What Equipment Do You Need?
Equipment Needs Depend on Experience and Level of Hockey
This page is intended to give guidance and opinions on what equipment might be needed based on the level of hockey an official is working. The most important things for an official to consider when purchasing equipment:
1) Do you feel SAFE on the ice based on the equipment you are wearing?
2) Do you LOOK the part of a competent referee based on the level of hockey you are working?
Experience Brackets (General)
The below brackets are to serve as a guide. Some officials progress at different speeds and the level of hockey being worked must also be considered when reviewing each of these.
Years 1 to 3
In the beginning....
What is Required?
- Black helmet
- Half visor
- Whistle
- Referee jersey
- Neck guard
What Might You Already Have?
- Equipment bag
- Black pants
- Shin guards (may be bulky)
- Elbow pads (may be tight under ref jersey)
- Neck guard
What Is Nice To Have?
- Referee shin pads
- Referee elbow pads
- Shin tights
- Referee equipment bag
- Separate referee neck guard or neck guard under shirt combo
Years 3 to 6
Building on years 1 to 3....
What is Required?
- Referee arm bands
- Referee elbow pads
- Referee shin pads
- Shin tights
- Referee equipment bag
What is Nice to Have?
- Referee jersey with bands sewn on
- Back up whistle
- "Riot Pad"
- Shower slides
- Wheeled referee bag
- Neck guard/under shirt combo
Years 7+
Experience Veteran....
What is Required?
- Referee jersey with arm bands (likely doing multiple games per day)
- Back-up whistle
- "Riot pad" for altercations
- Referee equipment bag
What Is Nice To Have?
- Protective neck guard/undershirt combo
- Second undershirt/neck guard combo (multiple games/shifts per day)
- Insoles/inserts for skates
- Shower slides
- Anti-odour and anti-fog sprays