MOUTHGUARDS

[mnhcp]

If a non D6 team such as a D3 or D8 team (where tethered mouthguards aren't required) plays a scrimmage on D6 icew/ D6 refs , will the referee call a penalty on our players as most our team has non-tethered mouthguards?

Please advise as we have an upcoming scrimmage scheduled with a D6 team? Does our team need to get new mouthguards or should we call to cancel our scrimmage as that is what we're thinking. D6 is over the top on this and many other things.

We were just given a heads up to beware.

[InigoMontoya]

Why not pony up the $0.99, spend 30 seconds holding the thing in hot water, and enjoy a quality scrimmage experience.

[jancze5]

you seem to be downplaying the role of the referee in regards to the safety of the players on the ice, either that or you have a young player who's never been train-wrecked from the blindside and ended up with a concussion. Either way, it's for the safety of the players that D6 is "over the top" on this rule, pony up the 2 bucks and conform...

[puckulence]

If a non D6 team such as a D3 or D8 team (where tethered mouthguards aren't required) plays a scrimmage on D6 icew/ D6 refs , will the referee call a penalty on our players as most our team has non-tethered mouthguards?

Please advise as we have an upcoming scrimmage scheduled with a D6 team? Does our team need to get new mouthguards or should we call to cancel our scrimmage as that is what we're thinking. D6 is over the top on this and many other things.

We were just given a heads up to beware.

If you are not a D6 team you are okay. Each district can set their rules that teams need to follow and as long as your district does not have the attached mouth guard rule you players should not receive a penalty. But you never know with D6 refs....in my experience they are some of the worst in the state when calling penalties. If one team gets a mouth guard penalty it is a guarantee that the other team will get one within the next 5 minutes.

[mnhcp]

It's the principal. No one is downplaying the mouthguard. It's a matter of tethered or non tethered.

As far as the $.99. It's the principal. We've thought about joining D6 in the past and they just don't seem to want to work with people. This is just one "TINY" example.

With the form fitting colored mouthguards local dentists have provided for our teams we'd prefer to use them.

Puckulance: So when our team travels to D6 ice, our D8 team should not worry, should we worry, challenge it if it happens or address it ahead of time? We will not buy $.99 mouthguards to appease D6.

[nahc]

J5:

Tethering won't make a bit of differance if the skater does NOT have the mouthguard in his/her mouth. WAY to many skaters do not wear the mouthguard properly, mimicking a Chris Drury, chewing on the guard. If one is wearing the mouthguard properly, even a train wreck as you describe, won't end up in a concussion.........

D6 refs are right up there with the worst..........I wouldn't pay a penny more just to appease D6 refs if that indeed is the case........

[inthestands]

Are D6 refs the worst because they keep a close eye on mouthguards, or some other reason?

Either way, I have a hard time imagining anyone canceling a scrimmage for a $2.00 cost of a mouth guard.

Anyone ask the kids what they would like to do?

[mnhcp]

Why would we ask the kids? We run the team. If we asked the kids they'd all want to play center. We have other options. It's the principal. Maybe this would cause the D6 people to resolve this once and for all if other teams refused to practice D6 teams?

Must wear a tethered (so they can see) or a colored mouthguard (so they can see)! Rule is pretty simple.

Anyone from D6?

Still unsure what if the D6 refs will penalize the non D6 team wearing dentist form fitted colored mouthguards on D6 ice?

D6 referee want to reply?

[InigoMontoya]

Why did you schedule the thing in the first place? D6 refs have been persecuted on this forum over and over again; this is the first you've heard of it?

Who, when, and where are you suppose to play? If you're going to leave them high and dry, I'll suggest a team to slip in there for a freebie.

[inthestands]

Why would we ask the kids? We run the team. If we asked the kids they'd all want to play center. We have other options. It's the principal. Maybe this would cause the D6 people to resolve this once and for all if other teams refused to practice D6 teams?

Must wear a tethered (so they can see) or a colored mouthguard (so they can see)! Rule is pretty simple.

Anyone from D6?

Still unsure what if the D6 refs will penalize the non D6 team wearing dentist form fitted colored mouthguards on D6 ice?

D6 referee want to reply?

Why is D6 so much smarter then all the other districts?

That explains enough for me.

Maybe you'd want to call the supervisor of officials for D6, unless that would be too offensive for you?

[mnhcp]

inthestads: I'm not opposed to calling the supervisor of officials but since we have options we may just pursue that. It does surprise me being that it's come up before that no one really has a positive ruling on it.

[mnhcp]

If you are not a D6 team you are okay.

Are you pretty comfortable with this answer? Is there a source for it? Or is it just common knowledge and once in a while you get a ref who just doesn't know and makes the mistake?

Any D6 refs?

[Newbie Dad]

This question/issue came up at our D3 Manager's meeting last night. I can't say there was an exact and official answer given, but I believe some D3 officials were going to call D6 officials to try and get an official answer.

As my name implies, I'm kind of new to all of this, but even at the meeting last night there were some comments made about D6. Where does that come from and what is that all about. I'm assuming there is a long history and story behind it.

[inthestands]

[quote="mnhcp"]inthestads: I'm not opposed to calling the supervisor of officials but since we have options we may just pursue that. It does surprise me being that it's come up before that no one really has a positive ruling on it. quote]

I didn't chastize you. Lived in the same town my entire life. Had 3 kids go through the entire gammit of hockey life.

[observer]

This is a silly discussion but I'm a fan of the mouthguards on a tether. I think there a number of Districts who now have the "mouthguard must be attached to the cage" language. There are several advantages and zero disadvantages. Keeps from losing the mouthguard in the bottom of the dirty bad. Player always has it. It's also easier for the ref to determine if the player is using a mouthguard. All mouthguards that I've seen made by dentists have a tether that can be, or is, attached.

The official reason is that if the mouthguard is unattached and the player is knocked unconsious the player could swallow the mouthguard and choke to death. It's also easier for the ref to pull the mouthguard out of the players mouth if he's unconsious and chocking. Get over it and do what you can to make the game safer for your players. All players should have an attached mouthguard.

[OnFrozenPond]

If a non D6 team such as a D3 or D8 team (where tethered mouthguards aren't required) plays a scrimmage on D6 icew/ D6 refs , will the referee call a penalty on our players as most our team has non-tethered mouthguards?

Please advise as we have an upcoming scrimmage scheduled with a D6 team? Does our team need to get new mouthguards or should we call to cancel our scrimmage as that is what we're thinking. D6 is over the top on this and many other things.

We were just given a heads up to beware.

Teams from different districts play each other all the time. Scrimmages, Tournaments, Regions, State.

You play by the rules that govern your district. Another difference, in addition to mouthguards, is the use of neck guards. D6 requires them, other districts do not.

Relax, go play your scrimmage and have fun. You will be fine.

[mnhcp]

This is a silly discussion but I'm a fan of the mouthguards on a tether. I think there a number of Districts who now have the "mouthguard must be attached to the cage" language. There are several advantages and zero disadvantages. Keeps from losing the mouthguard in the bottom of the dirty bad. Player always has it. It's also easier for the ref to determine if the player is using a mouthguard. All mouthguards that I've seen made by dentists have a tether that can be, or is, attached.

The official reason is that if the mouthguard is unattached and the player is knocked unconsious the player could swallow the mouthguard and choke to death. It's also easier for the ref to pull the mouthguard out of the players mouth if he's unconsious and chocking. Get over it and do what you can to make the game safer for your players. All players should have an attached mouthguard.

\

That's not the point. I don't make the rules. Other district have other rules. So what's the rule when we visit D6?

[OnFrozenPond]

This is a silly discussion but I'm a fan of the mouthguards on a tether. I think there a number of Districts who now have the "mouthguard must be attached to the cage" language. There are several advantages and zero disadvantages. Keeps from losing the mouthguard in the bottom of the dirty bad. Player always has it. It's also easier for the ref to determine if the player is using a mouthguard. All mouthguards that I've seen made by dentists have a tether that can be, or is, attached.

The official reason is that if the mouthguard is unattached and the player is knocked unconsious the player could swallow the mouthguard and choke to death. It's also easier for the ref to pull the mouthguard out of the players mouth if he's unconsious and chocking. Get over it and do what you can to make the game safer for your players. All players should have an attached mouthguard.

\

That's not the point. I don't make the rules. Other district have other rules. So what's the rule when we visit D6?

Each team plays by the rules that govern their district. But...if you don't want to trust a bunch of knuckleheads on a forum reach out to D6 or your own district.

From the D6 website:

Brad Hewitt, District Director
Phone: 952-250-6431

Rob Shuman, League Operations
Phone: 952-393-4445

Dave Kemp, Supervisor of Officials
Phone: 952-322-3166

[hiptzech]

I am a D6 ref...Thanks for all the kind words...As far as the mouth guard rule, you play by your district rules. If a tether is not required by your district, it will not be required when in D6. Make sure the mouth gaurd is not clear, USA Hockey Rule. If you are compliant, you should have no worries. If your players are not, you should get a warning first.
Spend the $5.00 to print out your district rules and bring them to your scrimmage or tourney games in D6 if you are concerned about it.
This was discussed at our fall meeting as it is every year. If the players are not keeping their mouth gaurds in their mouths, be ready to have a player sit for 10 mins. They will get it figured out. If you can't coach and disipline your players, the refs can alway help you do your job.

[trippedovertheblueline]

I am a D6 ref...Thanks for all the kind words...As far as the mouth guard rule, you play by your district rules. If a tether is not required by your district, it will not be required when in D6. Make sure the mouth gaurd is not clear, USA Hockey Rule. If you are compliant, you should have no worries. If your players are not, you should get a warning first.
Spend the $5.00 to print out your district rules and bring them to your scrimmage or tourney games in D6 if you are concerned about it.
This was discussed at our fall meeting as it is every year. If the players are not keeping their mouth gaurds in their mouths, be ready to have a player sit for 10 mins. They will get it figured out. If you can't coach and disipline your players, the refs can alway help you do your job.

\

kemp of d6 is out of control and he is the d6 official leader. This guy will be a linesman in a bantam game, skate over to a official during the whistle and advise number #10 had his mouthguard out when exiting the ice. #10 spends 10 in the box. Grandma misses her grandson play. Why doesn't D6 help the kids/programs learn Kemps rules. The guy needs to step down.

[royals dad]

This is a silly discussion but I'm a fan of the mouthguards on a tether. I think there a number of Districts who now have the "mouthguard must be attached to the cage" language. There are several advantages and zero disadvantages. Keeps from losing the mouthguard in the bottom of the dirty bad. Player always has it. It's also easier for the ref to determine if the player is using a mouthguard. All mouthguards that I've seen made by dentists have a tether that can be, or is, attached.

The official reason is that if the mouthguard is unattached and the player is knocked unconsious the player could swallow the mouthguard and choke to death. It's also easier for the ref to pull the mouthguard out of the players mouth if he's unconsious and chocking. Get over it and do what you can to make the game safer for your players. All players should have an attached mouthguard.

From what I understand in speaking to an orthodontist and reps for 2 different manufacturers there isn’t a choking risk with an un-tethered mouthguard (unless you take a scissors to it). The issue is one of making something that is comfortable and easy to wear vs making something that is more easily enforceable. I think it debatable from either perspective. It would be like making it easy for police to see if your seatbelt was on at the cost of a bit of comfort. Would you wear it more if it was uncomfortable but you risked getting busted easier. Or would you use it more if it was so comfortable you didn't even notice you had it on but harder for the police to check.

[PanthersIn2011]

This is a silly discussion but I'm a fan of the mouthguards on a tether. I think there a number of Districts who now have the "mouthguard must be attached to the cage" language. There are several advantages and zero disadvantages. Keeps from losing the mouthguard in the bottom of the dirty bad. Player always has it. It's also easier for the ref to determine if the player is using a mouthguard. All mouthguards that I've seen made by dentists have a tether that can be, or is, attached.

The official reason is that if the mouthguard is unattached and the player is knocked unconsious the player could swallow the mouthguard and choke to death. It's also easier for the ref to pull the mouthguard out of the players mouth if he's unconsious and chocking. Get over it and do what you can to make the game safer for your players. All players should have an attached mouthguard.

I don't think it is silly at all.

Even though you (and apparently D6) think kids need to have a tethered mouthguard, this is not the position of the sanctioning bodies -- neither USAH nor MH requires a tethered mouth piece. So it's a local rule. Fair enough.

Our team has a few players wearing custom fit mouthguards that are not tethered. One of the reasons for moving to a dental fit mouthpiece is that they are substantially more comfortable and breathing is easier. Consequently, kids are more likely to wear them.

I would rather send a kid out with a non-tethered dental guard than a tethered $2 boil & bite.

Hiptzech: Thanks for the clarification. Glad to hear that D6 is being reasonable on this.

[inthenet]

We have all ready played a team from District 6 on there ice with D-6 refs, and we did not have straps on all of are mouth guards!!!

[boardmember]

If the players are not keeping their mouth gaurds in their mouths, be ready to have a player sit for 10 mins. They will get it figured out. If you can't coach and disipline your players, the refs can alway help you do your job.

We had a player given a 10 Min penalty for not having his teathered mouth guard in while sitting on the bench getting a drink of water. hiptzech, Don't give me that disipline line. The ref was skating by the bench looked at the player blew the play dead assessed the penalty. This is taking to rule way too far!

[QuackerTracker]

If the players are not keeping their mouth gaurds in their mouths, be ready to have a player sit for 10 mins. They will get it figured out. If you can't coach and disipline your players, the refs can alway help you do your job.

We had a player given a 10 Min penalty for not having his teathered mouth guard in while sitting on the bench getting a drink of water. hiptzech, Don't give me that disipline line. The ref was skating by the bench looked at the player blew the play dead assessed the penalty. This is taking to rule way too far!

If this happened the official did not properly inforce the rule. The rule from USA Hockey is very clear. A mouth peice is required and must be in the players mouth when they are ready to play.

This is from the situations listed in the rule book under equipment

Situation 18
A player goes onto the ice during a line change and is not wearing a mouthpiece (PeeWee through Midget) Minn Hock requires all levels to wear a mouth peice. May he be penalized before play is resumed?

Yes. Rule Reference 304(c), providing the team has received its warning for that game. If the team has not yet been warned, the player would be removed and the team warning would be issued at that point.
Once the player is on the ice he is considered to be participating in the game, even though play has not resumed. Similarly, if his stick blade curvature were to be challenged, the measurement would take place immediately and the appropriate penalty assessed prior to play resuming.

So that means that anytime a play is on the ice the mouthpiece must be in the mouth. This seems very clear to me and players should have no difficulty understanding this. If they are on the bench they do not have to have it in.

As far as traveling out of district, most officials do not know other districts rules. If your district requires neck guards or attached mouthguards then you must wear this equipment no matter where you play. For example if a D6 team plays in D3 they are still required to wear their neck gaurd and attached mouthpeice. However most D3 officials probably do not know D6 rules so it can be hard for them to inforce them.[/u]