Stowe Youth Hockey uses US Hockey certified referees for all of our 8u to 14u games. Each referee has passed the appropriate training course for the age group they are reffing. We know in all youth sports referees have a very challenging job. In ice hockey things happen quickly and not all calls made by referees will be 100% correct.
Stowe Youth Hockey coaches are trained to respect the referees and if a call doesn't seem right SYH coaches know the correct avenue to communicate their concerns with the referees. All SYH players are also taught to respect all referees at all times. All SYH spectators are also expected to respect referees at all times.
SYH does use youth as referees. These referees are mentored and trained by more experience referees to gain the needed skills to become the best referee possible.
If you have any questions or want to become a referee through US Hockey please visit US Hockey's website to learn more information.
To completely register with USA Hockey as an official you need to complete five steps each year:
USA HOCKEY MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION (this step must be completed first):
Go to USAHockey.com. At the homepage you will click on “Become a Member” and register as an Ice Official. This is where you will provide your personal information and pay your annual membership fee (and Affiliate Fee if applicable).
Once you are registered, you will receive a registration confirmation email within 24-hours and a copy of the USA Hockey Playing Rules & Casebook (new officials and Rule Change Seasons only) within a week along with some additional information to help you along with the registration process.
You will also receive a second email giving you information (including your USAH Officiating Number) relating to completing your online “Open Book Exam”.
U.S. CENTER FOR SAFESPORT TRAINING (if 18+ years old):
All officials who are 18 years-of-age or older must complete the United States Olympic Committee SafeSport training program. This online based program trains coaches, officials, and key volunteers in detecting and preventing detrimental behavior (hazing, abuse, etc.) off the playing surface. This training must be completed in addition to your USA Hockey Local Affiliate Background Checks. SafeSport training can be completed by using the SafeSport link.
ONLINE EDUCATION VIDEO MODULES:
Once registered with USA Hockey, you will receive instructions regarding the online Officiating Education Module program. These modules are a mixture of required and elective topics that teach fundamental skills of officiating using video examples, animation, and knowledge-based testing. You must complete your required hours of training to receive your card and crest. You can access this through the US Hockey website.
OPEN BOOK PLAYING RULES EXAM:
Go to the Open Book Exam page at the OFFICIALS section of USAHockey.com and follow the steps to begin your online exam. The exam is designed to allow you to go at your own pace. You may answer all questions at once, or answer ten questions every day until it is completed. Please review all answers before submitting it to the National Office. The exam will be accessible 24-hours after online registration, and we strongly encourage you to wait until you receive your Rulebook and attend your seminar (see below) before attempting to take the test.
CLASSROOM SEMINAR:
All USA Hockey Officials must attend a USA Hockey Officiating Seminar annually. To find one in your area, go to the seminar registration page at the Officials section of USAHockey.com. You will need a USAH Courses System profile to complete registration for a seminar (completing Membership Registration does not automatically create a USAH Courses Profile).
Most seminars are scheduled between late August and early November (the schedules begin to appear online starting in July), and any questions about the seminars should be directed to your USA Hockey District Staff (following the links at the main Directory under Officials Materials). We strongly recommend you make sure you can attend a seminar before you begin the Membership Registration process (the fee is non-refundable), and do not wait long to register since some seminars do fill up very quickly.
Once you complete these steps, and the USA Hockey National Office receives your Registration Fee, Open Book Exam answers, and Seminar Attendance confirmation, you will receive your USA Hockey Officiating Card and Sweater Crest and you are ready to work games.
Important Note: Please be sure to record contact information for your local USA Hockey Supervisor of Officials and Local Assignor while at your seminar.
Answers to other questions can be found in the Membership Information menu under the OFFICIALS tab at usahockey.com.
Youth Officials should be two age groups above the game they officiate.
A 12u age official can officiate a 8u game.
An *experienced* 12u age official can be a junior official in a 10u game *if needed*
A 14u age player can officiate a 10u game.
An *experienced* 14u age official can be a junior official in a 12u game *if needed*