The measurement of any equipment (playersâ and goaltendersâ sticks, goaltendersâ pads and gloves) will be carried out immediately, at the Refereeâs crease, when requested by a team at a stoppage of play, by a Captain or Alternate Captain.
No measurements of any kind will be carried out by the Referee unless a formal request has been made by a team, via the Captain or Alternate Captain.
If the complaint for any measurement of sticks or equipment is not sustained, the complaining team will be penalized under Rule 10.1 (a) â Delay of Game.
Only one measurement of any kind will be allowed per stoppage of play.
Any illegal equipment will be removed, corrected or adjusted without any unnecessary delay.
Where a measurement of a stick is requested by a Captain or Alternate Captain, they must designate to the Referee which specific part of the stick is to be measured.
No goal will be disallowed as a result of any measurement.
Any violations resulting from a measurement will be penalized according to Rule 10.6 â Illegal Equipment.
A player whose stick has been broken must drop all pieces of the broken stick to the ice immediately. That player may continue to participate in the game without a stick.
Note 1: When a player discards any piece(s) of a broken stick by tossing them to the side of the playing surface (not over the boards) in such a way that they do not interfere with play or opposing players, no penalty will be assessed.
A player who has lost or broken their stick may only receive another stick at their own Playersâ Bench or be handed one from a teammate on the ice. They may not receive a stick thrown on the ice from any part of the rink, nor can they receive a stick handed to them from the Penalty Bench.
A goaltender who breaks or loses their stick may use a playerâs stick that has been handed to them until the next stoppage of play. In this case the playersâ stick will not be considered illegal equipment. At the next stoppage of play, the goaltender must receive a regular goaltenderâs stick. A goaltender may not continue to play with a broken stick of any kind.
Any violation of this rule will be penalized as per Rule 10.6 â Illegal Equipment.
All sticks (including goaltender sticks) may be made of wood, composite, or aluminum, and/or any other material approved by Hockey Canada. They must not have any projections, pockets, netting or other similar contrivance designed to give the player undue assistance in the playing of the game.
The intent of this rule is to only permit the use of conventional sticks. Any special changes, deviations or innovations require review and approval by Hockey Canada.
The stick will not exceed 1.60 m (63 in.) from the heel to the end of the shaft, and 31.75 cm (12.5 in.) from the heel to the end of the blade. The blade of the stick will not be less than 5.08 cm (2 in.) (within 1.27 cm (0.5 in.) of the end) nor greater than 7.62 cm (3 in.) in width.
The goaltenderâs stick will not exceed 1.4 m (55 in.) from the heel to the end of the shaft. The blade of the goaltenderâs stick will not exceed 8.89 cm (3.5 in.) in width at any point nor be less than 7.62 cm (3 in.), except at the heel where it must not exceed 11.43 cm (4.5 in.) in width; the goaltenderâs stick will not exceed 39.37 cm (15.5 in.) in length from the heel to the end of the blade. The width portion of the goaltenderâs stick extending up the shaft from the blade will not exceed 66.04 cm (26 in.) in length, calculated from the heel, and will not exceed 8.89 cm (3.5 in.) nor be less than 7.62 cm (3 in.) in width.
The end of the shaft of all sticks must be covered to protect against injury. In the case of hollow-shaft sticks, the end of the shaft must have a protective cap as well as being covered to protect against injury.
The stick may be wound with any colour tape.
A player may carry only one stick while participating in the play.
Any violation of this rule will be penalized as per Rule 10.6 â Illegal Equipment.
Sticks are presumed to be legal unless there is a reason to believe that a modification would provide the user with an unfair advantage.
EXAMPLE: The Bauer âSlingâ player stick has a slot in the blade, which may create a marginal gain in the weight or aerodynamics of the stick. However, the design is within the parameters of a âconventionalâ stick and does not create an unfair advantage for the user.
No player may participate in the game unless they are wearing skates.
Hockey skates will be of a design approved by Hockey Canada. The use of speed skates, figure skates, or any skates that may cause injury are prohibited.
No person, other than a goaltender, may use goaltendersâ skates.
Any violation of this rule will be penalized as per Rule 10.6 â Illegal Equipment.
With the exception of skates and stick, all equipment worn by the goaltender must be constructed solely for the purpose of protection of the head or body, and must not include any garment or contrivance which would give the goaltender undue assistance in keeping goal. Abdominal aprons extending down the thighs on the outside of the pants are prohibited.
Goaltenderâs pads will not exceed 27.94 cm (11 in.) in width and 96.52 cm (38 in.) in length as measured on the goaltender and will not be altered in any way. The minimum length of the boot of the pad is to be no less than 17.78 cm (7 in.). The boot is the bottom of the pad that sits over the top of the skate. The boot channel of the goaltenderâs pad must be flat or concave in appearance.
Note1: Puck foil (a plastic piece attached to the bottom of goaltenderâs pads designed to stop the puck) is considered to be illegal equipment.
Protective padding attached to the back of, or forming part of, the goaltenderâs blocker glove will not exceed 20.3 cm (8 in.) in width nor 38.1 cm (15 in.) in length. Any measurement exceeding 20.3 cm (8 in.) measured anywhere across the full length of the wrist area, or more than 38.1 cm (15 in.) anywhere on the length constitutes an illegal blocker glove.
The base of the goaltenderâs catching glove will be restricted to a maximum of 20.32 cm (8 in.) in width, which is to include any attachments added to that glove. The distance from the heel of the glove along the pocket and following the contour of the glove to the top of the âTâ trap must not exceed 46 cm (18 in.). The heel is considered to be the point at which the straight vertical line of the cuff meets the glove. Any measurement exceeding 20.32 cm (8 in.) measured anywhere across the full length of the wrist area. The maximum circumference of the legal goaltenderâs catching glove cannot exceed 114.3 cm (45 in.) (see Appendix B for diagram). The lacing or webbing or other material joining the thumb and index finger of a goaltenderâs glove, or any cage, pocket or pouch created by this material, must not exceed the minimum amount of material necessary to fill the gap between the thumb and the index finger when they are fully extended and spread. Any other pocket, pouch or contrivance added to the glove by a manufacturer or otherwise is not acceptable and makes the glove illegal.
Note 1: The binding and/or stitching at the edges of both goaltenderâs gloves will not be included in the measurement of either the length or width.
Note 2: When a request for a measurement of a goaltenderâs glove has been made the team will state the glove that is to be measured and whether it is to be the length or width of the glove.
The goaltenderâs chest and arm pads must conform to the following rules:
Any violation of this rule will be penalized as per Rule 10.6 â Illegal Equipment.
If a measurement of the goaltenderâs pads is required during the course of the game, this measurement should be carried out by the Referee in the Refereeâs crease. Both pads are to be measured. The measurement may take place anywhere across the width of the pads. The measurement is made with the pads on the goaltender and they are allowed four (4) hits on each pad to bring them into alignment. The measurement is to be taken with the goaltender in the standing position and the pads not contacting any fixed object. This measurement is taken by extending a tape measure at right angles from the outer edge of each pad at its widest point. The measurement may be taken anywhere throughout the length of the goaltenderâs pad.
With reference to measurements of the goaltenderâs blocker or catching glove:
The measurement of the goaltenderâs blocker or catching glove will be carried out by the Referee at the Refereeâs crease. The binding and/or stitching at the edges will not be included in the measurement of width nor length. The measurement to be made must be specified, whether it is the width or the length to be measured. Keep in mind, only one measurement per stoppage.
The blocker is measured with it being removed and it will include the distance of the curvature. The measurement will be a direct line from the one edge, measured at right angles to the opposite edge. This measurement may be anywhere between the two edges and should include the widest point, following any curvature of the blocker.
The catching glove is measured with it being removed. The glove is allowed to retain the shape that it has developed when being worn by the goaltender and will not be flattened. The length measurement will not include the depth within the webbing or pocket, it will be a direct line from the bottom edge, measured at right angles to the top edge, which is a line to the furthest point of the mitt from the base of the glove. The width measurement is made at right angles to the opposite edge across the cuff area only.
All protective equipment except gloves, head gear or goaltenderâs leg pads, must be worn entirely under the uniform.
While on the ice, including pre-game warm-ups, all players, including goaltenders, will wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet, to which a CSA- certified facial protector must be securely attached and not altered in any way. Any alteration to a CSA-certified helmet or facial protector automatically destroys the certification.
The chin straps of the helmet will be securely fastened under the chin. The straps of the facial protector, when designed to allow such straps, will also be securely fastened to the hockey helmet.
For violations during pre-game warm-ups, the Referee will report the infraction on the Official Game Report to the appropriate Member or league.
The wearing of a BNQ-certified throat protector is required for players registered in minor and female hockey.
Goaltenders who wear an attachment to the mask or helmet designed to protect the throat, must still wear a BNQ-certified throat protector.
If the helmet, facial protector, or throat protector of a player comes off while play is in progress, the player will replace the piece of equipment (properly fastened) or will proceed to the Playersâ Bench for a substitution. If the player participates in play in any manner without that piece of equipment, play must be stopped immediately and the player penalized under Rule 10.6 (a) â Illegal Equipment.
Note 1: In the case of a player whose neck guard has come off, officials must make every effort to alert the player to this fact and direct them off the ice. If the player does not comply, then they must be penalized.
Note 2: Players may remove their helmets for the national anthem(s) without fear of penalty.
It is mandatory that players purchasing new facial protectors follow these guidelines:
| Category | Description | Type | CSA Sticker Colour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Facial Protector | Intended for use by a person of any age who is not a goaltender | B1 or 1 | White |
| Intended for use by a person 10 years old or younger who is not a goaltender | B2 or 2 | Orange | |
| Head and face protector intended for a goaltender of any age | D1 or 3 | Blue | |
| Eye Protectors (Visors) | A partial face protector (e.g. visor) that shields only the eyes, intended for use by a person 18 years old or older | C or 4 | Yellow |
Note 1: Types B1, B2, 2, D1, D2 and 3 differ from Types A, B and C only in the penetration requirements in Clause 4.3.3 of the CSA standard.
Note 2: The wearing of a CSA-certified full facial protector or visor for players registered with Senior (recommended but optional for male adult recreational hockey) and Major Junior hockey teams will be compulsory. In all other categories and divisions of hockey including female hockey, the wearing of a CSA certified full facial protector will be compulsory.
Note 3: Goaltenders in all divisions of hockey will be required to wear a CSA- certified hockey helmet to which a CSA certified facial protector has been securely attached and not altered in any way.
Note 4: All players while on the Playersâ Bench and/or Penalty Bench must wear their certified helmet and facial protector securely attached. Any goaltender on the bench, as a minimum, is required to properly wear the same protective head equipment as the players. For a violation of this section of the rule, a warning will be issued to the team. The second and subsequent violations by the same team will result in a Minor penalty being assessed against the offending team.
Note 5: Hockey Canada requires all players and goaltenders to wear helmets that are CSA-certified from the manufacturer. It is the responsibility for the equipment user to ensure that throughout the life of the helmet, the CSA certification is maintained. Hockey Canada advises that prior to applying anything to the helmet, including stickers, that they refer to the manufacturerâs instructions and, if applicable, the manufacturer to confirm the type of adhesive they are applying will not jeopardize CSA certification and/or the manufacturerâs warranty. It is the sole responsibility for the equipment user to ensure they are not applying adhesives or other materials that may affect the integrity of the helmet and ultimately void the CSA certification and/or manufacturerâs warranty. Officials are NOT to make any decision with regards to the application of stickers on helmets and its effect on CSA certification.
Note 6: For divisions of hockey that allow the wearing of the half visor, the wearing of a mouth guard is compulsory (recommended but optional for Senior hockey). When a player fails to properly wear a mouth guard at any time on the ice during the game, their team shall receive one warning. Any player on that team who commits a subsequent infraction will receive a Misconduct penalty. Referees are encouraged to deliver this warning directly to the Coach.
If a player is wearing a helmet, facial protector, mouth guard or throat protector improperly, or wearing an uncertified piece of equipment, the Referee will penalize the offending player under Rule 10.6 â Illegal Equipment.
Note 1: The Referee is empowered to make the call without their attention being drawn by an opposing player or team official.
Any violation of this rule will be penalized as per Rule 10.6 â Illegal Equipment.
With regard to gloves: This rule is intended to prohibit the use of gloves where the palm has been intentionally removed or cut out to permit the use of bare hands. Where the palms have small holes, as the result of normal wear and tear, such gloves are permissible. However, if the Refereeâs opinion is that the holes are of such a size that the player can use their bare hands to hold an opponent or otherwise gain a competitive advantage, then the gloves will not be permitted.
All of the guidelines within this rule that apply to helmets, facial protectors and throat protectors will also apply to mouth guards, if a Member has made mouth guards mandatory at a specific division of play. Otherwise, mouth guards are not currently mandatory under the rules. If a player voluntarily elects to wear a mouth guard in a division where it is not mandatory, the mouth guard must be worn properly.
It is acceptable for a player on the Playersâ Bench to raise their mask to take a drink or to remove their helmet to clean the visor or for repairs. It must be replaced properly as soon as possible.
Where a Captain requests the Referee to check or certify the validity of a helmet, facial protector or throat protector worn by an opposing player and the equipment in question is found to be certified, no penalty will be assessed to the complaining team. The checking or verification of a helmet, facial protector or throat protector is not classified as a measurement.
The use of pads, protectors or sticks likely to cause injury to a player are prohibited.
No player is permitted to use any piece of equipment that has been modified or altered to gain an advantage or compromise safety.
No player is permitted to use any piece of non-standard equipment that provides an undue advantage to the user in playing of the game or that poses a danger to the user or other participants in the game.
All elbow pads which do not have a soft protective covering of sponge, rubber or a similar material at least 1.27 cm (1/2 in.) thick will be considered dangerous equipment.
The use of supplemental oxygen is prohibited.
For a violation of this rule a warning will be issued to the team. Any subsequent violations by any player on the same team will result in a penalty to the offending player under Rule 10.6 â Illegal Equipment
The puck will be made of vulcanized rubber or other approved material. It will be 2.54 cm (1 in.) thick and 7.62 cm (3 in.) in diameter and not weigh less than 156 g (5 1/2 ounces) and not more than 170 g (6 ounces) and will be black in colour. For all games played under the jurisdiction of Hockey Canada, it is recommended the official Hockey Canada puck be used, with the exception of U9 and below, where it will be 2.54 cm (1 in.) thick and 7.62 cm (3 in.) in diameter and may weigh not less than 113.4 g (4 ounces) and be clearly identified.
In Junior and Senior divisions, all players must be wearing a secure jersey tie-down.
If the player is wearing a tie-down but the jersey comes above the height of the shoulder blades or the player is able to remove their arm from the jersey, the Referee should apply the following considerations:
Note 1: This rule still applies if the jersey tie-down breaks or tears during the fight.