Job Title: Off-Ice Official
Organization: Florida Everblades Hockey Club (ECHL)
Location: Hertz Arena, Estero, Florida
Employment Type: Game Days
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Job Overview:
The Florida Everblades, a professional hockey team in the ECHL affiliated with the St. Louis Blues (NHL) and Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL), are seeking dedicated and detail-oriented individuals to serve as Off-Ice Officials during home games at Hertz Arena. Off-ice officials play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of game-day activities, supporting on-ice officials, and maintaining the integrity of the game.
Key Responsibilities:
Off-ice officials may be assigned to one or more of the following roles during games, depending on skills, experience, and team needs:
- Scorekeeper: Record goals, assists, penalties, and other game statistics accurately on the official game sheet or digital scoring system. Ensure timely updates to the scoreboard and coordinate with on-ice officials to verify information.
- Timekeeper: Operate the game clock and penalty clocks, starting and stopping time following referee signals and ECHL rules. Announce time remaining as needed and assist with overtime and shootout procedures.
- Penalty Box Attendant: Manage the penalty boxes for both teams, ensuring players enter and exit at the correct times as directed by the officials. Maintain order and communicate with players and staff as necessary.
- Goal Judge: Positioned behind the net, determine whether a puck has crossed the goal line and signal goals to the referee. Work in coordination with video review officials when applicable.
- Game Statistician: Track and log detailed game statistics (e.g., shots on goal, faceoffs, ice time) for official records and media use.
- General Support: Assist with pre-game and post-game paperwork, distribute game sheets to appropriate personnel (e.g., coaches, league officials), and perform other duties as assigned by the game supervisor or hockey operations staff.
Qualifications:
- Strong understanding of hockey rules and gameplay, preferably with prior experience in hockey operations, officiating, or a related field.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to remain focused in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
- Reliable, punctual, and able to commit to the Florida Everblades’ home game schedule (typically 36 regular-season games, plus potential playoff games).
- Effective communication skills to interact with officials, team staff, and players.
- Basic computer skills for digital scoring systems or stat-tracking software (training provided as needed).
- Ability to work as part of a team and adapt to various roles as assigned.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Prior experience as an off-ice official, timekeeper, or scorekeeper in any level of hockey (amateur, junior, or professional) is a plus but not required.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during games (approximately 3-4 hours).
- Clear vision and hearing to observe game action and communicate effectively.
- Comfortable working in a cold arena environment.
Schedule:
- Off-ice officials are expected to arrive at Hertz Arena at least one hour before puck drop (typically 6:00 PM EST for 7:30 PM games) and remain until post-game duties are complete.
- Availability for Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night games is essential, as these are peak attendance nights for the Everblades.
- Playoff availability in April - June is strongly preferred.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
