Officiating Camp

Don Koharski Officiating & Development Camp.

Regardless the business or area of expertise, one thing great professional’s desire is to share their experience with those who may not have had the same opportunities. They give back, they try and repay in kind, they help others realize their dreams, they help the next generation dream to achieve.

That, in a nutshell, is the underlying philosophy of the Don Koharski Officiating and Development Camp, the current version which runs July 31st to August 3rd 2009 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada.

The location is pertinent as Don [Donald as he is famously called by Susan, his devoted wife/CEO of the family run operation or Koho as he is familiar to millions of hockey fans] is an honored member of the Nova Scotia Hockey Hall of Fame [Class of 2007]. The gregarious and characteristically emotional, self effacing gentleman beams with pride whenever he talks about what it means for the opportunity to share with his experience with officials in his beloved Maritimes.

The current success of the camp is the crowning achievement of a star studded career, affording the sage the chance to share the skills and stories learned from 30 plus years of professional hockey ranging from the infancy of the World Hockey Association [WHA] to NHL All Star Games, Canada Cups, World Cups, Stanley Cup Finals and his ascension to the top of the game. His obvious love of and respect for the game attracts the best instructors from the NHL staff and top amateur officiating instructors from across the Maritimes to help develop aspiring officials and perhaps more importantly help the students realize that no matter the circumstances, no matter the obstacles, anything is possible with right mix of attitude, effort and determination.

The camp is open to male and female students of all ages from beginners to those seeking to advance to the professional level. The student to instructor ratio is purposely intended to maximize one on one instruction with interactive learning sessions designed to encourage both instructors and students to engage in the process.

The camp has a long tradition of developing top notch officials, current NHL linesman Tim Nowak attended the school well over a decade ago, while rookie NHL referee Ghislain Hebert is among over thirty graduates over the last six years to officiate in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and various other professional hockey leagues.

Each student will officiate games followed by an individualized interview and report of their strengths while identifying areas of improvement. The busy schedule includes eight hours of on ice instruction combined with a minimum of six hours of class room lecture. The schedule is designed to offer a casual yet inspired environment identifying areas of improvement and skills that require further attention to detail with the ultimate goal of achieving each student’s individual goals.

Please visit www.dkrefcamps.com for more information and to receive an early registration bonus.