Scheduling

Working as a referee is not your usual Monday through Friday day job. It’s actually quite the opposite. You only work weekends, with the possibility of adding in some evenings. As an independent contractor, it is up to you to communicate when and where you want to work.

To get scheduled after you are certified, you first need to connect with your local assignors. The easiest way to do this is through emails or phone calls. Your state RIC (Referee-In-Chief) will be able to give you contact info for the assignors in your area. The Hockey Directors at any club will have this same information. Also, many state and/or district websites list the assignors, clubs, and contact information. 

Once you connect with your local assignor(s), the next step is to get set up in their scheduling systems. This can vary by geographic area. In places like IL and CT, most games are assigned in one system for the whole state. In the Mid-Atlantic and other parts of New England, each assignor has their own organization listed separately under one website. 

After setting up your profile in the assigning system, you need to open your availability. This is how you tell your assignor(s) when you are free to work. Some systems start with the calendar automatically closed, while others are completely open. After initial setup, you’ll want to immediately go into your availability calendar to adjust what days/times you want to work.

Things to consider for availability:

• be sure to factor in travel time and average game length 
• if you do not drive, make sure you have a ride 
• keep in mind preferred arrival time – some assignors want you there 30 mins before puck drop; higher level games may require you to be there 45 mins to 1 hour early
• avoid conflicts with your team games if you are still playing hockey
• add notes like “new official” or “need veteran partner” to remind the assignor that you are just starting out

The assignors use the system to see who is open to work and then will give you games based on what your calendar says. You’ll receive email/text notifications to accept your assignment. Accepting your assignment lets the assignor know you are committed to showing up to work when it’s game time.

Keep in mind that it is your responsibility for your calendar to accurately reflect when you are open to work. Obviously assignors can get frustrated when assignments are declined because an official didn’t properly manage their calendar. It’s just extra unnecessary work for everyone.

As for actually working games, it’s best to start with U8 (or possibly low level U9/U10). U8 is a good place for a young ref to get practice dropping pucks and being in charge. Starting at the younger ages also helps you get a better perspective on penalties and game management at a slower pace. Think about U8 as an example – the kids fall and trip each other all the time. You can’t call everything or the game would take 3 days! Through working games for the younger ages, you learn alot about what to call, when, and why.