Advancement: camps and development programs
How officials move up: USA Hockey levels and camps, the Advanced Officiating Development Program, and junior league exposure camps. The 2026 dates below have passed; watch the sources for 2027 announcements.
- USA Hockey runs summer officiating development camps. In 2026: Futures Camps (ages 18-28 with 2-3 years of experience), High-Performance Camps (ages 20-30) and the invitation-only Program of Merit. Futures and High-Performance camps cost $125 plus travel; housing, meals, ice and materials are provided. 2026 applications were due April 6. Source: USA Hockey - Summer Officiating Development Camps (2026) (checked Oct 5, 2026)
- The Advanced Officiating Development Program (AODP) is for USA Hockey registered officials aged 18-35. Its 2026 Prospect Camp ran June 25 to July 1 in Amherst, NY; entry is by invitation after a show-of-interest form, and representatives from the USHL, NAHL and others attend. Source: USA Hockey - Advanced Officiating Development Program (AODP) (checked Oct 5, 2026)
- From 2026-27, USA Hockey officials who are 16 or older and have completed Level 1 must advance to Level 2. Source: USA Hockey news: Mandatory Advancement Keeps Officials Moving Forward (published 2026-09-23) (checked Oct 5, 2026)
- In the Mid-American District, completely registered Level 4 officials may apply to work USA Hockey national tournaments. Source: Mid-Am Referees - Advancement (checked Oct 5, 2026)
- The NAHL officiating program works inside USA Hockey's AODP. Candidates must be USA Hockey registered and 18 or older, and work across the NAHL, NA3HL and NAPHL. Source: NAHL Officiating Overview (checked Oct 5, 2026)
- The 2026 NAHL officiating exposure camps (Rochester MI, Hooksett NH and Irvine CA, in April and May) required USA Hockey certification, age 18+ and at least one year of experience; applications closed February 1, 2026. Source: NAHL: 2026 NAHL Officiating Exposure Camp Registration Opens (2025-12-15) (checked Oct 5, 2026)