USA hockey currently has a mouth guard mandate for all players under 18. In my opinion, USA hockey takes mouth guards too seriously. For example, I was playing a game and a couple of kids on my team did not have mouth guards, so the refs almost canceled our game. Additionally, I have played hockey for 3 seasons, and there are a decent amount of hits and fights. However, most of the kids that don’t wear mouth guards were fine. Mouth guards do not really matter, as the players affected by this rule are wearing cages and full face shields that protect the players entire face from pucks, sticks, and many other things that may harm their teeth. USA hockey states that mouth guards prevent concussions even though there is no evidence of this being a fact. In addition mouth guards can make it hard to communicate on the ice with your teammates.Like neck guards, mouth guards should be optional so that those who want to wear one can, and those who do not want to are not forced to. I believe that if you are wearing a full cage or face shield you do not need a mouth guard, and they do not serve a purpose. Make sure you sign this petition and share it with everyone you know.