Getting Started
How to get started
Interested in becoming an Official?
Every year our Minor Hockey Associations are looking to add new officials.
After clicking “APPLY HERE” , please email your:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
to Colin Dzijacky, Director of Officiating
EYS (Earn Your Stripes)
EYS has returned for a second season in Thunder Bay. The program allows the free rental of officiating apparel for new officials who register to officiating for the 2024/2025 season.
Jerseys & pants are loaned to the official for the duration of the season to allow them to earn enough money to pay back the cost of the equipment at the end of the season.
For more info or to sign up, please contact Colin Dzijacky at cdzijacky@hockeyhno.com
GREEN ARM BAND INITIATIVE
All on-ice officials under the age of 18 will wear one green band on their left arm during all games to identify these officials as minors to team staff, players, spectators, and parents.
The objective of this program is to reduce harassment and abuse of younger on-ice officials by clearly identifying them as minors and to protect their psychological and physical safety at the arena.
Like many branches across Canada, recruitment and retention of officials continues to be a challenge particularly in some of our smaller communities. Over 25% of all HNO officials are under the age of 18 and work a large portion of minor hockey games in the Branch.
Officiating numbers have continued to drop within HNO and Hockey Canada over the past decade. One out of every three officials quit after their first year. Over half leave the officiating program after two years and 65% are no longer officials after three years. Officials cite harassment and abuse as a reason why they have decided to quit officiating.
Hockey Northwestern Ontario strives to lead, promote and encourage positive hockey experiences for all participants involved in our game.
APPROVAL Process
STEP 1: Criminal record check (Ages 18 +)
You will need to have a Criminal Record Check & Vulnerable Sector Check. Once you have the results please share them with HNO by email at: jnewhouse@hockeyhno.com
STEP 2: Respect in Sport Online Course
Complete:
STEP 3: Hockey Canada Online Course
Complete:
Step 4: Officiating Clinic
U-16 Recruits:
Register for the Level 1 Officiating Clinic (Coming August 2023)
16 + Recruits:
Register for the Level 2 Officiating Clinic (Coming August 2023)
Complete Course & Pass Online Exam.
STEP 5: Get Started!
Your local Minor Hockey Association Referee in Chief will schedule a meeting and ice session to go over how the association operates and highlight important information for the upcoming season.
