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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
When and where is the referee school?
The 2008 ODHA/ODMHA Referee School runs from Friday August 15th, 2008 (12pm) to Sunday afternoon, August 17th, 2008 (5pm). The School is held on the campus of Carleton University in Ottawa.
How much does it cost and what is included?
The cost is $375 (includes GST)
, and it includes 2 nights of accommodations at Carleton University Residence
-3 days of officiating development activities
-2 nights of accommodations at Carleton University’s Prescott House, it’s most modern residence building
-ALL you can eat meals, including:
- Dinner on Friday
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Saturday
- Breakfast and Lunch on Sunday
-Hockey Canada Rulebook/Casebook and Officiating Program instructional materials
-On-Ice instruction
-Access to the top instructors in the ODHA/ODMHA Branch
-In depth coverage of all officiating procedures
-Referee School souvenir
-Your ODHA/ODMHA/HC Referee Certification and insurance coverage for the 2007-2008 season!
If I go to the Referee School, do I have to take a one-day clinic too?
No, the Referee School counts as your certification clinic for the year.
I live in Ottawa. If I do not wish to stay at Carleton University, can I pay a reduced fee?
No, all students are expected to stay at the Carleton University Residence accommodations for the duration of the School. The best part of the school is the interaction with other referees and Instructors.
Is attending the Referee School the only way to become a referee?
No. The ODHA also offers one-day clinics for new referees.
What is the difference between the Referee School and the one-day clinics?
These clinics are adequate to teach officials the basics of refereeing. They are shorter and cost less to participate. However, we certainly encourage participation at the Referee School, as the school is typically more thorough than one-day clinics, and provides the students with ice time, while our one-day clinics do not. The referee school is more interactive, allowing new officials the chance to meet and greet and learn from professional and semi-professional officials along with our resident instructors.
Those who know that refereeing is for them might choose to attend the referee school as a new official, in order to get a thorough understanding before taking to the ice, or they might choose to begin at a one-day clinic and attend in their second year, once they have some experience and know a little bit more about officiating. Either approach is effective.
Those who are not-so-sure whether or not they will like officiating might discuss the decision further with an instructor, or might choose a one-day clinic to limit the expenses. You can always attend the school later on if it turns out you like the stripes!
How do I register for the Referee School?
You can reserve your spot on-line from our website and pay by credit card, or by mailing your registration form and a cheque. If paying by cheque, registration will not be considered complete until the payment has cleared. Cheques should be payable to ODHA Development, and can be post-dated but dated no later than July 15th, 2007.
What should I bring?
You should be prepared for on and off-ice instruction. Some suggested clothing items include:
-Gym wear (shorts, t-shirts, gym socks, gym shoes)
-Outdoor recreation wear (sweatshirt, running pants, etc.)
-Comfortable clothing to wear in a classroom setting
-Your officiating gear for on-ice instruction (at a minimum, you MUST have a CSA-approved helmet and CSA-approved half face shield, skates and a whistle).
Some other items you should bring include:
-Towels (these are NOT provided by the University)
-Toiletry items such as:
Soap, Shampoo, Deodorant, Toothpaste and toothbrush, Razors and shave cream
-Any prescription medication you currently are using
-Pens, pencils and paper for classroom work
-Your rulebook or rulebook/casebook combination (if you are a new official, these will be provided to you) and your Procedures Manual
-Some money for clinic supplies (such as extra cresting) or miscellaneous items (Carleton U does have a tuck shop and a pharmacy on campus, so any forgotten toiletry items can be purchased during the School).
-The University does provide pillows and bed linens, but you can bring your own if you wish.
I am being dropped off – Where do I go?
-The drop-off and registration will be held at Prescott House, the same building in which participants will be accommodated. There is a short dead-end street outside the residence which can be used as a loading-unloading zone. There is a meeting room on the first floor where you will meet your instructors on Friday, August 17th between 12:00pm and 1:00pm. Maps to campus and of the campus are available at http://www.carleton.ca
I am driving – Where do I park my car?
-Participants are responsible for their own parking arrangements. Parking at Carleton is STRICTLY monitored Friday until 10:30pm but is free Saturday and Sunday. LOT 6 is the most convenient lot you can use. MAKE SURE YOU GET A PAY & DISPLAY PASS. Payment is accepted by credit card, or in coins.
Is smoking permitted in Residence?
All of Carleton buildings are smoke-free, as is much of the campus - smoking is only permitted outdoors in designated smoking zones.
When will I get confirmation I am registered for the school and the agenda?
You will be contacted by e-mail after your registration has been received. You will also be contacted by your group leader a couple of weeks before the school starts. You will be provided with the agenda information, maps/directions and their group coordinators contact info to answer any other questions you may have before you get to the school.
I have little or no referee experience. Is the Referee School for me?
Definitely, yes! Our beginner program is designed to introduce you to the rules, officiating procedures and everything else you’ll need to know to get started.
Is the Referee School suitable for youth?
The Referee School is meant to foster and encourage officiating development at the minor hockey level. As such, each referee school group is designed to be appropriate for those officiating at that level. The beginner and intermediate levels, for example, are suitable for younger officials, while the advanced level is targeted at more experienced officials.
We provide a safe environment where all youths are supervised throughout the weekend.Youths will be roomed with their peers.
Can girls attend the ODHA Referee School?
Yes! This Referee School is suitable for males and females. While all activities are conducted without regard to gender, separate change-rooms and accommodations are used at all times.
Are there age guidelines for attending the ODHA Referee School?
Hockey Canada allows officials to begin as young as 12 years old. However, most associations and districts in the ODMHA do not accept referees this young. As such, we would ask that participants be at least 14 years of age and older. Please keep in mind that new officials need the expressed permission of their local referee-in-chief prior to registering.
In the past, participants have ranged in age from teenagers those well into their fifties.
Adults choosing to begin officiating and attending the school should discuss with their local referee-in-chief or with a Referee School instructor before determining in which group to register.
I'm 40-something years of age (or older) and have never officiated a sport in my life. Is it too late to start?
If you love the game of hockey, it's never too late to enter the interesting world of hockey officiating.
How much free time will I have during the Referee School?
The Referee School schedule is well paced but full. As a general rule, you can expect to be busy the entire time the Referee School operates. There will be frequent and regular breaks throughout the day, however, they will be of short duration (10-15 minutes).
What meals are provided at the ODHA Referee School?
Dinner Friday; breakfast, lunch and dinner Saturday; breakfast and lunch Sunday.
A friend or relative of mine will also attend the Referee School and we would like to share a room. Is this possible?
Yes. Please include the name of your friend or family member in a written request with your registration.
What is the School’s dress code?
The School’s dress code is "relaxed." Shorts, T-shirts and runners or sandals are acceptable dress at the Referee School. However, ball caps must be removed while in the classroom or in the dining area and T-shirts must not be offensive in any way.
I am new to hockey officiating and do not have any referee equipment. What should I do?
All participants must bring their own CSA approved helmet and half-visor, and a referee (finger-grip type) whistle to the Referee School along with their skates. Some of our instructors might be able to give you tips on where to buy quality referee equipment prior to or after the Referee School.
I don’t have a CSA approved helmet or half visor. Do I really need one at the Referee School?
Yes. This Referee School is an official Hockey Canada Officiating Program event sanctioned by Hockey Canada. Therefore, it is mandatory for you to wear a properly fitting and fastened CSA approved helmet and half-visor. It is difficult to blow your whistle through a full mask!
Should I be nervous about the written examination? Do I have to write it?
If you pay attention during the Referee School you will be extremely well prepared for the exam and will likely have no problem achieving a pass.
Officials at the advanced level should arrive at the Referee School having done some prior preparation. You must write and pass this exam if you want to be a certified Hockey Canada hockey official for the 2007-2008 season when you leave this Referee School.
Can I leave early or arrive late?
No. This will not be permitted except in exceptional circumstances.
Contacts
General officiating questions and payment concerns:
Scott Ferguson at: scott.ferguson@odharefs.com
Referee School questions:
Tom Sweeney at: tom.sweeney@rogers.com
Referee School group information:
David Lauer at: david.lauer@odharefs.com
Referee School Main Page |
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