USA Hockey Neck Laceration Protection
USA Hockey requires 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 eighteen, effective August 1, 2024. For clarity, the requirement includes players in the youth, girls, and junior age classifications.
Please note, the neck protection rule can apply to players over eighteen. All players in USA Hockey-sanctioned high school, Junior, or U18 leagues must wear neck laceration protection, regardless of age.
USA Hockey Neck Laceration Protection Q&A
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.
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.
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.