Update April 14, 2025

Dear OBHF Officials, 

The 2025 Regular Season Certification Clinic registration is nearing completion!

We have been working hard at getting a record breaking 450 referees registered and certified over the past 4 months. With all our member leagues starting in a few weeks or having started up this past weekend, certifications will move to a case by case scenario, but we are still accepting registrations until June 1.

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

The OBHF has implemented a 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 conducted by an OBHF approved instructor where fundamental positioning, technical procedures, and face-off locations will be the focus of instruction.
• Level 2 – Officials with 3-5 years experience regardless of division (Minor or Adult). Your clinic will consist of an online exam and recommended in-person meeting with your local league RIC with an emphasis on OBHF standards and expectations as outlined by the Provincial RIC & Technical Director.
• Level 3 – Officials with 5+ years experience regardless of division (Minor or Adult). Your clinic will consist of an online exam and suggested in-person meeting with your local league RIC with an emphasis on OBHF standards and expectations as outlined by the Provincial RIC & Technical Director. This meeting will be at the discretion of your local league operator should it be mandated or voluntary.

Please note that the OBHF has maintained registration histories for 6 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.

Ice hockey officials new to ball hockey can apply for Level status by completing the Google Form below. Once confirmed, those officials can complete the appropriate form and begin the registration process. 

Once payment has been confirmed by Lino, clinic materials will be emailed to you.

OBHF-led regional clinics have all been completed and are now closed. If you are seeking certification, please contact phil@ontarioballhockeyfederation.ca so he can assist and direct you accordingly.

Quick important points to know moving forward:

• exam remains online
• materials provided in a timely manner: slide shows and important links
• ‘Learn at your own rate’ concept
• repeat the exam as many times as needed to meet a minimum 80%.
• a proposed revision of the 2025 CBHA Rulebook is currently being worked on

The following incentives and offers will remain in place for the 2024 season.

Clinic Fee Reductions – The Adult fee remains at $50, and the Minor fee remains at $25

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.

Finder’s Fee – Any official who recruits a new/formerly certified official, will receive a $25 discount on their fee whether it be an Adult or Minor registration. (Formerly Certified is defined as an official who was not certified during the 2023 season.)

Official Start-Up Package – We continue to offer our new and returning officials a discounted price on an ACME Thunderer whistle and sublimated referee jersey at the OBHF’s cost. If you need a new jersey, or wish to have an extra whistle on hand, the package is available to you. Shipping rates may apply. 

And finally, Shirt Only Sales – With the strength in orders for our OBHF Ref Jersey last year, we surpassed 50% of registered officials with one common jersey. The goal is to keep increasing that number as high as possible. 

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