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 pairs 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.
📋 How Mentorship Works
Pre-Game Support
Black Jacket Mentors meet with new officials before their first games. During pregame conversations, the mentor helps reinforce the expectations of what officials do on the ice and explains their role.
On-Ice Shadowing
Black Jacket Mentors skate the game beside the new official, offering tips on positioning and helping them work through game situations. The mentor is not there to officiate the game; they provide on-ice support so new officials can be successful as they learn.
Post-Game Support
Black Jacket Mentors provide helpful reflection points after the game to highlight the new official's successes, and serve as a resource as they prepare for their next games.
✅ Requirements
Current Registration
Black Jacket Mentors must be a fully registered USA Hockey Level 3 or 4 official, and a current DCHOA member.
Required Equipment
Black Jacket Mentors are required to wear all necessary equipment as if they were officiating the game.
🤝 Become a Black Jacket Mentor
Each season, qualified officials can apply to become a Black Jacket Mentor and help guide the next generation of DCHOA officials.