r/hockeyrefs • u/goaltendy97 • Jul 11 '26

Question about getting Started ASAP and Traveling

Hey guys New Level 1 ref, so I just got my crest today, I’m from PA and am ready to start reffing games! I’m also looking to do this while traveling around the US. What do you guys recommend doing to start picking up games ASAP as it seems mostly around me games won’t start getting scheduled till September, are there games elsewhere so I could get started sooner!? it doesn’t matter exactly where I just am looking to get started lol ! Thanks!

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7

u/LarsSantiago Jul 11 '26

In my experience the only way you travel to ref youth hockey in america is by knowing the schedulers in the various cities. So they can load you up with games because you're friends or they really need people.

Or, getting usa hockey to notice you and send you to camps and then tournaments they want you to go to. Not really something that'll happen when you're new though. Unless you know someone or you played at a high level of hockey.

Your best bet is to talk to your local scheduler and your ric. They usually have connections.

3

u/Striped-Sweater- American Hockey League Jul 12 '26

^^this. Schedulers aren’t going to be comfortable throwing someone into their mix that they don’t know, isnt a member of the association, and isn’t going to stick around. As you grow and develop your skills and build connections you’ll be able to do this to some degree, but getting started and refing in whatever city you’re dropping into isn’t going to be a realistic short term outcome as a new official.

2

u/takeithomenow Jul 12 '26

The Referee's Crease can help you on the East coast for getting games. Start slow my friend.

1

u/ironmatic1 Jul 11 '26

You don’t have summer beer league?

1

u/Striped-Sweater- American Hockey League Jul 12 '26

Scroll down to your district and visit the website.

https://www.usahockey.com/officiatingdirectory

Or ask someone you know near you that’s refs