Neck Laceration Protector Reminder
A message from the USA Hockey Officiating Program:
Starting August 1, 2024, all players in the Youth (boys), Girls, High School and Junior age categories are required to properly wear a neck laceration protector that is designed for that purpose, and all game officials under the age of 18 are required to wear a neck laceration protector as well.
Please note, this rule does not apply to Adult category players, and game officials 18 years old and older.
To clarify, a neck laceration protector that is “designed for that purpose” is a piece of equipment that is specifically designed for protecting the neck area from cuts and abrasions while playing hockey. It goes without saying, that a common turtleneck sweater, headband or other clothing article that was never designed for protecting hockey players will not satisfy this rule. Game officials are strongly encouraged to use best judgement while determining if the equipment was designed for hockey, and protecting the neck from cuts, and always err on the side of protecting the player.
Additionally, hanging plastic goalkeeper throat protectors do not satisfy this rule due to the fact that they are not designed as neck laceration protectors, and they do not offer protection to the sides and rear of the neck. In short, all goalkeepers must wear a neck laceration protector in addition to any optional equipment they wear to protect the throat and neck area from shots.
If a player’s neck laceration protector comes off during play, the play shall be allowed to continue until the next stoppage. At which point the player must replace the equipment or be substituted for by another player. This interpretation is treated the same as mouthpieces.
With regard to enforcement, if a player enters the game without a neck laceration protector they shall be ruled off the ice and a team warning shall be issued to that team, and any further violation by that team shall result in a misconduct penalty being issued to the offending player.
Best wishes for a safe and successful season, and thank you for your dedication to USA Hockey.