March 15, 2022

Public Hearing on Study of Hockey Neck Guard Legislation Monday

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In an effort to better understand ice hockey safety regulations following the tragic death of a player during a game earlier this year, the legislature’s Education Committee is holding a public hearing on a proposal that would create a working group to determine if players should be required to wear neck and throat guards.

On Monday, March 21, 2022, the Education Committee will discuss HB 5466 – An Act Concerning Assorted Revisions and Additions to the Education Statutes – which includes section 4 that states: “the governing authority for intramural and interscholastic athletics in the state shall convene a working group to study the efficacy of throat guards in preventing catastrophic neck injuries to interscholastic, intramural and youth ice hockey athletes.”

The idea to study the issue of neck and throat guards came from State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R-105), a certified athletic trainer who has proposed several important pieces of legislation to bolster student-athlete safety in recent years.

“I am hopeful that my colleagues will recognize the need to study this issue as it’s critically important to make sure our student athletes have the most up-to-date and appropriate safety equipment possible as they participate in fast-paced sports like hockey,” Rep. Klarides-Ditria said. “While USA Hockey, the National Federation of High Schools, and the NCAA recommend the use of throat guards as protective equipment, a closer, more in-depth examination of the efficacy of throat guards in youth athletics will provide greater clarity on ways we can better protect our student athletes.”

The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) requires all hockey players to wear neck guard protection, however those rules do not apply to private schools or youth hockey programs in the state.

Information regarding the public hearing agenda can be found on the Committee webpage at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2022/eddata/pha/pdf/2022PHA00321-R001100ED-PHA.PDF

According to the CGA Bulletin, “The public hearing can be viewed via YouTube Live. In addition, the public hearing may be recorded and broadcast live on CT-N.com. Individuals who wish to testify via Zoom must register using the On-line Testimony Registration Form. Registration will close on Sunday, March 20, 2022 at 3:00 P.M.”