Here are some guidelines outlined by The Dr. Tom Pashby Sports Safety Fund to help you fit your new or used hockey equipment:

1. Condition of the hockey equipment: No matter if it is new or used, the hockey equipment should fit properly-not too big or too little and should not be overly worn or cracked or damaged.

2. Skates: These are one of the most important pieces of hockey equipment you will use. Take care of them by drying them after every use and drying the blade cover as well. Make sure that you use the blade cover whenever you are off the ice. Fit them properly by making sure that you can stick just one finger between your heel and the back of the skate.

3. Shin Pads: The bottom of the shin pads should be where the foot and leg meet at a 90 degree angle and the top should be centered on the knee cap. Loose fitting skates will help you to get a more accurate fit.

4. Pants: You may not consider this an important piece of hockey equipment, but it protects your kidneys, your thighs, as well as your hips. Women who are trying on hockey pants should fit for the hips first and then the length.

5. Shoulder Pads: This is another underestimated piece of hockey equipment. It should protect the arm and shoulder through a full range of motion. It should meet the elbow pad at the bottom. The back pad should meet the top of the pants. Women should also wear a chest pad and sports bra as a part of their hockey equipment.

6. Elbow pads: These should fit securely on your lower arm and protect your elbow. The bottom should fit into the top of your gloves.

7. Gloves: This hockey equipment should fit snugly but not too tight. It should cover your hand and you should not be able to feel pressure on the back of your hand.

8. Throat Protector: The BNQ label should be on the throat protector. It should be snug and cover the whole throat. Dry it after every use.

9. Helmet: This should fit snugly with the strap fastened and should not have any cracks, loose screws or added paint or stickers. It should also be CSA certified.

10. Face Mask: Get the proper type for the age and position of player. Measure it properly for fit from the top to bottom edge. Do not cut it and clean it after every use.

Eriani Doyel writes articles about Sports. For more information about hockey visit flyhockey.com