Start the Season Strong: A Few Reminders
| As we get ready for another hockey season, here are a few reminders to help make sure we’re starting on the right foot.
Be Ready When You Arrive: Being on time means more than simply making it to the rink before the game starts. Officials should arrive with enough time to get dressed, get on the ice, and be ready to perform their duties without rushing. See Promptness and No-Show Policy on the DCHOA Education website for more information. Please plan ahead for traffic, parking, finding the locker room (Rink Maps and Referee Rooms), and getting fully dressed. Being prepared and ready to go is part of being a professional official—and it sets the tone for the game before the puck is even dropped. Professionalism Matters: Every game is an opportunity to represent DCHOA. That means treating players, coaches, rink staff, and fellow officials with professionalism and respect. A few simple reminders:
The season gets busy quickly, so taking care of these basics from the start helps everyone have fun and a better experience. 2026–27 Official Rates: The DCHOA Board approved updated rates for the upcoming season. There will be roughly a 5% increase on all youth games and WIAA Varsity game rates have increased as well. The full 2026-2027 Rates Sheet is available on the Education website. Outdoor Ice: With DeForest’s outdoor rink once again part of the DCHOA schedule, weather conditions can create some unique challenges. The DCHOA Board is currently working with the owners of Legacy20 to establish safe playing conditions and a clear process for determining when games on the outdoor rink need to be canceled due to weather. We’re still working through the details, so stay tuned. More information will be shared once the process is finalized. All the current DCHOA approved policies can be found under the About Us tab, then Bylaws, Rules & Policies. Thanks for helping us start the season prepared, professional, and ready to go! Chase Kaltved |