The Canadian School of Hockey Officiating: Referee Summer Camp (“Ref School”) welcomed a total of 118 participants for a comprehensive, four-day development experience designed to prepare officials for the upcoming hockey season. This year’s camp was hosted once again at Scotiabank Pond from August 18 to 21.
Conducted annually by the Greater Toronto Hockey League’s specialized training entity, the Canadian School of Hockey Officiating offers a unique opportunity for minor hockey officials to:
- Improve their officiating knowledge and skills,
- Develop appropriate officiating attitudes and values,
- Expand their awareness of conditioning, fitness, and nutrition,
- Obtain certification or re-certification as a Hockey Canada Officiating Program referee, and
- Physically and mentally prepare for the upcoming season.
Curriculum support is provided by the GTHL Officiating Development Committee, with programs open to individuals 15 years of age or older from across Canada, the USA, and abroad.
This year’s camp placed a strong emphasis on video review and game analysis. Officials studied more than 50 situations — from frequently occurring incidents to rare scenarios — to strengthen their ability to apply Hockey Canada Playing Rules and enforce GTHL Penalty Standards. Participants also analyzed dozens of video clips on positioning and procedures, learning the rationale behind mechanics and reinforcing the importance of being in the right place at the right time.
Enhanced workshops with Junior Development and Becoming an Elite Official groups equipped officials with the tools to mentor newer referees, while on-ice instruction featured some of the top names in the profession, including special guest National Hockey League (NHL) Linesperson Shandor Alphonso, along with Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Linesperson Scott Lawson, Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) Referees and Linespersons, and officials from the GTHL, North York Hockey League (NYHL), and Mississauga Hockey League (MHL).
Instructors shared the highlight of the week being that of watching Junior Development participants transition from eager students at the start of camp into confident on-ice mentors. By the final sessions, they were actively coaching and encouraging Quick Start participants, building a culture of peer mentorship and support.
2025 Camp Participation included:
- Quick Start: 58
- Junior Development: 18
- Becoming an Elite Official: 7
- Timekeeper: 35
The 2025 edition of the Referee Summer Camp not only strengthened officiating knowledge and on-ice skills, but also reinforced the values, fitness, and leadership qualities that prepare officials to succeed both on and off the ice.
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