Rule 303. Goalkeeper's Equipment

(Note) For Juniors only - These equipment regulations are written in the spirit of ``fair play''. If at any time the League feels this spirit is being abused, the offending equipment will be deemed ineligible for play until a hearing has been conducted to rule on such equipment.

1. With the exception of skates and stick, all the equipment worn by the goalkeeper must be constructed solely for the purpose of protecting the head or body, and he must not wear any garment or use any contrivance which would give him undue assistance in keeping goal.

   (Note 1) Cages on gloves and abdominal aprons extending down the front of the thighs on the outside of the pants are prohibited. ``Cage'' shall mean any lacing or webbing or other material in the goalkeeper's glove joining the thumb and index finger which is in excess of the minimum necessary to fill the gap when the goalkeeper's thumb and forefinger in the glove are fully extended and spread and includes any pocket or pouch effect produced by excess lacing or webbing or other material between the thumb and forefinger when fully extended or spread.

   Protective padding attached to the back or forming part of goalkeeper's blocker glove shall not exceed 9 inches in width nor more than 17 inches in length at any point. The cuff of the goalkeeper's catching glove shall not exceed 9 inches in width. The maximum length of the catching glove shall not exceed 17 inches. Any bar or attachment (cheater bar) between the cuff and the thumb shall only extend from the cuff to the thumb in a straight line. Any other pocket, pouch or contrivance added to the glove by a manufacturer or otherwise is not acceptable and makes the glove illegal.

   (Note 2) Starting with the 2003-2004 season, the goalkeeper glove measurements will change to the following: Blocker Glove - no more than 8 inches in width and 16 inches in length at any point. Catching Glove - the width of the cuff shall not exceed 8 1/2 inches in width nor shall the circumference of the glove exceed 48 inches.

2. The leg guards worn by goalkeepers shall not exceed 12 inches in extreme width when on the leg of the player.

   For Juniors only - (Note) Randomly during the season, League staff shall check goalkeepers' leg guards and glvoes. These inspections shall take place at the conclusion of a pre-determined and unannounced game. A member of the League Staff will enter each participating team's dressing room to obtain the equipment of all four participating goalkeepers.

   Any violation of this rule will result in an automatic one game suspension for the next league game to the offending goalkeeper. Should both goalkeepers on the same team have illegal equipment, each will be suspended in sequence. The goalkeeper who played the day/night of the measurement will be suspended for the next game and the back-up goalkeeper will be suspended for the following game. Any violation of this rule shall be reported to the team and the League President.

   Refusal to submit the equipment for League inspection will result in the same sanctions as that of a goalkeeper with illegal equipment. A second violation of this rule will result in additional suspensions and a team fine of up to Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per occurrence.

3. It is compulsory for all goalkeepers to wear helmets and full face masks. Throat/neck protectors are recommended. No form-fitted face masks shall be permitted, with the following exceptions:
   1. At the Junior age classification, USA Hockey strongly recommends that all goalkeepers wear HECC approved face masks. However, any such goalkeeper, having reached the age of majority and having signed the proper waiver, shall be permitted to wear a full face mask of his/her choice or a form fitted face mask with a frontal wire insert, providing such mask includes a back skull plate in lieu of a HECC approved helmet. The signed waiver must be made available to Game Officials prior to each game, upon request.
   2. Any goalkeeper in the Adult age classifications (male and female), who has reached the age of majority and who has signed the proper waiver, may wear any form fitted face mask. Such mask shall include a back skull plate in lieu of a HECC approved helmet.

4. A minor penalty shall be imposed on any goalkeeper using illegal equipment in a game.

   If the decision as to the illegality involves making any measurements or other examination which would cause any delay whatsoever, other than a stick measurement, such measurement or examination shall take place at the end of the first or second period or immediately in the third or overtime period. If such equipment is found to be illegal the penalty shall be announced and served immediately or following such intermission.

5. For Juniors only - Chest and Arm Pads
   1. No raised ridges are allowed on the front edges or sides of the chest protector, the inside or outside of the arms, or across the shoulders.
   2. Layering at the elbow is permitted to add protection but not to add stopping surface. This layering, both across the front and down the sides, to protect the point of the elbow shall not exceed seven and one-half inches.
   3. Shoulder cap protectors must follow the contour of the shoulder without becoming a projection/extension beyond or above the shoulder or shoulder cap. The contoured padding must be not more than one inch in thickness beyond the top ridge of the shoulder and shoulder cap.
   4. Each of the shoulder clavicle protectors are not to exceed seven inches in width. Their maximum thickness is to be five-eighths of an inch. This protection is not to extend or project above or beyond the shoulder or shoulder cap, nor extend beyond the armpit. No insert is allowed between the shoulder clavicle protector and the chest pad that would elevate the shoulder clavicle protector.
   5. If, when the goalkeeper assumes the normal crouch position, the shoulder and/or shoulder cap protection is pushed aobve the contour of the shoulder, the chest pad will be considered illegal.

6. For Juniors only - Pants
   1. No internal or external padding is permitted on the pant leg or waist beyond what is necessary to provide protection (no outside/inside ridges).
   2. The maximum width (straight line) of the thigh pad across the front of the leg is eleven inches. If the groin and/or hip pads extend beyond the edge of the front thigh pad, they are to be included in this eleven inch measurement. This measurement is to be taken while the goalkeeper is in an upright standing position. This measurement is to be made five inches up from the bottom of the pants.

7. For Juniors only - Goalkeeper Jerseys
   1. The maximum jersey size shall be the same as depicted below (1998-99 NHL Rule Book).
   2. No inserts or additions are to be added to the standard goalkeeper cut jersey as produced by the manufacturer. Modifications at the manufacturer are not allowed.
   3. No ``tying down'' of the sweater is allowed at the wrists if it creates a tension across the jersey such that a ``webbing effect'' is created in the armpit area.
   4. No other tie downs are allowed that create a ``webbing effect''.
   5. The length of a jersey is illegal if it covers any area between the goalkeeper's legs.

8. For Juniors only - Catching Glove
   1. A maximum perimeter of fifty inches is permitted. The perimeter of the glove is the distance around the outer edges of the glove.
   2. The wrist cuff is to be a minimum of four and one half inches in height. The cuff of the glove is considered to be the portion of the glove protecting the wrist from the point where the thumb joint meets the wrist. Any protection joining/enhancing the cuff to the glove will be considered part of the glove rather than the cuff.

9. For Juniors only - Blocking Glove
   1. Protective padding attached to the back or forming part of the goalkeeper's blocking glove shall not exceed eight inches in width nor more than sixteen inches in length at any point.