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USA Hockey Rulebook

USA Hockey Casebook

2011 - 13 Rule Changes

Goalkeeper Equip Measurements

NYS Guidebook

Per a standing agreement between USA Hockey and the Hockey Canada (HC), the following policy regarding protective equipment remains in effect, modified for applicable rule changes. See Following Link USA Hockey-Hockey Canada Rule & Equipment Agreement

Canadian players must wear the following Hockey Canada mandatory equipment:

1. Hockey Skates
2. CSA Approved Helmet
   (All age classifications)
3. CSA Approved Face Mask (with color-coded CHA sticker)
   • (Full mask - Types 1 (white) or 5 (green) for player over age 10.)
   • (Full mask - Types 2 (orange) or 6 (red) for player age 10 or younger.)
   • (Full mask - Type 3 (blue) for goalkeeper, any age.)
   • (Minimum of a visor - Type 4 (yellow) for Junior and Senior age classifications. Note that a Type 4 visor or a full face mask is optional for male adult recreational. If a visor is worn by a male adult recreational player, it must be type 4.)
4. BNQ Approved Throat Protector
   (For players in all Female and Youth classifications)

NOTE: HC rules do not mandate the wearing of a mouthpiece at any classification.

American players must wear the following USA Hockey Association mandatory equipment:

1. Hockey Skates
2. HECC Approved Helmet
   • (Youths, Girls/Women below Senior, and Juniors below age 18)
   • (Juniors age 18+ may sign a waiver to wear a non-HECC approved helmet)
   • (Seniors may wear a non-HECC approved helmet, no waiver required)
3. HECC Approved Face Mask
   • (Full face mask - Youths, Girls/Women below Senior, and Juniors below age 18)
   • (Juniors age 18+ players may wear a HECC-approved half shield)
   • (Juniors age 18+ players may sign a waiver to wear a non-HECC approved face mask or no face mask. Goalkeepers may sign a waiver to wear a non-HECC approved face mask or a form-fitted face mask with frontal wire and back skull plate.)
   • (Senior players may wear a non-HECC approved face mask or no face mask, no waiver)
   • (Senior goalkeepers age 18+ may wear a form-fitted mask with a back skull plate. Senior goalkeepers under age 18 must wear a HECC-approved full face mask.)
4. Non-Clear Internal Mouthpiece (* = Attachment required)
   
   • (* Youths-Pee Wee and up, * Girls/Women below Senior, and Juniors below age 18)
   • (Juniors age 18+ may sign a waiver to be released from this requirement.)
   • (Optional for Seniors - Male and Female.)

NOTE: USA Hockey playing rules do not mandate the wearing of a neck guard at any classification.

The normal insurance coverage will be considered to be in effect as long as the injured participant was wearing the proper protective equipment as mandated by the organization (HC or USA Hockey) with which he/she is registered.

Please note that all other playing rules of the host country are in effect for games played in that country, except when U.S. teams are playing on U.S. soil in Canadian-based leagues using Hockey Canada rules under league direction, and vice versa.

Please direct any questions or concerns regarding this policy to your local supervisor of officials.

PLAYING RULES COMMITTEE CHAIR