The Greater Toronto Hockey League held its annual Canadian School of Hockey Officiating: Referee Summer Camp from August 21-24 at Scotiabank Pond. The camp welcomed 117 participants spanning its Quick Start, Junior Development, Becoming an Elite, and Experienced Refresher programs.
The goal of the comprehensive summer camp is to help attending officials to:
- Improve officiating knowledge and skills,
- Develop appropriate officiating attitudes and values,
- Expand awareness of conditioning/fitness programs and nutrition,
- Obtain official certification or re-certify as a Hockey Canada Officiating Program referee, and
- Physically and mentally prepare for the upcoming minor hockey season.
The camp saw a wide range of ages and skill levels, with 70 participants in the Quick Start program, 29 in Junior Development, and nine each in Becoming an Elite and Experienced Refresher.
The Quick Start program welcomed those with no hockey referee experience or training, while the Junior Development program consisted of officials who are entering their second or third year as a referee. The Becoming an Elite program featured officials with several years of experience, and the Experienced Official Refresher program had senior officials looking to prepare for the season by participating in a slightly more comprehensive recertification program.
The camp also featured Timekeeper Clinics, welcoming those who are new to timekeeping or have minimal experience.
All programs involved classroom components in addition to on-ice training sessions. Participants also had the opportunity to gain game experience.
To view photos from the 2023 Referee Summer Camp, click here.
Learn more about the GTHL’s Referee Summer Camp, click here.
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