1. Get Involved in Local Hockey
• Start with Local/Regional Officiating: Before aiming for the Pan American level, you should begin by officiating at local or regional hockey events. This will help you build your knowledge and experience, using the rules and regulations, of what is required of a technical official.
2. Complete National Officiating Certification
• Join Your National Hockey Federation: Each country typically has its own National Association. Check to see if your NA has an officiating certification pathway that you can follow.
• Attend Officiating Courses: Look for courses that will teach you the rules, regulations, and other skills that are necessary to become an official.
• Gain Experience: Make yourself available to gain practical experience by officiating at local tournaments, club matches, and regional competitions.
3. Achieve National Level Certification
• National Officiating Standards: Depending on your country's requirements, you may need to pass exams and evaluations/assessments to reach a certain level.
• Complete Required Continuing Education: Stay updated on the rules of the game and other officiating skills through ongoing education and training. National Associations may require officials to re-certify every few years.
4. Gain International Experience
• Officiate/Observe at International Tournaments: By continuing to be active and participate at your National level, you will become ready for appointments at the PAHF level. If there is a major event in your region, attend and observe to become more familiar with what is expected of an official.
• Be Mentored by Senior Officials: Seek out mentors who are experienced PAHF officials. They are always happy to help upcoming officials and can answer questions, provide feedback on your performance, and help you prepare for higher levels of officiating.
5. Certification as a PAHF Technical Official
• PAHF Certification: Once you’ve gained sufficient experience and training, you can apply for certification as an international technical official through your National Association. The NA will forward an application to the Pan American Hockey Federation.
• International Appointments: Once certified, you are eligible to be appointed as an official for PAHF tournaments. As you progress through your pathway, you may eventually be appointed to a tournament of the FIH (Federation of International Hockey).
6. Attend Technical Official Courses/Workshops
• Participate in PAHF or FIH Training: Once you have been registered as an international technical official with PAHF, you will receive notices of specific courses and workshops for officials. The workshops will cover various topics, can be offered as in-person or online courses and are very helpful to your development. Ensure that you take every opportunity to attend.
7. Continue on Pathway
• Participate in Feedback and Evaluation: After each international event, you’ll receive feedback and a performance evaluation. Make sure to discuss needed areas of improvement with the Technical Delegate as this will help you improve as an official.
• Stay Informed on Rule Changes: We know that game of hockey can evolve, and rules or regulations can change. Stay up-to-date with any changes in the game, as well as any updates from the PAHF and FIH.
By following these steps and demonstrating your expertise and commitment to the sport, you'll be on your pathway to becoming a technical official in the Pan American Hockey Federation.
