Be a Referee - Instructions on 2025-26 Season

Welcome to the 2025–2026 season!

Please read the following thoroughly, as it contains critical information about this year’s scheduling expectations and procedures. A well-informed officiating crew makes for a smoother season for everyone involved.

Ref Scheduling & Season Overview

Referee assignments will ebb and flow throughout the season. Early on, you may get more games as we build our referee pool; however, January through March may bring fewer games as newer officials gain experience.

• Only referees should contact Peter Sumner (Psumner1994@gmail.com or wcyharef@gmail.com) with questions regarding game assignments — not parents/guardians. We will not field complaints from parents regarding a lack of games.
• Referees are expected to manage their own schedule and responsibilities just like they manage a game. This is part of your development as both an official and a young adult.

Referees will be scheduled based on the following priorities:

• Ability
• Effort
• Willingness to learn
• Flexibility (game level & location)

Referees will not be placed in situations where they are set up to fail. Just because your parents believe you can handle a level doesn’t mean you're ready for it. Development takes time — trust the process.

Officials who are open to multiple levels (e.g., Squirt, PeeWee, Bantam) and multiple locations will get more opportunities. Limiting yourself to a specific rink or level will reduce your chances of getting assigned games.

Season Expectations:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early to each game. Use this time to mentally prepare, review the rulebook, and discuss focus areas with your partner. This time is essential especially for younger officials.
• Study the USA Hockey Rulebook regularly — confidence comes from knowledge!
• Check Assignr frequently. Schedule changes happen often. I will reassign open games on Wednesdays/Thursdays for the upcoming weekend. If you don’t accept your game at least 2 days in advance, I’ll start looking for a replacement. *No reminder follow-ups will be sent, unlike last year.

Pre-Game Checklist:

• Please verify the time and location of your game the day before.
• Ensure you bring all required gear:
• Referee Sweater
• Black Referee Pants (no joggers, no jeans)
• Whistle
• Helmet
• Shin/Elbow Pads
• Skates
• Neck Guard (if under 18) – Most forgotten item last year
• Dress like a professional: No hoods sticking out of your sweater.

Black Jacketing Program

We offer on-ice mentoring for newer officials through “Black Jacketing,” where experienced refs shadow and support newer ones.

• If you are a returning official (e.g., from Mite/Squirt level) and want to be considered for black jacketing this season, please send me a separate email request.

For New Officials (2025-2026 Season)

If you're a new referee this season, you’ll need to submit proper paperwork before getting scheduled:

Required Forms:

• 1099 Form
• Direct Deposit Form

Kettle Moraine Ice Center:

Please fill out and send to wcyha@wcyha.org and address the email to Amy Wundrock.

Ozaukee / University School:

Email Peter Sumner directly (Psumner1994@gmail.com) with the 1099 and Direct Deposit forms.

All forms are also attached to the bottom of this page and in Assignr. Please DO NOT reply to Assignr with forms, they will not get to the appropriate people to process.

Info Needed to Set Up Your Profile

Once paperwork is submitted, please email me the following:

• Name
• Month and Year of Birth
• USA Hockey Official Level
• Phone Number
• Email address

After receiving this, you’ll get a link from Ozaukee Youth Hockey to log in, set your password, and begin managing your Assignr account.

*NOTE: You will not be assigned or paid for any games until your paperwork is submitted. This prevents pay issues later in the season.