The Officiating Program provides the opportunity for officials to gain the proper experience at the lower levels of competition and promotes the more experienced, talented officials to high ranks of officiating such as collegiate, minor professional, USA Hockey National Championships, International and Olympic competition, and even graduates top program members to the National Hockey League. USA Hockey registers male and female officials between the ages of 11 and 70. These officials are recruited from all aspects of life. Players, students, adults and parents are all welcome to join the program and participate as on-ice officials. Even those who aspire to a career in professional officiating begin in the ranks of USA Hockey.
People officiate for many different reasons.
Officiating is a great way to supplement a playing career. Ex-players find officiating a rewarding method to stay involved in ice hockey, while parents can enhance their child's involvement in the game by participating as well. Students find the additional income helpful in financing their education. Above all, most officials are involved because they love the sport. All officials who work sanctioned games must register with the USA Hockey Officiating Program.