PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE

Hockey Canada Officiating Program of Excellence (OPOE)

The OPOE is designed as an officiating talent identification and training program for elite officiating prospects, which extends beyond Branch officiating development. The OPOE is a partnership, which includes Hockey Canada and it’s Member Branches, the National Hockey League and the Canadian Hockey League. All partners bring together resources in order to foster a rewarding development opportunity for officials identified and trained in the OPOE.

Branches will continue to develop officials through the Branch Camps. Branches will identify top officials from these Camps to be nominated for attendance at the Regional POE Camps. Branches are to use the following criteria when nominating candidates for the Regional Camps.

  • Male official ages 17-23 (guideline)

  • Referee’s - Level IV or V

  • Linesmen - Level III or IV

  • Officials should be working Midget AAA to entry level Major Junior (or equivalent)

  • Candidates will be selected as either a Referee or Linesman

  • Candidates may attend the program more than once.

  • Candidates may be selected for future competitions after attending an OPOE Camp.

  • Officials selected to work the Elite Officiating Event must have participated in the Regional OPOE Camp.

  • Officials must be Canadian citizens.

The Camp is designed to allow identified officials to be exposed to the next level of competition, as well as for Hockey Canada, the CHL and the NHL to orientate themselves with potential elite officials. 

The Regional camps will be structured to start on a Friday evening and conclude on a Sunday by noon (based on demographics which may impact travel). The agenda will include topics / items such as: 

  • Skating Sessions

  • Fitness testing

  • IIHF Rules Comparisons

  • Fitness Education

  • Official Interviews

Branches will be requested to submit names of officials who fit the OPOE criteria. Each Camp will accommodate 15 delegates from the Branch nomination process.

Eight Referees and 7 Linesmen will be selected to attend each Regional Camp.

The selection committee for each Regional camp will consist of all Regional Branch RIC’s, the CHL representative, Hockey Canada and the NHL.