Parents

About the Program

The Junior Referee Training Program was created as a pathway for young athletes to discover a new, rewarding role in the hockey community. Referees are an essential part of the game, and our program is designed to encourage confidence, professionalism, and personal growth in the next generation of officials.

CWO has operated its referee training program since 2021. More than 250 students have participated to date, and one graduate advanced into the AODP (Advanced Officiating Development Program), a pathway to becoming a Pro Referee. During the 2024–2025 season, we had almost 175 students on the training waitlist alone, reflecting strong demand for the program. We look forward to continuing to provide and expand our training opportunities for our hockey families.

Critical Practices

• Confidence to make difficult decisions under pressure
• Emotional maturity in high-stress environments
• Presence and authority to command attention when speaking
• Conflict resolution skills to de-escalate tense situations
• A deep understanding of the rules and flow of the game

How We Train

These skills are taught through drills, virtual & in-person clinics, and supervised refereeing of recreational games, giving participants' real-game exposure without being "thrown into the pit."

FAQs

• Is training offered Co-ed? Yes, we welcome anyone wishing to give officiating a try.
• How old does my child have to be? We recommend ages 10+.
• Will every student be certified to ref paid games at the end of the program? Students who complete the program and are at least 15 years of age will be able to register with USA Hockey as a referee to qualify for paid games. We offer assistance with registration for qualified students.
• How long is the program? Students can be in the program as long or as little as they wish; however, to officially complete the program, students have to pass each training tier to show readiness for certification.
• Do students need full referee equipment? No, our training's dress code is a helmet with a half shield, skates, long pants, and long sleeves. First whistles are given upon student's first training day.

This isn't just about hockey skills — it's about life skills: decision-making, leadership, composure, and communication that last far outside of the rink.