Equipment & Apparel Policy 1.06
EFFECTIVE: 1 March 2024
1.06.01 – Purpose
Sarnia Hockey Association (SHA) is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its members, while promoting the sport of ice hockey. This Equipment Policy outlines the standards and guidelines for the use of protective gear, team apparel, and the proper care of equipment within our association. This policy is aligned with Hockey Canada, Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) and the MINOR HOCKEY ALLIANCE OF ONTARIO (ALLIANCE) regulations and prioritizes participant safety.
1.06.02 – Scope
a) This policy applies to SHA Equipment Directors, SHA Teams and participants including Team Officials, Players that play under ALLIANCE hockey. Protective equipment is required by all participants while engaging in on ice activities, games, or practices.
b) Game Officials are exempt from this policy and must refer to Hockey Canada HCOP Regulations for the wearing of protective equipment.
c) Parts of this policy can be superseded by any applicable rule change in Section 3 in the Hockey Canada Rule Book.
1.06.03 – Definitions
a) Player: A player refers to any individual actively participating in a hockey game, whether as a skater or goaltender. Players are responsible for adhering to the rules and wearing the necessary protective equipment to ensure their safety and the safety of others during play.
b) Goaltender: A goaltender, also known as a goalie, is a specialized player whose primary role is to defend the team's goal or net from the opposing team's attempts to score. Goaltenders wear specialized equipment.
c) Team Uniform: Consists of a team jersey and matching socks. Matching pants or pant shell could also be part of the team uniform. Teams can carry multiple uniforms such as Home, Away, or Special Cause/Tribute
1.06.04 – Participant Protective Equipment
a) Players: All skaters in the SHA (goaltenders excluded) must follow the protective equipment requirements in accordance with Hockey Canada Rule 3.6. Equipment to be worn shall be:
i) CSA Certified Helmet
ii) Hockey Skates
iii) Shoulder Pads
iv) Elbow Pads
v) Hockey Pants
vi) Hockey Gloves
vii) CSA Certified Full Facial Protection
viii) Athletic Support and Cup
ix) BNQ Neck Guard
x) Shin Guards
xi) Practice or SHA Issued Game Jersey
xii) Practice or SHA Issued Game Socks
b) Goaltenders: All goaltenders in SHA must follow the protective equipment requirements in accordance with Hockey Canada Rule 3.5. Equipment to be worn shall be:
i) CSA Certified Helmet (Player or Goalie Type)
ii) Hockey or Goalie Skates
iii) Goaltender Full Upper Body Armour (replace shoulder & elbow pads)
iv) Hockey Pants
v) Goaltender Blocker & Trapper
vi) CSA Certified Full Facial Protection
vii) Athletic Support and Cup
viii) BNQ Neck Guard
a. External Throat Guard is Optional
ix) Goalie Pads (replace Shin Guards)
x) Practice or SHA Issued Game Jersey
xi) Practice or SHA Issued Game Socks
c) Coaches: All coaches and helpers in SHA must follow the protective equipment requirements in accordance with OHF and Alliance Regulations while on the ice. Equipment to be worn shall be:
i) CSA Certified Helmet (includes the wearing of an approved chin strap that is secured so that the helmet will remain in place should a fall or contact occur)
ii) Hockey Skates; and
iii) Hockey Gloves
d) Mouth Guards: SHA will adhere to the mouth guard rules and regulations from ALLIANCE. Mouth guards are recommended but not mandatory.
e) Regulated/Approved Equipment: Specified equipment must clearly display a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or equivalent evaluation body approval label. CSA does not mandate expiry dates as part of a manufacturer’s label in Canada. Pieces requiring approval labels are:
i) Helmet: An ice hockey helmet is approved by CSA
ii) Facial Protection (Full or Partial): Such as a cage or a shield and is approved by CSA; and
iii) Neck Guards: A cut resistant neck guard is approved by the Bureau de Normalisation du Québec (BNQ)
f) Supply of Personal Equipment: Unless specified otherwise in this policy or specific programs such as First Shift, all personal equipment is to be purchased and supplied by the participant.
1.06.05 – Mandatory Helmet Use for On-Ice Coaches and Staff
a) Regulation: Per the OHF Helmet Policy and ALLIANCE Policy 26.0. All hockey team officials, volunteers, NCCP instructors and third party on ice instructors working with Associations, Teams, Clubs or Leagues, MUST wear a CSA approved hockey helmet, secured and chinstraps properly fastened, during all sanctioned on-ice activities. For those participants wearing a facial protector, the straps of the facial protector, when designed to allow such straps, shall also be securely fastened to the hockey helmet.
b) Rationale: The wearing of a CSA Certified Helmet includes the wearing of a properly fitted and approved chin strap securing the helmet to remain in place should a fall or contact occur to prevent serious and life altering injury.
c) Violations: Any non-compliance with this policy shall be reported to the respective Category Vice Chair and VC-Administration
i) Reports can be submitted by any person(s) to any SHA Director
ii) In cases where a registered or unregistered helper does not appear on the official team roster (e.g., parent or guardian), the Head Coach will be accountable for policy compliance.
iii) Failure to meet this expectation will result in a warning or suspension in accordance with OHF and ALLIANCE Helmet and Non-Helmet Use Policy:
a) First Verified Incident – Verbal Warning and Filed Written Notification
b) Second Verified Incident – Board of Reference Hearing and Suspension (5 Ice Times)
c) Third Verified Incident - Board of Reference Hearing and Suspension (1 Year)
d) Exemptions: Trainers or any other team officials who enter the ice surface for the purpose of attending an injured player are exempt from this rule.
1.06.06 – Team Uniforms
a) For all games, all players within SHA shall wear a team uniform authorized by SHA.
i) Representative Teams will be supplied one (1) Home and one (1) Away uniform per player and spares for AP’s
ii) Recreational Teams will be supplied one (1) Team uniform per player
iii) Select Teams shall purchase a Team uniform or Home and Away uniforms for every player and spares for AP’s
iv) SHA does not supply player pants or shells
v) Teams may wear “Alternative” uniforms approved by SHA; and
vi) Recreational Teams participating in external competitions such as Alliance Championships can be supplied with Home and Away Jerseys on short term loan if available
b) Each player is required to care for and maintain their jersey in a reasonable state of repair and cleanliness. If a jersey is significantly damaged due to improper care, then any costs to repair or replace the jersey can be assigned to the team or the individual player.
c) All SHA game jerseys shall have an approved Sarnia Sting Logo prominently displayed on the front and an individual player number on the back.
d) Any game jersey supplied by a sponsor can be styled and have logos applied at the discretion of the sponsor
e) Name Bars are optional, but must be uniform and adhere to Policy 1.06.08(a)(b)
f) Captains and Alternates should be identified on game jerseys. Application of C’s and A’s must adhere to Policy 1.06.08(a)(c)
g) Other hockey organization logos (e.g. Hockey Canada or ALLIANCE) can be applied to game jerseys and must adhere to Policy 1.06.08(a)(d)(e)
h) SHA Sponsor Logos may only be applied by SHA and must adhere to Policy 1.06.08(d)
i) No unauthorized logos may be used on SHA Game Jerseys
j) Player numbers must be between 1 and 98 except for number 69
k) Number 99 cannot be applied to any SHA Jersey. This is to honor Wayne Gretzky and his hockey achievements in alignment with other Canadian hockey organizations.
1.06.07 – Association and Team Apparel
a) SHA reserves the right to restrict the style or colour of jackets, apparel and personal wear that bear any authorized SHA Logo(s). Restrictions can be determined annually by the Association before the start of the hockey season. All Representative team apparel purchases should be made through an approved supplier.
b) Any logos, registered or not, related to SHA (Corporate, Representative, and Recreational) may not be used without obtaining permission from the SHA
1.06.08 – Application of Name bars, Letters, and Logos
a) Approved Vendors: SHA recommends only using approved vendors for the application of name bars, letters, and logos on game jerseys:
i) Planet Stitch
ii) WMA Promotions; or
iii) Other vendor recommended by Representative or Recreational Equipment Directors and approved by SHA.
b) Name bars: Name bars are optional for all teams and shall be applied in one uniform location on the jersey by an approved supplier; either the yoke (between the shoulders) or the bottom, center, back side of the jersey.
i) Name bars on sponsor supplied jerseys can be sized and styled at the discretion of the sponsor. Sponsors reserve the right to indicate where name bars can or cannot be applied.
a) McDonald's requires name bars between the shoulders
ii) Name bars attached by the supplier are to be minimum 12 inches wide by 3 ½ inches high with letters 2½ inches high. The name bar will be no wider than required based on the length of the name
iii) Name bars shall not interfere with any sponsorship logo, captain letter or number.
iv) Name bars will only display legal surnames
v) Name bars must be applied to all team jerseys, not individuals, with the exception of AP uniforms
vi) Names can be pressed or sewn on to the name bar and the name bar is sewn on to the jersey.
vii) Name bar lettering should be of a style and colour that best complements the jersey colours. Matching the numbers is recommended.
viii) The cost to apply name bars should be borne by the team unless approved for payment by SHA.
a) Captain Letters: Letters are only required for teams that appoint captains and shall be applied in one uniform location on the jersey by an approved supplier; on the left-side breast.
i) Appointing Captain and Alternate Captains is not mandatory for any team.
ii) Captain Letters provided on sponsor supplied jerseys can be styled at the discretion of the sponsor.
iii) Captain Letters attached by a supplier are to be in accordance with Hockey Canada Rule 2.3 – TEAM CAPTAINS
iv) Captain Letters are to be worn by players in accordance with Hockey Canada Rule 2.3 – TEAM CAPTAINS
v) Captain Letters can be pressed or sewn on to the jersey.
vi) Captain Letters should be of a style and colour that best complements the jersey colours. Matching the numbers is recommended.
vii) Cost to apply Captain Letters shall be borne by the team unless approved for payment by SHA.
b) Approved Logos: Teams may only use approved logos on team uniforms and apparel. Current approved logos are:
i) Canadian National Flag
ii) Sarnia Hockey Association
iii) Hockey Alliance of Ontario
iv) OHF
v) Hockey Canada
vi) Sarnia Sting (OHL) “Bee” per the Sarnia Sting Brand Guide
vii) Sarnia Sabers (SHA); or
viii) Current and Approved Sponsorship Logos
c) Other Mandatory Logos
i) Representative Jerseys must also display:
a) Canadian National Flag in accordance with OHF Regulation A10 (a) and ALLIANCE RULE & REGULATION 27.0
ii) Recreational Jerseys must also display:
a) Division and/or Team Sponsorship Logos when applicable
1.06.09 – Association Owned Equipment and Supplies
a) Budgets: All association equipment will be obtained through approved purchases from approved budget funds. Additional or unforeseen equipment costs can be addressed by SHA throughout the season if required.
b) Books and Manuals: Most books and manuals are available through open sources online. Rulebooks or other manuals can be requested and issued to teams if no online copy is accessible.
c) Electronic Devices: Electronic devices (e.g., computers, iPads. etc.) owned by SHA should only be used for SHA Activities. Electronic Devices authorized for team issue are:
i) Apple iPads
d) Lockers: One (1) Locker can be supplied to teams as available, preferably at the arena where the team practices.
i) Teams that will not be supplied a locker are:
a) Any U18 League Team
b) Any U21 League Team
c) Any Select Team
e) Team Practice Equipment: Any equipment needs of teams can be assessed by the Category Equipment Director with feedback from teams throughout the season. Equipment can be issued at the discretion of the directors and availability of equipment. Standard issue team practice equipment is:
i) Pucks
ii) Pylons; and
iii) Containers
f) Team Goalie Equipment: SHA is committed to developing goalies in the early years of hockey and can provide:
i) One (1) set of full goalie equipment for all Recreational League full-ice teams within:
a) U9 Division
b) U11 Division
ii) Two (2) sets of full goalie equipment for all Recreational League cross-ice teams
iii) One (1) set includes:
a) Goalie Pads
b) Body Armour
c) Trapper, Blocker
d) Throat Protector; and
e) Goalie Stick.
iv) Helmets are a personal item and excluded from any set provided by SHA.
v) Due to the importance of personal commitment to specialized positions like goaltending. SHA will not supply any A/AA, B/BB, MD, SL Team, or representative player with any goalie equipment without prior budget analysis and approval from the SHA Board of Directors
g) Personal Property: SHA does not endorse the use of personal property that is readily available through SHA (e.g., Team iPads, shooter tutors, etc) Any equipment needs of teams or individuals can be assessed by the Category Equipment Director with feedback from any source.
h) Loaning of Equipment: Equipment may not be loaned to anyone or organization outside SHA without authorization from VC-Administration.
i) Issuing of Equipment: Equipment may be issued to anyone within organization so long as it is recorded and tracked on “Equipment Sign Out” Sheets. Typically, equipment should be signed out and signed in by the Team Manager
j) Loss or Damage of Equipment: Any significant losses or damage will require replacement. SHA can recover costs associated with lost or damaged equipment from the team if deemed necessary.
k) Tryout/Evaluation Jerseys: SHA shall maintain an adequate supply of “Try-Out” Jerseys or Pinnies that can be available for short term sign out upon request.
1.06.10– Responsibilities
a) Equipment Directors are:
i) Responsible for ensuring equipment availability for their respective category
ii) Responsible for maintaining accurate records of SHA owned inventory and assets
iii) Responsible for coordinating repairs or replacement of SHA owned inventory and assets
iv) Responsible for the annual submission of equipment budgets to the SHA Budget Committee for their respective category
v) Responsible for investigation and reporting of equipment losses to VC-Administration; and
vi) Responsible for coordinating equipment issue or returns with Category Directors, Division Directors and Team Officials.
b) Team Officials and Teams are:
i) Responsible for all team equipment as issued.
ii) Responsible for the return all equipment when requested; and
iii) Accountable for lost or damaged equipment.
c) Category Vice Chairs are responsible:
i) To track warnings issued under Policy 1.06.05
ii) Notify the VC-Administration of first, second, and third incidents when they occur
d) VC-Administration is responsible for:
i) Risk Management and shall issue warnings for violations of Policy 1.06.05.
ii) Maintaining a record of Policy 1.06.05 warnings for the season; and
iii) Managing and maintaining SHA’s inventory of iPads and iPad Accessories including sign-out and replacement strategies
e) Players are responsible for the condition and cleanliness of their SHA game jersey(s) and socks.
f) Recreational Teams are responsible for the production, application, and cost of name bars and/or captain letters.
g) Category Sponsorship Directors are responsible for supplying and updating current sponsor logos upon request.
h) SHA is not responsible to:
i) Supply personal use equipment such as phones, computers, or tablets without prior cost analysis and budget approval; and
ii) Replace personal property that is damaged or lost while being used for SHA business or activities without authorization from the Board of Directors