West Lincoln Skating Club Skater Code of Conduct

The West Lincoln Skating Club is committed to providing members with the opportunity to develop and pursue their goals in a safe and encouraging environment.  Coaches and parents/guardians play a special role in the development of skaters’ enjoyment of this sport and as such should model positive and responsible behaviour at all times while participating in any WLSC session including private lessons, events or competitions.

Coaches that witness any unsafe skater behavior are expected to approach the skater(s) to provide corrective feedback. 

Etiquette is simply defined as the respectful and considerate behaviour expected by all parties while participating in club activities.  It is also meant to ensure all parties feel safe and comfortable.  The following recommendations help identify what is expected of our coaches, skaters and parents as members of the WLSC when interacting with each other, as well as volunteers, facility staff and the arena facilities at all times, while on the ice.

Skater’s “Right of Way”

It is important that all skaters (in a program, a lesson or practicing) remember that they must always be looking around them while they are skating.  Everyone plays a role to maintain safety while on the ice.  There is no exception to this rule.

1. The following order determines the right of way during scheduled sessions:

A. A skater whose music is being played and is skating to a program.

B. A skater who is receiving a lesson. If the harness is in use, be aware and avoid that area.

C. Skaters who are practicing on their own. As many skaters are moving on the ice at the same time, all skaters should be mindful to those jumping and spinning and be aware of their surroundings. 

 It is every skater’s responsibility for watching where they are going, no exceptions.

Note: Experienced and older skaters should be mindful of less experienced or younger skaters and set an example as to when and how to yield to other skaters. Remember that all skaters were beginners once.

2. Skaters are reminded to be aware of fellow skaters that may be moving in the opposite direction or performing jumps. When practicing programs, skaters must learn to move around other skaters to complete their program and remain respectful and polite.
3. When a skater is practicing his/her program, he/she is reminded to be polite when addressing another skater or coach that may be in his/her way. Phrases such as, “Move” or “Get out of my way” are not considered acceptable language.  Phrases used politely such as, “excuse me please” or “heads up” or “coming through” or “program” are considered acceptable.
4. All skaters must get up quickly after falling, unless injured, to not endanger other skaters or themselves on the ice.
5. Skaters will move to the boards if a break is required. Skaters must not stand in the middle of the ice.
6. Skaters shall make every attempt to maintain a safe distance from all other skaters.
7. The corners/ends of the ice surface are considered to be the “jump” zones. There is to be no spinning in those areas, except skaters performing their programs.
8. All spins are to be done between the two blue lines. Be mindful of skaters in spins as they can’t see other skaters coming.
9. For skaters skating down on a session, you must be mindful of the level of the session and may need to adjust your practice accordingly to skate to the level of the session.

On-ice Equipment & Personal Belongings

1. No food, drinks, gum or candy are allowed on the ice surface. Materials required for skating such as cd’s, water bottles, tissue boxes and notebooks may be left at the boards. 
2. Cell phones are allowed on the ice for training purposes only. Skaters will be allowed to film their own jumps, spins and elements. Skaters must be mindful of other skaters and coaches at all times and film in a respectful manner. No videotaping is allowed in the middle of the ice surface during sessions. Coaches will be monitoring skaters for abuse of this privilege.
3. Valuables should be brought to the boards. 
4. Wearing of headsets/earphones on the ice is prohibited at all times.
5. Skaters must wait until the Zamboni doors have closed before going onto the ice.  A Skate Canada certified coach must be at the boards before any skater may step onto the ice.
6. The Harness must only be used during a lesson with a qualified WLSC coach.

General Guidelines

1. Courtesy and good sportsmanship to coaches and fellow skaters is expected at all times. 
2. Skaters are expected to wear appropriate skating attire while on the ice (skating dresses, skirts, leggings, warm-up jackets, etc.). Clothing with profanity or inappropriate visual elements are not acceptable and a skater may be asked to change. Long hair should be tied back with an elastic or cloth headband.
3. Skaters should not interrupt a coach while a lesson is in progress.
4. Refrain from standing around and socializing on the ice.
5. When your session is over, gather your belongings and clear the ice immediately.
6. Be respectful to arena staff and property at all times.
7. Skaters should use the dressing room at all times. Skaters should avoid using the lobby for changing skates or storage of items during sessions. The SBSC is not responsible for lost or stolen items.  Please leave valuables at home. 
8. Skaters will not use technology or social media to disrespect or exploit others.
9. Skaters are not allowed to record another skater or any Coach without permission.

And remember…inappropriate behaviour (both on or off the ice) such as the use of foul language towards any individual within the WLSC (skater, coach, board member, parent/guardian, arena staff) will not be tolerated and disciplinary action may be warranted. 

Disciplinary Action

The WLSC Executive Board will only commence an investigation when a written letter of complaint is forwarded to the Board. If it is determined an infraction/breech of code of conduct has occurred, the following disciplinary actions will be taken:

1^st Offence: Verbal warning by the Skater’s Coach or the WLSC Board of Directors. The Skater’s Parent/Guardian will be informed of the warning if the Skater is under the Age of Majority.

2^nd Offence:  Letter from the WLSC Board will be addressed to the Skater and Parent/Guardian outlining the nature of the violation.

3^rd Offence:  Suspension from all Club programs without compensation for 1 week. This includes all competitions and test days.

4^th Offence: Skater may be asked to leave the Club at the Board’s discretion.

 

In the case of a serious breach of ethics, the skater may be immediately suspended at the Board’s discretion. In cases of suspension or expulsion, no refund of any kind will be granted.

 

Latest Review Date:  August 5, 2024         Scheduled Review Date:  August 2025          Date Created:  August 2024