Steps to become a USA Hockey Level 1 Referee:
Register as an Official with USA Hockey (LINK) ($50, Officiating Number, Rulebook)
Complete Online Education Modules (about 25 videos and short quizzes)
Open Book Playing Rules Exam (50 questions online at your own pace)
Classroom Seminar (required every year, only occur in the summer and fall)
If 18 or older, SafeSport Training and Background Screening through USA Hockey
Apply to local MN Hockey District (LINK)
Contact individual arena referee supervisors/assignors (LINK)
Attend District meetings and seminars as needed
Purchase Official’s Uniform (Sweater, Black pants, Black Helmet with half visor, whistle)
Referees must be 15 years old to officiate USA Hockey games and scrimmages. All officials are scheduled for games through district schedulers based on experience, certification level, and game track record. A personal bank account that is linked to their officiating scheduling application (ArbiterSports.com) will be required for scheduling and payment. Referees are considered Independent Contractors at all levels. To officiate USA Hockey games, referees must apply through the local District website and then initiate contact with individual arena assigners. New referees will often be shadowed for their first assignments and paired with experienced officials. MN Hockey is also exploring a mentorship program. As referees gain experience they are continually evaluated by district supervisors. Officials can request formal evaluations each season in order to be considered to officiate higher playing levels. First year officials are scheduled at Squirt B/C and Peewee C levels until formal evaluations are completed.
Skaters younger than 15 are still allowed and encouraged to become certified through USA Hockey and build experience through other opportunities so they are prepared for USA Hockey games when they turn 15. Most MN Hockey districts do not assign referees for the mite level so many associations like to have certified referees on the ice for their Mite scrimmages to allow coaches to focus on coaching. Programs such as Eagan and Farmington operate fully-in-house mite programs using half-ice dividers but have invited certified officials to regulate their scrimmages on a volunteer basis to build basic experience in a low-pressure environment. As seasons progress, many upper-level Mite programs will often request and pay certified officials to control the scrimmages. Local mini-arenas such as The Pond (Rosemount) and xHockey (Lakeville) host 3v3 leagues year-round and formally hire officials. All of these require outreach by the junior official to find opportunities as an independent contractor. Formal references and relationships are continually being created to assist young officials in finding opportunities.