Please read all information below before registering. The application link is located at the bottom of this page.
Message from the Referee-in-Chief
The Nepean Minor Hockey Officiating Program (NMHOP) is accepting applications for officials for the 20262027 hockey season.
NMHOP is responsible for the recruitment, approval, training, and development of officials within District 10. The program provides a structured environment that supports both new and experienced officials through mentorship, progressive on-ice opportunities, and ongoing evaluation, while maintaining clear performance and professionalism standards.
The information below outlines eligibility requirements, the application and selection process, mandatory training, and key timelines for all officials who wish to work games within District 10.
Program Overview
NMHOP is a well-established officiating program with more than 100 registered officials. The program emphasizes progressive on-ice development, mentorship from experienced officials, off-ice education and evaluation, and clear expectations and advancement pathways. This structure enables officials to build confidence, consistency, and strong game management skills throughout the season.
Eligibility & Commitment Expectations
The following applies to all officials seeking to officiate within Nepean Minor Hockey / District 10, including both new applicants and previously certified officials:
- Must register through the NMHOP application process and be approved by the District 10 Referee-in-Chief
- Must be in good standing with Hockey Canada / Hockey Eastern Ontario
- Must demonstrate a strong work ethic, professionalism, and accountability
- Must be a competent skater with the ability to keep pace with the level of play they are assigned
- Must be willing to accept coaching, feedback, and ongoing evaluation
- Must communicate in a respectful and professional manner with players, coaches, partners, and assignors
- Must have availability to officiate games primarily within District 10
- Must be able to commit to officiating a minimum of approximately 40 games during the season
- Must complete all mandatory certification, clinic, and in-season education requirements as directed by HEO and NMHOP
For new officials, this includes completing all required entry-level training prior to receiving game assignments.
For transfer or returning officials, previous certification does not guarantee placement. Assignment level and game allocation will be based on experience, performance, and the needs of the program.
Age Requirements
Applicants must be 14 years of age or older, or turning 14 years old by December 31, 2026.
Application Timeline
Application period: February 15 to April 5, 2026 (6:00 p.m. sharp)
Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
Mandatory skating assessment for new officials:
April 19, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Nepean Sportsplex Arena 2
All new applicants must register in advance and attend the skating assessment. Applicants who do not participate will not be considered.
Application & Selection Process
- Complete the online application form
- Attend the mandatory skating assessment (new officials only)
- Selected candidates may be contacted for a brief interview
- Successful applicants will be offered a position within NMHOP
Acceptance is based on skating ability, experience where applicable, program capacity, and the ability to provide appropriate development opportunities.
Acceptance & Notification
The Referee-in-Chief will make every effort to notify applicants of their status by mid-May 2026 via email or phone.
Applicants who are not contacted should assume their application was unsuccessful, most often due to limited program capacity. Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to reapply in future seasons.
This timeline allows time to confirm returning officials in good standing, determine overall officiating requirements, and ensure sufficient training and mentorship resources for new officials.
Training Requirements
All officials must complete the mandatory Hockey Canada / HEO certification requirements applicable to their level.
For new officials, this includes one in-person Hockey Canada officiating certification clinic (one full day) and one online course of approximately four hours.
Clinic dates and registration details will be communicated once acceptance into NMHOP is confirmed.
Officials must be approved by the District 10 Referee-in-Chief before registering for any certification course with the intention of officiating within District 10.
In-Season Education Requirement
All first- and second-year officials who officiate within District 10and not through Central Assigning or Eastern Ontario High Performancemust complete a mandatory HEO-approved rules quiz program during the season.
This development requirement is standard across HEO and is intended to reinforce rule knowledge, support on-ice performance, and promote long-term officiating success.
Applicants 18 Years of Age and Older
Any official 18 years of age or older must obtain an Ottawa Police Service Vulnerable Sector Check prior to officiating any games. This is a mandatory Hockey Eastern Ontario requirement, as officials work directly with minors.
Development & Support
All new officials will participate in a fall on-ice session with senior officials and receive instruction on positioning, procedures, and officiating standards. Ongoing mentorship will be provided throughout the season.
Experienced officials will receive ongoing evaluation and feedback, with opportunities for advancement based on performance and availability.
Contact
Mike Poitras
Referee-in-Chief
Nepean Minor Hockey Officiating Program
District 10