*Message:
From: SCERO at OLEC
Date: 10/20/94 8:05AM
To: INTERNET:[log in to unmask] at OCF_INFORM
Subject: Re[2]: mouthpiece rule
Contents:
This is a rule which has been on the books for years. As Mike mentioned, they
have added to it.  It now matches the USA Hockey's has been for several years.
ie. 1st Offense, removal from ice, warning. 2nd offense, Misconduct, 3rd Game
Misc.
 
As for not being able to see it, most colleges that I've been on the ice with
have custom fitted mouthgards made. Of these, almost all the ones I've seen are
a clear material, making it hard to see even when on the ice with the player.
In Ohio's high school leagues, it is now required that the mouthguard be of a
color other than white or clear.  This makes it very easy to spot.
 
Referees don't go on the ice looking for players without all their equipment.
Now, if a player stepped onto the ice without his helmet, this would clearly
standout and be corrected.  As for the mouthpiece, if it comes to the referees
attention that the player is missing theirs, they will begin the process of
stepping through the levels of penalties.  This can come their attention in
several ways, they see the player up close during a face-off situation, one of
the opponents informs the referee, or my favorite, the player begins to argue
with the referee over a call and, oops, they forgot they weren't wearing one.
Just once you all need to see a players face when they begin arguing and you ask
them, "hey, where's you mouthguard?"  They freeze, look at you kind of
dumbfounded then skate away. End of whatever it was they were arguing about.
 
 
Rick
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