08/14/2026
Hey Everyone!
We need more USA Hockey Officials in the North Country. You need to be 14 years old (NY Law, not USA Hockey). You have to register on USA Hockey as an official (https://www.usahockey.com/officialsmembership) and follow all requirements. They are not hard. Modules move along and the playing rules exercise is open book. Take the online class session and do SafeSport and background check if needed. Get your patch and card, connect with the assignor and start making some money. If you are under 18, you will also need working papers and if you are new, there may be a requirement for a local in person meeting before you can do games.
Couple of notes for this year specifically:
- You can make up to $2000 before you get a 1099, this was previously $600.
- There will be more opportunities across the board this year as Q games 16U and above will require 3 or 4 officials, meaning there may be opportunities for gaining experience as a linesperson in games in addition to the 2 official system for most other games. As there will be more officails needed for the Q games, it will create more oppurtunites for non-Q games scheduled at the same time.
- There has also been an increase in need for officails at the Mite levels, so there is oppurtunity to start small and move up to older age groups.
Also, I think the lowest game pay is $35 for an hour of mite hockey, with all other levels at a higher rate (once you are approved to do them). I don't know of many jobs where a kid can pick their schedule and make $35+ bucks an hour.
If you already play hockey, the cost is minimal as you can reuse your shin pads, elbow pads, neck guard and skates. Just need to add a black helmet, visor, ref jersey, and black pants, and 2 whistles.
I have not been doing this all that long, but I wish I would have started a lot sooner!
The hockey season is starting to ramp up, and I recommend starting the process as soon as you think you are interested. If you have any questions, please reach out and I'll do my best to help you or connect you to someone who can if I cannot.
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