So what is really needed to become a referee?  The plain and simple answer is "desire".  Everything else (commitment to standards, self control, skating and rule knowledge) can all be learned in-house or during the El Paso referee seminar.
 
5 steps are required to become a referee:

1.  Go to:  http://www.usahockey.com/Template_USAHockey.aspx?Nav=OF&ID=19976 and register to become an "ice official (Referee)".  USAH will then mail the rule book to you.  Take your time and become familiar with it.

2. Obtain referee gear; black helmet, hand whistle (no neck rope), black ref pants, black & white stripe ref shirt (with removable orange bands) with your last name on the back, shin and groin protection.  Half shields required for anyone under the age of 18 and everyone doing Junior games.

3. Pass the "open book exam" (online) before attending the seminar.

4. Attend the El Paso referee seminar (1pm 23 Aug 08 at the rink) and you must bring your ref gear.  

Contact Rod Beich (referee@elpasohockey.org) by 10 Aug to be scheduled for this.

5. Pass the close book exam given during the El Paso referee seminar.

      THAT'S IT, YOU'RE DONE!

 
In general, referee are assigned games according to skating abilities, rule knowledge and age (you have to be older then the age group of the teams).  Game assignments are done by Rod.
 
If you have any questions, contact Rod at referee@elpasohockey.org