The STOP PROGRAM stands for safety towards other players. We implemented this last year for the Peewee Silver team. It is currently optional and up to the coaches to introduce it. Players may choose or not choose to wear the red stop sign patches on their jerseys and stop sign stickers on their helmets.
The goal is to decrease hits from behind with the hope of decreasing head and spinal injuries. I believe along with many other parents that harsher penalties need to be set for dangerous hits from behind and to the head. Checking is part of the game, harm is not. The STOP program has been around for about 5 years and is thoroughly implemented through Canadian Hockey. US Hockey has been slower to adapt the patches.
A permanent link to the left of this blog titled safety toward other players will direct you to a site you can purchase patches. Below is a the article and link to the original article about Don Cherry's program for STOP helmet stickers.
Link to the Article Below
Don Cherry Supports STOP Program to Promote Safe Hockey
Richmond Hill, Ontario - Don Cherry has been the voice of Hockey Night in Canada’s Coaches Corner for over twenty four years and also a long-time supporter of minor hockey. Today, Cherry is giving more than his voice towards a hockey safety initiative he is personally funding the STOP Program helmet decal project.
“I am very happy to be working with the OMHA on the STOP decal program for helmets, it has been a long hard struggle but thanks to the OMHA and guys like Ken Catania who was the driving force behind this venture we are on our way and to have Hockey Canada and the OHF with us is as they say the “cherry on top”. Let me explain why I feel this venture is so important, when a player is cross checking a player from behind he is looking directly at the back of the helmet where our STOP decal will be. I feel this decal will save a lot of injuries, if we can help one kid it is worth the effort. So come on GMs and coaches lets get aboard and help our kids,” said Don Cherry.
The Safety Towards Other Players [STOP] Program began in Windsor eleven years ago in hopes of raising awareness of the dangers of checking from behind in hockey. Led by the Ontario Minor Hockey Association, the STOP Program is now mandatory in many hockey associations around the world.
Hockey Canada, which oversees minor hockey in Canada in partnership with the 13 branches, is in full support of the STOP Program. Players and teams in each of Canada''s 13 branches can take advantage of this great program to support fair and safe play.
The STOP Program helmet decal is not a replacement for the three-inch patch worn on the back of hockey jerseys above the letters. It’s another method to promote the program and awareness that checking from behind is not acceptable in hockey. The STOP Program patch and helmet decal’s purpose is a visual reminder for players for when they see the STOP symbol, they should immediately STOP from hitting the opposing player from behind.
“The OMHA strives to provide the safest environment possible for all participants, especially players,” stated OMHA President Marg Ensoll. “The STOP Program is part of the OMHA’s continuing education that checking from behind is not tolerated. We are proud to have Don Cherry help the OMHA promote this valuable program.”
STOP Program helmet decals and patches are available by contacting the Ontario Minor Hockey Association at [905] 780-6642 or by visiting www.safetytowardsotherplayers.com. There are 25 STOP Program helmet decals per sheet, sufficient for one team and for a limited time, STOP Program helmet decals are available at no charge. STOP Program patches are available for 55 cents per patch.
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