2020-21 Certification Seminars: What We Know and What to Expect

Many of our members (and potential members) have questions about how MIHOA-sponsored USA Hockey certification seminars will be conducted this season. Here is an update, with the understanding that some of the information is still tentative and subject to change based on unknowns and uncertainties.
 
CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION
This portion of seminars will be conducted virtually. Length of virtual classroom for Levels 2, 3 and 4 will be approximately 3 hours, conducting in one session. Length of virtual classroom for Level 1 will be approximately 6 hours, broken into two parts. Virtual classroom instruction will be held on weekday evenings prior to our established ice times. Specifically: August 3 thru 6; September 8 thru 10; September 28 thru October 1. 
 
REGISTRATION FOR VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
MIHOA members (and potential members) will register for the virtual classroom portion of seminars via the USA Hockey website. Virtual classroom sessions that are conducted by MIHOA are scheduled to be posted sometime before July 20. There will be zero fee to register for virtual classrooms via USA Hockey.
 
LOCAL SEMINAR ADMINISTRATION FEE
MIHOA does not charge a fee to become a member. However, there is a fee to attend seminars. This fee has been $20 in the past several years and was as much as $70 at one time. For the 2020-21 season, the MIHOA Board has established a $10 per member seminar administration fee. This fee is implemented to defray the expenses of conducting the online virtual classrooms, ice sessions, and other related expenses. Details on how to submit this fee will be posted later.
 
NEW OFFICIALS ONLY
A mandatory off-ice clinic will be conducted prior to on-ice instruction. Clinic will cover basic mechanics, positioning and local topics. Length to be 60 minutes.
 
SKATING INSTRUCTION
Per MIHOA and USA Hockey Local Supervisor, optional but encouraged for returning MIHOA officials. Mandatory for new, level 1, officials. Dates/locations for ice times: August 8 (Creve Coeur); September 13 (Centene); October 3 (Centene).
 
REGISTRATION FOR SKATING INSTRUCTION
A separate registration process will be held for on-ice instruction. This will allow us to limit attendance and ensure that we are following state, county, local and rink safety guidelines.
 
ONLINE TRAINING
USA Hockey online training modules will continue in the same manner as years past.
 
OPEN BOOK EXAMS
USA Hockey open book exams will continue in the same manner as years past.
 
CLOSED BOOK EXAMS
All exams that were formerly closed-book (Levels 2, 3, 4) will be conducted online for the coming season via a website managed by USA Hockey. Details are still being finalized.
 
WHAT TO EXPECT
In the coming days and weeks, returning members should look for email(s) from MIHOA leadership. Current information will also be posted on www.mihoa.com.
 
WHAT YOU CAN BE DOING NOW
In anticipation of the registration opening for seminars, here are some things you can be doing now:
 

1. Register as a member of USA Hockey. Required every season for officials of all levels.
2. Complete your USA Hockey SafeSport training. Required for all officials born in 2003 (or earlier) by June 1 of the current year.
3. NEW. Complete USA Hockey’s new background screening. Required for officials who are 18 years-old (or older) by June 1 of the current year. This replaces the Missouri Hockey background screening from years past.
4. Start your USA Hockey online education modules. Required for all levels.
5. Take your USA Hockey officiating open book exam. Required for all levels.

 
To view details and links for all of the above steps, go to https://www.usahockey.com/officialsmembership.
 
SUMMARY
The MIHOA Board, our USA Hockey Local Supervisor of Officials, and MIHOA’s Development & Education Committee are working hard to execute all of the above in an organized and understandable manner. MIHOA leaders are making decisions they feel are in the best interest of our members.
 
QUESTIONS
Please monitor www.mihoa.com for answers to most of your questions. If you have additional questions, you may contact us via www.mihoa.com/contact.