So you're getting ready to start refereeing hockey and still not quite sure what you need to get ready for your first game? We've compiled an informative list of what you need to get started on the right foot.

Always be sure to carry your rulebook in your officiating bag so that you can check rule references after games because when you're first starting out there will be a lot to take in! It's also best practice to print out your schedule and a list of your partners/assigners phone numbers just in case there is an issue before during or after the game.

 Mandatory hockey referee gear items include:

#1 Black Hockey Helmet Each referee is required to wear a black hockey helmet, with chin strap properly fastened, and a protective visor properly affixed.Your hockey helmet should fit properly to be able to protect your head incase of impact. There are many different sizes of helmets.  It is very important to ensure that you select the right size for your helmet when buying it.  The most common brands for helmets are CCM, Bauer, Warrior and True. 

#2 Hockey Skates (Goalie skates or figure skates are not allowed) - Your skates can be the exact same skates that you use to play hockey with (not goalie skates),only with clean white laces so you can maintain your professional appearance.Your skates should fit properly, with your toes just touching the top when standing up.  CCM, Bauer, and True skates are the most common skates that are worn. We also recommend baking them in the skate oven so the moldable padding in the skates will mold to your foot. 

Your whistle should be a finger whistle that creates a deep, loud blast that everyone in the arena can hear.Carrying a back-up whistle in your pocket is also recommended in case of mid-game malfunction. Typically this only happens in very cold rinks where the whistle may freeze.

Your sweater should be longsleeve and consist of both black and white stripes. Sweaters come in many different sizes to ensure that your sweater is fitting in a professional looking manner. Your sweater can be tighter, depending on personal preference, but should also have some wiggle room so you can comfortably hustle around the ice. In addition, your league crest should also be properly affixed to the front left chest of your referee sweater. Red or orange arm bands should be used when acting as a Referee in the three or four official system. 

Black Hockey Referee Pants- In your first few games you can use your solid black warm up pants, without a logo on them, or a nice pair of black sweatpants. Your pants should fit professionally, just like your sweater, by not being too long or baggy.Proper length to the top of the toes will help prevent the pants from getting caught in the tendon guards of the skates.Once you've decided to take officiating more seriously or if you would like to start off more professionally it's best to upgrade to a nicer pair of officials pants. At the lower levels a padded pant aren't necessary but once you start getting to the Bantam, HS and Midget levels it's recommended to make an upgrade for more protection.

Link: https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/hockey-referee-pants

6. Shin Guards- It's never fun getting hit by an errant pass or wreckless centermen's stick during a face-off. If you fall down or something unexpected comes your way, having hockey referee shin-guards will keep you safe during your games.Having light weight pads that will also allow for the most flexibility and mobility is recommended.When first starting out, using your player shin guards is acceptable too. 

Link: https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/hockey-referee-protective

Elbow Pads- You never know when you will hit a rut in the ice and fall backwards or bump into the boards. It's best to keep your elbows protected for when the unexpected happensby having lightweight elbow pads that fit nicely under your sweater and offer full protection. 

Link:https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/hockey-referee-protective

Referee Bag(preferably solid black) - During your first season it is acceptable to use an old gym bag or a blank hockey bag, but it is important to avoid anything with team insignias or logos so you maintain a professional impartial appearance while walking into the rink. As you gain more experience or want to pursue refereeing more, it is important to get a reliable referee requirement bag.Your bag should have enough space to comfortably carry all of your gear,food and snacks for those long days at the rink. 

Link: https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/hockey-referee-bags

Highly recommended items include:

Jock Shorts/Girdle- Cups are highly recommended for obvious reasons.

Link: https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/hockey-referee-protective

Shin Tights- This is a lesser known product to new officials, but are super helpful to officials personal appearance. They help to hold your shin pads in place similar to clear tape for a hockey player and you can also tuck your skate laces/tendon guards underneath your referee Shin Tights so that your pants do not get caught in your skates.

Link: https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/essentials

3. Extra Skate Socks- It's always nice to have a couple pairs of skate socks so that you can keep your feet dry and comfortable. Some days as officials are pretty long, skating multiple games in a row.

Link: https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/referee-skate-socks 

Other nice to have items include:

Hockey Helmet Repair Kit- Every now and then the screws to your properly fitting helmet or visor may come loose.  Instead of chasing down the zamboni driver, keep a helmet repair kit in your bag readily available in case a screw comes loose. 

Link: https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/products/a-r-helmet-repair-kit?_pos=1&_sid=9e77178d5&_ss=r

Sewing Kit- Accidents happen! You never know when your referee pants or sweater might get caught on a screw, door or skate.  Having a sewing kit to quickly patch holes in between games or periods is helpful to maintain a professional appearance. 

NO LINK OR PICTURE

Tape- Some officials prefer to tape the fingers their whistle goes on to prevent their fingers getting cut.

Link: https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/howies-hockey-tape-more

Extra Cut up Skate Laces- You may need to repair the nets before the game if upon your inspection you find holes that could cause the puck to go through. 

Link: https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/howies-hockey-tape-more

Padded Shirts- For extra protection of your body while on the ice. Some officials also wear a padded shirt because it gives them a bigger looking appearance while on the ice.  While this may not be necessary at the lower levels, this may become necessary for higher level hockey. 

Link: https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/hockey-referee-protective

Visor spray/microfiber towel- To keep your visor clear and see through so you don't miss the important calls.

Link: https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/products/a-r-spit-anti-fog-hockey-helmet-visor-shield-spray-with-cloth

We're always happy to help so if you have any questions please feel free to reach out at any time!

We carry a beginner, intermediate and advanced starter package to get you started in your officiating career.