Will a referee check my coaching certification before a game?

No. Interpretation 1 of Rule 2.1 (b) in the Hockey Canada Playing Rules 2026-28 says that in verifying the Official Game Report, officials are not to make any decision about the certification of team officials, or any lack of it. Any irregularities are reported by the Referee to the appropriate Member or league delegate for further action.

The Referee can still ask a team official for their name for identification at any time. A team official who refuses is penalized under Rule 10.6 (f), Illegal Equipment (Rule 2.2 (d)). A team official who gives a false statement on the Official Game Report about eligible players or team officials will be dealt with by the Member or league (Rule 2.2 (c)).

Source: Hockey Canada Playing Rules 2026-28 (https://cdn.hockeycanada.ca/hockey-canada/Hockey-Programs/Officiating/Downloads/2026-28-hc-rulebook-e.pdf).