Black Hockey Referee Pants- In your first few games you can use your solid black warm up pants, without a logo on them, or a nice pair of black sweatpants. Your pants should fit professionally, just like your sweater, by not being too long or baggy.Proper length to the top of the toes will help prevent the pants from getting caught in the tendon guards of the skates.Once you've decided to take officiating more seriously or if you would like to start off more professionally it's best to upgrade to a nicer pair of officials pants. At the lower levels a padded pant aren't necessary but once you start getting to the Bantam, HS and Midget levels it's recommended to make an upgrade for more protection.
Link:https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/hockey-referee-pants
6. Shin Guards- It's never fun getting hit by an errant pass or wreckless centermen's stick during a face-off. If you fall down or something unexpected comes your way, having hockey referee shin-guards will keep you safe during your games.Having light weight pads that will also allow for the most flexibility and mobility is recommended.When first starting out, using your player shin guards is acceptable too.
Link:https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/hockey-referee-protective
Elbow Pads- You never know when you will hit a rut in the ice and fall backwards or bump into the boards. It's best to keep your elbows protected for when the unexpected happensby having lightweight elbow pads that fit nicely under your sweater and offer full protection.
Link:https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/hockey-referee-protective
Referee Bag(preferably solid black) - During your first season it is acceptable to use an old gym bag or a blank hockey bag, but it is important to avoid anything with team insignias or logos so you maintain a professional impartial appearance while walking into the rink. As you gain more experience or want to pursue refereeing more, it is important to get a reliable referee requirement bag.Your bag should have enough space to comfortably carry all of your gear,food and snacks for those long days at the rink.
Link:https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/hockey-referee-bags
Highly recommended items include:
Jock Shorts/Girdle- Cups are highly recommended for obvious reasons.
Link:https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/hockey-referee-protective
Shin Tights- This is a lesser known product to new officials, but are super helpful to officials personal appearance. They help to hold your shin pads in place similar to clear tape for a hockey player and you can also tuck your skate laces/tendon guards underneath your referee Shin Tights so that your pants do not get caught in your skates.
Link:https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/essentials
3. Extra Skate Socks- It's always nice to have a couple pairs of skate socks so that you can keep your feet dry and comfortable. Some days as officials are pretty long, skating multiple games in a row.
Link:https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/referee-skate-socks
Other nice to have items include:
Hockey Helmet Repair Kit- Every now and then the screws to your properly fitting helmet or visor may come loose. Instead of chasing down the zamboni driver, keep a helmet repair kit in your bag readily available in case a screw comes loose.
Link: https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/products/a-r-helmet-repair-kit?_pos=1&_sid=9e77178d5&_ss=r
Sewing Kit- Accidents happen! You never know when your referee pants or sweater might get caught on a screw, door or skate. Having a sewing kit to quickly patch holes in between games or periods is helpful to maintain a professional appearance.
NO LINK OR PICTURE
Tape- Some officials prefer to tape the fingers their whistle goes on to prevent their fingers getting cut.
Link: https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/howies-hockey-tape-more
Extra Cut up Skate Laces- You may need to repair the nets before the game if upon your inspection you find holes that could cause the puck to go through.
Link: https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/howies-hockey-tape-more
Padded Shirts- For extra protection of your body while on the ice. Some officials also wear a padded shirt because it gives them a bigger looking appearance while on the ice. While this may not be necessary at the lower levels, this may become necessary for higher level hockey.
Link: https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/collections/hockey-referee-protective
Visor spray/microfiber towel- To keep your visor clear and see through so you don't miss the important calls.
Link: https://www.hockeyrefshop.com/products/a-r-spit-anti-fog-hockey-helmet-visor-shield-spray-with-cloth
We're always happy to help so if you have any questions please feel free to reach out at any time!
