USA Hockey Safety Media Kit Introduction

As the National Governing Body for the violent in nature, sport of , USA Hockey is this is a committed to promoting and fostering safety disproportionate amongst its athletes, coaches and supporters. representation, and the vast majority of As such, it is the organization’s role to hockey injuries are unintentional. educate its membership, through brochures, instructional videos and training seminars, USA Hockey Regulation on the meaning of fair play and respect for 1. The Safety and Protective Equipment the individual. USA Hockey values the Committee, led by Chairperson Dr. Alan safety of all its participants, and aspires to Ashare, continually studies the game at make the game safe, fun and rewarding for all age levels for the purpose of its membership. developing means and methods of maintaining and improving player safety. The committee also has the duty to Facts About Safety and USA Hockey recommend rule changes pertaining to 1. USA Hockey and USA Hockey InLine are safety. The committee must consist of at not insurance companies and do not sell least three members of the Board of insurance. However, the organization Directors and/or District Registrars, does provide insurance coverage for all appointed by the USA Hockey President, member players, coaches and referees who shall designate the Chairperson of participating in sanctioned activities. the Committee. 2. More than 65% of USA Hockey’s 500,000 2. The Playing Rules Committee has a players skate in a no-check hockey similar role to that of the Safety and league. This includes all girls’/women’s Protective Equipment Committee. The programs, USA Hockey InLine, programs Playing Rules Committee studies the for youth players aged 10 and under, playing rules of ice hockey, reviews some Pee Wee leagues for ages 12 and proposals for changes and makes under and most Adult leagues. recommendations to the Board of 3. USA Hockey has no influence over the Directors. The committee consists of at education of non-members or of members least five members of the Board of competing in non-sanctioned play. While Directors and/or District Registrars, plus the organization is the authority for one representative of the NCAA, as members playing in sanctioned leagues or appointed by the USA Hockey President, tournaments, the organization cannot who shall also designate the Chairperson dictate policy to those outside its realm. of the Committee. 4. Most hockey injuries are accidental, and 3. The Risk Management Committee is not a deliberate result of violence or charged with evaluating the risks illegal play. While some highly-publicized inherent to the game and its facilities, incidents at the professional level are and developing ways to minimize these

1 risks. The committee also makes recommendations to the appropriate committees and/or the Board of Directors and Executive Committee on all matters relating to risk management and insurance. The committee consists of a Safety page edge district risk manager from each of the 11 fold in page USA Hockey Districts as well as a Timeline National Coordinator, who serves as Committee Chair. total page w

In 1972-73, the first modern rulebook was Officiating Education Program and longtime published under the leadership of Hal USA Hockey volunteer. Titled Official Trumble, the first full-time executive Rules of Ice Hockey, this book is director of the Amateur Hockey Association republished every other season, revising of the United States (later USA Hockey), rules implemented by USA Hockey since and Chet Stewart, a founder of the the 1940’s.

Points of Emphasis: 2003-05: Each edition of USA Hockey’s Official Rules of Ice Hockey, features an introductory section Increased awareness of avoidable contact devoted to points of emphasis. These points of emphasis, which began with the 1985-87 version 2001-03: after the whistle, fair of the rulebook, cover issues that require extra attention. Here are USA Hockey’s points of Paying extra play and respect and attention to body elimination of all emphasis: checking, contact stick infractions. above the shoulder, 1999-01: sportsmanship and Concentrating on fair play. parent/spectator behavior and violent 1997-99: behavior/contact Establishing a “Zero above the shoulder. Tolerance” policy towards 1995-97: unsportsmanlike Devoting extra behavior and attention to legal penalizing violent 1993-95: body checking and behavior. Penalizing body checking from contact with the behind. goalkeeper and carrying of sticks above the height of 1991-93: the shoulder. Also Establishing strict establishing a “Zero enforcement of Tolerance” policy aggressive fouls. towards abuse of officials and 1989-91: unsportsmanlike Strict enforcement of behavior. aggressive fouls and the addition of a game 1987-89: misconduct penalty added to major penalties, Establishing strict criteria for such infractions. and enforcement guidelines for aggressive 1985-87: fouls and stick work. Penalizing contact above the shoulder.

2 USA Hockey 3 Directives Many directives regarding safety equipment for players and officials have been implemented by USA Hockey over the past 30 years. These changes have significantly reduced the number 7.5 wide and severity of injuries in the sport at all levels: Programs

1972-73: 1974-75: 1976-77: 1977-78: 1978-79: 1980-81: 1981-82: 1983-84: 1985-86: 1987-88: 1989-90: 1991-92: 1993-94: 1995-96: 1999-00: 2001-02: 2003-04: Recommended Mandated that Required all Eliminated the Mandated all Mandated all Required all Prohibited goal- Recommended Required that Required all on- Recommended Required that Recommended Called for an Made it manda- Mandated that that all players, all players with players below internal mouth- players below players below Junior players keepers from that all on-ice goalkeepers in ice officials to that internal internal mouth- that all officials immediate tory for all play- all youth play- Skill Development Program Coaching Education Program excluding goal- the exception Junior to wear piece require- Junior to wear Junior to wear to wear a full wearing a form- officials wear a all age classifi- wear a hockey mouthpieces be pieces be non- wear a half- whistle anytime ers to wear full ers wear a keepers, wear of either a full ment for Pee a full facemask. an HECC facemask. fitted mask and black . cations wear a helmet, recom- non-clear and clear. shield visor. a player’s facial protec- HECC- In the 1993-94 season, USA Hockey USA Hockey acknowledges that coaches are an approved in the Junior facemask or Wee players It is recom- approved face- required them Allowed a play- helmet and full mended all form-fitted by a (youth and tion. Players 18 approved hel- the backbone of its success, and strives to . “B” (under age protective eye (aged 10-12) mended that mask. to wear a full er who has facemask. players wear a dentist. girls’/ women’s) years of age met including introduced the Initiation Program, designed 20) age classifi- mask with and below who this facemask HECC reached the Required that HECC helmet or face- and older may ear protection. to enhance early hockey experiences. The educate and work with coaches in making cation and external mouth- are wearing a be Hockey approved face- age of majority Pee Wee play- approved hel- mask becomes wear a half Also required the experience below wear an guard. All play- full facemask. Equipment mask. Required (18) and who is ers wear an met and dislodged. shield (visor), that all 8 & theory is that if a beginner has fun while approved ers, except Certification all players playing in the internal mouth- required all provided they Under youth enjoyable for all developing basic skills and building mouthguard. goalkeepers, Council (HECC) between Junior classifi- piece. players to wear sign a waiver. and girls teams involved. With a are also approved. Bantam and cation to sign a Prohibited a helmet/face- utilize the blue confidence, that player will go on to enjoy required to Junior (aged waiver in order altered mask in the lightweight policy unlike any wear an internal 12-20) and girls to play without or facemasks. bench area. puck in all hockey for many years. mouthpiece. between Pee a facemask. games and other in amateur Wee and Senior practices. sports, USA Hockey to wear an In 2004, the Initiation Program’s name was internal mouth- requires its coaches to changed to the USA Hockey Skill piece. attend Coaching Education Program clinics. Development Program. In these clinics, coaches progress through a Although the main emphasis of the series of classes and course levels covering Skill Development Program is on fun topics including skill development, injury and skill development, the program prevention and leadership. Rule Changes and Adaptations also allows kids to experience The program uses the following mission Many rule changes and adaptations have taken place over the past 25 years, with the cooperation, fair play, fitness and safety. statement: intent to create a safer game. Some changes involve players of all age levels, while “The Coaching Education Program is others were targeted for a specific age or classification. These are the most notable: The year-long program recommends twice committed to developing coaches who per week practices of an hour each. The Skill will be effective instructors and role Development Program draws heavily on models through a comprehensive parental input. Parents have the opportunity education program at all levels. The

1978-79: 1979-80: 1981-82: 1983-84: 1985-86: 1987-88: 1989-90: 1991-92: 1993-94: 1995-96: 1997-98: 1999-00: 2001-02: 2003-04: to attend their own instructional seminar in Coaching Education Program shall A minor penalty Eliminated body Called for an imme- Eliminated body Reinstated body Added the Added a miscon- Added a miscon- Required teams Redefined the term Changed “checking Allowed a local Added specific rule Added four non- advance of their children and become on-ice emphasize the teaching of fundamental shall be assessed checking in the girls’ diate whistle when a checking in all checking into the Philosophy of Youth duct penalty to be duct penalty option from non-checking “body checking” to from behind” to league or governing for checking to the checking divisions skills, conceptual development, for body checking or 19-or-under age goalkeeper’s helmet girls’/women’s Pee Wee age classi- Hockey and the assessed in every to all major penalties classifications to emphasize the prop- become a stand- body to establish head, which pro- (12, 14, 16 and 18 & instructors for the youth clinic. An pushing from classification and or facemask games. fication. Also added “Points of case where a player involving aggressive play under non- er way to legally alone rule. Required non-checking vides minor, double Under). sportsmanship and respect for the dignity behind, as well as below. becomes dislodged. a major penalty Emphasis” as pref- is assessed a minor fouls. check rules when check an opponent. that an automatic leagues at all age minor or major plus instructional package is distributed with the checking with the Other players must option for checking aces to the Officials penalty for checking playing teams who Also added a rule major penalty plus levels. game misconduct of the individual athlete.” forearm or hands immediately replace an opponent above Playing Rules Book. from behind, spear- are registered in a that penalizes a late, game misconduct penalty option. Also, program, consisting of six manuals which above the shoulder. dislodged helmet the shoulder with Also added a double ing, butt-ending and checking classifica- avoidable body be assessed in each required that a include the following information: The following components represent the five Also, body checking before participating the hands or fore- minor penalty head-butting. Also tion. check to any player instance where a match penalty be in the Squirt age in play. Also elimi- arm. option, at the dis- added an automatic who is no longer in check from behind assessed to any essential elements of the Program: classification is elim- nated body check- cretion of the refer- game misconduct possession and causes an opponent player or team offi- •Organizational and administrative details inated. ing in the Pee Wee ee, for checking penalty to be control of the puck. to go head first into cial who deliberately of the program, 1. Sports Medicine/Safety/Legal age classification. above the shoulder. assessed in every Also eliminated the the boards or goal injures or attempts Component: Provides instruction, case where a player automatic miscon- frame. Also rede- to injure another • Special teaching considerations for the is assessed a major duct or game mis- fined the term “body participant. references and competencies in the area penalty for an conduct penalty to contact”. specific skill level of the group, and aggressive foul. Also be assessed for of first aid, care and prevention of eliminated the dou- some major penal- • Four level-specific manuals with step-by- athletic injuries, safety and legal ble minor penalty ties for aggressive option for checking infractions. step lesson plans (one manual for each of responsibilities. above the shoulder. Automatic game misconduct is still the program’s four instructional levels). required if injury results. 5 USA Hockey 7 2. Psycho-Social Sports Science Component: Officiating Education Program Informational Brochures Heads Up Hockey Provides instruction, references and The objective of the Officiating Education USA Hockey produces several educational Heads Up Hockey is a program funded by a competencies in the areas of leadership, Program, a requirement for all USA Hockey brochures for both members and parents. grant from the USA Hockey Foundation humanistic coaching and behavioral officials, is to equip officials with knowledge The information teaches the sport while designed to teach players, coaches, referees, aspects of athletic participation as related of their responsibilities, emphasizing ways to make the experience as parents and administrators how to maintain to coaches, athletes, parents and society. and the skills of the rewarding as possible. Some of these a safe and injury-free environment for all 3. Bio-Physical Sports Science Component: game that will allow brochures are as follow: participants. The program was implemented Includes basic nutrition, references and them to perform at the in 1996 by USA Hockey’s Safety and •“Parents’ Introduction to Youth Hockey” competencies in the principles of highest level. Using Protective Equipment Committee. Its main is an A-to-Z guide featuring rules of the anatomical kinesiology, and physiological instructional and focus is on the prevention of head and spinal game, basic skills and penalties and an aspects of skill improvement, motor support materials, officials can improve their cord injuries. The program provides an overview of hockey jargon. It also gives development and stages of human abilities, confidence and knowledge and informational kit, which includes an an explanation of necessary equipment growth. therefore become more effective on the ice. instructional DVD, featuring NHL player, for beginners. 4. Pedagogy Component: Provides Paul Kariya, National Hockey League coach Each summer, the program holds •“Establishing a Good Relationship instruction, references and competencies Ron Wilson, a program guide for coaches and Between Coach and Parent” discusses the in administration and organization, development camps to further the education officials, posters for rinks and pro shops and importance of a good working planning theory, teaching and coaching of selected officials at all levels, using the other instructional materials. The key points relationship and its effect on the techniques, effective communication and latest methods and techniques. Each year of the program are as follow: coaching philosophy. the officiating direct-registration program experience for all participants. The 5. Technical, Tactical and Conceptual continues to exceed the previous year’s total, brochure stresses that the relationship is • Section One focuses on how spinal Component: Provides instruction, with over 26,500 plus officials registered a two-way street, and that maintaining injures and concussions can occur in references and competencies in the during the 2003-04 season. That season, an open line of communication is hockey, and what can be done to reduce technical, tactical and conceptual aspects over 450 seminars were conducted critical. the risk. of the sport. throughout the country. The Officiating • “Hockey Talk” answers some of the most • Section Two describes common instances commonly asked questions about the in hockey where injuries take place and Seminar Program has proven to be USA USA Hockey has also produced an sport. It discusses the kind of equipment incorporates practice drills that can Hockey’s most successful officiating instructional series for players and coaches needed, and defines common hockey reduce the chance of injury. education program to date. that is currently used in both the Coaching terms such as “body-check” and • Section Three explains the basics of Education Program and the Player The Officiating Education Program also “boards”. It also outlines each of USA protective equipment and cautions Development Program. This series is widely implements instructional and educational Hockey’s 11 geographical districts and against the “Superman Syndrome” and used by the International Ice Hockey videos, used by officials, coaches and parents. provides contact information for each reckless play. Federation (IIHF) and many of its member district representative. organizations. To broaden the reach of the program, USA •“Sportsmanship: Why It Matters” Hockey’s top instructors travel the nation as In August 2002, USA Hockey introduced the addresses the many reasons for part of the District Officiating Seminar Girls’/Women’s National Coaching playing hockey, those that go beyond Program.The instructors travel to different Workshop. The program is designed for winning and losing. It also outlines regions to work with top local instructors in coaches who have an intermediate level card, USA Hockey’s codes of conduct for three-day advanced level seminars. The have been coaching for three years and are youth hockey, with specific sections currently coaching a USA Hockey registered program has been wildly successful, selling for players, coaches, parents, officials, out in its many locations. spectators and administrators. girls’/women’s team. • “Girls’ and Women’s Ice Hockey” The USA Hockey Officiating Program also gives a history of the sport and explains continues to be a world leader in training the differences between men’s and and providing officials for international women’s ice hockey. It also gives an competitions. 59 USA Hockey officials were overview of the Skill Development granted IIHF licenses for the 2003-04 season Program. and are were eligible for assignment to • “Keeping Inline Hockey Fun” spells out international games. In addition, the USA Hockey InLine’s codes of conduct. Officiating Program boasts one referee at the They are based on sportsmanship, fair National Hockey League level and had eight play and a fun and positive environment. others (ages 21-25), invited to the National Codes of conduct are spelled out for Hockey League prospects camp in August players, referees, coaches, parents, 2003. spectators and administrators.

8 USA Hockey Safety Media Kit 9 • Section Four teaches the symptoms of a Serving The American Rinks (STAR) spinal injury or concussion and stresses the importance of telling a coach or STAR, a joint venture by USA Hockey and parent. the U.S. Figure Skating Association, is a non- profit organization providing productive and The DVD is available to USA Hockey cost-effective programs and services to administrators free of charge by calling benefit rinks and arenas throughout the Rules for (888) 806-7337. The kit is available to the United States. Currently in its fifth year of safer play public for for $29.95 plus shipping and existence, STAR offers a comprehensive handling. package of programs designed to make facilities work more effectively, including technical and management training, quality Risk Management programming, expense reduction and Along with the aforementioned programs, insurance coverage. USA Hockey works in conjunction with Body Checking him/her with the other organizations to provide risk In the spring and summer of 2002, seven Simply put, a body check is contact shoulder, hip or any other management solutions focusing on safe play STAR regional training programs were instigated by a defensive player. The main part of the torso. and reducing the chance of injury. conducted to allow facilities with limited purpose of a body check is to put oneself in a However, there are some instances in non- budgets to access much-needed information. position to regain possession of the puck. In Several training videos are available, checking leagues where body contact Programs were held in California, Colorado, the 2003-05 USA Hockey Official Rules of including “Checking” and “Body Contact for between a puck carrier and an opponent is Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ice Hockey, a body check is defined as Non-Check Hockey: Playing Within The legal. The definition of body contact, as is New York and Texas. when… Rules.” Among the many other videos stated in the 2003-05 Official Rules of Ice designed to help promote skill development STAR’s mission is to be: “… a player checks an opponent who is Hockey, is: “…the premier national organization in possession of the puck, by using hip or and a safe playing environment are “Puck “Contact that occurs between opponents designed to foster the development, shoulder from the front, diagonally from Control,” “Passing and Receiving,” during the normal process of playing the growth and success of ice-skating rinks the front or straight from the side, and “Fundamental Skills for Defensemen” and puck, provided there has been no overt and in-line facilities in the United does not take more than two steps / “Defensive Concepts.” hip, shoulder or arm contact to States.” strides in executing the check.” physically force the opponent off of the In working toward this goal, USA Hockey The tactic of checking allows for a legal puck.” has developed a STAR membership separation of the puck carrier from the puck Likewise, no penalty shall be assessed if the magazine, in conjunction with RINK by physical contact. Body checking also puck carrier unsuccessfully attempts to skate Magazine, and has established various allows the checker to neutralize the attacker. through too small an opening between the partnerships to benefit the arena industry boards and a stationary opponent and a and its membership. The three major functions of checking are: collision occurs, unless there has been a •To regain possession of the puck. clear intent to body check the puck carrier. It •To separate the puck from the puck is important for players to learn proper body carrier in a legal and safe manner. contact techniques at an early age, before •To delay or contain the opponent from they encounter such discrepancies in size entering a specific area on the ice. and strength.

Roughing Giving And Receiving A Check As previously mentioned, only one-third of Learning how to properly give and receive a USA Hockey playing leagues allow legal check minimizes the chance of injury. Here checking. Therefore, in most hockey leagues, are three pointers in properly giving a safe checking is prohibited and is penalized under body check: the “Unnecessary Roughness” or “Roughing” rules, according to the 2003-05 1. Adjusting Your Speed: at the time of Official Rules of Ice Hockey. A penalty contact, your speed should be equal to or should be assessed under this rule whenever slightly greater than that of your a player impedes the movement of a puck- opponent. As “contact” speed increases, carrying opponent by pushing him/her with the likelihood of injury also increases. the hands or arms or deliberately contacting Although it may seem safer to slow down

10 USA Hockey 11 or stop if a hit is coming, your balance and Illegal Body Checking momentum will be much better if you The 2003-05 Official Rules of Ice Hockey keep your legs moving and concentrate on defines several forms of illegal body checks skating right through the impact. and how each should be punished. In all of 2. Angling Your Opponent: skating into the these instances, a minor (two minutes) or a boards at an angle affords players a better major (five or more minutes) penalty should Equipment approach angle to the puck, and by giving be assessed, and if an injury occurs as a result the body an optimal position to accept an of the infraction, a game misconduct (and a impact with the boards, it allows players one-game suspension) will be charged. They to keep skating and gain control of the are as follows: puck. Further, when players skate into corners at an angle, the risk of hitting the • Board-Checking: When a player body- boards with their helmets first is greatly checks, cross-checks, elbows, charges or reduced. A leg, an arm, or a side of the trips an opponent in such a manner that body will absorb most of the impact. causes the opponent to be thrown 3. Keep Your Hands Down: keeping your violently into the boards. Wearing the proper protective equipment is metal, uncovered casts and splints made hands and stick at chest level minimizes • Charging: When a player runs or jumps important in preventing or reducing the risk of hard or unyielding materials, gloves in the risk for injury. Once contact is made, into or charges an opponent (if more than of all injuries. However, as effective as which all or part of the palm has been keep your opponent pinned to the boards, two steps or strides are taken, this is hockey protective equipment is, there is no removed or cut and uncovered jewelry. and use your feet to kick the puck free as piece of gear that can prevent a player from considered “Charging”). In order for protective equipment to provide quickly as possible. receiving an injury. • Checking From Behind: When a player the maximum safety, these points should be Likewise, there are also pointers to safely body checks or pushes an opponent from USA Hockey states its guidelines for considered: behind. protective equipment in Section 3 of the receiving a body check: •Helmets should fit snug on the top, back 2003-05 Official Rules of Ice Hockey. To • Cross-Checking: When a player “cross- and sides of the head and all padding and 1. Keep Your Head Away: the more players checks” an opponent (“cross-check” shall summarize the main points: can avoid impact with their heads, the manufacturer’s hardware should be in mean a check delivered with both hands place. more likely they are to come through •All players in all classifications must on the stick and no part of the stick on wear a , with the helmet • In regard to facemasks, plastic shields safely and in control. They should take the ice). strap properly fastened. This includes all should have no cracks or scratches and the impact with anything else first. • Head-Checking: When a player players on the bench and in the penalty wire cages should have no bent or 2. Know Where Your Opponents Are: as intentionally or recklessly contacts a box. missing bars. players become more experienced, and as player in the head, including with the •All players, including goalkeepers, in the •Chin straps should be fastened snugly they start thinking more about strategy against the chin. stick or by an illegal body check. Pee Wee through Midget (including High and less about skating, their peripheral School) and in the Girls/Women 10-and- • should cover all the teeth • Unnecessary Roughness (Roughing): vision and overall awareness should start under through 19-and-under age of one jaw (usually the upper) and fit so to improve. When they know where their When a player commits an avoidable body classifications must wear a colored that breathing is not inhibited when in opponents are, they’ll be less likely to get check to an opponent who does not have internal mouthpiece. This mouthpiece place. checked without any warning. possession and control of the puck, uses must cover all the teeth of one jaw, • should have fiber caps, 3. Keep Your Hands On Your Stick: the best his/her forearm or hand to check an customarily the upper. which should extend to the tip of the shoulder. way to cushion an impact with the boards opponent above the opponent’s shoulder or •USA Hockey highly recommends, but • Elbow pads should be properly fitted so is to absorb the impact over as much of makes physical contact with an opponent does not require, that every player wear they don’t slide. the body as possible. This is done by after the whistle has been blown if, in the protective equipment for all games, warm-ups and practices. Such equipment •Shin pads should protect the knee and keeping both hands on the stick, if opinion of the referee, the player has had should include gloves, shin pads, shin completely. possible, and keeping the arms out, thus sufficient time after the whistle to avoid shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants • Skates should allow for no more than creating a three-part “shock absorber.” such contact. and protective cup in addition to all head 1/2” for growth, and should offer protective equipment as required by USA adequate protection for the ankle, toe and Hockey. instep areas. • All equipment, with the exception of skates and stick, must be Hockey Equipment constructed solely for the purpose of Certification Council (HECC) protecting the head or body. The leading organization pertaining to • Any player wearing dangerous equipment hockey equipment and the safety of hockey shall be imposed a minor penalty. players is the Hockey Equipment Dangerous equipment includes, but is not Certification Council (HECC). The HECC, a limited to: pads and protectors made of non-profit organization, was established in

12 USA Hockey 13 1978 through the joint efforts of the Amateur equipment and facilities used in the sport of Hockey Association of the United States ice hockey. In addition, the HECC promotes (AHAUS, now USA Hockey) and numerous the use of certified products and monitors interested volunteers representing several the effectiveness of its certification programs professional organizations. The HECC, while on the sport. maintaining a close association with many The HECC is also responsible for promoting Stat i s tical amateur hockey governing bodies, is an and sponsoring research in prevention and/or independent organization with its own reduction of ice hockey injuries. This is Data Constitution, By-Laws and Board of accomplished by studying playing rules, Governors. attitudes, playing surfaces, officiating, The HECC examines the needs and wishes training, conditioning and administration, of the various amateur hockey governing among other factors. bodies as they pertain to equipment and All USA Hockey players must wear a helmet safety. The HECC seeks out and selects and facemask approved by the HECC. Only codes of standards, including test methods the Adult age classification is exempt from Over the past two decades, the sport of ice Centers, completed an ice hockey injury and other requirements for certifying playing this rule. hockey in general, and USA Hockey in surveillance program to determine injury risk, particular, has made great strides in contrast the type and severity of injury at promoting a game with fewer injuries and various levels and allow comparison of injury more fun. Not only is protective equipment rates with other sports. Among the major better, but the playing rules create a safer findings from this research: The Hockey Equipment Certification Council, Inc. environment, and coaches, officials and 1. Youth ice hockey was determined to be a Dr. Alan Ashare, President players are better prepared to deal with the relatively safe sport. St. Elizabeth Medical Center injuries that do occur. 2. Risk of injury increases according to age 736 Cambridge Street and level of participation. Brighton, MA 03135 3. Collision with the boards or other players 617-789-3000 ext. 2828 Risk of Injury was identified as the cause of most While USA Hockey takes great pride in injuries (65 percent). promoting and fostering a safe sport, the 4. The majority of injuries are mild, with the organization itself does not track hockey- most common severe injury being related injuries. However, during the 1994-95 fractures of the wrist. and 1995-96 seasons, USA Hockey, in 5. Goaltender is the safest position on the conjunction with Health South Rehabilitation ice.

Sports Injury Rates The sport of ice hockey compares favorably with other major sports when it comes to the occurrence of injury. A good example of this claim comes from taking data from selected sports injury rates from 1998: Estimated Participation Injuries per 1,000 Rank Sport Injuries (1,000s) Participants 1. 631,186 29,417 21.5 2. 355,247 17,091 20.8 3. Bicycles 577,621 43,535 13.3 4. Soccer 169,734 13,167 12.9 5. 180,582 15,856 11.4 6. Ice Hockey 22,231 2,131 10.4 7. Skateboards 54,532 5,782 9.4 8. Softball 132,625 15,595 8.5 9. Ice Skating 33,741 7,799 4.3 10. In-Line Skating 110,783 27,033 4.1 11. 22,665 11,227 2.0 12. 46,019 27,496 1.7 13. 49,331 58,249 0.8 Source: R, Murphey, Murost Enterprises, LLC (compiled Jan. 7, 2002)

14 USA Hockey 15 According to these injury estimates, ice • Football was a cause of 414,607 The NCAA’s Injury safest sports in terms of the number and hockey ranks safer than perceived “non- emergency room visits. Surveillance System (ISS) percentage of injuries occurring during contact” sports such as baseball, bicycling • Over 300,000 injuries concerned baseball The National Collegiate Athletic practices. The chart below outlines the and soccer, all of which have a higher rate of and softball. Association’s (NCAA) Injury Surveillance percentage of all injuries occurring in injuries per 1,000 participants. • 175,470 visits to the emergency room System (ISS) was developed in 1982 to practices and games in the 2001-02 season dealt with soccer-related injuries. provide current and reliable data on injury • Skateboarding resulted in nearly twice as trends in intercollegiate athletics. The (note: the relatively few injuries that The National Electronic Injury many emergency room visits as hockey. NCAA ISS tracks injury data for 17 occurred in the weight room were not Surveillance System (NEISS) •Almost 100,000 injuries dealt with the intercollegiate sports, including men’s and included in the practice and game The National Electronic Injury Surveillance use of unpowered scooters. women’s ice hockey. percentages. These calculations are based System (NEISS), operated for nearly 30 years •Trampolines, fishing, swimming, weight only on the absolute number of injuries and by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety lifting, horseback riding, swing sets, Among the major findings was the Commission, provides timely data on snowboarding and were all determination that ice hockey it one of the do not take exposures into consideration.): consumer product-related injuries occurring mentioned more times among emergency in the U.S. NEISS gathers its information room patients than was ice hockey. from the emergency departments of 100 hospitals, which provides a solid selection Not only does hockey compare favorably INJURY RATES with these other sports and activities, but ice sample. hockey has become significantly safer within Practice vs. Competition According to NEISS’s 2001 Product Summary the past several years. According to the 1998 Report, 56,972 emergency room visits NEISS Data Highlights, 78,570 people were Percent of injuries occuring during competition mentioned some version of hockey in treated in emergency rooms for ice hockey- association with the injury. Over 40 percent related injuries, meaning the sport Percent of injuries occuring during practice of these injuries took place among those aged experienced a 27.5 percent reduction in 15-24. The figure was significantly less than emergency room visits between 1998 and 100 100 that of other sports. For example: 2001. During this same period, USA Hockey’s membership grew by nearly 18,000, • 653,661 emergency room visits were meaning the number of injuries decreased associated with basketball, over 11 times while the number of participants increased. 80 80 the number related to ice hockey. •Nearly 550,000 visits were associated Below is a chart comparing NEISS’s findings with bicycling injuries. on ice hockey between 1995-2001: 60 60

Est. No. RATE PER 100,000 BY AGE Year of Injuries 0-4 5-14 15-24 25-64 65+ %Male 40 40

2001 56,972 Information Not Available 2000 73,636 3.9 64.0 73.2 13.3 0.8 82.4 20 20 1999 71,484 2.6 66.9 73.3 11.8 0.2 86.3 1998 78,570 6.5 74.8 74.8 14.0 1.0 85.6 1997 77,492 5.8 73.6 82.5 12.4 0.8 81.7 W W Wr Men's Basketball W Men's Football W Softball Men's Soccer 0 W Baseball Men's Ice Hockey 0 1996 77,930 7.1 72.5 87.1 12.5 0.0 81.7 omen's Gymnastics omen's Volleyball omen's Basketball omen's Soccer omen's Ice Hocke estling 1995 76,837 6.1 78.5 85.7 11.4 0.6 83.1 y

16 USA Hockey Safety Media Kit 17 In terms of the average practice injury rate, ice hockey compares favorably to other According to the NCAA ISS, ice hockey is also one of the safest sports in terms of severity intercollegiate sports, with men’s ice hockey among the safest (note: the chart below expresses of injures. The chart below represents the number of practice injuries (per 1,000 athlete- the average practice injury rate as injuries per 1,000 athlete-exposures during the 2001-02 exposures) that resulted in restricted or missed participation for seven or more days: season.):

AVERAGE PRACTICE INJURY RATES (per 1,000 A-E) INJURY SEVERITY RATE (per 1,000 A-E)

Baseball Women's Ice Hockey Men's Ice Hockey Softball Softball Men's Ice Hockey Men's Lacrosse Baseball Women's Volleyball Field Hockey Field Hockey Men's Soccer Women's Lacrosse Football Women's Basketball Men's Basketball Men's Basketball Men's Lacrosse Men's Soccer Women's Lacrosse Football Women's Soccer Women's Ice Hockey Women's Volleyball Women's Soccer Women's Basketball Wrestling Wrestling Women's Gymnastics Women's Gymnastics Spring Football Spring Football

0246810 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0

18 USA Hockey Safety Media Kit 19 Research

USA Hockey has conducted and/or Facial Protection sponsored several studies over the past A more recent study regarding the benefits of decade that have helped reduce the risk of facial protection in ice hockey was injury in the sport and created a general conducted by the Mayo Clinic, funded by awareness of the need to USA Hockey, and published in the improve safety. January/February 2002 issue of the American Journal of Sports Medicine. This study found For example, “Injuries in that players who do not wear facial Junior “A” Ice Hockey,” protection are seven times more likely to was a definitive study of suffer a head or facial injury compared to injuries in elite players from those with full facial protection, and more than twice as frequently as those with a half age 17 to 20. Conducted by shield or visor. The risk of eye injury was 4.7 USA Hockey Chief Medical Dr. Stuart times greater for players wearing no Officer and Team Physician protection compared with those wearing Dr. Michael J. Stuart, M.D., the study partial protection. The Mayo Clinic study examined ice hockey injuries in elite also determined that full facial protection amateur players ranging in age from 17 to 20 does not increase the risk of neck injuries or years. Published in 1995, the study concussions, a finding that prompted USA determined that: Hockey to strengthen its rules on facial protection. All players are now required to 1. A player was 25 times more likely to be wear full facial protection, with the injured in a game than in practice. exception of players 18 or older who can opt 2. The face and the shoulder were most to wear a half-shield or visor. frequently injured. The study also looked at the effect of mouth 3. A facial laceration was the most common protection, and determined that 63 percent injury. of players injured were not wearing any 4. A shoulder separation (acromioclavicular mouth protection at the time of injury. joint sprain) was the second most USA Hockey has been a proponent of facial common injury. protection for over 25 years. In the 1976-77 Note: This study was conducted in season, a directive was implemented Junior “A” where injuries are more requiring all players at the Junior level and younger to wear either a full facemask or prevalent than the average, partly due to protective eye mask with external the lack of facial protection. Nearly all mouthguard. Also, all players, except for members of USA Hockey play in leagues goaltenders were required to wear an internal where injury rates are lower. mouthpiece. Dr. Stuart’s study shows that this directive is clearly justified.

21 In his study, Dr. Stuart, who is also a member Body Checking Task Force of the Safety and Protective Equipment Body checking is another issue that has Committee, concluded that “the benefits of stemmed debate and research. USA Hockey facial protection are beyond dispute. USA has looked into this issue seriously, and Hockey should be commended for funding between 1992 and 1994 created a Body this study, and then acting to protect players Checking Task Force. The task force, Behavioral/ on the basis of our scientific evidence. This is appointed by former USA Hockey President a prudent, responsible action.” Walter L. Bush, Jr., concluded, after careful conduct review and research, that no changes should policies be made to the current rules allowing body Symposium On Safety In Ice Hockey checking in the 12-or-under age classification. Dr. Alan Ashare, the Chairperson of USA However, the report did emphasize the Hockey’s Safety and Protective Committee following points: and President of the Hockey Equipment Certification Council, is one of the world’s 1. On-ice officials should strictly enforce the Sportsmanship Codes of Conduct leading authorities on safety in the sport of ice current rules, with special attention paid USA Hockey highly values sportsmanship In addition to its core values, USA Hockey hockey. In 1997, Ashare to rules pertaining to body checking and and proper codes of conduct among all has established Codes of Conduct. These are organized and chaired the personal fouls involving illegal use of the participants, including players, coaches, designed to guide the organization’s Third Symposium on Safety stick. administrators, officials, parents and members in their planning, programming in Ice Hockey, sponsored in 2. A strong, specific notification should be spectators. The policies and guidelines that and play, now and in the future. USA Hockey has adopted regarding these part by the USA Hockey issued to all coaches, players, parents, and USA Hockey’s Codes of Conduct are as issues not only provide a responsible Foundation. From the others involved in USA Hockey indicating follow: symposium, Ashare the desire to eliminate illegal and violent environment for hockey at all levels, but also compiled 25 peer-reviewed actions from the sport. help safeguard against unnecessary injuries Administrators Code of Conduct: papers, which were 3. USA Hockey’s Coaching Education and setbacks. • Follow the rules and regulations of USA Dr. Ashare published as the Third Program must make special efforts to Hockey and your association to ensure Volume of the Safety in Ice provide education programs to assist Core Values that the association’s philosophy and Hockey series. Topics covered in the book coaches in developing proper body As a result, the organization has adopted objectives are enhanced. included injury surveillance, protective checking skills with their players. seven core values, which are spelled out in • Support programs that train and educate equipment and spinal injuries and On the recommendation of the committee, the USA Hockey Annual Guide. The seven players, coaches, parents, officials and concussions. USA Hockey has followed through and core values are: volunteers. enforced all of these aspects. 1. Sportsmanship: the most important •Promote and publicize your programs; value is learning a sense of fair play. seek out financial support when possible. Foster friendships with teammates and • Communicate with parents by holding opponents alike. parent/player orientation meetings and be 2. Respect for the Individual: treat all available to answer questions and address others as you expect to be treated. problems throughout the season. 3. Integrity: practice honesty and fair play •Work to provide programs that beyond mere strict interpretation of the encompass fairness to the participants rules. and promote fair play and sportsmanship. 4. Pursuit of Excellence at the Individual, •Recruit volunteers, including coaches, Team and Organizational Levels: all who demonstrate qualities consistent members of the organization should seek with positive role models in the sport. to perform each aspect of the game to the • Encourage coaches and officials to attend highest level of his or her ability. USA Hockey clinics, and advise your 5. Enjoyment: it is important for the hockey board members of the necessity of their experience to be fun, satisfying and training sessions. rewarding to all participants. • Make every possible attempt to provide 6. Loyalty: remain true to the ideals of the everyone, at all skill levels, with a place game and to your fellow players. to play. 7. Teamwork: value the strength of learning • Familiarize oneself with the contents of to work together. The use of teamwork is the USA Hockey Annual Guide and reinforced and rewarded by success. Official Playing Rules of Hockey.

22 USA Hockey 23 • Develop other administrators to advance •Make your calls with quiet confidence; Any criticism of the officials only hurts • Cheer in a positive manner and to positions in your association, perhaps never with arrogance. the game. encourage fair play; profanity and even your own. •Control games only to the extent that is • Applaud a good effort in both victory and objectionable cheers or gestures are necessary to provide a positive and safe defeat, and enforce the positive points of offensive. Coaches Code of Conduct: experience for all participants. the game. Never yell at or physically • Help provide a safe and fun environment; •Winning is a consideration, but not the •Violence must never be tolerated. abuse your child after a game or practice - throwing any items on the ice surface can only one, nor the most important one. • Be fair and impartial at all times. it is destructive. Work toward removing cause injury to players and officials. Care more about the child than winning • Answer all reasonable questions and the physical and verbal abuse in youth • Do not lean over or pound on the glass; the game; remember, players are involved requests. sports. the glass surrounding the ice surface is in hockey for fun and enjoyment. • Adopt a “zero tolerance” attitude toward • Recognize the importance of volunteer part of the playing area. • Be a positive role model to your players; verbal or physical abuse. coaches. They are important to the • Support the referees and coaches by display emotional maturity and be alert • Never use foul or vulgar language when development of your child and of the trusting their judgement and integrity. to the physical safety of players. speaking with a player, coach or parent. sport. Communicate with them and • Be responsible for your own safety - be • Be generous with your praise when it is •Use honesty and integrity when support them. alert to prevent accidents from flying deserved; be consistent and honest; be answering questions. • If you enjoy the game, learn all you can pucks and other avoidable situations. fair and just; do not criticize players about hockey - and volunteer. •Admit your mistakes when you make • Respect locker rooms as private areas for publicly or privately; learn to be a more them. Players Code of Conduct: players, coaches and officials. effective communicator and coach; don’t • Never openly criticize a coach, player or • Play for fun. • Be supportive after the game - win or yell at players. other official. •Work hard to improve your skills. lose. Recognize good effort, teamwork • Adjust to personal needs and problems of • Keep your emotions under control. • Be a team player - get along with your and sportsmanship. players; be a good listener; never verbally •Use only USA Hockey-approved teammates. or physically abuse a player or official; officiating techniques and policies. • Learn teamwork, sportsmanship and Local Organizations give all players the opportunity to •Maintain your health through a physical discipline. Many local organizations and associations improve their skills, gain confidence and conditioning program. • Be on time for practices and games. have taken USA Hockey’s policies and develop self-esteem; teach them the • Dedicate yourself to personal • Learn the rules and play by them. Always guidelines regarding sportsmanship and basics. improvement and maintenance of be a good sport. molded them into their own guidelines. A •Organize practices that are fun and officiating skills. • Respect your coach, teammates, parents, good example of this is the Massachusetts challenging for your players. Familiarize • Respect your supervisor and his/her opponents and officials. Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), yourself with the rules, techniques and critique of your performance. • Never argue with an official’s decision. which has published a sport handbook in an strategies of hockey; encourage all of Spectators Code of Conduct: effort to raise the quality of amateur hockey your players to be team players. Parents Code of Conduct: •Display good sportsmanship. Always in the state. Like USA Hockey’s guidelines, •Maintain an open line of communication • Do not force your children to participate respect players, coaches and officials. the MIAA’s handbook spells out the proper with your players’ parents. Explain the in sports, but support their desires to play • Act appropriately; do not taunt or disturb way for players, referees, off-ice officials, goals and objectives of your association. their chosen sport. Children are involved other fans; enjoy the game together. spectators and site managers to conduct • Respect and foster the overall in organized sports for their enjoyment. • Cheer good plays of all participants; avoid themselves before, during and after games development of your players. Stress good Make it fun. booing opponents. and practices. health habits and clean living. • Encourage your child to play by the rules. •To play the game is great, to love the Remember, children learn best by game is greater. example, so applaud the good plays of both teams. On-Ice Officials Code of Conduct: • Do not embarrass your child by yelling at •Act in a professional and businesslike players, coaches or officials. By showing a manner at all times and take your role positive attitude toward the game and all seriously. of its participants, your child will benefit. • Strive to provide a safe and sportsmanlike •Emphasize skill development and environment in which players can practices and how they benefit your properly display their hockey skills. young athlete. De-emphasize games and •Know all playing rules, their competition in the lower age groups. interpretations and their proper • Know and study the rules of the game, application. and support the officials on and off the • Remember that officials are teachers. Set ice. This approach will help in the a good example. development and support of the game.

24 USA Hockey Safety Media Kit 25 Policies A minor penalty shall be assessed whenever Affiliate Associations. Follow-up hearings • Been convicted of a crime of child abuse, The organization also has a series of policies a coach: and possible disciplinary action can also be sexual abuse of a minor, physical abuse, conducted by the local association. that help protect all members against 1. Openly disputes or argues any decision causing a child’s death, neglect of a child, unsportsmanlike play, sexual and physical by an official. murder, manslaughter, felony assault, any abuse, suspicious volunteers and mood- 2. Uses obscene or vulgar language in a Mood-Altering Substances assault against a minor, kidnapping, altering substances. These policies outline boisterous manner at any time. The organization’s policy on the arson, criminal sexual conduct, what constitutes an infraction under these 3. Visually displays any sign of consumption/use/abuse of mood-altering prostitution-related crimes or crimes guidelines and how the individuals involved dissatisfaction with an official’s decision substances is broad in scope. The policy is involving a controlled substance; designed to protect the interests of all should be punished. with the intent of inciting the officials, • Been adjudged liable for civil penalties or participants, including players, coaches, players or spectators. A game misconduct damages involving sexual or physical referees and all others involved. USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy penalty shall be assessed any time a abuse of children; coach persists in any of these actions. prohibits use of mood-altering substances by The Zero Tolerance Policy is a key USA • Been subject to any court order involving Hockey initiative focusing on any participant during active participation in While officials cannot receive penalties for its programs. Upon discovery of such any sexual abuse or physical abuse of a unsportsmanlike behavior and the inappropriate behavior, they are required to violation, USA Hockey shall take action to minor, including, but not limited to, a appropriate penalties for such actions. For conduct themselves in a businesslike, remove the violator from participation in its domestic order of protection; players, a minor (two-minute) penalty shall sportsmanlike, impartial and constructive programs for what it deems a reasonable • Had their parental rights terminated; be assessed whenever a player: manner at all times. Officials are period of time. •A history of complaints of sexual or ambassadors of the game and must always physical abuse of minors with another conduct themselves with this responsibility “Mood-altering substances” are defined by organization; in mind. USA Hockey as: • Resigned, been terminated or been asked Officials also have the responsibility to stop 1. Intoxicating beverages, including, but not to resign from a position, whether paid or a game whenever parents or spectators limited to, alcohol. unpaid, due to complaints of sexual or displaying inappropriate behavior interfere 2. Non-prescription or controlled substances physical abuse of minors; or with other spectators or with the game. used without a prescription. •A history of other behavior that indicates Officials will identify all violators to the 3. Prescription or prescribed controlled coaches, who will then remove them from they may be a danger to children in USA substances when used to an excess in Hockey. the spectator’s viewing and game area. Play violation of doctors orders or when used will resume when the violator is removed. to produce the state of intoxication. Officials also have the right to assess a minor Hazing penalty against the team whose fans display USA Hockey has also adopted a program of It is the policy of USA Hockey and USA inappropriate behavior. drug abuse awareness for players through age Hockey InLine that there shall be no hazing 20, their parents or guardians and coaches. Disruptive behavior by parents and of any participant involved in any of its This program was established through the spectators includes, but is not limited to: sanctioned programs, its Training Camps, Safety and Protective Equipment Committee. Hockey Clinics, Coaches Clinics, Referee 1. Use of obscene or vulgar language in a Clinics, Regional and National Tournaments boisterous manner at any time, Screening Policy or other USA Hockey or USA Hockey InLine 2. Taunting of players, coaches, officials or USA Hockey recognizes that child abuse is a events by any employee, volunteer, other spectators significant social problem, and has thus participant or independent contractor. 3. Throwing of any object in the spectators established a Screening Policy for all viewing area, player’s bench, penalty box 1. Openly disputes or argues any decision employees and volunteers who have routine Definition: Conduct which is insulting, or ice surface, directed in any manner as access to minor aged children. According to intimidating, humiliating, offensive, or by an official. to create a safety hazard. 2. Uses obscene or vulgar language at any the policy, any volunteer or employee who physically harmful. Any player, team time, even if it isn’t directed at a has such access must consent to the USA official, executive member of a Team, club or Sexual and Physical Abuse Hockey screening process. Further, USA particular person. association having been party to or having USA Hockey’s policies on sexual and Hockey requires all affiliates to adopt this 3. Visually demonstrates any sign of had knowledge of any degrading hazing, or physical abuse are comprehensive and policy as a condition of affiliation. dissatisfaction with an official’s decision. severe, with the intent that no such actions initiation rite, without reporting it or taking A misconduct and, if necessary, a game are allowed and, if committed, the violator A person may be disqualified and prohibited action, shall be subject to suspension from misconduct penalty should result if the can be permanently banned or suspended by from serving as a USA Hockey employee or playing or holding office with any team, club player continues such action. USA Hockey sanctioned programs and/or its volunteer if the person has: or association affiliated with USA Hockey.

26 USA Hockey Safety Media Kit 27 Notes

28 USA Hockey USA Hockey, Inc. 1775 Bob Johnson Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80906-4090 (719) 576-USAH Fax (719) 538-1160 www.usahockey.com