So you want to be an Official?

Below we have tried to outline the process that you must go through in order to become an official. If you have specific questions not covered, please feel free to contact us.

Seminar Dates

To see a list of seminar dates for the 2009-2010 season, please click here.

How Do Officials Get Started?

All officials who work sanctioned games in Utah must register with the USA Hockey Officiating Program. This involves the completion of a simple registration form and the payment of annual registration fee. After registering, the applicant must pass an open-book rules exam that is designed to cover the basic playing rules that are required at the lower levels. New officials will also have to obtain a black hockey helmet, official's sweater, black trousers and a whistle.

Who Should You Contact?

Please contact any member of our board of directors or the State Referee In-Chief. You will find that information by clicking here.

What Are the Various Levels of Officiating?

The Officiating Program establishes "levels of achievement" for each individual, from the beginner to the highly-skilled official.

First-year officials must register as a Level 1 official and may officiate at the lower levels of hockey. New officials who have past experience in officiating ice hockey may register at a different level, on a case-by-case basis, as determined by the District Referee-in-Chief.

The below is suggested only, depending on your ability you will be scheduled to work different games.

LEVEL 1: May officiate games at age levels 8 or Under - 12 or Under (Mites through
Pee Wees) after completion of the registration and testing process in addition to attending a pre-season seminar.

LEVEL 2: May officiate at the 14 or Under (Bantam) and younger age classes after
completion of the registration and testing process and after one or two years at Level 1.
Attendance at a pre-season seminar is mandatory.

LEVEL 3: The Level 3 official has proven his abilities over a period of years. The
official is required to complete all registration and testing requirements and must attend
a pre-season seminar. Level 3 officials may referee games through the 17 or Under age
classification (Midget) as well as Over 20 (Senior) and act as a Linesman for Junior hockey
games (19 and under).

LEVEL 4: Level 4 officials may work all levels of USA Hockey. Applicants must have one
year experience at Level 3, must successfully complete the open-book exam, the closed-book exam, a skating test and attend a pre-season seminar.