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To certify as an on-ice official, one must be at least 14 years of age, attend a certification course and past a test. Basic certification can be obtained in one weekend, after which a referee will be qualified to call a house league game among younger players. To advance in certification to be able to ref at higher age groups and higher levels of competition, the referee is evaluated on the ice during games. In addition to getting healthy exercise, it’s fun, and referees are paid for each game they call. ERA is eager to certify more teen-age players as referees, and will pay the registration fee for refs in training. For more information on officiating in Etobicoke Ringette house league or rep games, contact Laura Ann Montreuil, ERA Officiating Coordinator (email: officiating@etobicoke-ringette.com.) General InformationThe on-ice officials in a ringette game have the objective of seeing that the game is played fairly and by the rules, so that skill determines the outcome. When the refs do a good job, the players and fans hardly notice them. It takes training and experience to make a good referee. A candidate must be at least 14 years old. The candidate attends a clinic and must achieve an 80% grade on the final exam in order to get a “1N” certification. At this level, the ref can officiate at House League games. To earn higher certification, the ref must be evaluated on the ice during game situations. The level of certification a ref has indicates the age level she or he is entitled to officiate (up to Petite, Junior, or Belle or above) and the level of competition (B, A, or AA levels). For example, a 1B ref can officiate Junior or lower players at the B level, while a 3A ref can officiate Belle or older at the AA level. Players, coaches and spectators are expected to treat officials with respect — before, during and after the game. It is accepted that refs — like the rest of us — can make mistakes. It is unfortunate if a mistake affects the outcome of the game, but that’s life. All participants in the game accept that the refs are well qualified, capable, fair-minded, and are doing their best to call a good game. It is acceptable to challenge a referee’s call (once the play has stopped), and at least get an explanation. But the challenge must be made with respect, and the ref’s final decision accepted as final. There are 11 refs who officiate in the ERA. Four are Junior and Belle players at the “A” level. Three officials are Open players, two of these play for Etobicoke. There are four adult male referees. Refereeing is a great way for older players to expand their
knowledge of the game, help the league and other players, get extra ice time,
and earn some pocket money. Reprinted from the January 2003 issue of the Ringer (Etobicoke Ringette's newsletter). More issues of the Ringer can be found in the Newsletters section.
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Officiating
is a great way for young women who enjoy ringette to get more ice time, be involved
in the sport in a new way, and give something back to the game.