In a move that has gone largely unpublicized, USA Hockey approved the addition of a “look up line” to be installed in ice arenas for the upcoming season.
The “look up line” is an orange warning track painted on the ice designed to reduce paralyzing neck injuries that could result from collisions into the boards.
Under the measure, rinks that wish to employ a Look-Up Line are permitted to do so and are encouraged to report their results to the USA Hockey Look-Up Line Safety Task Force.
The “look up line” measure is a voluntary measure and although supported by some, fell short of being mandated for use in all American ice rinks.
The Look-Up Line is to be painted around the perimeter of the ice surface, extending 40 inches in width from the bottom of the boards. Its goal is to warn players to use caution when giving and receiving checks in the danger area close to the boards.
