Referees advance through a similar series of levels as judges and must take the required examinations and have the required experience to advance.

The referee oversees the ice conditions, ensures that all rules applicable to the test or competition are followed and acts as chairman of the judges' panel and arbiter in policy or procedure disputes. During an event the referee also trouble shoots, for example, if a skater's lace comes undone, the referee will take appropriate action. At smaller events, the referee will typically act as both referee and one of the judges.

The Referees is also responsible for writing reports on the judges assessing their performance at a specific event. At qualifying events, referee reports are usually completed for all judges. The reports are reviewed order to promote officials. The referee also conducts review meetings for the judges at the conclusion of a Canadian Championship. At these meetings, judges discuss such things as placements, deductions taken, and marks awarded.