CSIHRA Information And News

There has been a lot of discussion regarding the new rule change to Rule 615 in regards to Fighting and removal of the helmet. This memorandum serves to clarify any misconceptions and misinterpretations our 26,000 USA Hockey Officials may have. Please note this memorandum is a product of the USA Hockey Rules Interpretation Committee and should supersede any contradictory presentation or interpretation given by any member of USA Hockey (volunteer or staff).

Memo - "Fighting and Removal of the Helmet"

Mouth Guard Enforcement ( from Colorado Officiating Liaison, Timm Walsh)

With all the recent focus and points of emphasis that USAH has placed on head contact this year, along with the supporting data being collected around the increase of head injuries in youth sports, we need to make sure to do our part with the enforcement of all applicable rules. One such area which often goes under-valued is the enforcement of the mouth piece rule (Youth-12/Under-18/Under, Girls 12/Under-19/Under). Let's make sure we are all doing our part to ensure all players are properly wearing mouth pieces to further reduce the risk of head injuries.

There is no reason we should be turning a blind eye when it comes to enforcing the mouth piece rule. This is not a new rule so the players have no excuse not to have it in their mouth and worn properly in the fashion which it was designed for. Please make this an important part of your pre-game discussion as an officiating crew in the locker room, as well as a part of your pre-game discussion with the coaches to ensure all players have a mouth piece and wear it. It's not good enough to have it hanging out of their mouth or dangling from their mask, or as some players have been found, to have their mouth guards in their glove. Once this pre game discussion is held and the mouth guard requirements clearly communicated, there shouldn't be any complaints from the players and or coaches when it's enforced during the game.

You are not expected to go out of your way looking for violations during games. There are plenty of other areas to focus on. However, everyone is expected to understand that it is our responsibility to enforce rules that are there to prevent injuries. As with any rule application, if we use a good dose of common sense and preventative maintenance, we will not be perceived as the bad guys, but just doing our part in the game.

This communication has been distributed to CAHA, CCYHL and CDYHL, as well as Hockey Directors, Coaches, Parents and Players so they fully understand the entire responsibility doesn't just fall on the officials. It's critical for our youth to be reminded from all angles so they fully understand the importance of properly wearing a mouth piece to prevent head injuries. Thanks in advance for communicating this around our various circles to keep our kids safe from potential head injuries. Let’s remember, it’s EVERYONE’s responsibility.