USA Hockey Player Equipment Requirements

Player safety remains a central part of USA Hockey’s equipment rules. Under **Rule 304**, each player is personally responsible for wearing the required protective equipment for all games, and required items must be worn properly and without alteration. USA Hockey also strongly recommends additional protective gear in age classifications where certain items may not be specifically mandated. ([USA Hockey Officiating Rulebook][1])

The following checklist provides a general overview of the standard equipment expected for players, along with notes on certifications or rule-specific requirements where applicable.

Helmet

 Required for players below the Adult classification and must be worn properly with the chin strap secured.

 **Certification note:** Must be **HECC-certified** where required by USA Hockey rules. USA Hockey’s casebook also notes the helmet strap should be worn properly, with about one finger width under the strap. ([USA Hockey Officiating Rulebook][1])

Facemask / Full Face Protection

 Required for players below the Adult classification, including any required chin protection.

 **Certification note:** Must be **HECC-certified** where required by rule. ([USA Hockey Officiating Rulebook][1])

Mouth Guard / Mouthpiece

 Required for players, including goaltenders, in **12 & Under through Youth 18 & Under (including High School)** and **Girls’ 19 & Under** age classifications. It must be a **colored, non-clear internal mouthpiece** covering the remaining teeth of one jaw, usually the upper jaw.

 **Certification note:** USA Hockey does **not** list a HECC or BNQ certification requirement for mouthguards. ([Sport Ngin][2])

Neck Laceration Protector / Neck Guard

 Required for all players in non-adult age classifications in games and practices. It should be designed for that purpose and cover as much of the neck area as possible.

 **Certification note:** **HECC-certified** neck protectors satisfy the rule, and **BNQ-certified** neck laceration protectors are also accepted through the **2026-27 USA Hockey season**. ([USA Hockey][3])

Gloves

 Listed by USA Hockey as standard protective equipment for players. Gloves must be in proper condition and may not be altered in a way that makes them illegal.

 **Certification note:** No specific HECC or BNQ certification is listed in Rule 304 for player gloves. ([USA Hockey Officiating Rulebook][1])

Shin Pads

 Listed as standard protective equipment for players.

 **Certification note:** No specific certification requirement is listed in Rule 304. ([USA Hockey Officiating Rulebook][1])

Shoulder Pads

 Listed as standard protective equipment for players.

 **Certification note:** No specific certification requirement is listed in Rule 304. ([USA Hockey Officiating Rulebook][1])

Elbow Pads

 Listed as standard protective equipment for players.

 **Certification note:** No specific certification requirement is listed in Rule 304. ([USA Hockey Officiating Rulebook][1])

Hip Pads / Padded Hockey Pants

 Listed as standard protective equipment for players. Padded hockey pants are one of the items permitted to be worn outside the uniform.

 **Certification note:** No specific certification requirement is listed in Rule 304. ([USA Hockey Officiating Rulebook][1])

Protective Cup

 Listed by USA Hockey as standard protective equipment.

 **Certification note:** No specific certification requirement is listed in Rule 304. ([USA Hockey Officiating Rulebook][1])

Tendon Pads

 Listed as standard protective equipment for players.

 **Certification note:** No specific certification requirement is listed in Rule 304. ([USA Hockey Officiating Rulebook][1])

Additional Recommended Cut-Resistant Items

 USA Hockey has also encouraged the use of cut-resistant socks, sleeves, or undergarments as added protection.

 **Certification note:** No specific HECC or BNQ certification requirement is listed for these items in Rule 304. ([USA Hockey][3])

Players and families should always make sure equipment is properly fitted, worn as intended, and kept in safe playing condition. If required equipment is missing, worn improperly, or altered, the player may not be permitted to participate until the issue is corrected. ([USA Hockey Officiating Rulebook][1])

[1]: https://www.usahockeyrulebook.com/page/7650/rule-304-protective-equipment"Rule 304: Protective Equipment | USA Hockey"

[2]: https://cdn2.sportngin.com/attachments/document/945a-3442848/2025-29_USAH_Playing_Rules.pdf"2025-29 Official Rules of Ice Hockey"

[3]: https://www.usahockey.com/layout_container/show_layout_tab?layout_container_id=8032247&page_node_id=908022&tab_element_id=13541"Neck Laceration Protectors"

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What Does BNQ-Certified Mean?

A BNQ-certified piece of hockey equipment has been tested and certified under standards issued by the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ), a recognized standards and certification organization. In hockey, BNQ certification is most commonly associated with neck laceration protectors.

The BNQ standard most often referenced for hockey neck protection is CAN/BNQ 9415-370, which applies to neck protectors for ice hockey and ringette players. A BNQ-certified neck guard means the product has been evaluated under that certification framework rather than simply being labeled protective by a manufacturer.

BNQ also publishes certificate records for certified products, which identify the applicable standard and certification details for approved neck protectors.

What Does HECC-Certified Mean?

A HECC-certified piece of hockey equipment has been tested and certified through the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC), an independent nonprofit organization created at the request of USA Hockey in 1978. HECC’s role is to establish certification criteria and identify hockey equipment that meets its approved standards.

For players and families, “HECC-certified” generally means the equipment has been approved under HECC’s certification program for hockey use. HECC is best known for certifying equipment such as helmets and other protective gear used in amateur hockey. HECC also notes that certified products do not protect against all injuries.

When equipment requires HECC certification under applicable rules, players should look for the official HECC certification label and make sure the equipment remains in compliant condition for play.