Cameras and microphones on players mean a misconduct
Rule numbers: USAH 308(a) USAH 308(b) USAH 308(c)
Rule 308(a) now names the devices directly. While play is on, players may not use radios (one- or two-way), cameras, microphones, lights or any other electronic device, except devices worn for medical reasons, and a player wearing equipment that breaks the rule gets a misconduct. The 2025-29 change summary lists cameras and microphones, and the misconduct, as additions. Two other parts of the rule matter at the bench: no electronic device may be used to contest an official's call while the game is going on, and that violation is a bench minor for an equipment violation. A short equipment look during warm-up prevents most of these calls.
A misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player wearing equipment not complying with this rule.
- On the ice
- The device must come off; a misconduct allows immediate substitution.
- Clock
- Misconduct for the player: the team is not shorthanded and the misconduct is not posted on the penalty clock (507(b) Note 2). A 308(b) violation is a bench minor.
- Scoresheet
- Player misconduct under 308(a); bench minor for an equipment violation under 308(c).
Example
During a stoppage at a showcase, the referee notices a small camera clipped to a Team A forward's helmet. The forward gets a misconduct, and the camera comes off before the player returns.
Common mistake: Treating a helmet camera as harmless because it is not a radio, or giving a bench minor instead of the player misconduct.
Sources
- USA Hockey 2025-29 Official Rules and Casebook of Ice Hockey, Rule 308, p. 50 (PDF p. 84)
- USA Hockey 2025-29 Rule Change Summary, Rule 308(a)
Verified