Refs

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Welcome to the TEam!

Thank you for your dedication to the game. We’re excited to have you as part of the 3v3 and 4v4 season.

Please review the information below to ensure your details are accurate in our system, you have access to the referee communication chat, and you are familiar with your role and league rules.

Paychecks

Complete the required documents you received though the Square invitation to activate your account and connect to our team scheduling system through the Square Team App.

Download the Square app, to have access to:

  • View your schedule
  • Clock in and out
  • Chat with other team members if you need someone to cover a shift
  • Stay connected with the team

Paychecks are deposited bi‑weekly (Fridays) directly into the checking or savings account you set up in Square.  A tax form will be provided, and earnings over $600 must be reported.

Level Pay Rates: 

$20: Mite games
$25: Squirt, 10U, Peewee games
$30: Bantam and High School games

 

Scheduling

Use the 9H - Red Schedule 2026 GoogleSheet to sign up to referee games and double-check your availability before signing up.

 

Game Format

Ensure you understand the game format, league rules, and your responsibilities as outlined below, and be prepared to officiate a fast, fair game. The 3v3/4v4 style of play is new to many players, and they will rely on you for guidance and instruction.

Ref: Helmets with visors and referee jerseys are required and are not provided by nine HOCKEY.


Players: Must wear protective gear as required by USA Hockey and a nine HOCKEY jersey

  • The ref will drop the puck to start the game and only call penalties.
  • Play is continuous unless the puck goes out of play at the benches or after a goal.
  • If the puck hits the protective net, beams, or ceiling, it remains in play.
  • All faceoffs take place at center ice, regardless of where the puck went out.

Penalties

  • Penalties are whistled immediately unless they occur on a breakaway.
  • Penalties result in a live penalty shot:
    • Shooter starts at the blue line
    • The other five players line up at the red line
    • On the whistle, the shooter attacks and the others chase
    • If no goal is scored, play continues immediately
    • If a goal is scored, play resumes like a standard goal

Goals and Zone Entry

  • After a goal, all three scoring players must tag up at the blue line before forechecking.
  • No players may enter the zone until all three are outside the blue line.
  • The defending team should retrieve the puck quickly to move it up ice before the forecheck.
  • Shallow nets will be used to speed up puck retrieval.
Frozen Pucks
  • When the puck is frozen, each forechecking player must individually tag up at the blue line before re-entering.
  • If a player is already outside the blue line at the freeze, they may enter immediately.
  • This differs from goals, where all three players must exit the zone first.