Frequently Asked Questions - Hockey Equipment Certification Council

How does a manufacturer initiate and then proceed with the certification process?

Any player playing in a USA Hockey sanctioned event or league up to the age of 21 (Mites through Juniors) or any player playing in a high school event played under the Federation of High School playing rules must wear an HECC certified helmet and an HECC certified facemask, or an HECC certified goaltender helmet and facemask while participating in that event or league. Players participating in an NCAA sanctioned event must wear an HECC certified facemask with a hockey helmet or an HECC certified goaltender helmet and facemask. Players participating in other leagues should review the rule book for their particular league to determine whether HECC certified helmets are required

I have an interest in reducing the risk of injury in hockey competition. How do I go about becoming a member of HECC?

Any player playing in a USA Hockey sanctioned event or league up to the age of 21 (Mites through Juniors) or any player playing in a high school event played under the Federation of High School playing rules must wear an HECC certified helmet and an HECC certified facemask, or an HECC certified goaltender helmet and facemask while participating in that event or league. Players participating in an NCAA sanctioned event must wear an HECC certified facemask with a hockey helmet or an HECC certified goaltender helmet and facemask. Players participating in other leagues should review the rule book for their particular league to determine whether HECC certified helmets are required

I am interested in reducing the risk of injury in ice hockey and would like to become actively involved with HECC.

Any player playing in a USA Hockey sanctioned event or league up to the age of 21 (Mites through Juniors) or any player playing in a high school event played under the Federation of High School playing rules must wear an HECC certified helmet and an HECC certified facemask, or an HECC certified goaltender helmet and facemask while participating in that event or league. Players participating in an NCAA sanctioned event must wear an HECC certified facemask with a hockey helmet or an HECC certified goaltender helmet and facemask. Players participating in other leagues should review the rule book for their particular league to determine whether HECC certified helmets are required

How can I tell if a hockey helmet or face protector is certified?

Any player playing in a USA Hockey sanctioned event or league up to the age of 21 (Mites through Juniors) or any player playing in a high school event played under the Federation of High School playing rules must wear an HECC certified helmet and an HECC certified facemask, or an HECC certified goaltender helmet and facemask while participating in that event or league. Players participating in an NCAA sanctioned event must wear an HECC certified facemask with a hockey helmet or an HECC certified goaltender helmet and facemask. Players participating in other leagues should review the rule book for their particular league to determine whether HECC certified helmets are required

Will HECC eventually adopt a standard for other pieces of ice hockey equipment in addition to helmets?

Any player playing in a USA Hockey sanctioned event or league up to the age of 21 (Mites through Juniors) or any player playing in a high school event played under the Federation of High School playing rules must wear an HECC certified helmet and an HECC certified facemask, or an HECC certified goaltender helmet and facemask while participating in that event or league. Players participating in an NCAA sanctioned event must wear an HECC certified facemask with a hockey helmet or an HECC certified goaltender helmet and facemask. Players participating in other leagues should review the rule book for their particular league to determine whether HECC certified helmets are required

What leagues require the HECC certification for player and goaltender helmets?

Any player playing in a USA Hockey sanctioned event or league up to the age of 21 (Mites through Juniors) or any player playing in a high school event played under the Federation of High School playing rules must wear an HECC certified helmet and an HECC certified facemask, or an HECC certified goaltender helmet and facemask while participating in that event or league. Players participating in an NCAA sanctioned event must wear an HECC certified facemask with a hockey helmet or an HECC certified goaltender helmet and facemask. Players participating in other leagues should review the rule book for their particular league to determine whether HECC certified helmets are required