Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become an official?

  • Step 1: Register with USA Hockey: https://www.usahockey.com/officials

  • Step 2: Register for and attend a USA Hockey seminar: https://www.usahockey.com/officialseminars

  • Step 3: Complete the online open-book rules exam

  • Step 4: Complete online training modules

  • Step 5: FOR OFFICIALS OVER 18 YEARS OLD ONLY: complete a background check

  • Step 6: FOR OFFICIALS OVER 18 YEARS OLD ONLY: complete SafeSport training

  • Step 7: Receive card and crest in the mail from USA Hockey

  • Step 8: Send an email to: registrar@norhoa.org with a photo of your card and crest to get set up with a NorHOA account

  • Step 9: Submit your scheduling availability

  • Step 10: Take a deep breath and dive in!

Is there a minimum age to become an official?

There is not - you can start at any time! Youth officials will generally be scheduled for games played by age groups younger than themselves. For example, a 12 year-old official would be eligible to work games at the 10-U level.

What equipment do i need?

  • Hockey skates

  • Black hockey helmet

  • Referee jersey

  • Black pants

  • Shin pads

  • Elbow pads

  • Girdle (some pants have a built-in girdle)

  • Shin tights

How does the scheduling process work?

First, fill out your profile at norhoa@timetoscore.com. Then fill out your availability and keep it up to date. You will be offered games based on when you have indicated you are available to work. You then have the option to accept or decline the offers.

You can also look at the list of available games and request anything you see that looks like a good fit for your schedule and level. The scheduler will make the ultimate decision about who receives the offer for games.

How much does officiating pay?

There are different rates depending on the level of play, and the official’s level of experience. The pay rate document is available for viewing in the members section of the website.

Is there someone I can talk with if I have a question about something that happened during a game?

Absolutely! Please reach out to NorHOA at info@norhoa.org and someone will be in touch.

I’m a parent/coach/player and have a complaint about an official. Who can I talk to about that?

Please refer to the league under which the game was played. For example, if it was a NorCal game, NorCal would be the first point of contact. The league will look into the complaint and take appropriate action as each situation warrants.

I have a question that wasn’t answered here. Can I contact someone?

Of course! Contact NorHOA at: info@norhoa.org.