USA Hockey Neck Laceration Protection Requirement: What Players Need to Know
USA Hockey Neck Laceration Protection: Now Required
Effective August 1, 2026, USA Hockey requires all participants to wear neck laceration protection. This rule applies across USA Hockey-sanctioned play as stated in USA Hockey's official equipment regulations. If you participate in USA Hockey-sanctioned leagues, tournaments, or programs, you should confirm the specific requirements with your league administrator or by reviewing the official USA Hockey website.
What Does the Rule Require?
According to USA Hockey's announcement, neck laceration protection must be worn by all participants. The rule is intended to reduce the risk of serious neck and throat injuries from skate blade contact an injury risk that has led hockey governing bodies worldwide, including the IIHF, to adopt similar mandates.
Important:
Neck guard MUST BE CERTIFIED by HECC or BNQ. Without certification a player is considered to be wearing illegal equipment and will be sent off and penalized.
Always verify compliance requirements directly with USA Hockey or your league administrator. Equipment eligibility and certification standards are determined solely by USA Hockey and the relevant governing body not by the manufacturer or retailer.
Where to Confirm Your League's Requirements
- Check the official USA Hockey website for the current equipment regulations and any certification or approval lists.
- Contact your local USA Hockey affiliate or league administrator.
- Review your team's rulebook or equipment checklist provided by your association.
Great Guard Neck Guards
Great Guard designs neck guards built for performance and protection. Our neck guards are available in multiple colorways to suit individual players and team uniforms. We encourage all players and parents to review the USA Hockey equipment regulations and confirm that any neck guard including ours meets the certification standards required by their specific league before purchase.
Browse our neck guard lineup:
- NECK GUARD – WHITE — Clean, classic white for players and teams.
- NECK GUARD – BLACK — Sleek black to match dark uniforms.
- Team Color Collection — Explore the full range of team colorways for bulk and individual orders.
If you have questions about which neck guard is right for your team or need to place a bulk order, contact us we're happy to help.