SKATERS CODE OF CONDUCT

This is a code of conduct for skaters to abide by at all Cheam Skating Club (CSC) sessions.

The code of conduct is to be observed for safety and to ensure that everyone can make effective use of their ice time. Please read, keep the upper portion for reference, sign and return the bottom of this form when you register for sessions at the Club.

a. All skaters are expected to treat others with respect.

b. Parents and other skaters are requested not to interrupt coaches while lessons are in progress.

c. The “right of way” goes first to the skater in a harness, then to the soloist, then to the skaters in a lesson. Note that there are usually multiple lessons at the same time. Other skaters must avoid undue interference with the skaters who have the “right of way”. Skaters having the “right of way” must also remember to keep an alert eye open to avoid collisions and may respectfully remind others of “right of way” e.g., “excuse me”, except when both skaters have equal “right of way”.

d. Pay attention to the position of other skaters at all times. Be especially alert for reverse jumpers.

e. When standing near the boards, don't enter the flow of skaters without checking to make sure you're not going to cut someone off.

f. Look in the direction of travel when skating backwards.

g. Do not sit or lay on the ice. Get up as quickly as possible after falling.

h. Avoid skating and spinning in the Lutz corners of the rink for prolonged periods as this impedes other skaters’ ability to perform their elements and programs. Be especially aware of your surroundings when you are in these corners as the approach to a Lutz is long and blind. The skater doing the Lutz is not likely to see you.

i. Avoid skating in the centre of the rink for prolonged periods as this impedes other skaters’ ability to perform their elements and programs.

j. Refrain from standing around and socializing on the ice. This wastes expensive ice time, interferes with other skaters’ training and presents an additional hazard for other skaters to avoid.

k. Sitting or climbing on the boards in the arena is not permitted.

l. Eating, chewing gum, or drinking (with the exception of drinking water) is not permitted on the ice.

m. Pushing, shoving, throwing snow, or damaging the ice surface by kicking or stomping is not allowed.

n. Solo music will be played as per the Music Playing Policy:

- After a five-minute warm-up, the Music Player starts playing the music and goes through the list. A different skater starts each session.

- If a skater chooses not to do their solo when it is their turn, they go to the bottom of the list before the Buy-On skaters.

- Coaches may request solos when they are coaching a skater, but a skater who had their solo in a lesson does not get to have it again until everyone else on the list has skated their solo.

- A volunteer music player, who would also look after buy-ons, must be present at every session. If the designated person cannot be present for their session, they must find a sub for this session.

o. Coaches may request solo music for a skater during a lesson only.

p. Abide by session designations: No dance, skills or prolonged stroking exercises are allowed on Freeskate sessions.

q. Abide by session criteria: skate only on sessions for which you qualify. Requests for exceptions may be made in writing to the Board.

r. When the buzzer sounds, and the Zamboni doors open the session is over. Stop skating, help patch holes if requested and clear the ice quickly.

Detach and return this portion of the page

I have read, understand and agree to support the Cheam Skating Club’s Code of Conduct for Skaters. I understand that failure to abide by this code may result in consequences ranging from a warning, being sent off the ice for the remainder of a session, and possibly being suspended for the season without refund.

Skater’s Name (print): ________________________________ Skater’s Signature: ______________________

Parent’s Signature (if skater is under 18): ____________________________ Date: ______________________

Rules and Regulations

Ice Etiquette and Safety Guidelines

Skating is basically an individual sport, and activities during most practice sessions are fairly unstructured. Some basic on ice rules must be observed for safety and to ensure that everyone can make effective use of their ice time. Cheam Skating Club (CSC) has its own set of rules, and you should be sure to know and follow them. All skaters above Jr. Achiever level are required to read, sign and return the Skaters'

Code of Conduct when registering. While the club has grown significantly in the past year, the number of ice sessions has not, so there will be times when junior skaters will be sharing the ice with more advanced skaters. These rules will help everyone have a satisfying and safe time while on the ice.

Courtesy

First and foremost is courtesy. Respect the rights of other skaters and be constantly aware of who is around you. If you seem to be surrounded by skaters of significantly greater or lesser skills, be especially careful! Strive to avoid collisions!

All skaters, coaches, parents and volunteers are to be treated with respect. Do not interrupt coaches when they are giving lessons.

Follow Session Designation and Criteria as described on current Season brochures.

Abide by Session Designations: No dance, skills or prolonged stroking exercises will be allowed on Freeskate sessions, unless otherwise approved by the CSC Board of Directors.

Abide by Ice Session Criteria: skate only on sessions for which you qualify. Requests for exceptions may be made in writing to the Board.

Priority/Right of Way

The “right of way” goes first to the skater in a harness, then to the soloist (whose music is playing), then to the skaters in a lesson. The skater performing the program must also keep an alert eye open. Note, that there are usually multiple lessons at the same time. Other skaters must avoid undue interference with the skaters who have the “right of way”. Skaters having the “right of way” must also remember to keep an alert eye open to avoid collisions and may respectfully remind others of “right of way” i.e., “excuse me”, except when both skaters have equal “right of way”.

Dangerous Singles Moves

When you are practicing elements like camel spins and back spirals be especially aware of the danger your exposed blade poses to other skaters. Recognize that once you've started the element it will be hard for you to see those around you. Take a good look at your expected "space" before you start the element and abort it if it looks like you could cause a problem. Other skaters are expected to give the skater free maneuvering room once performing such an element.

Lutz Corners

Because of the nature of the Lutz jump, it is most commonly performed in opposite corners of the rink. These corners are informally called the "Lutz Corners". Strive to avoid long-term practice activities in these corners and be especially aware of your surroundings when you are in them. The approach to a Lutz is long and blind. The skater doing the Lutz is not likely to see you.

Falls and Injuries

If you fall, get up quickly. Other skaters will have a much harder time seeing you when you are down low on the ice. Don't stay there any longer than you have to. While falling, keep your fingers away from your blades. Learn to fall properly so that you can protect your head as much as possible. Learn to keep "loose" when you fall, and this will help you to avoid breaking things.

If you see someone else is that has fallen and may be injured, don't just drag them off without being certain that doing so won't hurt them further. If you suspect that someone is seriously hurt, the best thing to do is, 1) have someone stand "guard" over them to make sure that other skaters avoid collisions with them, and 2) get a qualified adult to come and help them.

Predictability

As you skate more, you'll get to the point where you'll recognize that a practice session has a certain "rhythm" to it. People tend to do pretty "expectable" or "predictable" things, and you can usually pretty much guess where somebody else is going, based on what they're doing when you see them (the normal approaches to each jump or spin are pretty recognizable). Try not to skate or behave in a way that would surprise other skaters. If you're standing near the boards, don't enter the flow of skaters without checking to make sure you're not going to get into someone else's way. Be especially alert for reverse direction skaters.

General Expectations

Be aware of other skaters’ positions at all times, especially before entering the ice or starting from a stopped position. Be especially alert for reverse jumpers.
Look in the direction of travel when skating backwards.
Refrain from standing around and visiting on the ice. This wastes expensive ice and presents an additional hazard for other skaters to avoid.
No skaters may push, pull, grab or purposely bump into other skaters. Games such as Snap the Whip or any form of tag cannot be played. Skaters cannot make or throw snowballs. Kicking or digging holes in the ice, except as a normal consequence of toe jumps, is forbidden.
No food or drink on the ice (this includes chewing gum).
No sitting on the boards.
No large hair barrettes, hair baubles, or jewelry.
Skaters should avoid skating in the centre of the rink as this impedes on the other skaters’ ability to perform their programs.
Skaters may request solo music up to twice per session, unless played in lesson. This rule may be relaxed for sessions that are not busy.
When the buzzer sounds, and the Zamboni doors open the session is over. Stop skating, help patch holes if requested and clear the ice quickly.

Helmet Use- All CanSkaters must wear CSA approved hockey helmets.

What are the Criteria for Awards?

Stroking: Works hard on improving the quality of their stroking skills (i.e., crossovers, toe pushing, edge control, glide, posture and power). Skater must also show improvement in their stroking skills as well as shows up on time and does not take breaks. Does not give attitude and is willing to demonstrate or lead.

Skills: Is working on improving the quality of turns, speed and edge control. Has mastered new turns and can demonstrate an improvement either through testing, competition, and/or effort.

Dance: Has an enjoyment for dancing and learning new steps. Improvement may be achieved through tests, competition, and/or effort. Skater is willing to help other skaters by leading them through dance steps. Shows up on time and uses the dance time effectively.

Interpretive: Ability to interpret music through changes in body movement and musicality. May see improvement through competition either as an interpretive program or regular solo. Skater shows willingness to participate in interpretive sessions. This skater works on achieving different levels of skating in high, medium, and low.

Jumps: Shows improvement of flow into and out of jumps, does not wrap, cheat, or consistently pop jumps, has nice height for both single, double and triple jumps, is able to put jumps in combination or sequences, and has good body position on the entry, air and landing. Landings are strong and can maintain landing edge for at least a count of 4. Lands and takes off on the correct edge for the jump.

Spins: Skater works on improving the speed and positioning of their spins in addition to the entry and exit. The skater must have the ability to centre a spin in one position or multiple positions while maintaining speed. This skater will work on a variety of spins. Keeps strong positions in the spin, doesn’t give up and demonstrates control.

Most Improved: This is a skater who has shown an improvement in areas of speed, balance, control, and flow. This can be achieved in spins, jumps, dance, skills, and/or stroking. They have improved in attitude, dedication, and focus.

Most Sportsmanlike: This is a skater who is cooperative with coaches, skaters and parents. They are willing to take direction from all coaches and are involved in any session(s) they skate. They are aware of other skaters on the ice and courteous of them. They are willing to help in any situation (i.e., help another skater with skills or help an injured skater). They are conscious of others (i.e., do not talk about another skater, coach, and/or adult). They are willing to lead and/or demonstrate.

P.A. of the Year: This is a skater who is willing to give their free time to help out on any session that is needed. They come prepared to the session, have ideas and/or games to share, and help with supplies (i.e., either bringing them on or off the ice). They do not use the session as their own personal skating session, and they interact with the skaters. They are able to demonstrate the skills required for the level they are teaching, or they are willing to ask for help. They are able to relate to the kids they are helping with, and they show patience and understanding. They interact well with the coaches and show respect. This skater will have a basic knowledge and be able to break-down skills, they will pick out trouble areas and assist the skater with how to improve, they will show initiative and take control when needed and they will not have to always be directed.

Skater of the Year: This is a well-rounded skater who can demonstrate an improvement in many aspects of skating (i.e., dance, synchro, stroking, skills, and/or freeskate). This skater participates in stroking, volunteers as a PA or in other areas, shows respect for fellow skaters, coaches and parents. This skater has a good work ethic, they look to improvement either in tests, competition, seminars or attendance on their scheduled sessions.

* NOTE: to be eligible for any awards you must follow the rules and regulations with the club and be in good standing with Skate Canada. In addition, skaters must demonstrate 110% at all times, be courteous to all coaches, skaters, and/or adults.

Why sign up for CanSkate?

CanSkate is Canada's only national learn-to-skate program. It was developed by experts to teach the fundamentals of skating in a progressive and sequential manner.

When you/your child registers for a CanSkate program at your local Skate Canada club, you also become a member of Skate Canada, the national sport governing body for figure skating in Canada. Membership benefits in the

CanSkate program can include:

· Badges

· Stickers

· Tattoos

· Colorings sheets

· Parent information sheets

· Progress updates and report cards

· Special CanSkate events and club functions

· BMO CanSkater of the Year award program

· Opportunity to be talent-scouted

· Opportunity to participate in a positive healthy lifestyle activity

These are some of the awards and incentives that have been developed to encourage athletes in CanSkate:

CanSkate Badge- stage 2

CanSkate Stickers

CanSkate Badge- Jump