For the 2024-25 Hockey Season, USA Hockey is not conducting in-person or on-ice sessions for Level 1 officials through the traditional seminar process. The Dane County Hockey Officials Association (DCHOA) will be coordinating in-person training and evaluation/feedback for new officials. The objective is to supplement the scaled-down USA Hockey requirements, and better prepare new officials to skate games.
It is an expectation that any new Level 1 official attends at least one of these DCHOA sponsored training and evaluation events. Preference for being assigned to games will be given to new officials who attend a session.
Session Options
There are two different session formats: Live Game and On-Ice Drills. All sessions will start with an off-ice "chalk-talk" introduction to help prepare for their first game. This will include a brief discussion on in-game positioning and how the on-ice session will be organized. There will be time for more Q&A and DCHOA game assigning information after the ice session.
Live Game Sessions
Participants will have an opportunity to work a "Live Game" under the mentorship of an experienced official. The experienced official will skate along side the new official and provide feedback as they get their first in-game experience.
Participants will also get to sit 1-on-1 with a mentor and observe part of a game where they will be asked questions and given an opportunity to share their observations.
On-Ice Drills Sessions
Participants will be led through a number of drills that are designed to prepare officials for their first experience on the ice. These sessions will include drills that help officials understand proper positioning and mechanics as they get real-time feedback from WHOA instructors.
Requirements
Registration
These on-ice opportunities are designed for individuals who are in the process of or have completed the USA Hockey Level 1 officiating registration process and seek additional preparation and training. Attendees must be registered with USA Hockey before attending a DCHOA on-ice session. By participating in either the Live Game or On-Ice Drills sessions, you will gain invaluable experience and mentorship to excel as a new official. DCHOA encourages all new officials to take advantage of these sessions to enhance their skills and confidence on the ice.
Required Equipment
Participants will be expected to provide their own equipment for these sessions.
All participants must have:
- Hockey Skates
- Helmet with Visor
- Whistle
- Black Pants
- Neck Laceration Protector (Under 18)
All participants are recommended to have:
- Officials Sweater (with USA Hockey Crest attached)
*** All of the ice sessions for this season have been completed. Additional training opportunities are available for new officials who did not attend a DCHOA sponsored session. Please contact mentoring@dchoa.org with any questions ***
Session Calendar
| Date / Time | Location | Session Type | Session Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session #1 | Aug 13 - 6:00pm | Oregon Ice Arena | Live Game | Session Completed |
| Session #2 | Aug 24 - 10:00am | Sun Prairie Ice Arena | On-Ice Drills | Session Completed |
| Session #3 | Sep 12 - 6:45pm | Madison Ice Arena | Live Game | Session Completed |
| Session #4 | Sep 21 - 10:00am | Waunakee Ice Pond | On-Ice Drills | Session Completed |
| Session #5 | Oct 10 - 6:15pm | Sun Prairie Ice Arena | Live Game | Session Completed |
*** Calendar of Sessions is subject to change