December 20, 2020
GREETINGS FROM HERMAN COSTA
Hello Everyone:
The North Region Executive would like to welcome all new and returning officials to the 2020/21 Officiating season. It has been a very difficult year so far with the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions pausing hockey. The north region executive has been working hard with all the stakeholders (leagues, LMHA’s, Hockey Alberta and the HAOC etc.) this season to keep everyone informed as things are moving forward. The Premier of Alberta (Jason Kenney) announced on Dec. 8 new restrictions that took effect on Dec 13. The new restrictions meant that all Hockey activities must stop province wide for a minimum of 4 weeks. Hockey Alberta is in constant contact with the Government of Alberta Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation representatives. Hockey Alberta will communicate any new information that comes forward to the North Region Executive. We are Hopeful that Hockey will start again in the new year.
The North Region Executive would also like to congratulate Kyle Kowalski, Fraser Lawrence, and Deion Foster, all from the North Region, for there selection to officiate at the World Junior Championship that starts on Dec 25 here in Edmonton. These three officials will have to self isolate before they enter the World Junior Championship bubble. We applaud there commitment and dedication to the game of Hockey. We hope to see all three officials in the gold medal game. Click here to see the link on the Hockey Alberta website.
Click here to see the interview from Kyle Kowalski.
Click here to see the CTV interview from all three officials.
I would like to thank the North Region Executive as well as all the RIC’s in the North Region for all the hard work that they have done during this difficult time, with all the changes that have happened this season as well passing along the information as it comes forward to all the officials in their area. I would also like to thank Dean Ziegler as well as all the instructors that helped get the clinics completed and bringing all the new information forward to the officials this season.
The North Region Executive is still planning to have our annual general meeting and awards presentation in the new year if restrictions on gatherings change. We hope all officials will be able to attend and support our award winners. The best way to keep up to date about whats happening in the officiating program is to keep checking the website, we will post any new information here - North Region Officials Website.
I hope everyone has a great holiday season and hopefully we will be back on the ice soon.
Thank you and Stay Safe
Herman Costa
North Region Coordinator
RECLASSIFICATION 2020/21
Just a reminder about reclassification for this season. All applications must be in no later than Feb 28, 2021. Here is the link to all the information as well as the application form. With the covid-19 pandemic restrictions I understand that it may be difficult to complete supervisions, so there will be no requirement this season, but it is highly encouraged if restrictions are lifted prior to the February 28 application deadline.
From Level II to Level III:
· Apply in writing to the Supervision Coordinator before February 28.
· Be supervised by a Level III official calling at least a U18 hockey game in a three-person system.
· Work as a linesperson for senior hockey.
· Complete all required supervisions on other officials prior to the end of the season in which you are applying.
· Achieve 80% on officiating exam.
From Level III to Level IV:
· Apply in writing to the supervision coordinator before February 28.
· Be supervised by a Level IV official calling at least a Senior or Junior B hockey game in a three-person system.
· Work as a linesperson for Junior A hockey.
· Complete all required supervisions on other officials prior to the end of the season in which you are applying.
· Attend a level IV/V camp at own expense (if accepted). The camp will include on ice skating testing, off ice physical testing, and classroom sessions. Level IV/V camp is held every second season.
· Achieve 80% on SRD exam.
Hockey Alberta Positive Test Officials Policy
1) If an RIC/Assignor or official is notified that a cohort has received a positive test, He must notify the Regional coordinator immediately. The Regional Coordinator will notify the officials who have skated the game as soon as possible.
2) Officials will be removed from future assignments for a period of 5 days from the date of notification.
3) Officials will be required to notify their Regional Coordinator if they receive an isolation order from AHS (either before or after the 5-day period).
4) Officials should notify their Regional coordinator if they receive a positive COVID-19 test.
5) Assuming no further notifications or positive test results, the official will be eligible to return to officiating either after 5 days or after the completion of the AHS isolation period, whichever is later.
Bob Anderson retirement
Bob’s officiating career began when he was 14 years old and living in Calgary in the fall of 1962. In those days, hockey was played on outdoor rinks on a community basis & the home team was required to provide a referee. His younger brother was playing on a team in his neighborhood of St. Andrews Heights and when he showed up at the rink to watch him one evening, he was immediately conscripted to officiate! There were no formal referee clinics that season, so it was “read the rule book & do the best you could”! The following season, he went to a clinic at Foothills Arena & managed to do a few games there & even got to do a game in the old Calgary Corral downtown. In 1965, he moved to Edmonton and resumed his officiating career doing mostly outdoor games with the occasional indoor rink assignment. Bob was not active during the 69/70 season as he was in the 2nd year of law school & was just too busy to officiate. In 1972 Bob moved to Edson to practice law in a small firm & began his association with Edson Minor Hockey, Bob Reil being the RIC & assignor at the time. Bob has been involved with Edson Minor Hockey since & was active up to the end of last season. He served as the RIC & assignor for several seasons & spent 10 seasons as a clinic instructor for Hockey Alberta.
Bob and his wife spend 4 months in Az during the winter & as a result his on-ice participation has been greatly reduced over the past 5 years. However, he still enjoys going to the rink, supervising & mentoring our young officials and hopes to continue doing that in the future as time permits.
All told, Bob has spent well over a half-century as an on-ice official & enjoyed every minute of it. Bob has met many interesting people and new friends during that time and has no regrets.
Colin Hackett Award - Application
Value:
Annually – Maximum of one award up to $1,000.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The successful applicant must meet all of the following criteria:
· A member in good standing with the North Region and at a minimum a Level 2 official.
· Resident of the Region for the past season and the current season.
· 18 years of age by December 15 of the current season.
· Active official working games in the North Region.
· Attending a post secondary institution in a recognized program on a full time basis (min. of three classes per semester).
· Volunteer experience you have provided as a mentor/leader on and off the ice.
SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION COMMITTEE
A scholarship committee will select the winner each year. The committee consists of two executive members and one member at large.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
The application period is January 1 to March 1 each year. Applications will not be considered received until all the required information has been received by the committee.
Here is a link to the application: Colin Hackett Scholarship application
Hockey Alberta Referee Council Scholarship
Value:
Annually – Maximum of three (3) awards of up to $1,500.
Scholarships are presented to applicants who meet the following criteria:
· A member in good standing with Hockey Alberta in the current season with a minimum of Level 2 certification.
· A resident of Alberta for at least 2 years.
· 18 years of age by December 15 of the season s/he is applying for scholarship.
· An active official, working games at any level.
· Attending a post-secondary institution in a recognized program on a full-time basis, including a recognized trade school program. Transcript of class enrolment is required.
· Other criteria will include, but is not limited to, the applicant’s on-ice ability and off-ice contribution to his/her Region.
Deadline
Application deadline is April 1 of each year.
Applicant could be applying for the year just being completed in order to qualify.
Here is a link to the application:
Hockey Alberta Referee Council Scholarship
Golf
- Golf is scheduled for June 12/2021 at Coal Creek - Tofield.
- Bus and meals are provided
- $110 entry fee