Along with in-depth coaching and education, officials are provided exposure to games at an appropriate level, determined by the official’s current skill set and experience, ensuring they are challenged without being overwhelmed. This might include Junior leagues, high-level women's hockey, or other competitive environments suitable for their development stage.

While most officials work from their hometown, some in the program have the option to relocate and live in league-sponsored housing during the season. These apartments are centrally located within the footprint of the leagues we assign. This puts the officials within driving distance of the cities they need to be in to work challenging games and develop their officiating skills.

The AODP employs a team of Officiating Coaches with extensive hockey backgrounds to evaluate performance during games and provide immediate feedback. To help officials master essential skills, the program includes pre-season camps, video analysis, and other instructional tools. These resources ensure that officials receive comprehensive training and support to succeed at higher levels of play.

Helping grassroots officials advance to Junior, College and Professional ice hockey is our primary mission. Our development ladder includes strong relationships with the following leagues:

• Various NCAA College Conferences
• American Collegiate Hockey Association
• United States Hockey League
• North American Hockey League
• North American 3 Hockey League

Candidates for the AODP must be USA Hockey registered officials aged between 18 and 35. We seek individuals who are exceptional skaters and athletes, eager to learn and committed to improving. While extensive officiating experience is not a prerequisite, candidates should have a solid grasp of fundamental officiating skills and be prepared to tackle more challenging levels of the game.

There are a variety of paths available to a successful AODP official. It’s up to the official to decide which direction they want to go.

Many officials have graduated from USA Hockey’s Advanced Officiating Development Program and reached the highest levels of hockey, including every American official that has recently been hired by the NHL. Some of the AODP’s most successful graduates include:

OVERVIEW
Organized alongside the USA Hockey Boys National 16 Player Development Camp, this unique event will be held from June 25th through July 1st, 2025 and offers aspiring officials the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially join the ranks of other like-minded officials in the Advanced Officiating Development Program (AODP). Participants will benefit from comprehensive classroom sessions, off-ice and on-ice testing, as well as the invaluable experience of operating within the Three- and Four-Official Systems. Moreover, attendees will receive constructive feedback from seasoned Officiating Coaches and the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities before AODP representatives from the USHL, NAHL, and others.

HOW TO APPLY
Please note that attendance at this camp is by invitation only to maintain a high standard of training and development. Interested candidates are kindly requested to express their interest by filling out our AODP Show-of-Interest Form. This form will add you to our database of potential officials, from which formal invitations to the AODP Prospect Camp will be distributed around May 1, 2025.

CAMP REGISTRATION FEE
A modest registration fee is required for those selected to participate, which covers the cost of housing, meals, facility use, and classroom materials, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience. Please note, travel expenses to and from Amherst, NY, are the responsibility of the participant.