Skater Code of Ethics

HUNTSVILLE SKATING CLUB
   Skaters’ Code of Ethics – 2017/2018

Skating is a competitive sport requiring safe and courteous behaviour from all participants, both on and off the ice. Skaters need to be aware of one another to ensure the safety of everyone. Although skating is primarily an “individual” sport, all skaters must act as a team and exhibit team mentality while sharing the ice.

Each skater at the Huntsville Skating Club (HSC) is responsible for being aware of and practicing the rules of etiquette and safety as noted in this document. This Code of Ethics, based upon HSC Policies, must be followed during all training sessions. All HSC skaters are expected to act in accordance with these rules while representing our Club at exhibitions, competitions and other events. All skaters and parents are expected to make themselves familiar with the Code of Ethics and HSC Policies (posted on our website).

GENERAL CONDUCT:
1.      Skaters and parents must be courteous at all times to everyone, including their fellow skaters and parents both on and off the ice in accordance with the Town of Huntsville’s True Sport Principles and Skate Canada Rules.
2.     A Board Member or Coach has the authority to remove any skater from the ice for inappropriate conduct or non-payment of fees as per the HSC Policies.
3.     For insurance reasons, only SkateCanada members are permitted on the ice surface. Those on the ice need to wear skates or be wearing a CSA approved helmet. Parents/Guardians are not allowed in the players boxes during skating lessons.
4.     Parents, Guardians or designate should remain in the arena for the entire session. For CanSkate, this is especially important, as HSC does not provide for any off ice supervision.
5.     Be on time for all your sessions. Please let your coach know if you are going to be late or absent.
6.     Coaches are not to be disturbed during lessons or when in their change room.
7.     All HSC Skaters must have a head coach if they are taking private lessons, from the Junior Level upwards. The head coach must be a Huntsville Skating Club Coach. Out of club coaches are not permitted to coach on HSC ice time. The head coach needs to approve any other coaches giving lessons to HSC Skaters for on ice sessions on HSC ice and skaters should get their permission for other skating associated lessons. All coaches (club and associate coaches) need to be sanctioned by Skate Canada.
8.     Skaters may go to another session for a private lesson with a coach as per HSC Policies
9.     Hopping or guest fees must be paid before skating. Hopping fees are payable to a Board Member or your coach. Please notify your coach of your intention to guest skate. Skaters must adhere to all HSC Hopping & Guest Skater Policies.
10.   Money and valuables should not be left unattended. HSC bears no responsibility for lost or stolen items.
11.    Skaters asked to be respectful to the Canada Summit Centre, Club, and fellow skaters’ property and this includes the change rooms. Use of the change room is a privilege, which can be revoked.
12.   Skaters and Parents are encouraged to make an effort to support their fellow skaters during regular sessions and competitions/events.
13. Concerns/Complaints will be reviewed only if submitted in writing to the Board and will be reviewed by the HSC Board in “Committee of the Whole” (closed session). Skaters, Parents and Guardians are expected to attempt to resolve any issues with a coach or other skater prior to requesting any action from the HSC Board. If these attempts do not result in satisfactory resolution to the issue, the issue should be brought to the HSC Board in writing.

ICE RULES:
Right of Way Rules
1. Priority is given to club time lessons followed by…
2.     Skaters in a lesson or during their solo to their music have the right of way. Regardless of priority – safety must come first. Use common sense and regardless of who has the right of way, both skaters must stop before a collision.
3.     When a dance is played, the skater with the coach who requested the dance music will skate first.
4.     Solo or dance music will be played in the order of coach request.
5.     Spin in the center. Jump at the corners. Do not linger in these areas.
6.     It is important to always be aware, cautious and considerate of everyone on the ice. Within each session, there are a variety of skating levels sharing the same ice.
7. During the Freeskate session, the music will play through in order that the music is in on the iPod and start the following session where it was left off. The exception is when a skater is in a private lesson, they can request to have their music played during that lesson.

Conduct:
1.      All Skaters who have not passed CanSkate Stage 6 must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet on the ice.
2.     Proper skating attire must be worn on all sessions (such as Girls: tights, dressed, skirt or leggings. Boys: athletic non-baggy pants). Long hair should be tied back.
3.     Skaters may not enter the ice surface until the Zamboni doors have closed.
4.     Food, drink and gum are not permitted on the ice. Water bottles must be left at the boards. No glassware is permitted.
5.     Skaters are expected to be skating at all times when on the ice. Skaters must get up promptly after a fall in order to keep pathways clear for other skaters.
6.     Skaters must follow the session schedule, otherwise they may be asked to vacate the ice, i.e. free skate only during free skate time, dance only during dance time, skills only during skill time, etc. unless in a lesson with their coach.
7.     Skaters are expected to participate in all group lessons. The only exception is those in a private lesson at the same time as the group lesson. A skater choosing not to participate in the group lesson need to exit the ice until the group session is over.
8.     Skaters should not leave the ice surface during a session unless absolutely necessary. It is good practice to obtain a coach’s permission before leaving the ice.
9.     Skaters must clear the ice promptly at the end of the session.
10.   All skaters, including guest skaters, must skate on the session for which they are qualified.
11.    Attention must be paid to the position of other skaters and coaches while skating to ensure the safety of all.
12.   Foul language, yelling, abusive or aggressive behaviour, including kicking or picking holes and the intentional making of “snow” is prohibited.
13.   Pushing, tripping, horseplay, tag, racing or intentional interference with other skaters is not permitted on the ice.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION:
The HSC Board will only commence Disciplinary Action when a written letter of complaint is forwarded to the Board. This letter will be reviewed by the board in “Committee of the Whole” in accordance with HSC Policies.

With the cooperation of skaters and coaches, everyone will have a safe, productive and FUN skating season!
Thank you,
HSC Board of Directors