Ontario Minor Hockey Association

Working as an HEO referee has been a unique and rewarding experience that has helped me grow both on and off the ice. A typical day starts with arriving at the rink early, getting dressed, and meeting up with my officiating partners. Before the game, we usually spend some time socializing and getting to know each other, which helps build a sense of teamwork. Once on the ice, communication is key, we constantly talk to each other to make sure we’re in position and making the right calls. Over time, this creates a strong bond between officials that makes the job more enjoyable.
Through reffing, I’ve learned how to be assertive, loud, and clear in my communication. It’s important to stay confident in your decisions and not second-guess yourself, especially when speaking with coaches and players. One of the hardest parts of the job is learning not to take negative comments from parents, players, or coaches personally. Staying focused despite the noise can be challenging.
However, the most enjoyable part is definitely the people. You meet so many new individuals and build lasting friendships. It also becomes fun to treat each game like a challenge, making the experience both engaging and rewarding.

On ice referee. Controlled the safety and fairness of the game using my judgement to keep a competitive environment

I learned a lot about how people behave and react in dissimilar situations

Management was adequate for the responsibilities required. It was hard to schedule my free time when management would call you two days or even the day of a game asking for my attendance.

I had no problem with pressure making "calls" decisions during the game in high tension moments. The hardest part of my job was dealing with off ice issues, In one specific incident the coach threatened me after the game. I handled the situation accordingly by letting my supervisor know minutes after the incident.

A typical day at work start usually around 6 in the morning. I would have typically 2-3 hockey games to referee. They last about 45 minutes each. I learned how to properly manage a situation when aggressive behavior was present. I also learned how to multitask, by watching 10 players, following where the puck was and giving the appropriate call at the appropriate time. The hardest part of the job was waking up early in the morning, but the most enjoyable part was taking part in one of my favorite sports but from another perspective.

refereeing hockey is quite enjoyable, i have always been around the sport of hockey since i was little. this is a way for me to give back to the community, its good money, and its keeps me in good shape. sometimes there are very upset parents who dislike your call but everyone has opinons and blames alot of things on the official when he/she very well knows they are to blame

Working as a hockey referee is a very fun job. I worked every weekend since I was a student at the time. It pays really well and you get to watch hockey, what could be better! The people you'd work with always changed so you would constantly meet new people. The most enjoyable part about working as a referee would be watching the tykes all chase after the puck during a game, very funny to see!

Great place to work if you enjoy hockey
Demonstrating drills was just an excuse skate and shoot pucks
After drills and recording was finished always had time for a couple fun games
Great atmosphere with other coaches
Fun to get to know players skills and weaknesses and help them improve their skills

Drop pucks and enforce the rules of hockey. 
Learned how many more rules are actually in the game.
Don't get supervised often and they're usually products of nepotism.
Lots of nice people variety of age.
When coaches get out of hand.
Watching kids learn, grow and enjoy the game 

OMHA is a great organization, and reffing their minor hockey games is an easy way to earn great money while having fun. There is announced supervision, which offers constructive criticism and praise. These supervisions allow for quicker advancement, but also have negative effects if you can not perform to company standards.

It is a wonderful association that treats their employees with respect. They are all very motivated to ensure their customers are happy and have all their needs fulfilled. If there is an issue, they have no problem trying to address the issue.

When working as a referee it was hard with parents getting so intense and I didn't exactly enjoy the nerve wracking experience every time I officiated a game and I was bound to make mistakes and when I do parents looking down on me and screaming because of it wasn't super fun for me.

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Ontario Minor Hockey Association

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