*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 [log in to unmask]