TEAM BHA:
Referees

Ball hockey is an exciting, fast-paced sport, and as a referee, you have the unique opportunity to be part of the action, ensuring that the game is played fairly, safely, and according to the rules. Member Leagues in Alberta employ over 200 ball hockey officials every year, and there is always a demand for new, motivated individuals to join the officiating team. Whether you are an experienced official or new to the game, becoming a referee is a rewarding way to stay involved in the sport and contribute to its growth.

Referee Certification Course

If you're interested in becoming a certified ball hockey referee, the Referee Certification Course is the first step. Offered annually, this course provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to officiate in sanctioned leagues across Alberta.

• Course Fee: $50.00
• What You Get: Upon completion, you'll receive insurance coverage (liability, medical, and dental), a CBHA casebook, and the certification required to officiate in any sanctioned league in Alberta and across Canada.
• Opportunities: Certified officials are eligible to officiate at Provincial, Regional, National, and World Championships.

How to Get Started

To get involved, you must first attend a Referee Certification Clinic, which is held throughout the year in both Northern and Southern Alberta. These clinics, conducted by Certified Facilitators, offer comprehensive instruction on the rules, regulations, and ethical responsibilities of being a ball hockey official.

Referee Certification Levels

As you gain experience and confidence, you can advance through various levels of certification. Your career as a referee is only limited by your skills, attitude, and sportsmanship. You may start officiating at regular season games and, over time, be invited to officiate at Provincial Championships. For the most skilled and dedicated officials, the sky is the limit with opportunities at Regional, National, and even World Championships!

The Responsibilities of a Ball Hockey Referee

As an official, your role is to serve as an impartial judge of the game. This responsibility requires a high level of accuracy, consistency, and integrity. The key duties of a referee include:

• Ensure safety and fairness:
  Always prioritize the well-being of players and the integrity of the game.
• Impartial decision-making:
  Be objective and avoid any situations that could lead to a conflict of interest.
• Continuous self-improvement:
  Regularly renew your certification and seek performance feedback.
• Respect and professionalism:
  Be courteous, respectful, and set a positive example for players and fellow officials.

The Path to Championships

Certified referees from Alberta have had the honor of officiating at prestigious events, including CBHA National and ISBHF World Championships. Some of the officials selected for these tournaments include:

• 2018 Nationals: Lisa Lamoureux (A), Carrie Keller, Matt Wass (B, C, D)
• 2017 Nationals: Jim Armitstead, Carrie Keller
• 2016 Worlds: Jim Armitstead, Trevor Jarvis, Brent Woods, Carrie Keller

Being a referee in Alberta opens doors to national and international opportunities. Your dedication and skill could earn you the chance to officiate at the highest levels of ball hockey competition!

Get Involved

If you’re interested in becoming a certified ball hockey referee, or if you need more information about upcoming certification clinics, please contact us today. We look forward to helping you start your journey as a ball hockey official!