Skate Canada Helmet Policy

Helmet Use - Information for Clubs, Coaches, and Parents

On July 1, 2011, Skate Canada implemented a Helmet Use policy. This policy was implemented as a proactive safety measure to help protect members in the early stages of the CanSkate program that are learning how to skate. Skate Canada believes it is an appropriate time to implement such a policy to help prevent future injuries to its members that are learning how to skate. In the development of the policy Skate Canada consulted various groups of individuals including parents, and the policy was approved by the Skate Canada Board of Directors earlier in 2011.

Skate Canada is proud of its CanSkate program, the best learn-to-skate program in Canada, and we will continue to develop policies and programming that create a better and safer learn-to-skate experience for our skaters. If you would like more information on helmet use and injury prevention we recommend you visit Parachute Canada.

Coaches, clubs or skating schools should not dictate that a skater should not wear a helmet.  

• Skaters working on STAGE 5 and below, as well as all skaters in the CanPowerSkate program, MUST wear CSA-approved hockey helmets.
• Skaters working on STAGE 6 or higher may choose to continue to wear a helmet at their discretion. The skater, parent/guardian has the final say as to whether or not the skater will or will not wear a helmet.
• Coaches are in charge of ensuring what a skater wears on the ice is safe. This applies to clothing, hair, skates etc.

How should the hockey helmet fit?

• A hockey helmet should fit snugly to prevent any shifting and maximize protection. Make sure the chinstrap can be adjusted so it gently makes contact under the chin when fastened.
• For an adjustable helmet, open it to the largest setting and gradually begin to downsize the helmet until a comfortably snug fit is achieved. The helmet should rest on the head so that the rim is one finger width above the eyebrow and make contact with the top of your head.
• Although most helmets are lined with protective foam, some helmets will feel better than others. Try on different brands of helmets for fit and comfort.
• All CSA-certified helmets have a sticker indicating their certification.

Why only hockey helmets?

• Hockey helmets are designed to help protect against head injuries occurring on ice, whether from a fall or collision. A bicycle helmet, for example, is designed to protect against head injuries should a fall occur while riding a bicycle. It is important to ensure that when a skater is on the ice, they are protected with equipment designed for their sport or activity.

Are face masks required as well?

• Face masks are not mandatory; however young skaters may benefit from the added protection.

Are used hockey helmets acceptable?

• Hockey helmets and face protectors sold in Canada must meet safety standards set by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). If the CSA sticker is not present, throw the product away. Hockey helmets must have labeled with the date of manufacture and have a chin strap.  CSA takes the position that the life span of a helmet is not easy to determine and so CSA does not give expiry dates for hockey helmets. CSA advocates that “consumers should exercise good judgment as to the suitability of a hockey helmet for play. Helmets that are cracked, have a loose fitting or missing liner pieces, or that have been subjected to a severe blow should be replaced. For a hockey helmet to function effectively, it must be in very good working order and worn properly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.”

Can a parent sign a waiver absolving the club from any liability and allow their child to participate without a helmet?

• No. The requirement to wear a helmet is a Skate Canada Policy and all clubs and members must abide by our policies. Therefore, in order to participate in the CanSkate program, all skaters who have not achieved Stage 5 in the CanSkate program or who lack good balance and control must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet while on the ice.

Why has up to and including Stage 5 been selected as the benchmark for helmet use?

• Skaters who lack good control/balance when skating forward, or backward and have difficulty stopping, as well as maneuvering around obstacles on the ice are at a higher risk of being unable to control a fall, regardless of their age.
• The CanSkate program has been developed to introduce basic skating skills to beginners in a safe and sequential manner. The learning progressions leading to and included in Stage 5 allow skaters to gain the necessary skills (balance, agility, and control) required to safely participate on the ice. While it may be likely that many Stage 5 skaters can skate reasonably well, ice surfaces can be very unpredictable and there is always a risk of falling, no matter what stage a skater is at. CanSkaters participate in a group environment with other skaters on the ice of different levels who may fall and cause other skaters to fall.

This is an additional cost for parents. Does Skate Canada provide any incentives or fee reductions for CanSkate members having to purchase a helmet?

• Most hockey helmets retail for approximately $50. Many CSA-approved hockey helmets are adjustable and could be used for many years of skating both within the club and recreationally outdoors during the winter months. Skate Canada does not currently offer incentives for parents.

I am a coach. What do I do if there is a skater on the ice that should be wearing a helmet, but is not?

• The helmet policy is not optional for clubs therefore should a skater who, according to our policy must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet, arrives at the rink and wishes to go on the ice without a helmet, he/she must be refused entry onto the ice surface.
• Coaches are aware of this new policy and coaches should not be put into a situation where a skater who must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet is on the ice without the proper helmet. If this happens, the coach should escort the child off the ice as he/she does not meet the Skate Canada helmet policy requirement to participate in that program. Coaches must ensure the safety of the skaters at all times therefore if a skater is on the ice without an approved hockey helmet, this is a safety concern that must be addressed.
• A coach cannot be reprimanded for enforcing Skate Canada Rules and Policies within a club.
• Coaches should encourage and positively reinforce the use of hockey helmets in the CanSkate program

What other tips could you provide regarding the prevention of a fall and head injury?

There are several ways to avoid head injury, in addition to wearing a helmet. The following are some basic guidelines:

• Use quality equipment - skates with good support, proper fit, laced correctly, and sharpened regularly help the skater maintain control on the ice - therefore less chance of falling
• Dress appropriately - no scarves, overly bulky snowsuits, or hair in the face as this may restrict movement, vision
• Warm up and cool down appropriately - to avoid muscle strain and stress on the joints
• Use skill progressions to prepare for more difficult moves; the coach must ensure that beginners are taught the proper way to fall and get up
• Ensure coaches have valid first aid certification
• Group activity and practice areas must be well-supervised; during skill circuits and drills, skaters should be travelling in one direction to avoid collisions.
• Use pylons to mark any holes or cracks on the ice.
• Teaching aids must be safe and appropriate for the level of skater.
• Ensure sufficient space between skaters while executing skills.
• The number of skaters on the ice should be appropriate to the size and skill level of the skaters, the size of the ice surface, and the nature of the activity.
• Enforce on-ice safety rules:
• get up quickly after falling down
• look in the direction of travel when skating backwards
• no pushing, playing tag or other horse play
• no gum, candy on the ice
• keep rink doors closed during sessions
• stops should be done a safe distance from the boards
• keep first aid kit accessible

My club is planning to host a Bring a Friend Day and there will be participants on the ice whose skating skill level may not be known prior to the session beginning. What should our club do?

• In order to ensure the safety of all the skaters, all "friends" must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet, no matter their skating ability. This will also ensure the coach(es) will be able to begin the session promptly engaging the participants which will provide a positive and fun experience for everyone.

How can I identify a hockey helmet that is CSA approved? Where will the logo appear on the hockey helmet?

• The CSA-approved logo will be found on the back of the hockey helmet affixed to the outer shell of the helmet. For more information about CSA standards visit www.csa-international.org