Protective Equipment Check - IMPORTANT UPDATE ON EXPIRY

PLAYER HELMETS - Please ensure that all players are wearing an unaltered CSA certified helmet and face protector.  Any modifications such as removal of the CSA certification sticker, adding components that are not part of the original manufactures equipment or customization of the OEM parts, invalidate the CSA certification.  Also, ensure that the helmet and face protector do not have any visible signs of damage.  Any player found to be wearing a helmet that is not CSA certified either through damage or modification can be subjected to a penalty at the referee’s discretion.

CSA certified helmets DO NOT have an expiry in Canada. However, it is highly recomended that a helmet be replaced if it has been damaged or involved in a major impact.  Please note that the HECC expiration date on the back of the helmet is a U.S.A. standard and does not apply in Canada.
 
PLAYER NECK GUARDS – The wearing of a BNQ approved throat protector is compulsory for all players and goalies registered in minor hockey. When a player or goalie fails to wear or properly wear a throat protector at any time on the ice during a game, the team shall receive one warning and any subsequent infractions by the same team will result in a Misconduct. Referees are being encouraged to deliver this warning directly to the coach.
 
VOLUNTEER HELMETS – All volunteers (Coaches, Trainers and on-ice helpers) must wear a CSA certified helmet with the chin strap securely fastened at all times.  Trainers are required to wear a CSA Certified helmet when entering the ice surface to attend an injured player.  These rules apply whether you are home or away. Volunteers found in violation of the helmet rules, will be subjected to the following discipline:

1st offence: Written Warning
2nd offence:  Automatic 1 game suspension to the head coach
3rd offence: Head coach suspended, pending a hearing with the Director of Risk and Safety

The terms in conditions of the City of Ottawa ice contracts expressly forbid anyone from entering the ice surface without a CSA certified helmet.  “Walking on the ice surface with footwear to gain access to the player’s benches, penalty box and timekeeper’s station is not permitted. Walking on the ice surface to respond to an emergency and provide trainer assistance, or skating on the ice to prepare the ice surface for the game, is permitted provided the designated person assigned by the coach is wearing a CSA approved helmet. Coaches are required to ensure CSA approved helmets are readily available. Coaches are responsible to ensure coaches from visiting districts, outside of the City of Ottawa, are made aware of this requirement."”