Girls Ice Cardinals

A few misleading ads have been put out recently that have caused confusion among the age groups concerning Neck Laceration Protectors. Below is the language of the rule as it applies to the USA Hockey Playing Rulebook and Junior 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.

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.

USA Hockey Official Rules of Ice Hockey -- Junior Hockey Edition

Rule 304 Protective Equipment

(g) All players, including goalkeepers, are required to wear a neck laceration protector designed for that purpose and that covers as much of the neck area as possible and are 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.