USA Hockey Congress Approves Requirement For Neck Laceration Protection Starting August 1
-UPDATE – 8-13-2024
From: Jon Hosking <jhosking@maha.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 9:13 AM
Subject: Neck Laceration Protection
As you are all aware Thursday will be August 1, which marks the date where Neck Laceration becomes mandatory for all players at with the exception of Adults, where it will be strongly recommended. There has been some confusion across the country on the implementation of this new rule. Here are a couple of key points as well as a document that can be of assistance if necessary.
- In all disciplines except for Adults, Neck Laceration Protection is mandatory for all players. Junior Players and youth players over the age of 18 are required to wear Neck Laceration Protection when playing in those classifications.
- Goaltenders who wear the danglers off their masks still must wear proper Neck Laceration Protection
- Officials under the age of 18 are required to wear Neck Laceration protection. All other officials are strongly urged to wear Neck Laceration protection.
- Neck Laceration Protection should be worn for all on ice activities.
- During games, the first violation will result in a team warning. A second violation will be a Misconduct penalty. If a Neck Laceration protector comes off during play, play will not be stopped. At the next whistle, the player must put the protection back on or leave the ice.
These are some of the common issues, I am sure that we will have others that will pop up. When in doubt please let me know so that we can get and convey accurate information to our teams and coaches.
Here is a note that includes the language in the rulebook for some of the disciplines, please note that the High School reference here is for teams playing under USA Hockey. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Below is the language of the rule as it applies the USA Hockey Playing Rulebook, Junior Rulebook and Sled Rulebook.
It does not only apply to players under 18. If you are in youth, girls, high school, and junior hockey you are required to wear a neck laceration protector no matter what your age. The only exemption for age is those players registered and playing in a USAH Adult classified league/tournament.
On-ice officials under the age of 18 are required to wear a neck laceration protector.
Penalties are like any other equipment violation: following a team warning the next violation results in a misconduct penalty.
For this season, there is no certification required for a neck laceration protector. The equipment worn must be “designed for that purpose” with cut resistant material.
Hope this helps.
Kevin
USA Hockey Official Rules and Casebook of Ice Hockey
Rule 304 Protective Equipment
(g) All players, including goalkeepers, in all age classifications except Adults are required to wear a neck laceration protector designed for that purpose that covers as much of the neck area as possible, and are recommended to wear cut-resistant socks, sleeves or undergarments. USA Hockey strongly recommends that Adult players wear a neck laceration protector designed for that purpose that covers as much of the neck area as possible and are also recommended to wear cut-resistant socks, sleeves or undergarments.
(h) All players who wear the required, or recommended, protective equipment must wear it in the manner for which it is designed without any alterations.
For violation of this rule, following a team warning, a misconduct penalty for an equipment violation shall be imposed.
Rule 501 Appointment of Officials
(c) All On-Ice Officials shall wear black trousers and an official sweater with the current USA Hockey officiating crest on the left chest of the sweater during all games. Any other crest that is worn must be located on either arm of the sweater. The wearing of nameplates and/or numbers shall be regulated by each League.
Each official is required to wear a black hockey helmet, with chin strap properly fastened, and a non-altered halfshield visor properly attached to their helmets. All officials under the age of 18-years are required to wear a neck laceration protector designed for that purpose. All Officials who are 18 years of age or older are strongly recommended to wear a neck laceration protector designed for that purpose.
Published By USA Hockey, 01/28/24, 9:30AM MST
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The USA Hockey Congress today approved legislation requiring the use of neck laceration protection for players in all age classifications, other than adults, in games and practices, as well as for on-ice officials under the age of 18, effective August 1, 2024. For clarity, the requirement includes players in the youth, girls and junior age classifications.
USA Hockey has long recommended the use of neck laceration protection, as well as cut-resistant socks, sleeves or undergarments. The USA Hockey Board of Directors asked the organization’s Safety and Protective Equipment Committee in November 2023 to begin the process of recommending potential rule changes related to neck laceration protection.
“Safety is always at the forefront of our conversations and the action of our Congress today reflected that,” said Mike Trimboli, president of USA Hockey. “We appreciate the significant work done by our Safety and Protective Equipment Committee, led by Dr. Mike Stuart, and the many others who were instrumental in the overall evaluation process.”
“I know throughout our organization, the overwhelming opinion was that the time is appropriate to modify our rules related to neck laceration protection,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “We’re also encouraged that the hockey industry is committed to continuing to work to improve the cut resistant products that protect players to help influence the safest possible landscape for the game.”
The legislation passed today also strongly recommends use of neck laceration protection by adult players.
Frequently Asked Questions
The USA Hockey Congress approved legislation at its Winter Meeting on Jan. 28, 2024, that will require use of neck laceration protection (sometimes referred to as neck guards) for players in all age classifications, other than adults, in games and practices — as well as for on-ice officials under the age of 18 — beginning August 1, 2024. For clarity, this includes youth, girls and junior age classifications. USA Hockey continues to strongly recommend the use of neck laceration protectors for adult players. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions.
When does the requirement for neck laceration protection go into effect?
USA Hockey will require the use of neck laceration protection on August 1, 2024, for players in all age classifications, except adults, in games and practices – as well as for on-ice officials under the age of 18.
What age levels is the requirement for?
Neck laceration protectors are required for players in all age classifications except adults. For clarity, this includes youth, girls and junior age classifications. Please see page 14 of the 2023-24 USA Hockey Annual Guide for the birth years associated with each age classification for the 2023-24 season. The requirement also includes on-ice officials under the age of 18.
Are neck guards required for players competing in USA Hockey’s six disabled hockey disciplines?
Neck laceration protectors are required for all six disabled hockey disciplines.
Where is the best place for me to buy a neck laceration protector?
Pure Hockey is USA Hockey’s exclusive hockey equipment retailer and is a good source for neck laceration protectors. Neck laceration protectors can also be found at other hockey retailers throughout the U.S.
What is the penalty for not wearing a neck laceration protector?
Rule enforcement will be the same as any other equipment violation: an initial team warning followed by a 10-minute misconduct penalty for any violations after the initial warning.
How can coaches and parents help with this new equipment requirement?
Coaches and parents will play an important role in helping make sure that players and officials are properly equipped before heading out to the ice for both practices and games, including wearing appropriate neck laceration protection that is not altered.
Why is USA Hockey now requiring neck laceration protectors?
USA Hockey has always been concerned about lacerations from a skate blade to all vulnerable areas including the neck and has recommended wearing a neck laceration protector that covers as much of the neck as possible along with cut resistant socks, sleeves, and undergarments.
The USA Hockey Safety and Protective Equipment Committee (SPEC), at the request of the USA Hockey Board of Directors, started looking at potential rule modifications related to neck laceration protection in November 2023 and ultimately the USA Hockey Congress passed new legislation related to neck laceration protection at its January 2024 Winter Meeting.
What is the best neck laceration protector to use? Does it matter what kind I buy?
Choose a neck laceration protector that covers as much of the exposed neck area as possible and is worn properly without alteration.
If my parent signs a waiver giving me permission not to wear neck laceration protection, can I play without it?
No.
Will a neck laceration protector prevent me from getting cut?
There is still risk of injury when wearing a neck laceration protector, as with other protective equipment. No one piece of equipment can 100% prevent an injury from happening, but we can reduce the risk of injury by wearing proper fitting equipment without altering it in any way.
Can I make my own neck guard?
Players are required to wear a neck laceration protector that is commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose.
See the announcement here: https://www.usahockey.com/playersafety
