Frequently Asked Questions
Fellow Officials:
We have heard a lot of buzz around the rinks, over the phone, and in person about the impact this new association will have — or is rumored to have — on the status of officiating ice hockey in the state of New Jersey. Below you will find answers to some of the most common questions we've been asked. If you have other questions, or are confused by our responses, please feel free to reach out to the people listed below.
What is NJHSHOA?
The New Jersey High School Hockey Officials Association (NJHSHOA) is an organization formed to help promote the sport of ice hockey at the high school level in New Jersey. Hockey officials are in high demand, and recruitment and training efforts have fallen behind. This group was created to address these issues and proactively prevent an officiating crisis in New Jersey high school hockey. Its mission is to recruit, train, mentor, and educate — on an ongoing basis — all members, new and old, on how to put their "best self" on the ice as a referee. We serve the entire state and are well versed in bringing out the best qualities in the officials we put on the ice.
Why not just stay with NIHOA-Metro or SJIHOA?
NIHOA has been an association necessary to an official's pursuit of officiating at a higher level. It has been the foundation of high school officiating in New Jersey since 1957, and many of its members used the local chapter as a springboard into collegiate and professional officiating. That stepping stone is no longer necessary, as many young officials now bypass NIHOA altogether and join the officiating ranks at the collegiate level and beyond.
The executive members of NJHSHOA believe that NIHOA-Metro is no longer acting in the best interest of all parties. It has failed to adequately educate its members, still operating under the assumption that an official — new or old — has nothing more to learn. NIHOA expects new members to be "game ready" without a fully established training model for new members or an ongoing training system for veterans.Its felt that mandatory meetings could offer more tangible info that could assist officials some way
Do I need to be a member of NJHSHOA to work high school games — regular season, cup, or state?
Not at all. As with many other sports in New Jersey, officials who join one chapter can work games assigned by another region's assignor. NJHSHOA will work with all officials regardless of chapter affiliation. As an official, you are an at-will worker, meaning you can work for whomever you'd like. Games need to be played, assigned, and officiated — all games (regular season, cup, or state) will continue to be assigned in the same manner.
What is the advantage of being a member of NJHSHOA over NIHOA?
First, you'll be paying dues to one less organization — only to NJSIAA and NJHSHOA. Membership in NJHSHOA ensures you stay well-educated and current with the newest trends in ice hockey officiating. Just as all good players need a good coach, officials need a coach, mentor, or evaluator to suggest new ways of thinking and doing things — or simply to validate that they're performing at the appropriate level. We want members who want to be the best they can be.
What is the difference between NIHOA insurance and NJHSHOA insurance?
Technically, the insurance provided by NIHOA and NJHSHOA is the same, and NIHOA and NJSIAA insurance are also essentially the same. You've been overpaying for secondary insurance coverage for years. You're welcome to continue doing so by staying with NIHOA, but we don't feel that's a sound financial decision — the choice, of course, is yours. A copy of the insurance policy will be posted on the NJHSHOA website for your review.
Is the new group, NJHSHOA, anti-NIHOA?
No, absolutely not! Members of NIHOA are good people and good officials. We hope you continue to strive to be the best official possible.
Is it true that this new group wants to transition high school hockey to USA Hockey?
No. All New Jersey high school sports, including ice hockey, are governed by the NJSIAA (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association). The NJSIAA is a voting member of the NFHS and remains the governing body for high school athletics in the state. The NJSIAA has mandated that NFHS rules shall be used in all HS sports in NJ.
Who are the officials associated with NJHSHOA?
Currently, members of the NJ high school ice hockey community make up part of the executive board. As our numbers grow, that will change, and we'll hold elections for executive offices just like any other organization. We're seeking ice hockey officials who are newer to the sport but have good skating ability, a good attitude, and a willingness to learn; members of other chapters who are disenfranchised with the current system and want to switch (though we aren't actively recruiting you); and other officials who have tried for years to join other associations but have been stonewalled.
What is the cost to join NJHSHOA?
Initial dues are set at $35. This covers incidentals needed to run the organization, including a new patch — just like SJIHOA's — to wear on your jersey. All monies collected will be published at each association meeting, and any excess funds at season's end will be used to reduce entry costs the following season. An independent audit of funds will be conducted periodically and published on the website.
Is it true that Jack Lally was fired as rules interpreter?
No. Jack remains the state rules interpreter and serves as rules interpreter for NJHSHOA, while Metro has named Jon Cohen as their rules interpreter. Rules will be communicated seamlessly across all three officiating chapters. Jack is also in the final year of his term on the national rules committee.
This sounds good — I've decided to join. How do I join?
There's a short application process online at njhshoa.org. In the menu, click "JOIN US" and fill out the form as directed. Under the HS Varsity Status section, select either "Current/Returning Varsity Official" or "Have Not Been a Varsity Official." You'll be contacted by email shortly afterward regarding meetings and in-person, on-ice evaluations.
Regardless of where you land, good luck in your upcoming high school hockey season. We value all of you!
If you have further questions please feel free to reach out to Jack Lally