The WWHSHL is serious about player safety, and strives to create a fun, respectful and safe hockey experience. Recently, Hockey Canada passed a new zero tolerance rule to any contact above the shoulders (Head Contact Rule). The WWHSHL generally maintains parity with Hockey Canada regarding game misconducts. The Executive will be introducing a policy revision to incorporate the Head Contact Rule. The new rule is in immediate effect – and the Hockey Canada wording is below. Hockey Canada has also created a library of great tools including video of what game officials will be looking for when making calls! For more information – please visit: Hockey Canada – Checking to the Head
Hockey Canada Rule 6.5 – Head Contact
(a) In minor hockey and female hockey, a minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who accidentally contacts an opponent in the head, face or neck with his stick or any part of the player’s body or equipment.
(b) In minor hockey and female hockey, a double minor penalty or a major and a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the referee and based on the degree of violence of impact shall be assessed to any player who intentionally contacts an opponent in the head, face or neck with her stick or any part of the player’s body or equipment.
(c) In junior hockey and senior hockey, a minor and a misconduct penalty, or a major and a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the referee based on the degree of violence of impact, shall be assessed to any player who checks an opponent in the head in any manner.
(d) A major and a game misconduct penalty, or a match penalty shall be assessed any player who injures an opponent under this rule.
(e) A match penalty shall be assessed any player who deliberately attempts to injure or deliberately injures an opponent under this rule.
Note: All contact above the shoulders (neck, face and head) is to be called Head Contact under one of the above (In minor hockey and female hockey).
