Level System:

Hockey Canada Officiating Program employes a six level system that Hockey Alberta and the North East Zone adheres to. This level system is described and explained below. Please see the Reclassification section to see if you qualify for a upgrade to a higher level within the Level System. 

Level 1

·      Simply register for a Level I clinic to get started.

·      To prepare a young or new official to officiate minor hockey

·   An individual is certified at Level I with attendance and completion of a Level I clinic – eight (8) hours of instruction, minimum

·      Completion of a national exam must be marked and returned prior to the completion of the clinic

·      Minimum age to participate in the Level I clinic is 12 years old on or before December 31 of the current season.

Level II

•     To further enhance the training and skills of the minor hockey official.

•     Must be a minimum of 16 years old as of December 31 of the current season

•     Must attend all sessions of the Level II clinic, a minimum eight (8) hours in duration, and obtain a minimum of 70% on a written national exam to be marked and returned prior to the completion of the clinic

•     There are over 10,000 officials registered as level 2's annually.

Level III

•     To prepare officials capable of refereeing Minor Hockey playoffs, minor hockey Regional Playoffs and Female National Championship or being linesmen in Junior B, Senior, Bantam or Midget Regional Championships

•     Must be fully certified at Level II and referee at least one year at that level in order to register for Level III

•     Must attend and participate in all sessions at a Level III clinic, a minimum of eight hours of instruction, and must obtain a minimum of 80% on a written national examination, to be marked and returned prior to the completion of the clinic

•     Must pass a practical, on-ice evaluation, performed by a qualified Branch Hockey Canada Officiating Program supervisor

•     Must be judged capable of refereeing in Minor Hockey Playoffs

•     There are over 5,000 registered level 3 officials across Canada.

Level IV

•     To prepare hockey officials capable of refereeing Senior, Junior A, B, Minor Hockey Regional and National Championships, Female Hockey National Championships and designated Minor Hockey IIHF competition or being a linesman in Major Junior, Junior A, Senior, CIAU, CCAA, Inter-Branch and IIHF competitions

•     Must be fully certified at Level III and referee one year at that level

•     Must attend a Level IV Branch clinic, attendance is by invitation only

•     Must attend and participate in all sessions of the Level IV clinic (minimum 14 hours), obtain a minimum of 80% on a written national exam

•     Must pass a practical, on-ice evaluation, performed by a qualified Branch Hockey Canada Officiating Program supervisor

•     On average there are 900 registered level 4 officials in Canada.

Level V

•     To prepare competent officials to referee Major Junior, Junior A, Senior, CIAU, CCAA, Inter Branch playoffs, Minor Hockey Regional or National Championships

•     Must be fully certified at Level IV and referee one year at that level

•     Must attend the Branch Level V seminar, a minimum of 14 hours of instruction, attendance is by invitation only

•     Must participate in all sessions obtaining a mark of 90% on a written national exam

•     Must be on ice evaluated by the BC Hockey Referee in Chief to complete certification

•     Must undergo fitness and skating tests

•     On average there are 200 registered level 5 officials in Canada.

Level VI

•     To prepare competent officials capable of officiating at National championship finals and designated IIHF competition – these competitions include the Memorial Cup, RBC Royal Bank Cup, Allan Cup, World Championships, Olympics and others

•     Branch nominations are submitted to the Hockey Canada National office and are reviewed by an established selection committee

•     Must be fully certified at Level V (including fitness tests) and referee one year at that level

•     Must attend and participate in all sessions of a Level VI clinic, minimum of four (4) days of instruction, and obtain a minimum of 90% on a written national examination

•     Must pass a practical on-ice evaluation, performed by a national supervisor

•     Must complete a written assignment assigned by the Hockey Canada Referee in Chief

•     Delivery Level VI clinics are held based on national need for Level VIs. The Hockey Canada Manager, Officiating is responsible for the organization of the site and program, establishing criteria and review of the candidates qualifications

•     Attempts are made to stage the clinic in conjunction with a major training program or early in the season, requesting cooperation from local leagues so officials are able to work scrimmages or games.

There is on average 70 registered level 6 officials in Canada.