News Archive

Scholarships

CHOA Board of Directors is now accepting Online Scholarship applications. This form will be available on this website until May 31st, 2010. Applications received after May 31st will not be considered for this year's Scholarship Fund.

Find out more about the Scholarship Program and how to apply by clicking here

Cascade Hockey Officials Association

CHOA Elections

Please review this document as it pertains to the changes in our Election Process which take effect this year. For all Nominations/Absentee Form questions, please email elections@choaref.org

Mr. Bill Higgins has been appointed as the Chair of the Elections Committee and will guide the Association through the new procedures.

The Absentee Ballot is available here and the Instructions are available here.

This year's General Meeting and Elections will be held on Saturday, April 17th, 2010, 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Everett Comcast Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett WA 98201.


Young CHOA Officials are making great progress and advancing through the ranks!

Geoff Kuth

On February 5th 2010, CHOA Official Geoff Kuth made his debut as a Referee in a Junior A (Tier 3) game. Geoff worked the NorPac League game as the Head Referee with Justin Nicol (CHOA) and Johnny Norlin (PSHOA) as his Linesmen. This is Geoff's first season as a NorPac official in which he has worked as a Linesman until he was rewarded with a Referee spot by Norm Perkins, the League Assignor. Everyone in CHOA is extremely proud of Geoff's dedication and progress and we know that this is only one of many great things to come in his future as a referee. Congratulations, Geoff and we wish you continuing success!

Geoff Kuth
From left to right: Justin, Geoff, Johnny.

Brienne Stewart

On the same night, Brienne Stewart got invited to the Women's Western Regional Development Camp by none other than Matt Leaf! Although relatively new to Officiating, Brienne has worked hard this year and has taken great strides in improving her game and it hasn't gone without notice as she gets chosen to a very Select Camp for young female officials. Congratulations to Brienne and keep up the good work!

Brienne Stewart
Brienne Stewart

State Tournaments

Although the decision is still to be made at the PNAHA level, the CHOA Board of Directors recently recommended several of our up and coming young officials to the State Tournaments which will be held in the next couple of months. We will post the names of those who will be selected as soon as they are released.

To All Our Young Officials

Finally, CHOA would like to thank all our first, second and third year officials who are working extremely hard and making great progress each and every game you work! The difference between this year and years past has been considerable and we are all very proud of the work you have done! And this is only the beginning! As we move forward in our Development of young officials, stories like Geoff's and Brienne's will become a rule rather than exceptions and we are looking for all of you to achieve everything you set out to do as USA Hockey Officials!

THANK YOU!

Cascade Hockey Officials Association


The CHOA Board of Directors is looking for some member volunteers to help with the following:

  • Quarterly Newsletter Publishing
  • Event Planning
  • Website Development
  • Seminar Assistance Staff
  • And many others...

If you would like to volunteer for any of the above, please email board@choaref.org and we'll put you to work!

News: October 2009

CHOA Board: October Meeting

Our Monthly CHOA Board Meeting will take place at the Lynnwood Library. Details can be found here

Acxiom Screening:

If you are a USA Hockey Official or Coach, you are 18 years of age or older and you have not yet completed your Background check or you last completed the Background Check in 2006, please follow the instructions posted on our website and complete the Screening process now. If you do not complete the screening, you will not be allowed to work any USA Hockey Games, including Adults until your name shows up on the Approved Volunteers List posted on PNAHA's website.

Registration for the 2009/2010 season is now open at usahockey.com

2009 USAH Seminars:

For a complete listing of all PNAHA Seminars, please check the PNAHA website

Test Help Available for Brand New Officials:

For our young officials who might be struggling completing the on-line test, we have established the testhelp@choaref.org alias to assist with any questions regarding the exam. We encourage all officials to send in their questions to that alias so that someone can get back to them and assist with finding the answer.

CHOA Referee Jersey program

If you have an older linesman sweater (USA Hockey or NHL) and you would like to donate it to one of our brand new officials, please send an email to jerseys@choaref.org Include your name, sweater size, style and condition. We will collect the sweaters and distribute them to the kids before they take the ice for the first time. Thanks in advance for making it easier for our kids to get started!

New CHOA Rating System

CHOA Rating System has been updated. More details about the system and how it aligns with CHOA's overall Development program to follow.

Online Paystubs

CHOA has moved to an online banking payment system thus eliminating the need for paper and printer supplies, saving the Association approximately $1,500 annually.The change took place in August 2009 and all payment history since then are now available online. For any questions regarding payments, please contact treasurer@choaref.org


News: September 2009

Acxiom Screening:

If you are a USA Hockey Official or Coach, you are 18 years of age or older and you have not yet completed your Background check or you last completed the Background Check in 2006, please follow the instructions posted on our website and complete the Screening process now. If you do not complete the screening, you will not be allowed to work any USA Hockey Games, including Adults until your name shows up on the Approved Volunteers List posted on PNAHA's website.

Registration for the 2009/2010 season is now open at usahockey.com

2009 USAH Seminars:

Confirmed dates and times for all CHOA and other Puget Sound seminars are now posted on this website
For a complete listing of all PNAHA Seminars, please check the PNAHA website

Test Help Available for Brand New Officials:

For our young officials who might be struggling completing the on-line test, we have established the testhelp@choaref.org alias to assist with any questions regarding the exam. We encourage all officials to send in their questions to that alias so that someone can get back to them and assist with finding the answer.

CHOA Referee Jersey program

If you have an older linesman sweater (USA Hockey or NHL) and you would like to donate it to one of our brand new officials, please send an email to jerseys@choaref.org Include your name, sweater size, style and condition. We will collect the sweaters and distribute them to the kids before they take the ice for the first time. Thanks in advance for making it easier for our kids to get started!

News: August 2009

District Officials Seminar

If you missed this email from USA Hockey, here are the details

Dear USA Hockey Official, This message is to inform you that there are still a few spaces available for the District Officiating Seminar in San Diego, CA. The seminar begins early on Friday, August 28th and will wrap up around noon on Sunday, August 30th. This seminar is a great opportunity for all who choose to attend to spend three days developing their skills as an official. In the classroom, you will receive basic and advanced instruction from some of the top instructors and supervisors on both the Pacific District and USA Hockey National Staff. These instructors have worked some of the top collegiate and professional leagues in the country, and more importantly they have many years of teaching experience at various officiating camps and seminars across the country. On the ice, you will participate in 3-4 hours of power-skating instruction that will teach you skating drills and exercises to bring home and practice. Most of our past attendees agree that this is one of the most beneficial parts of the weekend. Another benefit of attending this DOS is the fact that it will fulfill your required seminar attendance (Level 3 and below) for the 2009-10 registration season. During the weekend, you will receive a thorough explanation of the 2009-11 Rule Changes and take your Level 2 or 3 Closed Book Exam on the final day. For anyone planning to attempt Level 4 status this season, you will still have to attend a Level 4 seminar, but the DOS provides a great opportunity for you to prepare for your Level 4 testing. I’ve attached an invitation packet that will answer other questions you may have. The application is included as well. If you have any further inquiries, please feel free to contact BJ Ringrose ( BJR@usahockey.org). We look forward to seeing you in San Diego, BJ Ringrose Coordinator of Officials Education USA Hockey

Older...

In Memorium... This Monday, March 3rd, we lost a great mother and friend in Barb Maley. Barb was a terrific person with a great love for hockey and will be truly missed by all in the hockey community. She served as the youth hockey administrator for Seattle Junior Hockey Association. Her final act in this world was playing the game she loved. In addition to being a loving mother, supportive teammate and selfless friend, Barb was one of the most joyful souls any of us will ever know. Our thoughts and prayers are with Barb's family during this very difficult time. There will be a memorial service at Olympic View Arena at 11:30AM this Sunday March 9th. Check the SJHA website for any possible last minute time changes.

2007-2008 CHOA Year End Party

Please read:
To match with Pacific District policy, the CHOA Board has agreed that all Adult games will be officiated by adults only. No one under 18 is permitted to request adult games - even if your CHOA level permits you to do so . In our experience, even the most skilled minor officials often do not receive the respect deserved just because he/she is a minor. This is not a change of policy, but rather a re-enforcement of the current standard.

Thank you for your understanding.

Recent Site Outage.
On Saturday, Nov 26th, 2005 www.choaref.org went offline due to some circumstances that were beyond our control. After getting all the necessary information and contacting the responsible parties, we were able to get the site back online on Thursday, 12/01/2005.
We apologize for any incovenience this outage may have caused to our officials and customers and we thank you for your patience!

Treasurer Wanted!
The board of directors for CHOA are recruiting a treasurer / book keeper for the 2006 / 2007 season. This paid position would begin following the March annual general meeting. Training would start earlier. Experience with basic accounting and Quick books software is preferred. You do not need to be a hockey official or even a current member of CHOA to apply. Great part time job, working from home.
All interested parties should contact the Treasurer as soon as possible.

Annual Meeting March 9, 2005 - Results

The annual meeting and elections were held at Olympicview arena. Below are the results of the elections, new board members take office on April 1.

PresidentNorm Perkins
Vice-PresidentJon Essex
Sec/RegistrarAnnette Lin
TreasurerSteve Boyce
AssignorGeorge Kuth
DirectorScott McClellan
DirectorAlex Nayberg
DirectorMandy Reale


Fall 2004: USA Hockey Online Registration Follow the instructions for registering as an Official. You will need your USA Hockey Officials number and a credit card to pay online.

Please register for your eligible level (level 2 or 3). This helps CHOA determine your rating and helps USA Hockey determine eligibility for camps, tournaments and other programs.

For more information visit USA Hockey.


Annual Meeting March 9, 2004 - Results

The annual CHOA meeting and elections were held at Olympicview arena Tuesday. The meeting was well attended and we thank all those who were there to run for a board position and to cast their vote. Below are the results of the elections, new board members take office on April 1.

PresidentNorm Perkins
Vice-PresidentJon Essex
TreasurerSteve Boyce
AssignorScott McClellan
Secretary/RegistrarMark Pierson
DirectorBill Higgins
DirectorBill Ort


December 21, 2003 - New Web Host

Transfer of the CHOA web site to our new web host is complete.

Everything went smoothly and except for some color changes, you should notice few differences. Thanks for your patience during the transition.


Adrian in Action
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In Memory of Adrian Berg:
(July 4, 1984 - April 17,2003)

Read the Memorial...

CHOA Remembrance...