Monday, February 08, 2010 09:24 PM Jan 11, 2010 - NCAA Position on Helmet Brackets (“J-Clips”)
TO: NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Coaches, Conference Commissioners and Supervisors of Officials.
FROM: Forrest Karr, Chair, NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee
Steve Piotrowski, Secretary-Rules Editor, NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee.
SUBJECT: Helmets brackets (“J-Clips”).
The rules committee has received several requests for clarification regarding the brackets that hold the facemask in place on the helmet (commonly known as “J-Clips”) and how this impacts the HECC Certification of this equipment. It has been requested that the rules committee provide some guidance in this area.
After researching this issue with HECC representatives, the committee wishes to remind the ice hockey community that all players must wear a HECC-approved hockey helmet and facemask. HECC requires all mounting hardware of the facemask to be in place, which includes the “J-Clip”. This assembly must not be altered in any way when mounting the facemask to the helmet. The removal of the “J-Clip” further increases the risk of potential injury to a player and, according to HECC representatives, may void the HECC Certification, which would make the facemask illegal under current NCAA Ice Hockey Rules.
As a reminder, it is the responsibility of each member institution coach, athletic trainer, and equipment manager to be knowledgeable and informed of the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules that govern all protective equipment. Institutions must be diligent in monitoring equipment used and be in compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations.
The committee requests that this information be reviewed with all players and equipment personnel.
Thank you for your time and attention.
FK/SP:nkb
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