Hockey Alberta announced today that any coach, trainer, assistant coach, guest coach or volunteer who is on the ice or floor (inline hockey) at practice or a similar function must wear a CSA approved helmet with the chin strap of the helmet securely fastened. This is mandatory and effective immediately.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, failure to comply with this policy will result in that individual being indefinitely suspended. This amends the policy developed in April 2008 which strongly recommended all coaches wear a helmet during on-ice/floor practice. 

"Hockey Alberta coaches at all levels are role models throughout the province. With Hockey Alberta registering over 15,000 coaches a year, it is important for them to protect not only their players but themselves as well, as they are key leaders of the game," said Terry Ledingham, president, Hockey Alberta.

Since April, a number of Associations have established a local level policy that requires coaches to wear a helmet while performing on-ice duties.

"We are aware that numerous Association already have, or will have a local policy in place for this season," stated Ledingham, "Based on the new information we have now, we believe this change was necessary immediately."

Hockey Alberta will be working with other key partners such as the Team Alberta Source for Sports Dealers and Reebok/CCM in regards to education, communication and to ensure that any challenges coaches may face with this policy can be alleviated through their assistance. A formal plan will be announced in the coming weeks.

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