October 30, 2019

Dear USA Hockey Board of Directors

We continue to receive reports of racial and other derogatory slurs and it is apparent that the current penalty in place is not enough of a deterrent.

As you’ll see in the letter linked here, which will go out to our entire membership today and also be made public via a news release, I am issuing a presidential directive that will now make any violation of Rule 601 (e. 3) a match penalty.

We will have further discussion around this topic at our upcoming Winter Meeting and this directive is just one step in a process that will also include additional education and an overall effort from all stakeholders in the game.

Again, thanks for your support and please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or feedback.

Yours in hockey,
 

Jim Smith