Thinking about becoming an on-ice official? Officiating is a great way to stay connected to the game, build leadership skills, and earn extra income. This page will walk you through the simple steps to get started — from setting up your Hockey Canada Registry account to registering for your first clinic.
STEP 1
CHECK YOUR LOCAL ASSOCIATION
- Confirm that your local hockey association is recruiting new officials for the upcoming season.
- Click here for a list of contacts for the GTHL’s House Leagues.
STEP 2
MEET THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS
- Be at least 12 years old by December 31 of the current season to start at Entry Level.
- If you’re 18 years of age or older, you will also need a Vulnerable Sector Check (details via the Ontario Hockey Federation).
- Get the essential officiating gear:
- Skates with ALL white laces (player’s style skates)
- CSA approved helmet complete with ear guards (colour: black)
- CSA approved half visor complete with all retaining straps and hardware
- BNQ approved throat protector
- Linesperson jersey
- Black pants (with belt and/or suspenders)
- Shinguards (Full length recommended)
- Elbow pads (Optional but highly recommended)
- MANDATORY: Pelvic protector (females) or athletic support with cup (males)
- Finger grip style metal whistle (ACME “Thunderer” preferred)
STEP 3
CREATE YOUR HOCKEY CANADA REGISTRY (HCR) ACCOUNT
- Log into your Hockey Canada Registry profile
(If you do not have a profile, create an account.) - 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 (ex: self or child).
- View profile.
When you log in, the landing page will open under the main account holder. In the top left corner, under “Member”, you’ll see two icons with initials — one for the account holder and one for the linked member (this could be you or someone else on your account). Be sure to select the linked member if you need to view qualifications, registrations, or clinic calendar information.
The following links provide additional assistance in setting up your account and how to check your qualifications:
SUPPORT LINKS:
STEP 4
REGISTER FOR AN ENTRY-LEVEL CLINIC
Complete the prerequisite on-demand online course (Intro for ages 12-13 or 14+) through Hockey Canada’s Officiating Program.
- Hockey Canada Officiating Program – Intro (12-13 Year Olds)
- Hockey Canada Officiating Program – Intro (14+)
Once your account is set up and you’re linked, visit the GTHL’s Referee Clinics (link) page and view the available Entry Level clinic dates and locations.
Choose a clinic, click the registration link, and sign up.
For more information on Referee Clinics, click the button below:
STEP 5
ATTEND THE CLINIC & COMPLETE CERTIFICATION
- Once both parts are completed and passed, you are officially a certified Level 1 Official.
- Clinic portions include classroom and on-ice components — you must attend all sessions.
For more information, check out the GTHL’s Officiating FAQs by clicking the button below:
