Frequently Asked Questions

Referee Summer Camp 2007 is an official Hockey Canada Officiating Program (HCOP) training event sanctioned by Hockey Canada, the Ontario Hockey Federation and the Greater Toronto Hockey League.

I have little or no referee experience. Is this camp for me?

Definitely, yes! Our "Quick Start" program is designed for folks just like yourself. We’ll introduce you to the rules, officiating procedures and everything else you will need to know to get started.

Referee Summer Camp 2007 sounds like hard work. Is it suitable for youth?

Yes! The School’s mandate is to provide meaningful, comprehensive and enjoyable ice hockey referee development seminars for minor and prospective minor hockey referees. While officiating is a serious undertaking, the School’s approach is to establish a safe environment that allows youthful participants to learn while having a great time.

Can girls attend Referee Summer Camp 2007?

Yes! This camp is suitable for males and females. While all activities are conducted without regard to gender, separate change-rooms and accommodations are used at all times.

I live in the USA or Europe. Can I attend this Camp? Will I receive Hockey Canada certification if I do?

Yes and Yes! This Camp is open to all officials, no matter where they are from. In the past we've had several officials from the USA and even Italy attend the Camp.

How old do you have to be to attend Referee Summer Camp 2007?

This camp is for persons born in 1992 or earlier. In previous years we've had several participants that were just 15 years of age. Our oldest participant was 55 years old!

I'm 40-something years of age (or older) and have never officiated a sport in my life. Is it too late to start?

If you love the game of hockey, it's never too late to enter the interesting world of hockey officiating.

I was born in 1993 and was certified as a referee last year. Is there some way that I can attend Referee Summer Camp 2007?

Yes! An exception to the minimum age requirement will be made for previously certified HCOP officials born in 1992.

I was born in 1993 and REALLY want to certify as a referee for the first time this summer. Is there some way that I can attend the camp?

Yes! The number of leagues looking for the services of someone born in 1993 or later as a referee is extremely limited. Youth born in 1993 or later that obtain a written commitment from a league to accept them onto their officiating staff for the 2007-2008 season will be permitted to register for Referee Summer Camp 2007. A copy of the letter of commitment must accompany your registration.

Can I pay by post-dated cheque?

Yes. However, you must submit a non-postdated cheque for $100 and a maximum of two post-dated cheques with your registration. Latest acceptable date on the post-dated cheques is August 1, 2007.

How much free time will I have during the camp?

The camp schedule is well paced but full. As a general rule, you can expect to be busy the entire time the camp operates. There will be frequent and regular breaks throughout the day, however, they will be of short duration (10-15 minutes).

Most of your time in the evenings will be taken up with pre-game preparation, officiating, de-briefing and "off-ice coaching". Youth involved in the "Quick Start" program who stay off-campus will officiate the early games and will normally be finished for the day between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m. Adults and those in the "Best Ever" and Senior Development programs will normally finish around 10:30 p.m.

Is it possible for friends or relatives to visit with me or watch me officiate during the camp?

Certainly! In fact, we encourage it. Friends and relatives are free to visit or watch you any time you have an event scheduled at the CANLAN Ice Sports York or during meal hours. Immediate family members may visit with you in your room. Visitors are not permitted to attend classroom or guest speaker sessions.

What meals are provided at Referee Summer Camp 2007?

All meals, beginning with lunch on Monday August 20 and ending with supper on Thursday August 23, 2007, except that breakfast and evening snacks are not provided to those who stay off-campus.

Must I eat all my meals at the camp?

No. Although your registration fee includes all meals (excepting breakfast and evening snack for those who stay off-campus), you are not obligated to eat the meals provided. However, the School will not reimburse you for meals skipped or for the cost of eating meals elsewhere.

I wish to arrive a day early and stay on campus. Is this possible?

Yes. Contact steve@refschool.com to arrange extra nights of accommodation. Cost per night is $30. Steve will provide instruction about how to pay for this extra night of accommodation.

A friend or relative of mine will also attend Referee Summer Camp 2006 and we would like to share a room. Is this possible?

Yes. Please call, email or fax your request to the School as soon as possible but not later than August 1, 2007. Include the name of your partner in the request. The cost per person for accommodation remains the same if the double occupancy option is selected.

Is it possible for a member of my immediate family to stay with me in residence during the camp?

Yes. We understand that you may feel more comfortable having a parent or guardian stay with you in residence during the camp. Double occupancy rooms are available and your parent or guardian can stay with you for just $30 dollars extra per night. Contact the School before August 1, 2007 with your request for a double room. Meals are not included for the extra person in this arrangement.

Are there any hidden costs during Referee Summer Camp 2007?

No. Your registration cost covers tuition, books, ice time, meals and accommodation (for those who paid for a room). Your registration fee does not, however, cover discretionary expenses like skate sharpening, snack bar purchases and phone calls.

I am staying off-campus. When should I show up each morning?

All events start promptly at 8:30 a.m. Arrive in sufficient time to park your vehicle and get to your first event before 8:30. Remember, also, that if your first event is an ice session you’ll need some time before 8:30 to get dressed.

What is the dress code at the Camp?

The dress code is "relaxed". Shorts, T-shirts and runners or sandals are acceptable dress at the Camp. However, ball caps must be removed while in the classroom or in any indoor dining area, and T-shirt "art" must not be offensive in any way.

I have never been to CANLAN Ice Sports at York University. Where is it located?

York University is located in north-central Toronto, Ontario, Canada. For more information visit CANLAN Ice Sports' website at www.icesports.com/York_HomePage.ashx.

Does the School have a "Code of Conduct"?

Yes. People of all ages and both genders attend Referee Summer Camp 2007. Many participants are young teenagers; many are mature adults. A "Code of Conduct" and a few "Camp Rules" have been established to ensure that the environment remains safe and appropriate for all age and gender groups. The Code of Conduct identifies the standard of behaviour that is expected of all participants, including officials and staff. The Camp Rules are specific in nature and apply to all officials. Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct or to abide by the Camp Rules may result in disciplinary action, or release from this camp without refund.

Code of Conduct

1. All participants shall conduct themselves at all times in an honest and responsible manner.
2. All participants shall refrain from comments or behaviour that are disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist or sexist.
3. All participants shall take due care to ensure the safety and well being of others.
4. All participants shall respect another’s right to privacy.

Camp Rules

1. Ball caps and other hats must be removed while in the classroom or in a dining area.
2. T-shirt "art" must not be offensive in any way.
3. Profanity is not an acceptable component of communication and, therefore, is not allowed.
4. Smoking shall be restricted to designated areas only.
5. Male and female participants will use separate dressing rooms at the rink and will be housed on separate floors within the residence building. No one may enter the dressing rooms or accommodation provided for the opposite gender AT ANY TIME!
6. Possession or consumption of alcohol by any participant under the age of 19 during camp is strictly prohibited.
7. Possession or consumption of alcohol by participants who are at least 19 years of age is not permitted at any time in the residence building, in the arena dressing rooms or while ANY camp event is scheduled (i.e., between the first meal of the day until after one’s evening games are completed).
8. Possession of illicit drugs, drug paraphernalia or weapons is not permitted, shall be reported immediately to the Metropolitan Toronto Police and is grounds for immediate release (without refund) from the camp.

What personal items do I need to bring to Referee Summer Camp 2007?

You must bring the following:

• Provincial Health Insurance card (or equivalent)
• Referee equipment Personal clothing (bring a light sweater and/or light windbreaker to keep you warm while "observing" other officials’ work in the evening)
• Personal grooming and toiletry items (including soap, shampoo & toothpaste)
• Bath towel, face cloth, robe & sandals Alarm clock (electric or battery powered)
• Water bottle (have your name marked on the bottle)
• Prescription medicines
• Spending money ($2 to $5 per day recommended) for snacks, skate sharpening, etc.
• Pre-paid telephone cards (if desired)
• Optional: Sleeping bag & pillow (for those who prefer their own and will be staying overnight)
• Optional: Personal supply of microwave popcorn, juice or pop (for those who will be staying overnight)

What kind of items should I NOT bring to Referee Summer Camp 2007?

Do not bring:

• Non-essential jewelry and other valuables
• Excess cash
• Entertainment systems (i.e., Sony Play Station, etc.), TV, VCR, stereo or ghetto blaster

What kind of referee equipment will I need at Referee Summer Camp 2007?

You will need the following:

• Skates (Player’s style skates preferred but not essential)
• CSA approved helmet complete with ear guards (black colour preferred but not essential)
• CSA approved half visor complete with all retaining straps and hardware
• Linesman & Referee jersey ("Quick Start" Program participants only need a linesman jersey)
• Black pants (with belt and or suspenders)
• Shinguards (full length recommended)
• Elbow pads (optional but highly recommended)
• Pelvic protector (females) or athletic support with cup (males) (MANDATORY Item!)
• Finger grip style metal whistle (ACME "Thunderer" model 144/57½ or Fox 40 "FORCE" models are the preferred whistle models)
• "Quick Start" only!! Track pants and sweat shirt (to wear during on-ice training sessions)
• Sufficient and appropriate undergarments (Minimum of 4 sets of socks, shorts and T-shirt recommended)
• Towels (Minimum of 2 bath towels, 2 hand towels and 1 face-cloth recommended)
• Sock tape (optional)
• Equipment bag
• Bag / equipment deodorizer (preferred but not essential)

I am new to hockey officiating and do not have any referee equipment. What should I do?

All participants must bring their own CSA approved helmet and half-visor, and a referee (finger-grip type) whistle to the camp. "Quick Start" program participants (i.e., new referees) can borrow a referee jersey, referee pants, elbow pads and shinguards for each game assignment during the camp.

I do not have a CSA approved helmet or half visor. Do I really need one at the camp?

Yes. This camp is an official Hockey Canada Officiating Program event sanctioned by Hockey Canada. Therefore, it is mandatory for you to wear a properly fitting and fastened CSA approved helmet and half-visor.

Can I purchase referee equipment through the School?

No. however, a leading referee equipment outfitter, First Place Sports, is a proud supporter of Referee Summer Camp 2007. We recommend that you call First Place Sports directly at 1-800-377-5449 or visit their website at www.jetnet.ab.ca/FirstPlaceSports to purchase any referee equipment or officiating supplies you require. Alternatively, you can purchase supplies and equipment from First Place Sports' sales kiosk which will be located adjacent to the Camp's office during the daytime on Tuesday August 21, 2007. Lastly, if you place an order in advance, First Place Sports will provide free delivery and your order will be ready for pick-up at the Camp office when you check in on arrival at the Camp on Monday August 20, 2007.

How can I get my skates sharpened while attending the camp?

A skate sharpening service is available at the CANLAN Ice Sports York arena Pro Shop each afternoon and evening. Cost is approximately $5.00.

How can my relatives contact me during Referee Summer Camp 2007?

Have them contact the Camp's Director, Steve Wallace, at (647) 444-4845 any time, day or night. The message will be forwarded to you as quickly as possible.

I will have a car while at camp. Where should I park?

We have arranged for you to park in the CANLAN Ice Sports’ parking lot. Simply present the parking ticket stub you receive on entering the parking lot to the CANLAN Ice Sports' reception desk for validation and the parking is free!

Why do I need to bring my Provincial Health Insurance card?

Your well being is important to us. In the unlikely event of injury we will arrange for immediate medical attention. Having your card readily available will help expedite that process.

Should I be nervous about the written examination? Do I have to write it?

If you pay attention during the camp you will be extremely well prepared for the exam and will likely have no problem achieving a pass, so don’t be overly concerned about writing the exam. For the past 3 years we've had a 100% pass rate on the written exam. You must write and pass this exam if you want to be a certified Hockey Canada hockey official for the 2007-2008 season when you leave this camp.

What is the earliest time that I can leave the camp and still complete the requirements for Hockey Canada Officiating Program certification?

You cannot leave without having completed the written examination. Therefore, the earliest you could depart is noon on Thursday August 23 for Quick Start and Junior Development program participants, 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday August 22 for Best Ever program participants, and 8:00 p.m. on Thursday August 23 for Senior Development program participants.

I am a new hockey official. After I finish this camp how do I join a hockey league as a referee?

Before you leave this camp, we will provide you with the name and telephone number of referee coordinators in your area who are looking for new officials like yourself. Simply contact your local referee coordinator and ask how to join their association's officiating staff.

I still have some questions about Referee Summer Camp 2007. Where can I get the answers to these questions?

Email questions about registration, accommodation or payment of camp fees to the School's Registrar, Michelle Fata, at michelle@refschool.com.

Email questions about camp activities, curriculum or HCOP level upgrades to the School's Director, Steve Wallace, at steve@refschool.com.

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