials who have been recognized as being ready to move into the higher levels of Competitive and early levels of High Performance hockey. The goal for Level 3 is to further develop officials in the areas of core procedures, rule knowledge and game management.
Level 3 officials and their on-ice partners will be responsible for administering the rules of the game to ensure it is played in a fair and safe manner for all participants. Rule knowledge and proper execution of in-game procedures and duties will be vital to the success of officials. Level 3 officials will be expected to take a more senior role within the Member. Level 1 and Level 2 officials will look for support, guidance and examples of good officiating skills.
Prerequisites
For returning officials, a Criminal Offence Declaration Form is required for years two and three while a Criminal Record Check will be required for the return at year four: https://www.gthlcanada.com/referee-clinics/#ontario-hockey-federations-criminal-background-check-centralization
REGISTRATION
Level 3-6 Re-certification Clinics (New Process this Season)
Level 3-6 Officials, to re-certify within the GTHL this season (including MHL, NYHL and House League), officials will attend a Level 3-6 re-certification clinic which includes your GTHL Officiating Standards Course, once you have registered for one of the following clinics, you will then be provided in your confirmation e-mail a link to register for your specific level On-line Course and Exam. You must complete the in-person session and online course and exam to be eligible to officiate in the 2023-24 season.
- Please contact refereedevelopment@gthlcanada.com if you still need to register for your clinic for the 2023-24 season
Please contact refereedevelopment@gthlcanada.com if you have any issues.
Obtaining Member High Performance Status
The advancement of an official to Member High Performance (MHP) is a decision made by the Member officiating development program. Officials advancing into the MHP group are beginning to excel within the High Performance levels while exhibiting strong proficiency in rule knowledge, penalty standards and game management, along with sound judgement through their in-game performance. The MHP group is by invite only
Level 4 & 5 Re-certification (Member High Performance)
The Member High Performance (MHP) official is the top tier within the Member-administered portion of the Hockey Canada Officiating Pathway. Entrance into this level is by invitation from the Member officiating development program and is reserved for officials who have successfully moved through the development levels of the pathway and are ready to move into the elite levels of High Performance play.
MHP officials and their on-ice partners will be responsible for administering the rules of the game to ensure it is played in a fair and safe manner for all participants. MHP officials are the top group within each Member and are required to be leaders within the program. MHP officials will be expected to take a more senior role within the Member. Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 officials will look for support, guidance and examples of good officiating skills.
Prerequisites
For returning officials, a Criminal Offence Declaration Form is required for years two and three while a Criminal Record Check will be required for the return at year four: https://www.gthlcanada.com/referee-clinics/#ontario-hockey-federations-criminal-background-check-centralization
REGISTRATION
Level 3-6 Re-certification Clinics (New Process this Season)
Level 3-6 Officials, to re-certify within the GTHL this season (including MHL, NYHL and House League), officials will attend a Level 3-6 re-certification clinic which includes your GTHL Officiating Standards Course, once you have registered for one of the following clinics, you will then be provided in your confirmation e-mail a link to register for your specific level On-line Course and Exam. You must complete the in-person session and online course and exam to be eligible to officiate in the 2023-24 season.
- Please contact refereedevelopment@gthlcanada.com if you still need to register for your clinic for the 2023-24 season
Obtaining National High Performance Status
The advancement of an official to the National High Performance group is by invitation through the Hockey Canada Officiating Program
Level 6 Re-certification (National High Performance)
The National High Performance (NHP) group is the assembly of the top officials within the Hockey Canada Officiating Program. Officials selected as members of the group will have excelled within their Member programs and are working at the highest levels of play available. As part of the NHP group, officials are eligible for assignments at Hockey Canada national championships, and top-ranked officials may be eligible for IIHF licensing and potential international assignments.
NHP officials and their on-ice partners are responsible for administering the rules of the game to ensure it is played in a fair and safe manner for all participants. NHP officials are the top group within Hockey Canada and are expected to be leaders within the program supporting officiating development. NHP officials will be expected to take a more senior role within the Member. Fellow officials will begin to look for support, guidance and examples of good officiating skills.
Prerequisites
For returning officials, a Criminal Offence Declaration Form is required for years two and three while a Criminal Record Check will be required for the return at year four: https://www.gthlcanada.com/referee-clinics/#ontario-hockey-federations-criminal-background-check-centralization
REGISTRATION
Level 3-6 Re-certification Clinics (New Process this Season)
Level 3-6 Officials, to re-certify within the GTHL this season (including MHL, NYHL and House League), officials will attend a Level 3-6 re-certification clinic which includes your GTHL Officiating Standards Course, once you have registered for one of the following clinics, you will then be provided in your confirmation e-mail a link to register for your specific level On-line Course and Exam. You must complete the in-person session and online course and exam to be eligible to officiate in the 2023-24 season.
- Please contact refereedevelopment@gthlcanada.com if you still need to register for your clinic for the 2023-24 season
Please contact refereedevelopment@gthlcanada.com if you have any issues.
Hockey Canada Playing Rules 2020-2022
Ontario Hockey Federation's Vulnerable Sector Check
The centralization of all Vulnerable Sector Checks will be conducted by the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) for all On-Ice Officials for the 2024-25 season.
The OHF requires all on-ice officials, those aged 18 and older to provide a Vulnerable Sector Check, and submit yearly screening as set out below to be eligible for participation:
1. Year 1 – submit a Vulnerable Sector Check that has been completed in the six (6) months prior to submission and an OHF Screening Declaration Form.
2. Year 2 – submit an OHF Screening Declaration Form.
3. Year 3 – submit an OHF Screening Declaration Form.
4. Year 4 – submit a Vulnerable Sector Check that has been completed in the six (6) months prior to submission or an Enhanced Criminal Record Check and an OHF Screening Declaration Form.
5. Year 5 – submit an OHF Screening Declaration Form.
6. Year 6 – submit an OHF Screening Declaration Form.
7. Year 7 – submit a Vulnerable Sector Check that has been completed in the six (6) months prior to submission or an Enhanced Criminal Record Check and an OHF Screening Declaration Form.
8. Year 8 – continue cycle.
Click here for more information on the OHF Screening Policy and where to get a Vulnerable Sector Check.