A reminder to all players, parents, coaches and managers:

Mouth Guards:
SMHA RECOMMENDS that all players from U9 through U18 (with the exception of goaltenders) must properly wear mouth guards for all games and practices. Mouth guards are not mandatory - but recommended.

Mouth guards are also optional in the U7 (age 5 and 6) division.


Neck Guards:
All players, including goaltenders, must properly wear BNQ Certified Neck Guards (separate piece of equipment preferred vs. built into under garment) for all games and for all practices.  Failure to wear a neck guard or the improper wearing of a neck guard during games may result in a minor penalty for illegal equipment.  Penalized players will not be permitted to resume participating in the game until a neck guard is worn properly.  It is the responsibility of coaches to ensure that their players are wearing a neck guard at all games and at all practices. 

** Coaches will face suspension for not enforcing this important safety regulation with their teams.
** It is the responsibilty of the coaches on the ice at practice to send players off the ice at practice until they come onto the ice in full equipment, including a neck guard worn properly.

Remember, a dangerous neck-area cut from a skate blade can occur as easily at practice as it can in a game.


DISCIPLINE PROTOCOL:

If discipline is required because coaches and teams are not adhering to these regulations, the team's head coach will be suspended as follows:

1. First incident where a coach allows a player (s) on his / her team to practice without full equipment, including neck guards - one (1) game suspension.
2. Second incident where a coach allows a player (s) on his / her team to practice without full equipment, icnluding neck guards- five (5) game suspension
3. Third incident would result in an indefinite suspension of the head coach.

Thank you for your cooperation.

-SMHA Board of Directors