Cut-resistant equipment: recommended now, required for Division I next season
Rule numbers: NCAA 9.7
Rule 9.7 is new in the 2026-28 book and covers on-ice officials as well as players. It names three areas of cut-resistant protection: the neck; the wrist, covering the gap between glove and elbow pad; and the lower leg including the Achilles area. It has to be worn the way the maker intends and give continuous protection. The book's timeline is: 2026-27, recommended for all divisions and genders; 2027-28, required for Division I players and officials. The rule refers to equipment prescribed by league regulations, so check your conference's notice. For officials this is a gear purchase to plan for, not a penalty to call this season.
2027-2028: Required for Division I players and officials.
Example
An official who works Division I games should have a cut-resistant neck guard, wrist protection and Achilles protection ready before the 2027-28 season.
Common mistake: Telling teams it is mandatory this season, or assuming it applies only to players.
Sources
- NCAA 2026-27 and 2027-28 Men's and Women's Ice Hockey Rules and Interpretations (IH28), Rule 9.7, p. 26 (PDF p. 29)
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