Who referees U9 games, and do they need to be fully registered?

U9 half-ice games need a minimum of one official per game. U9 is not part of the Hockey Canada Officiating Program (HCOP) system, so associations can use developing officials in a one-official system.

• Whether officials must be fully registered is at the discretion of the Hockey Canada Member (the provincial or territorial body).
• If a Member has officials work the games, they wear at least an officiating jersey with the Member crest, black pants and a black CSA-approved helmet with a CSA-approved half visor.
• A mentor or shadow on the ice with an official does not need the officiating uniform (a Member tracksuit is fine) but still wears a black CSA-approved helmet with a CSA-approved half visor.
• When a puck goes out of play, the official keeps spare pucks in a pocket and gives a new puck to the non-offending team so play restarts quickly.