G I H O A

I wanna be a ref...

...Are you crazy? Why on earth would you want to be a referee in any sport?. Have you listened to the radio and TV commentators criticize EVERY CALL that the official makes? You have to be insane.
Don’t get me wrong because I love the game of ice hockey and officiating in this sport can be a very rewarding career or avocation. The bottom line is that I am glad that I made the decision to begin my officiating career more than 30 years ago. It has made me a better person, a better employee, a better instructor and facilitator. It has helped me maintain a very active and healthy lifestyle and allowed me to build a group of friends that I can count on to help if needed.
Now that I have you all excited to begin your officiating career, I want you to understand that the majority of people who make that decision to join the ranks of registered USA Hockey officials never make it through the first year and return for a second season. The demand for quality officiating services is growing steadily but I want you to start this process with a realistic assessment of your chances of success.

The economics of officiating

USA Hockey’s 2016-17 Registration Report says that there are 25,768 registered officials. In Georgia, there are close to 200 registered officials and within the Georgia Ice Hockey Officials Association (GIHOA), 25% of their members work less than 10 games a year.
Think about it? Ten (10) games officiated at the cross-ice, mite, or Squirt levels will not recoup the investment required to complete registration and be ready to step on the ice with the proper uniform and gear. And, that doesn’t take into consideration your time and transportation cost. You will have to invest between $200 - $300 dollars, not including skates, just to “get ready” to step on the ice.
USA Hockey does NOT restrict the age at which someone can register as an official, but GIHOA cannot schedule anyone below the age of 16. We do however have a few members who are below that age and will grandfather their status as members in good standing as long as they continue to maintain their membership and USA Hockey registration status.

Who gets the most games?

The officials who work the most games are those who have become what I like to call a “low maintenance official.” The low maintenance official is someone who has the knowledge, experience, and skill (both mental and physical) to create a fair, fun and safe environment on the ice. These are officials who are available to work when and where the most games are being played. The low maintenance official is not ego driven or feels that they are entitled to games just because they completed registration or attained a high certification level. They are the ones that have learned to manage a tough game and enjoy the ride. These officials willing to work at all levels including cross-ice mites.
Since most of the games occur during travel weekends, be aware that if you are a travel hockey and/or High School hockey player and only become available in April, your chances of getting games are very low and, It will be nearly impossible to recoup your investment.

Are you ready to join the ranks as a USA Hockey official?

I did and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Just be aware the barriers to entry are steep and your chances of success are slim. If you choose to proceed, I look forward to seeing you on the ice or at the rink.

To Your Success,
Jim Hogan
GIHOA Board Member
USA Hockey Official since 1983

GIHOA Board
President - Brian Cole
Vice President - Todd Greenberg
Treasurer - Paul Dixon
Secretary - Evan Chapman
Director of Training and Develpment - Ken Radolinski
Director of Personnel - Josh Heineman

Past President - Kurt Totten

Interested In Becoming a Referee?

Interested in Becoming a Referee? All USA Hockey Officials are required to register as an official with USA Hockey, attend a USA Hockey instructional seminar, and pass an open book test every year to remain fully registered as a Referee. Please contact Josh Heineman at heineman@gihoa.net with any questions or for additional information.

GIHOA is now on Facebook

Check out the new GIHOA Facebook page at the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/GIHOA/