Annual summer development opportunity for new and returning officials set for August 24-26
The Greater Toronto Hockey League has opened registration for the 2026 Referee Summer Camp, taking place August 24-26 through the Canadian School of Hockey Officiating.
Formerly known as “Ref School,” the comprehensive summer camp provides minor hockey officials with an opportunity to build knowledge, sharpen on-ice skills, gain confidence, and prepare for the upcoming season. The camp is suitable for individuals 15 years of age or older by the end of the calendar year, with participants from the United States and other countries also welcome to attend.
The 2026 camp will feature a variety of program streams designed to support officials at different stages of their officiating journey, including Quick Start, Junior Development, Enhanced Recertification, Officiating Advancement, Supervisor and Leadership Development, and Junior Timekeeping Clinics.
Hosted annually by the GTHL’s special training entity, the Canadian School of Hockey Officiating, the Referee Summer Camp is designed to help attending officials improve their officiating knowledge and skills, develop appropriate officiating attitudes and values, expand their awareness of conditioning, fitness, and nutrition, obtain official certification or re-certify as a Hockey Canada Officiating Program referee, and physically and mentally prepare for the minor hockey season.
Curriculum support is provided by the GTHL Officiating Development Committee, with expert instruction, supervision, and mentoring delivered by experienced OHL and OHA officials, certified Hockey Canada referees, and instructors from the Ontario Hockey Federation.
Program options include:
Quick Start (CLICK TO REGISTER)
Designed for individuals with no hockey referee experience or training. Participants receive a comprehensive introduction to officiating, including Hockey Canada Playing Rules and Officiating Procedures, video review, three on-ice sessions, in-game experience, and feedback from GTHL Officiating Coaches. Please note that the Hockey Canada Officiating Program – Introduction to Officiating – Level 1 on-demand course must be completed prior to registering for the Quick Start program.
Junior Development (CLICK TO REGISTER)
Designed for officials entering their second or third year as a referee. This stream helps officials build on their early experience through classroom learning, on-ice development, advanced officiating topics, in-game experience, and feedback from GTHL Officiating Coaches.
Enhanced Recertification (CLICK TO REGISTER)
Designed for officials with three or more seasons of experience who are seeking a more comprehensive recertification experience. Participants will get on the ice prior to the season, receive power skating coaching, officiate a pre-season game, review Hockey Canada Playing Rule Changes, and complete their Officiating Standards Course requirement prior to the season.
Officiating Advancement (CLICK TO REGISTER)
Designed for officials with three or more seasons of experience who are looking to progress and elevate their status. This stream includes advanced rule review, video breakdowns, classroom and on-ice training, power skating instruction, and in-game feedback.
Supervisor and Leadership Development (CLICK TO REGISTER)
A newer program designed for officials looking to become officiating leaders, mentors, and supervisors, as well as existing Officiating Supervisors. Ideally suited for officials with five or more seasons of experience, the stream combines recertification with targeted supervisor sessions and practical experience delivering feedback to officials.
Junior Timekeeping Clinics (CLICK TO REGISTER)
Designed for individuals who are new to timekeeping or have one year of experience.
Prior to registering, prospective officials are encouraged to check with their local hockey association to confirm that the association is looking to hire new officials for the upcoming season.
Registration for the 2026 GTHL Referee Summer Camp is now open. To register or learn more about the available programs, CLICK HERE.
