Code of Conduct

General guidelines for safe skating sessions

1. Keep moving.
2. Look both ways when leaving the boards.
3. Do not linger in the jumping lanes.
4. Socializing with fellow skaters is best done off the ice before or after sessions and not on the ice. Arrive on time for your sessions allowing time to warm up and stretch prior to stepping on the ice to prevent injuries.

Skater Conduct and Etiquette: On and Off Ice

1. Treat the employees and visitors of the Killarney Community Centre or other facilities with respect.
2. Be courteous to other skaters, coaches, judges, parents, rink employees and visitors at all times. Expect the same in return.
3. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
4. Due to Skate Canada insurance requirements, only registered Skate Canada members are permitted on the ice, except in a medical emergency.
5. Skaters may not "skate up" or "skate down" on any session unless they have received prior approval from the Skating Director.
6. Show consideration for coaches and other skaters involved in lessons during a session. A private lesson should not be interrupted by another skater or any other person unless there is an emergency. Please respect the coach and skaters' time. Please contact your coach with any questions or concerns or to arrange a meeting to discuss skating development.
7. Promote the well being of fellow skaters by positive encouragement or by reporting any unhealthy or dangerous conduct to coaches or parents.
8. No food or gum should be taken on the ice. Plastic or aluminum water bottles are acceptable but must be left at the boards. Glass bottles are not permitted.
9. Spectators, including parents of skaters, are encouraged to watch quietly from the viewing areas and to refrain from conversing with or offering directions to the skaters on the ice.
10. All skaters on a session not receiving a lesson must patch the ice at the end of each session prior to clearing the ice.
11. Ice Etiquette: The following right-of-way order is to ensure the safety of all skaters and coaches on the ice and is in effect during all club sessions:
    • 1st Priority: Skater skating his or her program with music.
    • 2nd Priority: Skater in a coached lesson.
    • 3rd Priority: Skater in a spin or jump entrance. 
12. It is common etiquette to make extra effort to stay out of the way of priority skaters, however, you do not have to stop skating and stand at the boards.
13. It is important to be aware and cautious, and considerate of other skaters. Be especially aware that there may be different levels of skaters sharing the ice at the same time and that neither is more important than the other.
14. Profane, abusive, disruptive, inappropriate or disrespectful language, gestures or actions during on ice or off ice sessions will not be tolerated. Disrespect of fellow skaters, coaches, administrators, Board members or arena staff will not be tolerated.
15. Prolonged sitting on the ice after a fall is prohibited. Kicking or digging at the ice surface with skate blades is prohibited.

Parent Etiquette

Parents/guardians are encouraged to enjoy their children's skating in the comfort and warmth of the stands. For your safety, parents/guardians are not allowed to stand on the edge of the ice or sit in the hockey boxes. No one, except coaches, may be on the ice without skates on.

1. All skaters, coaches, and parents/guardians must strive to create a positive and fun atmosphere. Celebrate all of our skaters' successes, and, in challenging times, be quick to offer encouragement and a positive outlook.
2. All members are to set a good example for new or prospective members and guests of our rink. Please be friendly and welcoming, and kindly assist those who may be unfamiliar with our facility and policies.
3. While figure skating is a beautiful sport, it is also quite challenging, and at times can be downright frustrating! An essential element of any athlete's development is learning how to productively manage negative emotions. Therefore, negative or disrespectful comments, profanity, and/or disruptive behavior (including, but not limited to, yelling, kicking the ice or the boards, banging on the glass) will not be tolerated from anyone, on the ice, off the ice, and/or at competitions and events.
4. Verbal and/or physical abuse of any skater, parent/guardian, coach, volunteer, or rink staff member will never be tolerated.
5. Parents/guardians are asked to refrain from coaching or offering instruction to their children during practices. Skaters and coaches find this distracting, and your instruction may conflict with the coach's, thus confusing the skater. If you are concerned about your child's practice habits, please discuss the situation with your child's coach. He/she may be able to offer more productive and less distracting ways for you to encourage your child and keep him/her on task