Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I’m a Level 1, I completed all my USAH requirements in June – when can I get on the ice?
Understand that you also must first attend an on ice clinic that are in the following months. Also keep in mind that the majority of lower level games that you will be assigned to do not get under way until September and in some cases October.
When can I start the registration process to become an on ice official?
USA Hockey will open up registration in the early part of the Summer, keep an eye out on the Officials section of usahockey.com.
Once registration is complete how long is my USAH card valid for?
Your card is valid and you are able to work games through November of the following year of your registration. If you are required to do a background check those dates are different so pay attention to that expiration date. Safe Sport recertifications are required every two years.
Do I need to register for USAH every year?
Yes, look for registration to open in the early summer months.
If I was an official last year do I need to send in confirmation of completion of requirements for the new season?
No, USAH provides a list to CIHRA to validate completion of requirements for returning officials.
If I was an official last year do I need to send in confirmation of completion of requirements for the new season?
Accounts are usually disabled for three reasons. If you have had an account in a prior season your account has been disabled after the Nov 30 deadline because you have not completed all your requirements required by USAH for the new season. If you are a new Level 1 and your account is disabled this is because we have not received your W9, Independent Contractor Agreement or banking information for payment of games officiated. If you are a new official that has sent in all documents above but has not completed an on-ice clinic.
How do I activate my Horizon account for the reasons above?
If you are a returning official please send a copy of your new USAH card to Registrar Fred Faulkner. (cihraregistrar@gmail.com). If it is a missing or unconfirmed W9/ banking issue resolve this with Fred (cihraregistrar@gmail.com). Fred will activate your account.
I’m new and I’m eager to get games, how do I enhance my chances of being assigned to a game?
Most importantly update your availability calendar for at least two months and keep it regularly maintained. Most schedulers schedule games 30-45 days in advance. Also, drop a note to the schedulers at the rinks you would like to work at introducing yourself and your hockey background. A list of schedulers and their contact info can be found in the documents folder of Horizon.
Will I be assigned a mentor, evaluator or anchor in my first games?
Yes, schedulers will do their best to assign your first few games with a mentor who will be an experienced official that will be on the ice with you to help with positioning, judgement and controlling the game. Further games may have an evaluator in the stands or a seasoned official to be assigned to a game in a position to line or referee a game as part of your crew, this is referred to as an anchor.
I need to change my bank account
In Horizon message Treasurer Craig Johnson with the changes. This is our most secure method with sensitive information.
I know the game or have officiated in the past, I just want to officiate Adult League games, is this possible?
Yes you do not need to go through the USAH requirements and you will be put on a list of “Non-USAH Officials”. Schedulers know that these officials will only be assigned to Adult league games.
What are TBA requests, I see these come through emails from schedulers?
These are assignments where the scheduler has had a last minute cancellation of an official or cannot find the right official based on availability/ appropriate level for the game. Respond immediately through the link or text/call the scheduler. Please make sure the level is appropriate for you.