Officials Clinics – 2026–2027 Season
Hockey Manitoba Officials Certification
Hockey Manitoba is pleased to offer a hybrid officiating certification model for the 2026–2027 season. The program combines Hockey Canada online learning with Hockey Manitoba classroom, on-ice, and virtual instruction to prepare officials for the upcoming hockey season.
Whether you are registering as a new official or returning for another season, all officials must first complete the required Hockey Canada online prerequisite before attending a Hockey Manitoba clinic.
Before You Register
Important Requirements
- All new and returning officials must complete the required Hockey Canada Learning Lab or prerequisite online course before registering for a Hockey Manitoba clinic.
- Hockey Canada online courses will open Monday, Aug 24, 2026.
- All officials must register through the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR).
- All officials must complete their certification requirements by December 1, 2026 to remain certified for the season.
- Registration for Hockey Canada Learning Lab & Prerequisite courses opens Monday, August 24, 2026. ALL clinics will open up Tuesday, September 1, 2026
New Officials
Welcome to Hockey Manitoba Officiating!
If you are becoming an official for the first time, your certification begins by completing the Hockey Canada Learning Lab before attending a Hockey Manitoba Level 1 Clinic.
Step 1 – Complete the Hockey Canada Learning Lab these are visible to the public Aug 10; won’t open till Aug 24 )
- Register through the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR).
- Receive your Learning Lab access by email.
- Complete the online Learning Lab and certification exam.
Learning Lab Registration Link: Clinic Registration | HOCKEY MANITOBA
Step 2 – Register for a Hockey Manitoba Level 1 Clinic
Once your online course has been completed, register for any Hockey Manitoba Level 1 clinic that best fits your schedule. Officials may attend any clinic regardless of location and will continue to officiate within their home association.
Step 3 – Attend Your Clinic
Your Level 1 certification includes:
- Hockey Canada prerequisite and exam
- In-person classroom instruction
- Mandatory on-ice practical session
Eligibility
Officials entering Level 1 must be 12 years of age or older by December 31, 2026.
Important Information
Officials who have completed the Hockey Canada Learning Lab are eligible to begin officiating before attending their in-person clinic. However, the classroom and on-ice session must be completed by December 1, 2026 to become fully certified.
New Official Checklist
✔ Create your Spordle Account
✔ Link your previous Hockey Canada profile (if applicable)
✔ Complete the Hockey Canada Learning Lab and certification exam
✔ Register for a Hockey Manitoba Level 1 Clinic
✔ Attend the classroom session
✔ Attend the mandatory on-ice session
Returning Officials
Returning officials must complete the required Hockey Canada prerequisite online module before registering for their Hockey Manitoba clinic. The certification exam is completed immediately following the online prerequisite rather than during the clinic.
Officials should register for the clinic that matches their current certification level and officiating experience.
Hockey Canada Prerequisite Modules ( these are visible to the public Aug 10 wont open till Aug 24 )
Returning Level 1 link: Clinic Registration | HOCKEY MANITOBA
Level 2 link: Clinic Registration | HOCKEY MANITOBA
Level 3 link: Clinic Registration | HOCKEY MANITOBA
Once the prerequisite has been completed, officials must register separately for their Hockey Manitoba clinic.
Clinic Levels
Level 1 (Returning Officials)
Recommended Age: 13–14
The Returning Level 1 Clinic is designed for officials who have completed their first season and are continuing to develop the fundamental skills required to officiate minor hockey. Officials participate in an in-person classroom session and mandatory skating session that reinforces rule application, positioning, confidence, communication, and consistency while preparing them for increased responsibilities throughout the season.
Certification Requirements
✔ Complete the Hockey Canada prerequisite module and exam
✔ Register for a Hockey Manitoba Level 1 Clinic
✔ Attend the classroom session
✔ Attend the mandatory skating session
Level 2
Recommended Age: 15–16
Level 2 clinics are delivered online and are intended for officials who have gained experience and are beginning to officiate more competitive levels of hockey. This clinic focuses on preparing officials for increased game responsibility, stronger game management, improved communication, and greater consistency while introducing the expectations associated with higher levels of competition and the three-official system.
Certification Requirements
✔ Complete the Hockey Canada Level 2 prerequisite module
✔ Register for a Hockey Manitoba Level 2 Clinic
✔ Attend the online Zoom clinic
Level 3
Recommended Age: 17 and Older
Level 3 clinics are delivered online and are intended for experienced officials working advanced levels of hockey. Officials participating at this level are expected to demonstrate strong rule knowledge, professionalism, leadership, and advanced game management while continuing to prepare for provincial championships and elite league opportunities.
Please Note: Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders is a prerequisite for Level 3 certification.
Certification Requirements
✔ Complete the Hockey Canada Level 3 prerequisite module
✔ Register for a Hockey Manitoba Level 3 Clinic
✔ Attend the online Zoom clinic
Level 3 Plus (L3+)
Target Officials: Experienced officials aspiring to officiate Junior, Senior, U18 AAA, U SPORTS, and other higher levels of hockey.
The Level 3 Plus Clinic is Hockey Manitoba’s advanced development clinic for officials who are working toward elite-level assignments and future selection to the High Performance Program. This clinic is intended for officials who have demonstrated success at the Level 3 standard and are committed to continuing their development through advanced education, self-evaluation, and mentorship.
Participants will gain a better understanding of the expectations required to officiate higher levels of hockey while learning about the standards, professionalism, preparation, and performance required to advance within the Hockey Manitoba Officiating Program. The clinic also provides guidance on evaluation processes, league expectations, provincial championships, and the pathway toward High Performance and Hockey Canada opportunities.
Certification Requirements
✔ Complete the Hockey Canada Level 3 prerequisite module
✔ Register for a Hockey Manitoba Level 3 Plus Clinic
✔ Attend the online Zoom clinic
Please Note: Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders is a prerequisite for participation.
High Performance & National High Performance
The High Performance and National High Performance Programs are by invitation only.
Officials selected for these programs have demonstrated outstanding performance, leadership, professionalism, and consistency while officiating the highest levels of hockey within Manitoba. Selection is based on evaluations conducted throughout the season by Hockey Manitoba’s officiating leadership and development team.
These programs provide the highest level of officiating development available within the province and prepare officials for Junior, Senior, U SPORTS, national championships, and international opportunities through advanced education, mentorship, fitness standards, performance evaluations, and elite on-ice development.
Clinic Season
Officials clinics will be offered throughout Manitoba from September through the end of November 2026.
Registration Instructions
Certification consists of two separate registrations.
Step 1
Register for and complete the required Hockey Canada Learning Lab or prerequisite online course.
Step 2
Register separately for the appropriate Hockey Manitoba clinic.
Please Note: The Hockey Canada prerequisite must match the Hockey Manitoba clinic you are registering for. Completing the Hockey Canada online course does not automatically register you for a Hockey Manitoba clinic.
Need Assistance?
For more information regarding Hockey Manitoba Officials Clinics, please contact:
Tyler Wiwchar
Senior Coordinator, Officials Development
Hockey Manitoba
