What do you need to become a NHL referee?

In order to be chosen as an NHL referee, you need to be a highly professional skater and athlete. Because you will have to be skating with professional hockey players, you must be a professional skater. Most NHL referees are drafted into the NHL after years or decades of training and experience.

What does it take to become an NHL referee?

NHL Referees

In order to become an NHL Referee, officials must have certification and experience as an official in either USA Hockey or Hockey Canada. They must first acquire certification from their respective league and gain experience through officiating games within that league.

How much do NHL refs make?

Salary Ranges for Nhl Referees

The salaries of Nhl Referees in the US range from $14,441 to $385,332 , with a median salary of $69,166 . The middle 57% of Nhl Referees makes between $69,167 and $174,049, with the top 86% making $385,332.

Is reffing hockey hard?

2. Keep in Shape You may not be playing the game, but refereeing is still a physically demanding role. Make sure your health regimen compliments your hard work and hustle on the ice. Focus on eating a balanced diet, especially before a game, and make time for off-ice cardio and strength training.

How much do NHL refs work?

NHL referees work 73 games per season, and linesmen work 75. Therefore if you do some math, officials make about between $2,500-$5,000 per game.

How To Become An NHL Referee Or Linesman

How much do Zamboni drivers make NHL?

According to reported salary estimates on job posting sites, the average Zamboni driver salary is around $13 per hour, or $26,500 (USD) annually. Top earners, such as NHL Zamboni drivers, earn a salary range from $29,000-$31,000, per ZipRecruiter.

Do NHL referees travel?

Referees and linesmen have individual schedules, rarely working consecutive games with the same crew members. The travel can be a burden, no matter how accustomed you are to it, Devorski said. "For me personally, I like traveling on my own," he said. "I'm on my own schedule and I prefer that.

Are NHL referees full time?

NHL referees are full-time employees of the National Hockey League. Since they are full time employees, they are salaried and receive benefits. They also receive travel stipends.

Are NHL referees former players?

A handful of former NHL players have gone on to have careers as NHL officials. Eight of the league's current officials were selected in the NHL Draft, though only one of them actually made it to the NHL as both a player and an official.

How many NHL referees are there?

Current NHLOA Staff. The NHLOA currently consists of 35 full time referees and 35 full time linesmen. In addition, we have 10 minor league referees and 6 minor league linesmen who split their time between the NHL and the AHL.

What sport do refs get paid the most?

The NBA referees are the highest paid professional match officials in the world. The season begins in October and finals are being played in June. NBA referees earn a good salary package, making more money than any other match officials.

Who's the richest NHL player?

1. Wayne Gretzky. Wayne Gretzky is a retired Canadian NHL hockey player who currently boasts a net worth of around $280 million.

How much do youth hockey refs make per game?

The typical USA Hockey Referee salary is $30 per hour. Referee salaries at USA Hockey can range from $4 - $57 per hour.

How can I join the NHL?

This circuit usually requires you to play for at least two years at a Major Junior level, to exhibit both your skills and your size to the scrutiny of the NHL talent scouts. After this two-year period you may end up being recruited by an NCAA team, where you will have 4 years of eligibility.

How do you become a good hockey referee?

What is a PTO contract in NHL?

Otherwise known as a Professional Tryout Contract, PTO's are used all over the pro hockey landscape, though, unlike the AHL or ECHL, NHL PTO's are limited to only training camps. Every once in a while, a PTO can lead to a subsequent one-year deal and even the occasional feel-good story here and there.

Do NHL refs wear pads?

Yes. It is mandatory for referees in hockey to wear padding if they are working games above the U13 age group. Hockey refs wear shin pads, protective girdles, padded pants, padded shirts, jockstrap and elbow pads.

Why do hockey refs wear orange?

Why do hockey refs have orange bands? Hockey refs have orange bands because it identifies them as a referee. The officials on the ice that do not have orange bands are linesmen. There are 2 linesmen and 2 referees on the ice at one time officiating the game.

How much do AHL referees make?

Salary Ranges for Hockey Referees

The salaries of Hockey Referees in the US range from $44,338 to $63,552 , with a median salary of $49,899 . The middle 57% of Hockey Referees makes between $49,899 and $54,099, with the top 86% making $63,552.

Who is the youngest NHL referee?

Mike Noeth Hired to NHL contract at age 20, at that time the youngest referee ever hired by the NHL.

Who is the best NHL referee?

The consensus “best referee in the NHL,” McCauley has been assigned to eight Stanley Cup Finals. He was one of eight referees named to work Round 3 of the playoffs by the NHL's director of officiating, Stephen Walkom, who would not comment on the situation.

How many games a year do NHL referees work?

In the event a referee works more than 73 games in the regular season, he shall be paid an additional 1 /73'd of his salary for each additional game worked. If a linesman works more than 7 5 games in the regular season, he shall be paid an additional 1 /75'h of his salary for each additional game worked.

How long does it take to become an NHL referee?

The process of becoming a hockey referee does not even take one year! You can get started now, and should be able to start officiating 12 and under hockey games within a few months. In order to be chosen as an NHL referee, you need to be a highly professional skater and athlete.

How many miles does an NHL ref skate in a game?

Referees, who can be twice the age of the players, sprint across the field keeping up with the players and closely tracking the action. They tend to run 12 miles during the game — five more than the players, according to data from the U.S. Soccer Federation.