BANTAM AAA

All mouthguards MUST be coloured. All players must have mouthguards at all times, whether or not play is in progress.

As soon as a player steps onto the ice without a mouthguard, a 2 min minor penalty (protective equipment) is to be assessed.  NO WARNINGS are to be issued IN THIS INSTANCE.  The rule is cut and dry.  NO MOUTHGUARD = MINOR PENALTY

The only scenario in which you wouldn't penalize is if the player is hit and the mouthguard falls out, then the same process should take place as it does for a lost helmet or chinstrap undone.  Player puts the mouthguard back in or immediately leaves the ice.

If during play a player is wearing it improperly, i.e. sticking halfway out his/her mouth, ONE WARNING is to be issued to the team, directly to the coach.  After this one warning (one to each team) the referee is to assess a minor penalty.

This is NOT an appeal play, the referee may call it if he sees it; however, the teams may bring it to their attention.  Linesmen cannot make this call but should point it out to the referee.  The casebook scenarios would be the same as those for no neck guard or chinstrap.

The teams are all very aware of this and are watching each other like hawks so referees to enforce this rule strongly and appropriately at ALL TIMES, regardless of the score or situation.  There is no game management with regards to this rule.  Officials who are found to be giving warnings instead of minors (as the League has asked) may be subject to discipline.

Herman Costa
EMHA Representative

If you need any further clarification, please contact Herman