Official’s Spotlight - Jared McMullen

By USAJHM Staff, 01/10/19, 8:00AM EST

BOSTON, MA -- During a hockey game, who has the toughest job on the ice? The officials.

There is no game with no officials, and no individuals get more criticism throughout the sport. The officials are in charge of monitoring the game in a fair and honest manner. They are also involved with every play, as they can never make a line change, and throughout the contest they need to be as invisible as possible. There is no task more difficult than officiating a hockey game, and as a thank you to these top-notch individuals, the USAJHM will be presenting a monthly official’s spotlight, highlighting an advocate of the game that has gone above and beyond.

This month’s official’s spotlight features Jared McMullen.

When did you first get involved in hockey, and what interested you in the officiating side of the game?

I first started skating when I was 2 years old and quickly grew into loving hockey and played on multiple tier 1 youth and junior programs. I first was introduced to officiating in Rhode Island and I quickly realized that it was the route I wanted to take. It is a job to this day that still I love and from which I have built great relationships with coaches and players that are widely respected.

How long have you been an official for and what’s the biggest thing you’ve learned while in your role?

I have been an official for 9 years. I began officiating when I was only 15, reffing youth hockey and then got involved with referees crease when I was around 20, which helped propel my career to where I wanted to be while also learning some essential knowledge that really helped me become the official I am today. One of the biggest things I have learned is to always have patience either with explaining to a coach or anticipating a play. Having good patience will help you excel at being an official especially at higher levels of play.

How has junior hockey helped push you in your officiating career?

Junior hockey has and continues to be a key part to my success and advancement as an official. I would say Junior hockey did have the biggest impact on my officiating career mostly thanks to the Gene Binda, Gene Binda Jr., and Referees Crease. Throughout my Junior officiating experience the Binda’s were always there when you needed a good supervisory take of the game you were working. In addition, juniors is the cornerstone to either college or pro hockey, so being able to work these games can really teach you a lot as an official.

What accomplishments have you achieved as an official?

NCAA DI - Men’s Linesman Atlantic Hockey
NCAA DI - Women’s Referee NEWHA & CHA
NCAA DII/III - Men’s Referee/Linesman
Referee/Linesman - NAHL
Referee/Linesman - USPHL
Referee/Linesman - EHL
Supervisor Ocean State Ice Hockey Officials
Regional USA Officials Camp

Looking forward, what are your short-term and long-term goals?

My biggest short-term goal is to work the Atlantic Hockey Division 1 Men’s Playoffs at the end of the season.

My long-term goal is to eventually become a referee for Division I men’s or pro hockey.

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