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Stop Checking From Behind
SAFETY TOWARDS
OTHER PLAYERS
"S.T.O.P." |
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The majority of youth hockey
leagues throughout Canada and the United States now
wear the "S.T.O.P." logo on the back of their
practice and game jerseys. STOP is an acronym for
Safety Towards Other
Players. The sewn on, embroidered STOP patch is
placed just above the number between the player's
shoulder blades. This patch reminds other players
that "CHECKING FROM BEHIND" can paralyze or even
kill other players and reminds players of their
commitment to fair play codes. Going into the 2002
season, over 265,000 of the STOP patches had been
distributed throughout North America.
Mr. Kevin Stubbington, Director of Referees for
Windsor Minor Hockey, Ontario, Canada developed the
S.T.O.P. program after two local players were
seriously injured by "checks from behind."
Realizing that a commitment to safe hockey by
everyone involved was needed for the program to be
successful, each player, parent, coach, and referee
signed a "Fair Play Pledge" at the beginning of the
1996-1997 season. The tear off bottom of this
pledge was filed with the league office and the top
portion was retained by each player as a constant
reminder of their commitment to safe hockey.
The California Amateur
Hockey Association (CAHA) has made the STOP Program
a mandatory requirement for participation beginning
in the 2002-2003 season. All players,
coaches, parents, and officials must participate in
this program to be allowed to participate in the
hockey season. Continued adherence to these
principles will be necessary to permit continued
participation. All
players must have the STOP patch properly applied to
their jersey to participate in NORCAL games.
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USA Hockey Rule
606:
Charging /
Checking from Behind |
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A minor plus a
misconduct penalty, or a major plus a game
misconduct penalty, shall be imposed on any
player who... |
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Runs or jumps into or charges an
opponent
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Body checks or charges a goalkeeper
while the goalkeeper is within his goal
crease or privileged area.
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Body checks or pushes an opponent
from behind.
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| Conditions |
Penalty |
Consequences |
| *Not into boards or goal |
Minor and... |
2 minutes in penalty box |
| Misconduct |
Player suspended 10 minutes |
| **Into boards or goal |
Major and... |
5 minute team penalty |
| Game Misconduct |
Player ejection and suspension next game |
| ***Attempt to injure |
Match penalty |
5 minutes team penalty and player
ejection and suspension with further
disciplinary board hearing + action within
30 days |
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There are several components that make up the STOP
Program, including the STOP patch, brochures, and
training for the players, coaches, parents and
officials. It varies by association exactly what is
required.
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Actual Size is 3" diameter. |
The STOP patch is 3" in
diameter and applied to the jersey, centered
on the back, just above the numbers and
below the name patch. The idea is, if you
see the stop sign, you simply don't check.
According to the studies, this program has
greatly reduced the instances of checking
from behind, and thus the associated injury
rate.
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