We are asking all WWFHA members to ensure their helmets have not expired and have not been altered in any way, such as by removal or trimming of a part. On-ice officials have been asked this year to specifically watch for safety and compliance violations which may result in a player being removed from the game.USA Hockey Rule 304(c) states: “It is mandatory that all players (except Adults) wear a HECC approved helmet (including ear protection) with chin strap properly fastened. (Note) HECC certification includes an expiration date on the sticker and a helmet that has an expiration date that has expired is no longer considered certified. The player may not wear a helmet that does not have a valid and current certification sticker.”

Please inspect your hockey helmet to see that it bears a HECC

certification sticker on the right rear with an unexpired date.  If the sticker is missing or the date is past due, replace your helmet. The new helmet must be HECC approved. Hockey helmets are usually certified for 6 years, so check that the new helmet has a suitable remaining lifespan before you purchase it. Want to know more about HECC Certification, and how best to fit a helmet? Go to: http://www.hecc.net/

In addition, USA Hockey Rule 304(d) states: “Any helmet or facemask that is altered except as permitted in Rule 304(c) shall be deemed to be illegal equipment and shall not be allowed to be used in a game. (This shall include helmets from which a part has been cut or removed, facemasks from which the chin-cup has been removed or any other such alterations from the original manufacturing specifications.)”

Similarly, the Referee’s Casebook/Rule Combination 2012 -2014 states the following regarding Hockey Canada Rule 3.6: “Hockey Canada requires all players and goaltenders to wear helmets that are CSA certified from the manufacturer. It is the responsibility of 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 manufacturer’s instructions and if applicable, the manufacturer to confirm the type of adhesive they are applying will not jeopardize CSA certification and/or the manufacturer’s warranty. It is the sole responsibility of 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 manufacturer’s warranty. Officials are NOT to make any decision with regards to the application of stickers or helmets and its effect on CSA certification.”

Remember, the brain is the biggest asset any player has, so protect it as best you can at all times!