Quebec unveils outdoor hockey net rules following boy’s death

A tragic accident that killed a nine-year-old boy has led to new guidelines in the types of outdoor hockey nets used in Quebec.

Javier Alexis Urquiaga died in February 2013 after an outdoor hockey net fell on him while he was playing hockey in Saint-Séverin. A coroner’s report stated that the boy’s death was avoidable, since the net that killed him was not the appropriate size at its base, which was considered a direct effect to its stability.

The education ministry, which wasn’t immediately available for comment, has since created safety measures for the nets for use in public outdoor playing surfaces, particularly outdoor skating rinks.

The guidelines break down five different kinds of nets that are used in public spaces, and detail whether they require supervision during the winter and other seasons. That means, having someone like an employee or volunteer who can react quickly when the nets are in use.

Recommendations for specific nets include:

· The OHA practice net is a practice net used in training and year-round pickup hockey. While it’s easy to knock this type of net over, a child can easily pick it up if caught underneath. It is deemed to have the least amount of force when it hits the floor.
Specific supervisory or storage measures: winter NO; other seasons NO.
Weight: approx. 27 kilograms
Depth at base: from 45 to 70 centimetres

· NHL hockey net (professional) is considered stable, due to its depth and the amount of impact required to knock it over. It doesn’t require supervision or storage during the winter season, but safety measures are recommended when used in other seasons. It will tip over easily on sticky or uneven surfaces and,as result, supervisory measures must be in place when it’s used during those times.
Specific supervisory or storage measures: winter NO; other seasons YES.
Weight: approx. 45 kilograms
Depth at base: from 105 to 112 centimetres

· NHL hockey net (college) will tip over more easily, is difficult for a child to lift and will have the strongest impact when it falls.
Specific supervisory or storage measures: winter YES; other seasons YES.
Weight: approx. 42 kilograms
Depth at base: 86 centimetres

· Street hockey, Cosom hockey and gym hockey nets are made of materials like aluminum, PVC or lightweight steel and don’t require specific measures. They are, however, considered less durable than other materials.
Specific supervisory or storage measures: winter NO; other seasons NO.
Weight: 18 kilograms or less
Depth at base: variable

· For all other types of commercial or handmade hockey nets that don’t fit in the other categories, supervisory and storage measures must be applied, or the goal must be permanently withdrawn from service.

The guidelines also make note of the Art Ross model, an older type of net shaped like a B. It states that if the measurements don’t fall within one of the categories, then the net must not be used. It also states: “if the base has a point extending from the rear centre post toward the opening, the net must not be used because the point could prove to be dangerous if the goal tips backward.”

When it comes to storage recommendations, the ministry states that goals should be padlocked together to keep them from falling forward. If that’s not possible, nets should be attached to a fixture, like a post, outside the playing area. It’s stressed that it’s better to store nets inside when possible.

The new recommendations don’t cover private rinks or indoor playing surfaces, such as gymnasiums and arenas.

Click here to read the full recommendations.