Neck Laceration Protection

[Note: yes, we sent this last week, and we'll send it next week too.. it's important!]
Beginning on August 1, 2024, all players in all age classifications, except adults, are required to properly wear neck laceration protection in games and practices. Additionally, any official under the age of 18 is required to wear neck laceration protection. 

This rule applies to Junior players that play under USA Hockey rules (NA3, NAHL, USHL)

This rule applies to goaltenders, the mask flapper is not an alternative to the neck laceration protection. 

Application

Prior to the start of the game, while introducing yourself to the coaches, ask "are all of your players properly equipped for the game?"

When it comes to the officials attention, the TEAM gets a warning

The next occurrence, the player receives a misconduct penalty and CAN NOT return to play unless or until they are properly equipped. 

601 - Abuse of Officials 

The head coach is assessed a bench minor penalty for improper conduct during the first period. During the second period the coach again exhibits improper conduct. Is the coach assessed a game misconduct because the improper conduct has been repeated?

Yes, if is clearly a continuation of the abuse after being assessed a bench minor  penalty. Rule Reference 601(b.1) and (d.1).

The spirit and intent of the rule is to treat each incident separately. If the coach is assessed a bench minor penalty, they would only be assessed a game misconduct penalty provided they continue their actions regarding this incident. This would also apply in cases where one coach receives the bench minor and different coach continues the abuse.
If the coach refrains from continuing their behavior and then engages in improper conduct later regarding a separate incident, they should be assessed another bench minor penalty to start the sequence over

Throwing The Stick 

A defending player throws their stick along the ice at an attacking player in possession of the puck. The attacking player is in their Attacking Zone when the stick is thrown. The stick does not hit the puck or the player, but the player loses possession of the puck. Is a penalty shot to be awarded?

Yes. The offended team has a penalty shot/optional minor penalty option. Rule Reference 637(a). 
When a defending player throws their stick in the direction of the puck that is in their Defending Zone, a penalty shot must be awarded. In this situation the Referee cannot be expected to determine whether the stick caused the attacking player to lose their concentration or if they lost possession by their own actions.