06/16/2026
We asked our officials from across Canada: What advice would you give someone thinking about becoming an official? 🤔
• “Do it. It's not easy but it is rewarding. Just volunteer whenever you can. and... play the sport! It helps.” Cpt Broussard - Squash
• “Do it! You will be a better athlete and coach if you understand all the rules thoroughly.” Cpt Lacoursiere - Powerlifting
• “I think it is one of the best ways to give back to sport. Officiating is a graduated system where you start with the basics and get mentored along the way and continue to progress to higher level competitions as your experience grows.” MWO Henshaw - Triathlon
• “Do it, you learn a lot about yourself and learn some great skills” Cpl Wilson - Hockey
• “It is a rewarding experience and an opportunity to meet lots of new people and travel all over Canada.” Cpl Sweetman - Hockey
• “First and foremost, have fun. If you aren't enjoying doing this, it isn't worth doing and not for you. Learn when and how to engage and when to skate away. This is a completely different and unique perspective of the game.” LCdr (Ret) Everett – Hockey
• “I’d say don’t be afraid to take the plunge. Being an official requires hard work, confidence, and resilience, but it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. You have to be willing to learn constantly, view mistakes as opportunities for growth, and always remain professional and impartial.” Cpl Grenier - Hockey, SloPitch, Rugby-7s, Soccer
• “Don’t take things personally, stay confident in your decisions, and remain calm under pressure. Be open to feedback and always look to improve. But most importantly, enjoy the experience and the opportunity to stay involved in the game.” Cpt Carnegie – Hockey
Canadian Armed Forces Sports / Sports des Forces armées canadiennes
