Recertification

Current officials wishing obtain their recertification for the 2022-23 playing season will be notified by email in August that the level clinics have been posted.  At this time, officials will then be able to access their respective level through their HCR profile and complete the recertification process.  

Officials that are 18 years of age and older must a valid Criminal Record Check on file with HNO before registering. The system will not let you register if you do not meet this requirement. 

You may submit criminal record checks by email to records@hockeyhno.com, or fax to 807-623-0037 ​

After completing your recertification, and prior to the start of the season, your local Minor Hockey Association Referee-in-Chief should contact you about any information session regarding rule changes, rule emphasis, anything specific to the MHA. 

HNO will be conducting the sessions in the central zone and will send out dates and times to officials that have re-certified starting in September. 

Once certified, it is essential that an official continue to update and be completely familiar with new rule interpretations and officiating techniques. Toward this end, the following policies are in effect:

• To maintain one's present level of certification, an individual must complete a full Hockey Canada officiating online course and including national examination every year with appropriate passing mark. An open book exam is not acceptable for re-certification purposes.

• Should an official fail the Level IV, V or VI examination, the branch shall be authorized to allow the candidate to write a supplementary examination during the current season. This second exam shall be different from the first one and shall originate from the Hockey Canada head office. Only those officials whose supplementary examinations are successful and sent to the Hockey Canada head office shall be eligible to referee inter-branch playoffs.

• An individual will not be eligible to advance more than one level of the Hockey Canada officiating program per season, except for Levels I and II. Certification at the higher level cannot be granted until one year has passed.

• When an official has not officiated for a season or more, the individual must complete the online Hockey Canada officiating course at the appropriate level and successfully complete a practical assessment.

• When a Level VI official has not officiated for a season or more and wants to regain Level VI status, the individual must first obtain Level V status within the branch. The candidate may then apply to the Hockey Canada manager, officiating through his/her branch referee-In-chief for Level VI