Code of Conduct
PARENT & SKATER CODE OF CONDUCT
Skate Company Skating Club
Parent & Skater Code of Conduct
Skate Company Skating Club is committed to providing a safe, positive, respectful, and inclusive environment where every skater can learn, grow, and enjoy skating. Our club is built on the principles of respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, trustworthiness, and good citizenship.
All skaters, parents/guardians, coaches, volunteers, and club members are expected to follow the U.S. Figure Skating Member Code of Conduct, SafeSport guidelines, and the expectations outlined below.
Respect & Inclusion
Every skater is a valued member of our skating community, regardless of age, ability, experience, skill level, or individual needs.
● Treat skaters, coaches, instructors, volunteers, officials, rink staff, and families with respect.
● Bullying, teasing, harassment, exclusion, discrimination, or derogatory comments are not acceptable.
● Support and encourage other skaters and celebrate their accomplishments, whether big or small.
● Skaters should be encouraged to do their best, learn from mistakes, and enjoy the experience rather than focus solely on winning or performance.
Skater Conduct & Sportsmanship
Skaters are expected to:
● Listen to and respect coaches and instructors.
● Accept constructive feedback appropriately.
● Treat other skaters with kindness and respect.
● Congratulate and encourage teammates and fellow skaters.
● Resolve disagreements calmly and peacefully.
● Use appropriate language and behavior throughout the facility.
● Never intentionally kick boards, throw equipment, threaten others, or engage in physical or verbal aggression.
● Follow all rink, club, U.S. Figure Skating, and coach instructions.
Profanity, obscene gestures, threatening behavior, or aggressive conduct are not permitted on the ice, in locker rooms, on player benches, in the lobby, or anywhere else within the facility.
Ice Safety & Etiquette
Skaters are responsible for paying attention to what is happening around them and following safe skating practices.
● Be aware of other skaters and avoid skating into another skater’s path.
● Be familiar with commonly used areas for jumps, spins, and skating patterns.
● Give the right of way to skaters who are skating to their music.
● Avoid stopping or standing in the middle of skating areas.
● After a fall, move to a safe location as quickly as possible.
● Follow the directions of coaches, instructors, and rink staff.
Supporting Adaptive Skaters
Skate Company Skating Club recognizes that some adaptive skaters may experience sensory overload, frustration, vocal outbursts, or emotional dysregulation during a skating session.
Our goal is to support the skater while maintaining a safe environment for everyone.
● Staff and coaches will use calm, supportive de-escalation whenever possible.
● A quiet or sensory break off the ice may be offered when a skater becomes overwhelmed or frustrated.
● Behavioral challenges will be considered within the context of the individual skater’s needs.
● Parents/guardians are encouraged to communicate with coaches about any disability, challenge, sensory need, or other consideration that may affect the skater’s safety or participation.
● If behavior creates an immediate risk of physical harm to the skater or others, the skater may be calmly and safely removed from the class until it is appropriate to return.
The purpose of a break or temporary removal is safety and support, not punishment.
Parent & Guardian Expectations
Parents and guardians play an important role in creating a positive skating environment. Parents/guardians are expected to:
● Model respectful and positive behavior.
● Encourage good sportsmanship and support all skaters, not just their own child.
● Put the emotional and physical well-being of their child and others ahead of winning or performance.
● Never ridicule, bully, yell at, or blame a skater, coach, official, volunteer, or other family.
● Allow coaches to coach and refrain from sideline coaching.
● Respect the decisions and authority of coaches, officials, judges, volunteers, and rink staff.
● Address concerns appropriately and calmly through the proper club channels.
● Teach their child to resolve conflicts peacefully.
● Support a skating environment that is safe, healthy, and free from drugs, alcohol abuse, and prohibited substances.
● Become familiar with applicable U.S. Figure Skating rules and club policies.
● Report concerns involving bullying, harassment, abuse, or safety through the appropriate channels.
● Support and respect every skater’s right to participate.
Social Media
The same standards of respect that apply at the rink also apply online.
Skate Company Skating Club does not tolerate bullying, harassment, threats, or adverse or derogatory statements directed toward skaters, families, coaches, volunteers, Directors, officials, or the club through social media or other online platforms.
Members and their families are expected to handle disagreements and concerns respectfully and through appropriate club channels rather than through public or social media attacks.
Depending on the severity of an incident, the matter may be brought before the Board of Directors for review.
Facility Cleanliness
Everyone is responsible for helping keep the rink clean and welcoming.
● Keep locker rooms, benches, and spectator areas free of litter.
● No food, gum, or open beverages are permitted on the ice.
● Water bottles may be used in designated areas.
● Wipe down skate blades and clean up personal belongings before leaving.
● Leave the rink and club spaces as clean as, or cleaner than, you found them.
Addressing Concerns & Conduct Issues
Skate Company believes in addressing concerns fairly and appropriately, with an emphasis on education, communication, and safety.
When appropriate, the club may use the following steps:
1. Reminder or Verbal Warning
A coach or Director may provide a private reminder and determine whether the behavior is related to frustration, sensory overload, or another support need.
2. Cool-Down or Sensory Break
A skater may be asked to take a short break off the ice to regain focus and return safely to the activity.
3. Parent/Guardian Meeting
If concerns continue, the club may meet with the skater and parent/guardian to discuss what is occurring and establish appropriate support strategies.
4. Written Warning or Temporary Removal
Repeated or serious conduct issues may result in a written warning or temporary removal from an activity.
5. Board Review
Serious or repeated violations may be referred to the Skate Company Skating Club Board of Directors. Depending on the circumstances, disciplinary action may include loss of club privileges for an extended period or revocation of club membership.
The club reserves the right to adjust the response based on the seriousness of the situation, particularly when safety, bullying, harassment, or intentional misconduct is involved.
Our Commitment
Skate Company Skating Club wants every skater and family to feel welcome, supported, and respected. By working together, we can create an environment where skaters of all ages and abilities can learn, build confidence, make friends, and enjoy the sport of skating.
