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If you are interested in becoming a hockey official - this section is for you! It will provide you with all the information you need to get your officiating career STARTED.
The level system, level I through VI, is the foundation for the training and development of amateur hockey 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 High Performance Levels V and VI.
Select a LEVEL and start OFFICIATING!
| Level I |
| Purpose |
To prepare a young or new official to officiate Minor Hockey |
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Registration/
Certification |
An individual is certified at Level I with attendance and completion of a Level I clinic.
Some Branches require completion of a national examination, to be marked and returned prior to the completion of the clinic. |
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| Delivery |
Minimum of eight (8) hours of instruction
May be presented over two evenings, or on a Saturday and/or Sunday. |
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| Note |
- Upon completion of the Level I requirements, the official should receive a certificate and card.
- There are over 13,000 Level I officials registered annually.
- Minimum age guidelines may be set by individual branches.
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| Level II |
| Purpose |
To further enhance the training and skills of Minor Hockey officials |
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Registration/
Certification |
A person must be a minimum of sixteen (16) years of
age to obtain Level II status.
Must attend and participate in all sessions of the Level II clinic.
Must obtain a minimum of 70% on a written national examination, to be marked and returned prior to the completion of the clinic.
Must pass a practical, on-ice evaluation, performed by a qualified Branch Hockey Canada Officiating Program supervisor. |
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| Delivery |
Minimum of eight (8) hours of instruction
May be presented over two evenings, or all day on a Saturday or Sunday |
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| Note |
- A novice official, seventeen (17) years of age or older, may obtain Level I and II certification in one year based on ability. This is the only opportunity within the Hockey Canada Officiating Program to accomplish two levels in one year. This is designed to encourage persons with playing or coaching experience to consider officiating.
- Upon successful completion of the clinic, examination and on-ice supervision, the official should receive a Level II sticker (to be affixed to the certificate received with Level I) and certification card.
- There are over 10,000 Level II officials registered annually.
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| Level III |
| Purpose |
To prepare officials capable of refereeing Minor Hockey Playoffs, Minor Hockey Regional Playoffs and Female National Championships, or being linesmen in Junior B, C, D, Senior and Bantam or Midget Regional Championships |
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Registration/
Certification |
Must be fully certified at Level II and referee at least one year at that level
Must attend and participate in all sessions at a Level III clinic
Must obtain a minimum of 80% on a written national examination, to be marked and returned prior to the completion of the clinic
Must be judged capable of refereeing in Minor Hockey Playoffs
Must pass a practical, on-ice evaluation, performed by a qualified Branch Hockey Canada Officiating Program supervisor |
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| Delivery |
Minimum of eight (8) hours of instruction
An official at Level III will have a thorough knowledge of the playing rules and the role of an official
Similar delivery options as in Level II although the Level III is usually presented in one day |
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| Note |
- Upon successful completion of Level III (clinic, examination and on-ice evaluation), the official should receive a Level III sticker and certification card.
- There are over 5,000 Level III officials registered annually
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| Level IV |
| Purpose |
To prepare hockey officials capable of refereeing Senior, Junior A, B, C, D, Minor Hockey Regional and National Championships, Female Hockey National Championships and designated Minor Hockey IIHF competition, or being a linesman in Major Junior, Junior A, Senior, CIS, CCAA, Inter-Branch and IIHF competition |
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Registration/
Certification |
Must be fully certified at Level III and referee at least one year at that level
Attendance at Level IV will be by Branch invitation only
Certification at Level III does not automatically make one eligible for Level IV
Must attend and participate in all sessions of a Level IV clinic
Must obtain a minimum of 80% on a written national examination
Must pass a practical, on-ice evaluation, performed by a qualified Branch Hockey Canada Officiating Program supervisor
Must be capable of officiating in any one of the categories as listed under purpose
When an official fails the practical on-ice evaluation, certification will not be validated, however, the official may request a second evaluation. The second evaluation will be done at Branch convenience but at no extra cost to the Branch |
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| Delivery |
Minimum of fourteen (14) hours of instruction. Usually is presented over an entire weekend. The topic areas for a Level IV clinic are outlined by the Hockey Canada National Office. Branches are encouraged to contact the Hockey Canada Manager, Officiating for assistance in staging a Level IV clinic |
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| Note |
- Upon successful completion of Level IV (clinic, examination, on-ice evaluation), the official should receive a Level IV sticker and certification card.
- There are over 900 Level IV officials registered annually
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| Level V |
| Purpose |
To prepare competent officials to referee Major Junior, Junior A, Senior, CIS, and Inter-Branch Playoffs |
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Registration/
Certification |
Must be fully certified at Level IV and referee at least one year at that level.
Attendance at Level V will be by Branch invitation only
Must attend and participate in all sessions of the Level V clinic
Must obtain a minimum of 90% on a written national examination
Must pass a practical on-ice evaluation, performed by a qualified Branch Hockey Canada Officiating Program supervisor
Must undergo fitness and skating tests
Must be capable of officiating in one of the categories as listed under A purpose |
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| Delivery |
Minimum of fourteen (14) hours of instruction. Usually is presented over an entire weekend. The topic areas for a Level V clinic are outlined by the Hockey Canada National Office. Branches are encouraged to contact the Hockey Canada Manager, Officiating for assistance in staging a Level V clinic |
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| Note |
- All officials reaching Level V are required to pass an annual written national examination and fitness test to qualify for Inter-Branch assignments.
- Upon successful completion of Level V (clinic, examination, on-ice evaluation), the official should receive a Level V sticker and certification card.
- There are over 200 Level V officials registered annually.
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| Level VI |
| Purpose |
To prepare competent officials capable of refereeing at National Championship finals and designated IIHF competition (i.e. Memorial Cup, Royal Bank Cup, Allan Cup, Hardy Cup, University Cup, CCAA finals, World Championships, Olympics, FISU Games) |
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Registration/
Certification |
Branch nominations are submitted to the Hockey Canada National Office and are reviewed by an established selection committee
Must be fully certified at Level V (including fitness tests) and referee one year at that level
Must attend and participate in all sessions of a Level VI clinic
Must obtain a minimum of 90% on a written national examination
Must pass a practical on-ice evaluation, performed by a national supervisor
Must complete a written assignment assigned by the Hockey Canada Referee-in-Chief |
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| Delivery |
Level VI clinics are held based on national need for Level VIs. The Hockey Canada Manager, Officiating is responsible for the organization of the site and program, establishing criteria and review of the candidates qualifications
Minimum of four (4) days of instruction
Attempts are made to stage the clinic in conjunction with a major training program or early in the season, requesting cooperation from local leagues so officials are able to work scrimmages or games |
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| Note |
- All officials reaching Level VI are required to pass an annual written national examination and fitness test to qualify for Inter-Branch, National and International assignments
- There are over 70 Level VI officials registered annually.
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