Black Jacket Mentors
Mentorship plays a vital role in helping new hockey officials gain confidence and develop their skills. The DCHOA Black Jacket Mentor Program is designed to provide this support by pairing each new official with an experienced mentor during their first games. This guidance ensures a smoother transition into the world of officiating and fosters long-term success on the ice.
Pre-Game Support
Black Jacket mentors will meet with new officials before their first games. During the pregame conversations, the mentor will help to reinforce the expectations of what officials do on the ice as well as explain their role.
On-Ice Shadowing
Black Jacket Mentors will skate the game beside the new official, offering tips on positioning as well as helping the new official work through the game situations. The Black Jacket Mentor is not there to officiate the game, they provide on-ice support so our new officials can be successful as the learn.
Post-Game Support
Black Jacket Mentors will also provide helpful reflection points after the game to highlight the successes of the new official. They will also be a resource for the new official to be ready for their next games.
Requirements
Current Registration
Black Jacket Mentors must be a completely registered USA Hockey Level 3 or 4 Official. They must also be a current member of DCHOA
Required Equipment
Black Jacket Mentors are required to wear all necessary equipment as if they were officiating the game.
Assigning
Availability
Black Jacket Mentors must submit regular availability. Assignments will be made through the regular scheduling process.
Payment
Black Jacket Mentors will be paid the same rate as if they were officiating the game that they are on. It is an expectation for payment that a report is submitted to the RIC and Scheduler after the game.
Becoming a Black Jacket Mentor
Each season, qualified officials need to fill out an application to become a Black Jacket Mentor.