Neck Guards Now Required by USA Hockey

On January 28, 2024, the USA Hockey Congress 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. For clarity, the requirement includes players in the youth, girls and junior age classifications.

As AYHA is a member of the Mid Am district of USA Hockey, the Association is required to enforce USA Hockey's rule changes. Coaches will inspect for neck guards at all practices and games, and those players who are not wearing one will not be permitted on the ice. On-ice officials are also required to check for neck guards during games. If a player is identified during a game as not wearing a neck guard, the team will be assessed an equipment violation, which included an initial team warning followed by a 10-minute misconduct penalty for any additional infractions after the initial warning.

Homemade neck guards are not permitted by USA Hockey, nor are any other pieces of cloth or material permitted that are not commercially designed and manufactured for neck laceration protection. Commercially made neck guards are available at most hockey retailers (see links below).