Officiating Levels

Officiating - Levels

Level I

Simply register for a Level I clinic to get started.
To prepare a young or new official to officiate minor hockey
An individual is certified at Level I with attendance and completion of a Level I clinic – eight (8) hours of instruction, minimum
Completion of a national exam must be marked and returned prior to the completion of the clinic
Minimum age to participate in the Level I clinic is 12 years old on or before December 31 of the current season

Level II

To further enhance the training and skills of the minor hockey official.
Must be a minimum of 16 years old as of December 31 of the current season
Must attend all sessions of the Level II clinic, a minimum eight (8) hours in duration, and obtain a minimum of 70% on a written national exam to be marked and returned prior to the completion of the clinic
Must pass a practical, on-ice evaluation, performed by a qualified Branch Hockey Canada Officiating Program supervisor.

Level III

To prepare officials capable of refereeing Minor Hockey playoffs, minor hockey Regional Playoffs and Female National Championship or being linesmen in Junior B, Senior, Bantam or Midget Regional Championships
Must be fully certified at Level II and referee at least one year at that level in order to register for Level III
Must attend and participate in all sessions at a Level III clinic, a minimum of eight hours of instruction, and must obtain a minimum of 80% on a written national examination, to be marked and returned prior to the completion of the clinic
Must pass a practical, on-ice evaluation, performed by a qualified Branch Hockey Canada Officiating Program supervisor
Must be judged capable of refereeing in Minor Hockey Playoffs

Level IV

To prepare hockey officials capable of refereeing Senior, Junior A, B, Minor Hockey Regional and National Championships, Female Hockey National Championships and designated Minor Hockey IIHF competition or being a linesman in Major Junior, Junior A, Senior, CIAU, CAAA, Inter-Branch and IIHF competitions
Must be fully certified at Level III and referee one year at that level
Must attend a Level IV Branch clinic, attendance is by invitation only
Must attend and participate in all sessions of the Level IV clinic (minimum 14 hours), obtain a minimum of 80% on a written national exam
Must pass a practical, on-ice evaluation, performed by a qualified Branch Hockey Canada Officiating Program supervisor

Level V

To prepare competent officials to referee Major Junior, Junior A, Senior, CIAU, CCAA, Inter Branch playoffs, Minor Hockey Regional or National Championships
Must be fully certified at Level IV and referee one year at that level
Must attend the Branch Level V seminar, a minimum of 14 hours of instruction, attendance is by invitation only
Must participate in all sessions obtaining a mark of 90% on a written national exam
Must be on ice evaluated by the BC Hockey Referee in Chief to complete certification
Must undergo fitness and skating tests

Level VI

To prepare competent officials capable of officiating at National championship finals and designated IIHF competition – these competitions include the Memorial Cup, RBC Royal Bank Cup, Allen Cup, World Championships, Olympics and others
Branch nominations are submitted to the Hockey Canada National office and are reviewed by an established selection committee
Must be fully certified at Level V (including fitness tests) and referee one year at that level
Must attend and participate in all sessions of a Level VI clinic, minimum of four (4) days of instruction, and obtain a minimum of 90% on a written national examination
Must pass a practical on-ice evaluation, performed by a national supervisor
Must complete a written assignment assigned by the Hockey Canada Referee in Chief
Delivery Level VI clinics are held based on national need for Level VIs. The Hockey Canada Manager, Officiating is responsible for the organization of the site and program, establishing criteria and review of the candidates qualifications
Attempts are made to stage the clinic in conjunction with a major training program or early in the season, requesting cooperation from local leagues so officials are able to work scrimmages or games