Start Your Officiating Journey
Welcome to the Dane County Hockey Officials Association (DCHOA). Officiating is one of the best ways to stay deeply involved in the game of hockey, give back to our local community, stay fit, and earn excellent part-time income.
Whether you're a former player, a current skater, or a hockey fan looking to lace up the skates, DCHOA is committed to providing the training, support, and mentorship you need to succeed from your very first day in stripes.
Who Can Join?
All new DCHOA officials must be at least 14 years old by November 1 of the current playing season. This requirement was adopted by the DCHOA board to ensure new officials have the physical readiness, maturity, and game-management skills needed to succeed in Dane County youth hockey.
What Does It Cost?
Becoming an official involves a few different fees, on top of your gear:
- Gear: if you already own hockey skates, expect an initial investment of roughly $100 to $150 to get fully outfitted
- USA Hockey registration: $75
- WHOA registration: $12 - Paid when you register with USA Hockey
- DCHOA registration: $15
What Gear Do I Need?
You don't need premium player equipment to be an official. If you already own hockey skates, you're most of the way there.
Required officiating gear:
- Helmet: a solid black hockey helmet fitted with a certified officiating half-shield (visor)
- Whistle: a heavy-duty finger whistle (the Acme Thundere or Fox 40 Fingergrip are the local gold standard)
- Sweater: a standard black-and-white striped official's jersey (Level 1 officials do not wear district patches yet)
- Pants: solid black officiating pants (rookies may wear solid black, unbranded athletic track pants for their first few games)
- Protective gear: low-profile shin guards and an athletic cup worn under your pants (no shoulder pads or hockey pants needed)
What Can I Expect in My First Year?
- Game count: our goal is for every new official to referee at least 5 games in their first season, though the exact number depends on your availability
- Pay: game fees start at $38
- Support: from the moment you register, we're with you. Local instructional ice sessions, gear guidance, and on-ice mentoring from veteran officials help you build confidence well before your first whistle ever blows
The 3-Step Roadmap to the Ice
Getting on the ice is easier than you might think. Just three steps stand between you and your first game.
- Register nationally with USA Hockey. Open registration typically begins in early summer. Register as an official on the USA Hockey Membership Page and select Level 1 status. As part of this step, you'll complete online rule modules, an open-book playing rules exercise, and a virtual classroom seminar.
- Register locally with DCHOA. Once you have your USA Hockey official's number, create a referee profile on our local DCHOA platform. This connects you to our Dane County system so local assignors can track your progress and know you're ready for games.
- Enter the DCHOA Education Track. The moment your local profile is active, you're enrolled in our New Official Education Program — local instructional skates and veteran mentors to guide you through your first real games.
Ready to start your officiating journey?
Click the button below for detailed registration instructions.