Skate Canada and ASC has an expectation that our skaters, parents, coaches and clubs will participate in this sport in a courteous manner within the spirit of fun and goodwill. It is the Abbotsford Skating Club’s position that we are, first and foremost, here for the kids and that the skating rink should be a kid-friendly place. To that end, we ask that each parent/ skater review the Skaters’ Agreement, which will be handed to you upon registration.

Ice Manners (or "common sense")

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou

Safety is of the most importance; there have been collisions, near misses and parents have noticed a lack of attention by skaters. Be courteous and aware of all skaters on the ice and know that all skaters have a right to use the whole ice surface.

Right of way is given to:

• Soloist with music
• Lessons with coach (including harness users)
• Oncoming skater watches spinning skater

Practice good safety:

• Skate with your head up and your eyes open
• Skaters going backward without looking are being foolish
• If you fall, get up immediately
• No standing around in groups on the ice - you are a hazard
• If you are looking at your parent(s) in the stands you are not watching out
• When the zamboni is on the ice, no one is allowed on the ice
• A parent or other responsible person should remain at the rink with their skater

Manners:

• Temper tantrums (eg. stamping on the ice or kicking the boards) will not be tolerated
• No profanity on or off the ice or whenever you are at the rink
• No electronic equipment, gum, food, beverages (other than water)
• Bobby pins must be securely fastened (crossed) in hair when on the ice.
• Ask permission from your coach if you want to leave the ice
• Respond promptly when your music is called

A note About Helmet use

The Abbotsford Skating Club recommends the use of helmets for skaters in our programs. Helmets are mandatory for skaters in Canskate and Skate Academy programs up to age 7, or after passing Stage 4 badge. Like any sport, skating has some risks and parents should be protecting their children from potential injury.

A Note About Enriched Movement on Ice (EMI)

Enriched Movement on Ice is a very important part of skater development and skaters are strongly encouraged to take part if they have purchased private sessions that include EMI. If a skater is late for EMI, they must get onto the ice as quickly as possible and join in without disruption to the class. Skaters must be respectful of all coaches and fellow skaters or they may be asked to leave the ice.

Music Playing

Music (program music and background music) is played during afternoon and Saturday freeskate sessions, and, by request, during dance and skills sessions. This creates an enjoyable environment and provides skaters with much-needed program development and practice time with their music.

All private session skaters are expected to provide a music player at least twice during each session, whether or not the skater currently has program music. You may be asked for a further commitment depending on the length of the session and number of registered skaters. Music players are free to make private arrangements to meet their commitment. Volunteers are always encouraged to play music over and above their commitment; however, Abbotsford Skating Club cannot provide credits or discounts.

The session schedule with open slots for music playing is posted on the door of the ASC office, located on the second floor of MRC. Music equipment and public address equipment are located in the ASC office. New music players, please ask an experienced music player to assist you.

Spectators

A responsible person MUST remain with your skater while they are on the ice. Also, to respect our skaters, we ask that parents ensure any siblings or friends at the rink refrain from distracting activities in the stands. No video taping is allowed without permission from a coach.

Morning Ice Rule

Private lesson skaters: Please be aware that if you are skating on 3 or more sessions per week, one of those sessions MUST be a morning session.