Mastering hard skills like rule knowledge, penalty assessment, and game management is important for a hockey referee to ensure fair play.
Popular Hockey Referee Resume Examples
Check out our top hockey referee resume examples that highlight important skills such as game management, conflict resolution, and rule enforcement. These examples will help you effectively showcase your experience to prospective employers.
Looking to build your ideal resume? Our Resume Builder offers user-friendly templates specifically designed for sports officials, making it simpler than ever to create a standout application.
Entry-level hockey referee resume
This entry-level resume effectively highlights the applicant's officiating experience and commitment to player safety, demonstrating their strong understanding of game rules and decision-making abilities.
New professionals in this field should showcase their practical experiences and any relevant certifications to assure employers of their readiness to handle game situations responsibly.
Mid-career hockey referee resume
This resume effectively showcases qualifications by detailing extensive officiating experience and leadership in training others. The structured presentation highlights readiness for advanced roles, emphasizing a commitment to safety and quality, which reflects significant career progression.
Experienced hockey referee resume
The work experience section illustrates the applicant's extensive experience as a hockey referee, demonstrating their ability to officiate over 75 matches per season while ensuring 100% compliance with safety rules. The clear formatting improves readability, making it easy for hiring managers to assess relevant achievements quickly.
Resume Template—Easy to Copy & Paste
Jane Smith
Riverside, CA 92509
(555)555-5555
Jane.Smith@example.com
Skills
- Game Regulation
- Team Coordination
- Conflict Resolution
- Game Management
- Rule Enforcement
- Time Management
- Communication
- Participant Safety
Certifications
- National Level Hockey Officiating - USA Hockey
- Advanced Referee Techniques - International Officiating Academy
Languages
- Spanish - Beginner (A1)
- French - Intermediate (B1)
- German - Beginner (A1)
Professional Summary
Experienced Hockey Referee with expertise in game regulation and team coordination. Adept at enforcing rules and optimizing officiating protocols, improving decision accuracy and participant safety.
Work History
Hockey Referee
Stride Sports Officiating - Riverside, CA
June 2023 - December 2025
- Officiated 200+ league games annually
- Enforced rules ensuring 95% compliance
- Reduced penalties by 30% over 2 seasons
Ice Rink Supervisor
Avalanche Arena Management - Lakeside, CA
June 2016 - May 2023
- Managed 15 ice rink staff members
- Increased rink attendance by 20%
- Optimized schedules saving K yearly
Assistant Referee
Glacial Referee Group - Lakeside, CA
June 2014 - May 2016
- Assisted in 100+ games per year
- Improved decision accuracy by 15%
- Implemented feedback sessions quarterly
Education
Master's Sports Management
University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI
May 2014
Bachelor's Sports Science
Ohio State University Columbus, OH
May 2012
How to Write a Hockey Referee Resume Summary
Your resume summary serves as the initial introduction to potential employers, making it important to craft a compelling first impression. As a hockey referee, you should highlight your understanding of the game, decision-making skills, and ability to manage player interactions effectively.
To assist you in creating a compelling resume summary, we will provide examples that illustrate what works well and what does not:
Weak resume summary
I am an experienced hockey referee with many games officiated. I seek a position that allows me to use my skills and contribute positively to the team. A supportive environment that values growth and development is what I’m looking for. I believe I can make a difference if given the chance.
- Lacks specific details about officiating experience or skills, making it vague
- Contains excessive personal language, making it feel less professional
- Emphasizes what the applicant desires from a job rather than highlighting their contributions and qualifications
Strong resume summary
Experienced hockey referee with over 7 years of officiating games at competitive levels, including junior leagues and high school championships. Successfully maintained a 95% accuracy rate in call-making and significantly reduced game-related penalties by 20% through effective communication and player management strategies. Proficient in rule interpretation, game flow management, and conflict resolution.
- Begins with a clear statement of experience level and the context of officiating
- Highlights quantifiable achievements that demonstrate effectiveness in maintaining game integrity
- Showcases relevant skills necessary for a successful referee role, appealing to employers looking for competent officials
PRO TIP
Showcasing Your Work Experience
The work experience section is important for your resume as a hockey referee, where you’ll present the bulk of your qualifications. Good resume templates always include this key section to highlight your relevant experiences.
This part of your resume should be organized in reverse-chronological order, detailing each officiating role you've held. Include bullet points that emphasize your achievements and contributions in each position.
Now, let's take a look at some examples that illustrate effective work history entries for hockey referees. These examples will guide you on what practices to embrace and which ones to avoid:
Hockey Referee
Local Hockey League – Anytown, USA
- Officiated hockey games.
- Ensured players followed the rules.
- Communicated with coaches and players.
- Maintained game flow and safety.
- Lacks specific details about the level of games officiated
- Bullet points are generic and don't highlight unique skills or achievements
- Does not mention any training or certifications relevant to officiating
Hockey Referee
Local Hockey Association – Toronto, ON
September 2020 - Present
- Officiate youth hockey games, ensuring adherence to rules and maintaining a safe playing environment for all participants.
- Manage game flow efficiently, leading to a 30% reduction in penalties and improving player satisfaction among teams.
- Conduct regular training sessions for new referees, improving their understanding of the game and increasing overall officiating quality.
- Uses strong action verbs that clearly convey the referee's responsibilities and achievements
- Incorporates specific metrics such as percentage reductions to highlight powerful results
- Demonstrates relevant skills like conflict resolution and team collaboration within the context of officiating
While your resume summary and work experience sections are important, don't overlook the importance of other sections that contribute to a well-rounded presentation. For detailed guidance on crafting each part effectively, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on how to write a resume.
Top Skills to Include on Your Resume
A well-defined skills section is important for a hockey referee's resume. It allows you to quickly demonstrate your qualifications and expertise, making it easier for employers to see your fit for the role.
Every resume should have a mix of hard skills and soft skills. Including a diverse range of relevant skills will make your application much stronger.
Equally important are soft skills such as communication, decisiveness, and conflict resolution to maintain authority on the ice and foster cooperation among players and coaches.
When selecting skills for your resume, it’s important to align them with what the employer expects. Many organizations use automated screening systems that filter out job seekers lacking essential resume skills for the position.
To effectively highlight your qualifications, take time to review job postings closely. They often provide valuable insights into which specific skills recruiters and ATS systems prioritize, ensuring your resume stands out in the selection process.
PRO TIP
10 skills that appear on successful hockey referee resumes
Improve your resume to catch the eye of recruiters by showcasing key skills that hockey referees need and that are in high demand. You can find these essential skills illustrated in our resume examples, giving you the confidence to apply for jobs with the assurance that a strong resume provides.
Here are 10 skills you should consider including in your resume if they align with your experience and job requirements:
Game knowledge
Decision-making
Communication
Conflict resolution
Physical fitness
Attention to detail
Time management
Team collaboration
Situational awareness
Rule enforcement
Based on analysis of 5,000+ sports professional resumes from 2023-2024
Resume Format Examples
Selecting the appropriate resume format is important for a hockey referee, as it showcases your key skills, on-ice experience, and career development in a clear and compelling way.
Functional
Focuses on skills rather than previous jobs

Best for:
Recent graduates and career changers with little to no experience in hockey officiating
Combination
Balances skills and work history equally

Best for:
Mid-career professionals focused on demonstrating their skills and potential
Chronological
Emphasizes work history in reverse order

Best for:
Seasoned officials adept at managing high-stakes games and mentoring newcomers
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include a cover letter with my hockey referee resume?
Absolutely! Including a cover letter can significantly improve your application by showcasing your personality and enthusiasm for the position. It allows you to highlight relevant experiences and explain why you're a great fit.
If you're looking for tips, check out our guide on how to write a cover letter or use our user-friendly Cover Letter Generator to help you get started quickly.
Can I use a resume if I’m applying internationally, or do I need a CV?
As a hockey referee, you might consider using a CV instead of a resume when applying for positions in countries where CVs are the standard. To create an effective CV, explore our comprehensive resources on how to write a CV that offer templates and guidelines tailored for international job seekers.
Additionally, reviewing CV examples can provide further insight into crafting your document effectively.
What soft skills are important for hockey referees?
Soft skills like communication, interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and decisiveness are essential for hockey referees. These abilities help referees manage player interactions while maintaining game flow effectively, fostering respect on the ice and contributing to a fair playing environment.
I’m transitioning from another field. How should I highlight my experience?
Highlight your transferable skills such as conflict resolution, decision-making, and communication when applying for hockey referee positions. Even if your experience is outside officiating, these abilities showcase your readiness to manage games effectively.
Use concrete examples from past roles to illustrate how you've handled similar responsibilities in high-pressure situations.
Should I use a cover letter template?
Yes, using a cover letter template tailored for hockey referees can improve the structure of your application. This approach helps to clearly showcase your officiating experience, communication skills, and ability to handle high-pressure situations effectively to hiring managers.
How do I write a resume with no experience?
If you're aiming to become a hockey referee but lack formal experience, don't worry. Highlight your knowledge of the game, any officiating courses you've taken, and your involvement in local leagues or youth programs.
It's beneficial to showcase your leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and commitment to fair play. Employers value passion and dedication as much as experience. For more guidance on creating a resume with no experience, you can find helpful tips online.





