The Chatham Skating Club (CSC) 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 CSC 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 CSC 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” and on-ice etiquette

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 are; and

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. Any physical touch “shoving” or “pushing” another skater will not be tolerated and may be subject to removal from the ice.  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 copies of music programs, water bottles, tissue boxes and notebooks may be left at the boards. 

2)     Cell phones are not allowed on the ice surface and must be left at the boards. Valuables should be brought to the boards. Pictures and videos of other skaters on the ice/in the dressings rooms– may not be taken without permission from all skaters.

3)       Wearing of headsets/earphones on the ice is prohibited at all times.

4)       Skaters must wait until the Zamboni doors have closed before going onto the ice. A Skate Canada certified coach or CSC board member must be at the boards before any skater may step onto the ice.

5)       The Harness must only be used during a lesson with a qualified CSC 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. Sweaters/Jackets with hoods are discouraged from being worn on the ice as it can limit the skaters vision lines on the ice.  Long hair should be tied back with an elastic or cloth headband.

3)      Skaters are expected to refrain from profanity or inappropriate body language (including physical/sexual contact and/or harassment) towards all members of CSC (skater, coach, board member, parent/guardian, arena staff) at all times of representation of the CSC (not limited to - session, in the arena, at competitions).

4)        Skaters should not interrupt a coach while a lesson is in progress.

5)        Refrain from standing around and socializing on the ice or at the boards.

6)        When your session is over, gather your belongings and clear the ice immediately.

7)        Be respectful to arena staff and property at all times.

8)        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 CSC is not responsible for lost or stolen items.  Please leave valuables at home. Skaters should not touch/use items that do belong to other skaters. 

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

Disciplinary Action

The CSC Board of Directors 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 CSC 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 CSC 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 or any form of abuse/assault, the skater may be immediately suspended at the Board’s discretion. Further investigations may result in police intervention. In cases of suspension or expulsion, no refund of any kind will be granted.