Update January 12, 2026

Dear OBHF Officials, 

The 2026 Regular Season Certification Clinic registration is now open!

2025 was a record breaking year with the registration and certification of over 500 referees. With the continued growth of the OBHF, this clinic season will be busy. As a result of this expansion, along with several rule changes and new policies, this year’s certification will look different than past years. Those changes will be explained in the sections below.

NEW 2026 – THE OBHF WILL BE MANDATING POLICE BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR OFFICIALS 18 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. ONEBADGE – HOCKEY CANADA’S SERVICE PROVIDER, WILL BE FACILITATING THE CHECKS. MORE INFORMATION WILL FOLLOW IN THE COMING WEEKS.

Note: There are 3 Google forms to choose from at the bottom of this page for Registration purposes. 

New 2026 – Registrations received after March 31, 2026 will be subject to a late registration fee. Level 1: From $25 to $40. Level 2 and 3: From $50 to $75. 

Note: The ‘Ice Hockey Experience’ Form is NOT for registration, it is reserved for ice hockey officials new to ball hockey seeking ‘Level’ status. Please wait for confirmation before beginning the registration process. 

New 2026 – Clinic materials will NOT be released until February 1 – new training materials are currently being completed.

The OBHF will continue with its Level-based system which will recognize prior experience at either the Minor or Adult divisions. Payment will still be based on the division you intend to officiate in.

The levels will be as follows:

• Level 1 – Officials ‘new’ to ball hockey with 0 to 3 years experience regardless of division (Minor or Adult). Your clinic will consist of an online exam and mandatory on-floor session where fundamental positioning, technical procedures, and face-off locations will be the focus of instruction. New 2026 – Training materials that promote active, engaged learning in line with current teaching practices – in the form of training videos followed by related questions. Dates for OBHF-led regional clinics will be updated and posted on this website once we receive confirmation from the municipalities. It is our plan to start as early as late-February/early March, avoiding March Break & Easter weekends. Historically those locations included: Acton, Alliston, Hamilton, Kitchener, Mississauga, Oshawa, and Toronto. Future locations may include: London, Sarnia, and Chatham. 
• Level 2 – Officials with 3-5 years experience regardless of division (Minor or Adult). Your clinic will consist of an online exam with the above mentioned training materials. New 2026 –  Beginning Wednesday, February 4, continuing to March 25 inclusive, will be a mandatory Zoom call to review new rules and their applications. You must attend 1 (one) of the calls in order to complete your certification. These calls will continue after March 25 and will be scheduled dependent on registrations and incomplete certifications.  
• Level 3 – Officials with 5+ years experience regardless of division (Minor or Adult). Your clinic will consist of an online exam with the above mentioned training materials. New 2026 –  Beginning Wednesday, February 4, continuing to March 25 inclusive, will be a mandatory Zoom call to review new rules and their applications. You must attend 1 (one) of the calls in order to complete your certification. These calls will continue after March 25 and will be scheduled dependent on registrations and incomplete certifications.

Please note that the OBHF has maintained registration histories for 7 years and can verify previous experience based on past registrations. We ask that you be forthcoming and honest in selecting the appropriate registration form to complete.

Once payment has been confirmed by Lino, clinic materials will be emailed to you on or after February 1, 2026 – you will not receive an email confirmation that your registration has been received. You will see that message once you have completed the registration form. 

 Quick important points to know moving forward:

• exam remains online
• materials will be incorporated into the exam in the form of video modules as well as a link to the online CBHA Rulebook
• ‘Learn at your own pace’ concept
• repeat the exam as many times as needed to meet a minimum 80% (reports are generated for every attempt, they include the grade and the time to complete the exam)
• a revised 2026 CBHA Rulebook will be released in the coming weeks
• payments will no longer be covered by leagues – reimbursement if applicable must be attained by the league directly

The following incentives and offers will remain in place for the 2026 season.

Clinic Fee Reductions – The Adult fee remains at $50, and the Minor fee remains at $25 – but subject to late registration fees as previously mentioned.

Family/Household Discount – Officials who are immediate family members, will be responsible for submitting one fee. If both officials are Minor referees, they will pay $25 collectively. If one official is seeking Adult certification, the Adult fee of $50 will be applied. Late registration fees will also be applied to this discount. 

Finder’s Fee – This incentive has been cancelled for the 2026 and subsequent seasons.

Official Start-Up Package – Shirts and whistles continue to be offered at cost from our OBHF suppliers. New referees are encouraged to purchase the Official’s Start Up package. Sales for jersey-only or whistle-only will be available via the online order form. Shipping rates may apply.

 * You can place your order(s) for either item above, by visiting the UNIFORMS link in the ‘Officials‘ drop-down menu.