What is BNQ Certification for Hockey Neck Guards?
When it comes to ice hockey, neck guards are a vital part of a player's equipment setup. They are designed to give players 360-degree coverage of the neck to greatly reduce the chances of having a laceration caused by a skate blade. They come in many different styles and performance levels, yet your hockey league may require you to have a BNQ-certified neck guard. Any neck guard that comes with a BNQ certification stamp means that it has met strict testing and manufacturing standards specifically related to a skate blade coming in contact with the neck guard.
Who is BNQ?
The Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) is an independent organization that offers certification in various areas including products, services, skills, processes, and management systems. BNQ is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada, which means they are recognized as a reliable party to certify businesses and their practices. BNQ auditors have solid training and are knowledgeable individuals who are very familiar with the area to which the certification application applies, in this case, hockey neck guards.
Which Hockey Leagues Require BNQ-Certified Neck Guards?
In the Hockey Canada Rulebook, Rule 3.6 (c) states: The wearing of a BNQ-certified throat protector is required for players registered in minor and female hockey. Canadian Minor Hockey is described as amateur hockey played by individuals 20 years old and younger. Regardless of your hockey league and level of play, any male and female player under the age of 20 in Canada must wear a BNQ-certified hockey neck guard.
As of August 01, 2024, USA Hockey will require the use of neck laceration protection for players in all age classifications, which are players 20 years old and younger. It also applies to on-ice officials under the age of 18. USA Hockey will currently not require a BNQ-certified neck protector, but one that is commercially designed and manufactured for hockey. They recommend choosing a neck laceration protector that covers as much of the exposed neck area as possible and is worn properly without alteration. Choosing a BNQ-certified neck guard is a great way to tick all the boxes.
BNQ Certification Procedure
Step 1: The first step is for the company to provide documentation that includes the neck guards materials, specifications, design details, and the manufacturing process. BNQ reviews the documentation to ensure it meets the initial requirements for certification.
Step 2: BNQ now goes through detailed testing measures to asses the neck guards safety, durability, and coverage. An auditor from BNQ goes directly to the factory and hand-picks three samples to be used in the test. Each sample is cut three times for a total of nine cuts. This test simulates the movement of a 200lb player coming in contact with another player skating at 16mph. Each cut test cannot reach the last layer of fabric before the skin. The blade is also sharpened between each cut test. A minimum coverage area must also be met based on the neck guard size or neck guard shirt size. This includes at least 1" below the neck guard for bibs and shirts.
Step 3: BNQ will gather the information obtained from the documentation, product testing, and auditor inspection of the manufacturing process. If the neck guard meets all requirements, BNQ will issue a certification. The company can now use the BNQ certification mark on their hockey neck guard to indicate they have met the BNQ certification procedure standards. Suppose there is any discrepancy in the testing or documentation. In that case, BNQ will issue a Corrective Action Request and the company will have a follow-up audit to resolve the issue and obtain certification.
Post BNQ Certification
After a hockey neck guard has received BNQ certification, the company must adhere to the standards of the test results, manufacturing process, and design details. If one wishes to change anything in regards to the neck guard's materials, shape, or other details, they must go through the testing procedure again for re-certification. BNQ also issues maintenance and recertification audits set within a maximum limit of 12 months starting on the first day of the initial certification audit. This ensures companies adhere to the certification requirements and to obtain an up-to-date certificate.
For more information on the different types of neck guard styles including how to size a hockey neck guard, visit our additional learning center pages by using the buttons below.
