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. This involves the completion of a simple registration form and the payment of a nominal annual registration fee. After registering, the applicant must pass an open-book rules exam that is designed to cover the basic playing rules that are required at the lower levels. New officials will also have to obtain a black hockey helmet, official's sweater, black trousers and a whistle.