Mouthguards

From John Reid, ODMHA RIC:

Once again the issue of players not wearing mouth guards or not properly wearing mouth guards has been brought to my attention by ODMHA Council.

Although this message has been sent out at least twice this year and I address it at every RIC meeting there are concerns that officials are not calling the penalties for this infraction. This is a rule within our Branch and has been passed by Council for the safety of the players.

Please lead by example if you are on the ice and make this call. As well, once again please address this concern with all of your officials within your District. Mouth guards are mandatory and must be properly worn at all times during a game as well as during the warm-up prior to a game. ZERO TOLERANCE is to be followed and upon the first infraction please address the issue as per the rules. This is for the safety of the players.

I have copied the ODMHA and am asking that the Director of Risk and Safety address the issue with all trainers, coaches and managers that they instruct their players accordingly and that they are made aware that once again the officials are being instructed to enforce this important safety rule.

I am fully aware that most players will tell officials that they do not wear mouth guards during practices and hence do not need to do so during warm-ups; however, practices are not our responsibility and we WILL enforce the wearing and proper wearing of mouth guards during warm-ups. All District supervisors should be advised of this message so they can support this policy, as have senior supervisors been advised within the Branch.

Thank you for your co-operation and I trust this will put this issue to rest once and for all.

John Reid

ODMHA RIC