How to Become an Official (Barrie Women's Hockey Association)

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Interested in being an official?


Officiating is a fun and rewarding way to contribute to the sport of hockey. They are an integral part of the game and crucial to ensuring player safety and maintaining the integrity of the game. 

What do Referees do?


Enforce Rules and Regulations: Referees are responsible for knowing and applying the rules of hockey, ensuring that all players adhere to them.

Maintain Order and Safety: They manage player conduct, prevent dangerous plays, and intervene to stop fights or other disturbances, thus contributing to a safe playing environment.

Ensure Fair Play: Referees ensure that all players have an equal opportunity to compete by calling penalties and infractions fairly.

Uphold the Integrity of the Game: By enforcing the rules and maintaining order, referees help preserve the spirit of the game and ensure that the outcome is determined by skill and sportsmanship.

Facilitate Enjoyment: Referees make the game fun for players, coaches, and fans by ensuring a fair and safe environment where players can showcase their skills.

Provide Clarity and Guidance: Referees provide explanations of the rules to players and coaches, promoting better understanding and sportsmanship.

How do you become an Official?


To become an official with the Ontario Women's Hockey Association (OWHA), you need to be at least 14 years old (as of Dec 31st of the current season) for House League and at least 16 years old for Competitive Hockey. You will also need to complete any required clinics, exams and register with OWHA and Hockey Canada Officiating Program (HCOP).

For more information please see:
HOCKEY CANADA OFFICIATING PROGRAM
OWHA OFFICIALS PAGE
 

Minimum Age and Certification:

House League: 14 years old, Level 1 minimum

Competitive: 16 years old, Level 2 minimum

*You must be certified through the HCOP*

OWHA Annual Registration: All officials must be registered with the OWHA annually by completing the required forms and submitting them to the OWHA.

Fees: All officials are required to pay registration and any applicable clinic fees.

Clinics and Education:

Online Modules and Exam: New officials need to complete online modules and an online exam.

In-Person Clinics: Attend an in-person clinic hosted by the OWHA.

Re-certification: Officials must recertify annually and update their knowledge of rules and officiating techniques.

Background Checks: Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC): Officials 18 and over must submit a VSC and a Declaration form annually.