Beginning with the 2025-26 season in Arizona, a new rule has been passed by the state affiliate (AAHA) that requires all brand-new officials to be 13 years old or older to be an on-ice official. This aligns us with other Rocky Mountain District states, such as Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Utah, where a minimum age requirement for on-ice officials is already in place. 

 

This change does not impact already certified officials for the current season, as all existing officials who have their full certification completed for the 2024-2025 season are grandfathered in.

Below, you will find a Q&A of the most common questions. 

 

Q: My child, 12 years or younger, wants to officiate but is not yet 13 years old. Can they officiate?
A: No, your child will not be able to be an on-ice official in Arizona until they have reached 13 years old. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Q: My child, 12 years or younger, completed their certification for USA Hockey in the 2024-25, but did not officiate during the season. Are they able to officiate in the 2025-26 season?
A: Yes, as long as your child completed their certification for USA Hockey in the 2024-25, and have the card and crest that USA Hockey provided, your child will be able to officiate.

Q: My child, 12 years or younger, did not complete their certification for USA Hockey in the 2024-25 season. Are they able to officiate in the 2025-26 season?
A: No, your child will not be able to be an on-ice official in Arizona until they have reached 13 years old. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Q: My child, 12 years or younger, wants to be a scorekeeper. Can they be a scorekeeper?
A: Yes, your child will be able to be a scorekeeper as this minimum age does not apply to that.

Q: My child is 12 years old and will turn 13 during the 2025-26 season. Can they get certified with USA Hockey and officiate once they turn 13?
A: Yes, your child will be able to complete the certification for USA Hockey, and once they turn 13 years old, will be able to be scheduled and officiate as an on-ice official in Arizona.

Q: I signed up for USA Hockey and paid for the registration but found out that my child will not be able to officiate due to the minimum age. Can I get a refund?
A: The registration process has a cautionary note suggesting that you confirm any age restrictions locally before registering your child. Therefore, per USA Hockey’s refund policy, there are no refunds provided once an official completes their registration online.