VMHA Referee in Chief / Ref Allocator:
Yves Moog — ric@victoriaminorhockey.ca

This season, VMHA will host on-ice referee clinics along with extra mentorship and feedback to help you get started.

To see all the official BC Hockey requirements and links for getting your Criminal Record Check (if 18+) and taking the courses, check here:

BC Hockey – Getting Started

 

First-Year Officials (New Refs)

If this is your very first year, you must complete all 4 steps before you can register:

Step 1: Contact your Referee-in-Chief (Yves Moog).
Step 2: Complete the online module + survey: Hockey Canada Learning Lab – Officiating 1.
Step 3: Submit your Criminal Record Check (CRC):
•    Required if you are 18 or older by Dec 31.
•    If you are 17 or younger, skip this step.
Step 4: Register for an in-person clinic (all new and returning refs must do this).  VMHA is running a clinic for new officials on Friday October 17, 2025.

What to Expect at the Clinic:

•    2-hour classroom session
•    50-minute on-ice session

Age Guidelines for New Officials:

•    Aged 11 (as of Dec 31): You'll start by officiating cross-ice games only in your first season.
•    Ages 12–15: Eligible for Level 1 certification. You’ll usually start at cross-ice or U11 C games, then move up as you gain confidence.

Good news: Your online certification, insurance fee, and clinic fee will be reimbursed after you finish the clinic plus 3 games.

Fill out the VMHA Referee Intro Form
Create a RAMP account (with your correct email, phone, and address).
All games are assigned through RAMP. We try to give everyone a fair chance.

 

Returning Officials

You must re-certify every season.  Full details here.

Phase One

1. Your Criminal Record Check (only required if you are 18+ by Dec 31) is good for 3 seasons. You can check your CRC status through Spordle.  If your Criminal Record Check has expired you must request a new one. You cannot register for the clinic until this is done.
2. Complete the online recertification course.

Phase Two

1. Register for & attend the in-person recertification clinic.

Fees (certification, insurance, clinic) will be reimbursed once you complete at least 3 games.

If you take a clinic outside of VMHA, let the RIC know so you’re added to our active referee list.

Fill out the VMHA Referee Intro Form
Make sure your RAMP account is up to date (email, phone, address).

 

Getting Paid

• Referees are paid monthly through direct deposit (PayEdge).
• To set up: send a void cheque to treasurer@victoriaminorhockey.ca, include your name, and let them know you are a referee.

 

Gear Checklist

You’ll need:

• Shin pads
• Jock or Jill
• Elbow pads
• Black pants
• Ref jersey with BC Hockey patch (left chest) & Hockey Canada patch (left shoulder)
• First-year refs get a jersey + patches at the in-person clinic
• Black helmet with visor (rather than a cage, so you can blow your whistle)
• Whistle (Acme Thunder or cork pea whistle)--First-years get one at the clinic

  Try to avoid high-pitched whistles

 

Remember: You must complete the BC Hockey Officiating Clinic every year to referee games. Attending the on-ice session alone does not make you certified.