FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, January 28, 2024

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The USA Hockey Congress today approved legislation requiring the use of 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 18, effective August 1, 2024.

USA Hockey has long recommended the use of neck laceration protection, as well as cut-resistant socks, sleeves or undergarments. The USA Hockey Board of Directors asked the organization’s Safety and Protective Equipment Committee in November 2023 to begin the process of recommending potential rule changes related to neck laceration protection.

“Safety is always at the forefront of our conversations and the action of our Congress today reflected that,” said Mike Trimboli, president of USA Hockey. “We appreciate the significant work done by our Safety and Protective Equipment Committee, led by Dr. Mike Stuart, and the many others who were instrumental in the overall evaluation process.”

“I know throughout our organization, the overwhelming opinion was that the time is appropriate to modify our rules related to neck laceration protection,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “We’re also encouraged that the hockey industry is committed to continuing to work to improve the cut resistant products that protect players to help influence the safest possible landscape for the game.”

The legislation passed today also strongly recommends use of neck laceration protection by adult players.

For more information, including frequently asked questions, click here.

With non-stop action and high-speed team play, hockey is one of the most exciting sports. Sometimes called "the fastest game on ice," it's a great way to get exercise, and with growing youth and adult programs throughout the country, chances are no matter what your age or skill level, there is a league near you to play in within Illinois.

As fun as it is, though, hockey carries a risk of injury.

AHAI, along with USA Hockey, has developed numerous programs and initiatives to further reduce the risk of injuries. These include the Heads Up — Don't Duck program, Concussion Safety & Education, Flu Prevention techniques, the STOP Patch program and checking clinics to teach the proper techniques of body contact and body checking.

In addition, AHAI has various policies which further ensures participant safety. These include a Screening Policy for all adults who have contact with minor age players, Sexual Abuse Policy, Physical Abuse Policy, Locker Room Boxing Policy, Hazing Policy, Co-Ed Locker Room Policy, and a Locker Room Supervision Policy (see Policies under Inside AHAI tag).

AHAI also has implemented safety for coaches and on-ice instructors with the mandatory helmet requirement for all on-ice coaches/instructors and a Coaching Code of Ethics each coach is required to sighn each season (also see Policies under Inside AHAI tag).

There are also additional penalties imposed on players who receive a penalty for fighting.

We encourage all players, coaches, referees, administrators and parents to review often all of the safety programs and policies so we keep our kids "safe" while playing our great game.