Throughout September, the Northern Ontario Hockey Association is offering referee clinics across our region, to train on-ice officials for the coming season.
District referee-in-chief Justin Punchard says the minimum age is 14 by the end of December.
“Maybe you’ve aged out of minor hockey, not able to play at an organized level anymore and officiating is certainly a great way to stay engaged and in the game of hockey,” Punchard notes, adding that being a Hockey Canada official is a good first job that pays well.
Punchard says recruiting officials is getting easier, as the NOHA, Ontario Hockey Federation and Hockey Canada institute policies against abuse from parents and fans.
One is a workshop called “Respect in Sport”. A parent or guardian has to complete it before their child can register to play.
The ref clinic also teaches officials how to handle it.
“We definitely cover communication and how to properly communicate and speak with people in a high tense or stressful situation.”
REFEREE CLINIC LOCATIONS AND TIMES
- Wed., Sept, 2, 6:00-10:00pm, Jus Jordan Arena, Iroquois Falls
- Week of Sept, 7, Northern College, Timmins
- Mon., Sept, 14, 6:00-10:00pm, Tim Horton Events Centre, Cochrane
- Thurs., Sept. 24, 6:00-10:00pm, Sports Palace, Kapuskasing
- Sat., Sept, 26, 9:00am-1:00pm, Claude Larose Arena, Hearst
Contact NOHA for more details and to register
