Please consider the memo below regarding ear and mouthguards from our MAHA Michigan Ref in Chief.   

It is at the referee's discretion but the will typically give one warning to players not in compliance, will send them off the ice to fix the problem and will assess  misconducts for subsequent violations to the player during the game.     You may see some inconsistency on it being addressed, but overall it is best to ensure the players are wearing the proper equipment to ensure their safety.  That's what equipment rules are ultimately about.    https://www.usahockeyrulebook.com/page/show/1084402-rule-304-protective-equipment

Please remind your players that this is an important safety item, 

 The earpieces referred to in the memo are part of the helmet, ear guards, if you will, see picture   The clear or white plastic pieces on the sides that protect the ears.   

 It is a rule of the Kensington Valley Hockey Association that every player and goalie, in every division, is required to wear a neck guard (or a throat/neck shield for goalies) and a mouth guard during all practices, all training sessions, and all games, whether using Kensington facilities, or at any other arena/rink.

Neck guards and mouth guards are to be worn properly during all ice time. Neck Guard must be a device in which the design intent was to protect the neck. A rolled up sock taped to the neck it not an acceptable neck protector. Mouth guards dangling out of the player’s helmet are also not acceptable.

Safety for the players and goalies is of the utmost importance. It is the responsibility of each coach to ensure that his/her players have the required equipment prior to all practices and games. It is the responsibility of each player’s parents/guardians to ensure that the required equipment is used correctly during all ice time.

NON ROSTERED PLAYERS/COACHES ON THE ICE OR BENCH

The only people allowed on the ice during practice or on the bench during games are those players rostered to the team and that team’s rostered coaches.  Having others on the ice or the bench invalidates the USA Hockey insurance and puts the head coach at risk for disciplinary action and potential lawsuit should an un-rostered individual be injured.  The USA Insurance coverage will not cover you or anyone on the ice, including an injured party.  The rule applies to player siblings, coaches other children, friends, and even those rostered on other KVHA teams. This is not optional, and coaches will be suspended immediately pending a hearing if it occurs. This is not a KVHA rule, but a USA Hockey / MAHA rule and it will be strictly enforced.

HELMETS

All coaches on the ice are required to wear a helmet. Guest ‘instructors’ on the ice with teams must also wear helmets.  It is the head coaches responsibility to make sure this is followed. If your team has someone come to your practice to work with your team and they are on the ice, they must have a helmet. NO EXCEPTIONS. These coaches must also be USA Hockey registered.  Again, failure to follow this policy puts the head coach at risk for disciplinary action. Both of these are USA Hockey rules and are not negotiable.