Each year the Guelph Hockey Referees Association recruits new members for the upcoming season. This process begins in June and finishes in late September/early October. The Executive determines the number of officials required once the number of returning officials is determined.

During the summer months the Guelph Hockey Referee Association (GHRA) Executive reviews the roster of returning officials and decides how many additional officials are required for the upcoming season. During July and August we accept names of individuals that wish to become a GHRA member. We give all individuals an opportunity to tryout with us, no matter if they have had previous experience or not and no matter what their age may be, as long as they meet the minimum requirement of 16 years of age. GHRA gives preference to individuals who are already certified with the OMHA or other branches but also understands that individuals with no experience are essential to growing and maintaining a strong Association.

In September, before the season gets underway, we have two on-ice sessions for all our potential new members. We insist that all applicants attend at a minimum one of these skates and prefer individuals with no prior experience attend both sessions. The on-ice sessions are used to determine the status of possible members skating abilities. All drills are designed to use basic skating moves that are used while officiating, done at an easy pace and not intended to see who is the fastest or best skater. The sessions are also used to review and introduce new officials to basic positioning, signals, and conditioning.

All recruits must attend a brief 15-20 minute relaxed interview with some of our senior officials. The potential new official is asked some standard questions so that we can get to know them a little bit. They are told what will be expected of them and some of the procedures that they will have to follow. Young individuals are told that their parents are welcomed to join them in the interview. GHRA encourages parents of younger potential members to attend, as there is a cost associated with getting started in officiating that they should be aware of.

If the recruit is invited to become a member arrangements must be made to attend an OMHA certification clinic. Before any individual can participate as an official they must have an OMHA certification number. Each year at the end of September the OMHA runs an officials school over a weekend in Guelph for first time officials. The school is well worth the time and money and is an excellent way to be introduced to the fundamentals of officiating. The OMHA also runs a few 8 hour clinics near the end of October. GHRA will assist the new officials with registering for the clinics but it is the responsibility of each individual to make sure they enroll in one of these clinics. The cost of this clinic is wholly the responsibility of the individual. It should be noted as well that, each year officials must attend OMHA re-certification clinics to be eligible for officiating in that season. Beginning with the 2006-07 season all officials must have a Police background check completed. The completed form must be handed in when you sign in on the day of the clinic.

When the official completes the certification clinic and is given his/her OMHA number they are asked to contact the GHRA Assignor and they are put on a list of active officials. Each month they will be assigned games to officiate. All officials new to GHRA, whether first time officials or from other associations are placed on probation for the first season. GHRA runs a Mentoring Program, in which each new official is assigned to an experienced member who will be his or her mentor for the season. GHRA also runs an in-house supervision program. The goal of this program is to get out to watch officials and assist them with their development by providing feedback on their work.

At the conclusion of the first year, the Rules and Deportment Committee will meet to discuss the progress and status of the official as a probationary member. At this time, it may be determined that the official will be required to complete another period of probation. The official is evaluated using the feedback of their Mentor and supervision sheets done throughout the year.

For more information about becoming a referee please contact us at recruiting@guelphhockeyreferees.ca

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The following is a breakdown of what is expected of new officials, and minimum requirements that must be agreed upon prior to membership into The Guelph Hockey Referees Association. (GHRA)

1. Age – Individuals should be minimum of fourteen (14) years of age at the beginning of the hockey season. At age fourteen, you will be eligible to participate in house league hockey assignments only, and you must attend an O.M.H.A. Clinic.

   However, at 14 we like to recommend that you become a part of our association in the role of a Timekeeper. In this role you will be able to work at Rep games and gain experience in the game environment, which will help you when you decide to become an official.

   At the age of sixteen, you are eligible to participate in Rep Hockey Assignments; however, you must attend an annual O.M.H.A. Clinic. These clinics are held annually in the fall.
   

2. Costs – Ontario Minor Hockey Association Certification Clinic - $120 (approx)
   Guelph Hockey Referee Association Annual Dues - $40 – due by December 31
   Guelph Hockey Referee Association Crest - $10
   Referee Sweater - $50 –$100 (approx)
   Black Helmet with half visor - $100 (approx)
   Whistle - $20 (approx)
   
   
3. Games - The Guelph Minor Hockey Association and Guelph Girls Hockey Association schedule games throughout the week, and on weekends. It is important that you are available to participate in refereeing on weekends.
   
   
4. Meetings – These are held monthly, on the third Saturday of each month, from October to March. The year’s first meeting is held on a Friday night in mid September and our Annual Meeting is also held on a Friday night near the end of April. It is mandatory to attend all meetings. If you are assigned to referee at the time of the meeting, you will be excused; otherwise, you must attend. If you are unable to attend, you must contact the Recording Secretary with your apology. Failing to do so will result in a fine as outlined by our constitution.
   
   
5. Equipment – Each new official is responsible for providing his own C.S.A. certified (black) hockey helmet complete with CSA certified half visor, a black and white vertically stripped referees shirt, black pants, and Acme thunder finger whistle. Optional equipment that is strongly recommended, but not mandatory includes, shin guards, protective girdle, and elbow pads.