Okay, I'm a sadist and want to become a ref. What do I need to do?

First thing you need to do is get a uniform:

Check out this link. I did a little digging on the usa hockey website and found it.

http://www.usahockey.com/minnesota_ric/

Dang, you're a tad late. The AHA Refs clinic was this past Saturday.

You basically have to register as an official, pass a book test, then take an online test. Register and attend a seminar to get certified, then get set up in the ref scheduling system. You ened to do it very soon though before games get scheduled so you can be considered. The ref calendar system is very comprehensive. It allows you to make your availability known by the hour to the woman who schedules refs. Great system.

You can go to any USA Hockey seminar. (I believe there's one at Augsburg on Halloween). I went to one in early October, before I heard about the AHA one, and that seemed to be good enough. If you hurry, there's still time!

What level of seminar do you have to sign up for to be an AHA ref?

If you're starting out, you have to do Level 1, which will get you some D1/D2/Beginner games.