Why?

The big leagues can be really scary for noobs that are coming in. Especially, for new refs going into hockey, a place where a brawl can happen anytime. So of course they are going into a intense training session of getting hit. They also train to not be afraid of this big heavy and sometimes even really aggressive players. The worst part is that refs dont wear much protection but are still in the ice ring along side every player.

Now, this refs need to seriously prepare and it is said their training routine is as hard as any Marines out there. It is one of the toughest 2 months course consisting of 7 days week and 10 hours a day. This is their job so they don't need to go anywhere else or need to earn money some other way. They are getting paid while in this course and also have life insurance in case they get hurt. One of the founders of this course and leaders who are preparing refs said "This year many refs will get hurt but it is only to protect them out there in the ring. A place where anything can happen!"

Do they after do something else after this?

Afte this intense training session, the refs must take a written test and a multiple choice test. The written test needs to be 3 pages long explaining a whole game and must have on time where a fight happens. They must explain what they would do in that fight or if someone ran into them while in the ice. The multiple choice will be around 70 question that all about different possible outcomes.