2022/23 REFEREE & TIMEKEEPERS APPLICATIONS
Now that hockey is almost over for the season, BLOMHA is starting to plan for next season. Our planning involves recruiting referees. Recruitment is done every year but this year it’s even more important as we experienced a shortage of referees this season. We operated with only 60% of our usual roster of referees and at times, had challenges getting referees to cover games. In speaking with hockey associations in Burlington and other communities, the lack of referees appears to be a common issue throughout hockey.
We are actively recruiting NEW and EXPERIENCED Referees for the 2022/2023 season.
BECOMING A BLOMHA REFEREE
In order to participate in the tryouts to become a BLOMHA Referee you must be at least 14 years old and fill out an application during the summer. Applications are available at the BLOMHA website. Someone from the Officiating Committee will communicate with you in August/September on the next steps in the process.
You will be invited to an on-ice session for evaluation of your skating skills. The best skaters of the group will be offered Referee positions.
If you are selected, you must attend an Alliance Level 1 Referee Clinic in October and you will be ready to start officiating in November. The cost of the clinic is approximately $155. You are required to purchase your referee's uniform.
This is a considerable investment, so make sure your commitment is for the long term. For the first season you may only officiate two to three games a week. If you continue as an official for several years, and you put a lot of effort into the program, you will have the opportunity to advance to Level 2 and 3 which will result in more responsibility and more financial reward.
In order to be considered for level 2 upgrade you must be 16 years old and pass the written test during the annual recertification.
In order to be considered for level 3 upgrade you must have been officiating at level 2 for at least 2 years AND you must demonstrate excellent on-ice skills, be recommended by a supervisor, attend a level 3 certification clinic, successfully complete a written test and complete 2 successful on-ice evaluations.
Hockey officials must be certified every year. This means you must attend, and be successful on the written test, a HCOP Certification Clinic before each season, otherwise you will not be allowed to officiate. The cost of the clinic is $140 - $160 each year.