Becoming a Referee
Become a Hockey Official!
If you want to become a hockey official, here is all the info you need! Officiating hockey games can be fun and a great way to use all the knowledge and skating skills you have learned as a player. It's also a great way to make money, as most games pay around $30-$55 per game (and tournaments paying $5-10 more per game). You are able to schedule yourself so it is very flexible. Anyone that is 12 years of age before December 1st of this year can become an official.
How to Register
All of the information needed to register is in the link below. It will direct you to the Wisconsin Hockey Officials Association website.
- WHOA Registration Instructions
- Registration for the 2025-26 season is now open!
Follow the instructions on the WHOA website and you'll be all set!
Equipment Needed
You will need to invest in some reffing equipment before your first seminar. Below is a list of what you will need:
- Black Helmet and 1/2 visor
- Referee Shirt
- Black pants that will fit over shinguards*
- Whistle
- Skates with white laces
- Protective Cup (for boys)
- Duffel bag to carry gear in
*If you are not sure if you will like Officiating, I would recommend just using wide legged sweatpants that will fit over your shinguards for the first season, as they are cheaper than buying the "official" pants. The pants should not have any prominent logos or working, just plain black pants.
Here are a few links to where you can purchase "kits" to save some money..
Zebra's Club (Ships fast)
Ref Gear Bag: the Athletico Hockey Backpack is $70, but it's a backpack and the perfect size for getting through hallways/storing in the smaller ref locker rooms during games. A larger duffel bag or a mite sized Bauer-type bag would also work if you want to save money starting out.
Scheduling Games
All scheduling is done through the Horizon Web Ref website and mobile app. Once you have completed your level 1 course and seminar, you should be able to register on the website (and may be sent a link to do so). Once you are registered and added to the Fox River Ice Hockey Officials Association (FRIHOA), you will be able to request assignments for available games. You may also be assigned to games based on your availability schedule, so be sure to take time and set your availability (and keep it updated) so the FRIHOA scheduler won't have to reschedule games.