Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

IIHF has below collected some of the most frequently asked questions connected to rule or game officials.
 

Question:

Can anyone become an IIHF Game Official?

Answer:

Every National association is responsible to apply for international licenses for their male and female game officials. Each federation has a pre determined amount of licenses to apply for and is often giving it to respected and the highest educated game officials in their country. 
 
Question:
Who decides what game official goes to a world championship?
Answer:
The IIHF office together with the IIHF Officiating Committee and the IIHF Council all approves the assignments for the respective world championship. Each season a very intense selection process is done from all the suggestions from around the world.
 
Question:
How many game officials will receive an IIHF license each season?
Answer:
The total amount will be different from each season depending on the need of game officials for the various IIHF events taking place each season. Roughly between 600 game officials are licensed to participate in various tournaments each season. 

Question:
Is it only the participating countries at a world championship that will have game officials attending?
Answer:
No, their could be game officials from countries outside the participating countries that will work on world championships on all levels both on the male and the female side. The competence and recommendation of the game official is the important factor, not what country they come from.
 
 Question:
Who is working/evaluating a game official at your championship?
Answer:
On each IIHF event there will be an Officiating coach assigned. Just as the playing teams in the events have coaches and staff assigned to support in the performance the game officials also have this. Each event will be monitored, evaluated and supported by the official officiating coach. 
 
Question:
How long can you be a game official?
Answer:
Every federation sets their own age limits for how long you can be a game official. Check with your respective federation for any lower of higher age limits that might be applicable. The IIHF strongly encourage everyone to stay involved as long as in the role of a game official.
 
Question:
If I would like to try the role of a GO how do I do then?
Answer:
Easiest way to get started is to get in contact with your national or local ice hockey federation. Most often to make a search on google or to look in to the following link to get hold of the contact information to your federation is the best start. https://www.iihf.com/en/associations
 
Question:
Does it cost anything to start as a game official?
Answer:
Every national federation has a different setup for the starting steps to become a game official. We ask you to please check with your local federation on their process and any sort of costs that might be connected with education and seminars where you will start.
 
Question:
What equipment do I need to get started?
Answer:
Starting up as a game official is easy. You need a whistle, helmet with a visor, a game official jersey and some black pants to get started.