Returning Officials

Welcome back!

We've got four steps here to help get you ready for the new season.

STEP 1: Log in to your Hockey Canada Registry (HCR) account. Your certification history lives there. If you can't access your old account, don't create a new one: use the account recovery guide or email info@hockeynovascotia.ca with the subject line HCR SUPPORT and we'll help you link it.

STEP 2: Check your screening (officials 18 and older as of December 31). Your Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check, once approved in the HCR, is valid for three consecutive hockey seasons. If yours is expiring, request a new one from the police or RCMP detachment in the community where you live, and ask for the vulnerable sector screening to be included. You will need a letter from Hockey Nova Scotia to make the request: download it here and bring it with you. (The letter also asks for a reduced fee on your behalf; unfortunately, the fee is rarely reduced, so expect to pay the full amount.) Your check must be issued within six months of submission; send the original, a copy, or a scan to info@hockeynovascotia.ca.

The Hockey Nova Scotia deadline is December 1, and your local association's deadline may be earlier. Officials under 18 as of December 31 skip this step.

STEP 3: Complete your recertification course. Every returning official is required to complete the Hockey Canada Officiating Program recertification course for their level.

STEP 4: Tell your Referee-in-Chief you're back. Assignments start with your local RIC. Find yours in the directory on the New Officials page, and let them know your availability early.


The Officiating Pathway

Where a season of officiating can take you. All ages below are as of December 31 of the current hockey season.


Level 1

Level 1 is the entry point for officials as they begin their officiating career at the Introduction and Recreational levels. To create opportunities to enter officiating early while supporting younger officials, the Hockey Canada Officiating Program sets these guidelines:

• Officials must be a minimum of 12 years of age.

• Officials register with the Hockey Canada Learning Lab and complete the certification requirements.


Level 2

Level 2 develops officials in core procedures and rule knowledge at the lower levels of Competitive hockey.

• Officials may enter Level 2 at a minimum of 15 years of age, or after two successful seasons at Level 1 with the skills and maturity to advance, as approved by the Hockey Nova Scotia officiating program.


Level 3

Level 3 is for officials recognized as ready for the higher levels of Competitive hockey and the early levels of High Performance play, developing core procedures, rule knowledge, and game management. Advancement to Level 3 comes by recommendation of the Hockey Nova Scotia officiating program; talk to your RIC or the HNS Director of Officiating about the path.


Member High Performance

Member High Performance (MHP) is the top tier of the provincially administered portion of the Hockey Canada Officiating Pathway. Entry is by invitation from the Hockey Nova Scotia officiating program, reserved for officials who have moved through the development levels and are ready for the elite levels of High Performance play.


National High Performance

National High Performance (NHP) assembles the top officials in the Hockey Canada Officiating Program. Officials selected have excelled in their provincial programs and work at the highest levels of play available. NHP officials are eligible for assignments at Hockey Canada national championships, and top-ranked officials may be eligible for IIHF licensing and international assignments.

Questions about your level or your next step? Contact the HNS Director of Officiating, Todd Thomander, at tthomander@hockeynovascotia.ca.