• If you are interested in becoming a referee this year or if you are a returning referee please read below:

 

Being a Referee

It takes a lot of people to pull together a great sport like hockey. The referee is there to keep the notion of fair play in order for each and every game that is played.

Do you know the game of hockey? Can you skate confidently? Can you take the pressure of the players, coaches and fans yelling throughout the game? Come out and be an AFHA official! Blow that whistle and let the game begin!

.

Becoming an official: What it takes

Becoming a competent official takes a great deal of time and effort.  Once you've  decided to become an official, you must make a commitment to yourself, your peers, the participants of the game and the game itself.

 

Our officiating program aims to provide efficient, well qualified officials for the game of hockey, within the area of jurisdiction as set out below. It's also about:

• • Promoting good fellowship among officials
  • Aiding and assisting in the betterment of hockey
  • Maintaining a high standard of relationships with association members, officials, coaches, various teams and leagues.
  • Attending Development ice sessions (yes officials practice!) run by the Development team

 

 

Here's how the officiating program works

Officials must attend at least one referees clinic during the year of certification or have transferred from another Hockey Canada referees’ branch program. They also need to be able to meet the standards established within the officiating program.

 

Officiating - Levels

Level 1:

• • You must be 12 years old, but not older than 16, on or before December 31 of the current year to be a registered official.
  • You're required to attend a clinic and on-ice session run by AFHA.
  • You're required to complete the online portion for first year officials through the Hockey University from Hockey Canada.

Level 2:

• • You must be at least 16 years old, on or before December 31 of the current year.
  • You're required to attend a clinic and get a passing grade of 70% in the exam.

Level 3 - 6: (invite-only clinics)

 

 

Returning Officials Level 1 - 6:

The Super Clinic being held in

TBD

New Officials:

Please fill out the following form. This will indicate that you are interested in becoming an Official for the 2024/25 season. Once filled out, you will hear from the RIC in May regarding information night which will happen in June.

Form: https://forms.gle/ivcZUVJbEzfjr5MC9

This will be for First Year Officials ONLY and you must sign up with the RIC to attend.

Requirements for Becoming an AFHA Referee

• 1. Must be 12 years of age by December 31st of the upcoming season.
  2. Must register with the Hockey Canada eHockey website and complete the level 1 module.**
  3. Must complete the BC Hockey certification clinic.
  4. Must complete the AFHA referee development program
  5. The following equipment is required:

* Helmet with half shield

* Whistle (Acme Thunder is recommended)

* Linesman Jersey (with snaps to allow for referee arm bands)

* Shin guards and athletic supporter

* Plain back track pants

* Elbow pads (recommended but not required)

 

BC Hockey policy requires all officials eighteen (18) years or older as of December 31, 2024 to complete a Criminal Record Check (CRC) prior to registering for the 2024-2025 season.

Please note: A Criminal Record Check is valid for three (3) seasons expiring on July 31st of the third (3rd) year. As a Volunteer with BC Hockey this submission is FREE of charge by using the online method.