Referee Recruitment



Thank you for your interest in officiating with the GHRA. Each year the GHRA executive accepts new officials depending on our needs for the coming season. 

Becoming a referee is a rewarding experience giving you the opportunity to be involved in hockey while developing your character, your ability and sense of achievement. As you improve, the number of games, difficulty and rewards will increase. We provide the coaching, mentoring and supervision to help you reach your goals. You will also become a member of the GHRA community enabling you to develop lasting friendships.

If you are already a carded official and would like to Referee in Guelph, please contact us via email to [email protected]. 
In the email, please provide some details regarding number of years you've officiated, your level, your current association and when you'd like to start. We will contact you to set up an interview, either in-person or by phone.
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The process for applicants who have not officiated previously is as follows:

Commencing February 1st, we open our web site up to applications for Referees. Interested applicants should submit their contact information (Click the button at the bottom of this page). Applicants should fill out the information as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Please ensure that you're providing all of the information requested.

May 15th: The application period closes and we begin to evaluate the applicants. We may request additional information and an interview. The interview may be in-person or by phone. 

June 15th: The GHRA Executive will hold a final review of the applicants. Successful applicants will be notified and provided further instruction on how to get certified and where to purchase equipment. New officials are required to attend an Entry-level clinic. The clinics are usually held in August and September.

New officials are also required to have a Police Check with Vulnerable Sector done. Please note that the Vulnerable Sector Police Check is a requirement to gain entry into the OMHA Clinic and will be required to be repeated every three (3) seasons. The Police Check should be done over the summer months. The GHRA also requires a copy of the Police Check prior to officiating games with our association.

September: After being certified at an OMHA Clinic and membership fees paid, officials will then be placed on an active officials list and will be be contacted by the GHRA Assignor regarding next steps. 
Frequently Asked Questions

What are the age requirements to become a referee?

According to the OMHA, in order to be certified as a Level 1 Official, you must be a minimum of 14 years old, by December 31st of that season. The GHRA has a policy of not accepting new referees under the age of 16 although exceptions have been made depending on maturity and capability. The reason for this is that there is an age requirement in the OMHA that officials be two years older than the level they are officiating. This then restricts a 14 year-old referee to Atom hockey and below, greatly limiting the number of games that can be done. 

What kind of hockey will I work in my first season?

Level 1's (any official under 16 by December 31st of that season) are restricted to Atom House League and Below. Level 2's will mostly work at the Peewee, Atom and Novice house league levels their first season but it is possible to work rep, and higher levels depending on how they have progressed.

I am already a carded official, do I still need to go through the full recruiting process?

No. We will consider accepting carded officials throughout the year. An interview is the only requirement

What if I'm younger than the minimum age?

If you are between the ages of 14 and 16, we recommend that you become a timekeeper for at least one season to get a better understanding of the game from the officials’ point of view. This experience also provides an opportunity to be with the Referees and determine if becoming one is right for you. Please see the timekeeper recruitment page for more information.

What can I do to better my chances to become a referee?

If you will be at least 16 year's old by December 31st of the next season, ensure you send us your contact information before the beginning of April. Once we complete the recruitment process, we won't be accepting applications for new officials until the following year.

Also, for first-time officials, preference is given to applicants that have been timekeepers in our association in the previous season.