CanSkate Skater/Parent Code of Conduct
All members shall always demonstrate good sportsmanship, courtesy, consideration and respect towards others.
Be safe on the ice. All skaters up to and including level 5 are required to wear a helmet; gloves are mandatory for all skaters regardless of level. Any skater who does not have the proper equipment will not be permitted to participate in the session.
Skaters are permitted to take to the ice only after the zamboni has left the ice, the zamboni gate is closed, and a coach is either rinkside or on the ice. Skaters should take to the ice in an orderly manner, without pushing or shoving. Do not stop and talk to spectators in the viewing gallery. This creates a potentially dangerous situation since you are not paying attention to other skaters. Never chew gum while on the ice.
Use the appropriate dressing rooms. Please check which dressing room to use. Under no circumstances should male CanSkate Skaters enter a dressing room marked “Girls Only”. Please do not use Dressing Room 15 as it is strictly for our Program Assistants.
Use appropriate language. Swearing or the use of abusive language while on the ice, in one of our dressing rooms or any other part of the arena is not appropriate. The rink is a training centre for all ages.
Respect skaters’ self esteem. Encouraging words are welcome. Any parent/skater who believes a child’s self esteem or skating ability is being attacked by another skater should first speak to their skater’s coach, who will in turn discuss the situation with the appropriate parties. In the event that an acceptable outcome is not achieved OR the parent is uncomfortable discussing the situation with the coach, the parent is advised to approach a member of SMSC’s Board of Directors.
Skaters should be supervised. A parent or an adult responsible for the skater must be either inside rink 3 or in the arena lobby for the duration of their CanSkate session. The left and right corridors along the sides of Rink 3 are off limits to spectators.
Always keep both entrances to the ice clear and view the session from upstairs or the glass boards.
Respect the skater/coach relationship. Our coaches follow the Skate Canada curriculum. If a parent is concerned about the progress of a skater, you should discuss the situation with one of our coaches, who can explain the progress reporting in further detail. If your child is having private lessons and will be absent from a session, please contact your coach directly in advance. All arrangements for private lessons, including coaching fees, are made between the parent and coach. Once a parent has arranged for private lessons with an individual, that person becomes the skater’s primary coach.
According to Skate Canada guidelines, another coach should not intentionally solicit a skater away from a coach. If a parent or skater determines that a coaching change is in the best interest of a skater, he or she should inform the primary coach. Skaters who have overdue lesson fees with any of our coaches may not be able to continue private lessons until the account is brought up to date.
Violations of SMSC’s CanSkater/Parent Code of Conduct will not be tolerated. If you have concerns, either speak to your skater’s coach, or seek out a member of our Board of Directors.
Members/Parents will be contacted if skaters act contrary to the code of conduct and in severe and/or repeat cases a suspension of membership (short or long term) is possible.