Helmets, News, Midget A, 2013-2014, REP (Caledon Minor Hockey Association)

This Team is part of the 2013-2014 season, which is not set as the current season.
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Oct 07, 2013 | tmorritt | 1024 views
Helmets
Hi Coaches,We have had a few inquiries about the use of stickers on helmets. Attached are two memos stating the OMHA policies on "Stickers on Helmets" and "Helmet Certification Expiries".Please pass this information on to your parents, for their use.Caledon Minor Hockey Association is a proud member of the OMHA and continues to abide by the policies presented.ThanksBrett MooreCRHA Risk Manager

Hockey Canada Policy
Hockey Canada requires all players to wear helmets that are CSA certified from the manufacturer. It is the responsibility of the equipment user to ensure that throughout the life of the helmet the CSA certification is maintained. Hockey Canada recommends that prior to applying anything to the helmet including stickers that they refer to the manufacturer's instructions and if applicable the sticker manufacturer to confirm the type of adhesive they are applying will not jeopardize CSA certification and/or the manufacturer’s warranty. It is the sole responsibility of the equipment user to ensure that they are not applying adhesives or other materials that may affect the integrity of the helmet and ultimately void the CSA certification and/or the manufacturer’s warranty.
Summary
All players within Hockey Canada must wear a CSA certified hockey helmet and the CSA sticker must remain on the helmet at all times. The following summarizes guidelines related to the application of stickers on the CSA certified helmet:
• It is recommended that you do not apply anything to the helmet, however, if the user decides to apply materials such as stickers then it is their responsibility to ensure that it meets approval of the helmet manufacturer.
• It is important that the manufacturer instructions for care of the helmet are carefully read and followed to ensure proper maintenance of this piece of equipment. 

Questions and Answers
1. What does this policy mean to the user?
Hockey Canada will continue to require all players to wear a CSA certified helmet and a CSA certified facial protector (where applicable) as stated in rule 24 (b). It is the responsibility of the parents and players to ensure that if they are applying a sticker to the helmet that the adhesive meets the requirements of the manufacturer and of CSA and the application of the sticker has been approved by the manufacturer. Hockey Canada Officials will no longer remove a player’s helmet from play for the application of stickers. Note that this does not by any means allow for other alterations of the helmet or the facial protector.
2. Why is this policy being brought forward?
As you are aware it has become very difficult to police situations in which stickers have been applied to the helmet. There are many stickers that exist that could be approved by the manufacturer but because Hockey Canada cannot differentiate between these and stickers that should not be applied we have had to have a policy of no stickers on the helmet. This policy puts the responsibility of ensuring that stickers are approved by the manufacturer back in the hands of the parents and players.
3. Why do some adhesives affect the helmet integrity?
Some glue creates an exothermic reaction which can alter the molecular composition of the plastic, therefore reducing its strength and protection.
4. How quickly can adhesive effect the helmet?
This depends on many factors including how much the helmet is worn and what material the helmet is made of.
5. Could a unique mark be used to identify stickers that are safe to apply to the hockey helmet?
This is unfortunately not a realistic solution, as it would be very difficult to mark small stickers such as numbers. The other problem is that the mark could be copied and applied to stickers that are not suitable. This type of situation would be difficult to police.

6. Is there another way to affix decals as opposed to glue?
The problem with other application methods is that helmets often get wet and this would cause the stickers to fall off.
7. If a specific manufacturer approves a sticker to be applied to their helmet does this mean the sticker may be applied to a helmet from another manufacturer?
No, the approval from one manufacturer does not mean that the sticker can be applied to all helmets. Approval has to be sought from the manufacturer of the particular helmet.
If you have any questions regarding this policy please contact Todd Jackson, Manager of Safety and Risk Management with Hockey Canada at 613-562-5677 or at [email protected].