How To Become An NHL Official

Everything you need to know about becoming an NHL official.

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how those men and women in stripes make it onto the ice to officiate National Hockey League games? Well, it’s not as easy as just putting on a pair of skates and blowing a whistle. NHL officials are physically and mentally talented individuals who have worked their way up through the ranks of amateur hockey. If you think you have what it takes to become an NHL official, here is a brief overview of what you need to do.

What NHL Officials Do

NHL officials are responsible for enforcing the rules of the game and maintaining the safety of the players. They also keep track of the score and time during the game. NHL officials must be able to skating well and have good stamina. If you are interested in becoming an NHL official, here are some steps you can take.

Skate around the rink

NHL officials must be able to skate around the rink quickly and smoothly to keep up with the fast-paced play of the game. They also need to have good stamina to skate for the entire duration of the game, which is 60 minutes.

Drop the puck

NHL officials are responsible for enforcing the rules of the game during hockey games. They call penalties, ensure player safety and maintain order on the ice. If you’re interested in becoming an NHL official, there are a few things you should know.

For starters, NHL officials must be physically fit and have good skating ability. They must also have a thorough understanding of the rules of hockey. Officials typically start out working at lower levels of competitive hockey, such as high school or junior league games, and work their way up to the NHL.

If you’re interested in becoming an NHL official, the best way to get started is to contact your local hockey association or the NHL itself. You can also attend officiating clinics and camps, which will teach you the skills you need to be a successful official.

Signal for penalties

NHL officials signal for penalties by making a diagonal slashing motion with their arm extended above their head. The hand is usually held at or near the chin, with the thumb and index finger extended and the other fingers tucked in.

Make calls

NHL officials are responsible for enforcing the rules of the game during hockey games. They call penalties and makes sure that the game is played fair and safely. NHL officials must have excellent skating skills, as well as good knowledge of the game. If you are interested in becoming an NHL official, here is what you need to do.

Complete an accredited referee course. In order to become an NHL official, you must first complete an accredited referee course. The course will teach you the basics of officiating, such as rule enforcement, skating techniques, and game management. You can find a list of accredited referee courses here.

pass a written exam. Once you have completed an accredited referee course, you must then pass a written exam in order to become certified. The exam covers topics such as rule enforcement, skating techniques, and game management.

skate in an NHL rookie camps or officiate in lower-level leagues.. In order to be considered for an NHL officiating job, you must first skate in an NHL rookie camp or officiate in lower-level leagues. This will give you the experience needed to be considered for an NHL officiating job.

How To Become An NHL Official

The National Hockey League employs around 60 full-time officials. If you have a passion for hockey and meet the requirements, you too can become an NHL official. Here’s what you need to know.

Be at least 18 years old

You must be at least 18 years old to apply to become an NHL official. There is no maximum age, however, officials must maintain their skating ability and fitness levels to keep up with the pace of the game.

Have good skating abilities

You must be a good skater to become an NHL official. This means being able to backward skate well, as well as having good speed, stamina, and edge work. You must also be able to keep up with the play and make quick decisions.

Complete the training

To become an NHL official, there are many levels of training that must be completed successfully. Here is a brief overview of the requirements:

1. Complete the training and certification process through the USA Hockey Officiating Program.
2. Obtain your Level 5 officiating certification, which is the highest level in the USA Hockey Officiating Program.
3. Register with the National Hockey League Officials’ Association (NHLOA).
4. Attend an NHL officiating combine, where you will be evaluated by NHL officials supervisors on your skating ability, fitness level and officiating skills.
5. If you are selected to advance to the next stage, you will be invited to attend an NHL rookie seminar, where you will learn more about what it takes to be a successful NHL official.

Attend the NHL Officiating Camp

There are many ways to become an NHL official. The most popular way is to attend the NHL Officiating Camp, which is held each summer at various locations around the United States.

The camp is designed for officials of all levels, from those just starting out to those who have been officiating for many years. The camp provides an opportunity for officials to improve their skills and learn the latest techniques.

The camp also includes a series of off-ice classes, which cover topics such as rules interpretation, game management, and fitness training.

Attendees of the NHL Officiating Camp must be at least 18 years old and must have a valid U.S. or Canadian passport.

Conclusion

There is no one answer to the question of how to become an NHL official. There are many paths that officials can take to reach the NHL, and each individual’s journey will be unique. However, there are some general tips that can help officials on their way to the NHL.

First and foremost, officials need to focus on becoming the best possible referee or linesman they can be. This means dedicating themselves to learning the rulebook inside and out, studying game film, and constantly practicing their on-ice skills. Officials also need to be in top physical shape, as officiating at the professional level is extremely demanding physically.

Another important step for officials seeking to reach the NHL is to gain experience at lower levels of hockey. By working their way up through lower leagues, officials can learn important lessons and build a valuable network of contacts within the hockey community. Additionally, working at lower levels can help officials hone their skills and develop a strong reputation within the hockey world.

Ultimately, becoming an NHL official requires a great deal of hard work, dedication, and passion for the game of hockey. However, for those who are willing to put in the effort, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.