Ice Hockey Rules: Improper Equipment and Adjustment Times

One rule in ice hockey that tends to get overlooked a fair amount pertains to improper equipment. Proper equipment is very important in ice hockey because it can be a dangerous sport if a player is not equipped with the proper padding. Fast moving pucks, swinging sticks, and sharp skates can all lead to serious injury if a player is not prepared. Because of this, players without the proper equipment are not allowed to participate in the game until the problem is corrected.

If a player enters the ice without the proper equipment, no time is given to the player to fix the problem, as it delays the game. He or she must leave the ice until the problem is fixed. For example, if a player is wearing a helmet, but does not have the proper straps or the straps are improperly fastened, the referee must send the player off of the ice. If the player does not leave, a two minute minor penalty is assessed.

Goalies often have equipment problems due to the extra padding that they wear. However, the same rules still apply to goalies in that no special time is given to them to fix whatever equipment problem he or she might have. Instead, a substitute goalie or extra player is needed to take the place of the goaltender with the problem equipment until the situation is fixed. Often times, this is seen when one of the goalies leg pads has strap issues and the pad no longer protects the goalies legs.

However, both teams are given one timeout that they can use at any point in the game. If a player on one of the teams has an equipment problem, then the team may use their time out instead of just substituting a new player in. Time outs are short, so the problem must be able to be corrected within the time span of the time out. Usually, teams use their time outs when their goalie has an equipment problem and they do not have a back up goalie to take the place of the original goalie. This situation does not typically occur too often in hockey, but the rules need to be known to everyone participating in the game of ice hockey.

Sources:

USA Hockey
Composite Hockey Sticks