REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

August 1, 2007  - Colorado Springs, Colorado

Welcome to another registration season for USA Hockey officials. Once again our on-line registration system is back and ready to start your registration process.  For those of you who are registering again, you have already received your first reminder through a post card from the national office which included some very vital information you will need to complete the process - your official number and eligible registration level. If you have not received this notice, keep calm you should get it soon. If you know your number just go ahead and start!

For those of you who are registering for the first time, there are two ways you can start your registration process. The first is to go to USAHOCKEY.COM and complete your registration on-line. If you prefer to register through the paper method, you will need to plan on picking up the registration form at the local seminar (more about that later). Forms will not be mailed out!

Here is how the on-line process works. First you need to get into the process which is done by going to USAHOCKEY.COM where your will find the on-line process located on the right hand side bar. You will then be taken to a page where you will need to click on the "Ice Officials" bar. Next you will be asked to verify that you are 18 years or older since if you are not that old, then a parent or guardian must take over completion of the process. So if you are not 18, go get your mom or dad or guardian before trying to complete the process.

Once you or you guardian have gone beyond the age verification page, you will be asked to verify your information or, enter your information if not registered before. Make sure to indicate that you are a new official or if a returning official, enter your official's number (which in case you have forgotten - is located on the reminder post card). This is the first time a very important requirement is mentioned - YOU MUST ATTEND A SEMINAR RUN BY USA HOCKEY PERSONNEL! Near the very bottom of the page you will find a link to the seminars in every area of the country. This link will take you to a page, which lists the seminars in each of the USA districts, and since you are in New England, click on the link to the right of New England District.  This link will take you to the official website of the New England District where you will need to click on the "Seminars" button on the left margin. You will then see a page that contains all the seminars being conducted in the New England district. This list contains information as to date, time and starting location for each seminar. It also will give you the levels that are eligible to attend. If you are new to USA Hockey officiating, please make sure the seminar you are planning to attend covers Level 1. You are also given a contact person should you have any questions. You will also notice that the State of Massachusetts is a separate district but even if you live in that state, you are welcome to attend a seminar in our district.

Now you are ready to complete the remaining process and be on you way to officiating in USA Hockey. On page three you will be required to complete additional information which will either be verified against the current data files or will be used to create a new data file. This page will also ask you which level you are applying for. ALL FIRST YEAR OFFICIALS MUST APPLY FOR LEVEL 1 so unless you have an exceptional history of officiating hockey at the collegiate or pro level, just apply for level 1. Returning officials will once again need to check the USA Hockey post card to determine the highest level you are eligible for. Should you have a problem, please contact the District Referee-in-Chief directly. DO NOT contact the national office since final decision rests with the District RIC.

Now you have arrived at the payment step. You will also notice that if there are Affiliate fees, they will be entered on this page. Confirm your information; check the total, get your credit card ready and press continue. Most of us have seen the next page where we enter billing information and verify that we understand USA Hockey has a No Refund Policy and finally press, "PAY NOW". You will next see a registration confirmation page which you need to open and print since it contains very important information as to where to find the on line test and when it will be available to you. It also contains information concerning the mailing of the rulebook.

Now that the boring part is over, it is time to get on to the "fun" stuff so have a great season on the ice. Have a great time and take pride in what you do!