Tony Mariconda provided the following rule interpretation issued by Bob Hayden (USA Hockey Referee-in-Chief) regarding the portion of USA Hockey Rule 304(c) that's new for 2005-07:

New Rule 304(c) - Mouthpiece Rule Clarification

The new rule requiring Girls 8 & Under through 19 & Under to wear mouthpieces applies to girls playing on a Girls-registered team only.

RULING - Thus, if an 8 year-old girl is playing on a Girls 8 & Under team, she must wear a mouthpiece as per the new rule. If that same 8 year-old girl is playing on a Youth (boys) Mite team, she does not have to wear the mouthpiece since it is not required at that level.