BLUE CANTABILE ICE SKATING CLUB SKATER CODE OF CONDUCT
Blue Cantabile Ice Skating Club is committed to providing members with the opportunity
to develop and pursue their goals in a safe and encouraging environment. Coaches
and parents/guardians play a special role in the development of skaters’ enjoyment of
this sport and as such should model positive and responsible behaviour at all times
while participating in any BCISC session including private lessons, events or
competitions.
This policy outlines the expected etiquette for all BCISC coaches, members and parents.
Coaches that witness any unsafe skater behavior are expected to approach the
skater(s) to provide corrective feedback.
Etiquette is simply defined as the respectful and considerate behaviour expected by all
parties while participating in club activities. It is also meant to ensure all parties feel
safe and comfortable. The following recommendations help identify what is expected of
our coaches, skaters and parents as members of the BCISC when interacting with each
other, as well as volunteers, facility staff and the arena facilities at all times, while on the
ice.
Skater’s “Right of Way”
It is important that all skaters (in a program, a lesson or practicing) remember that they
must always be looking around them while they are skating. Everyone plays a role to
maintain safety while on the ice. There is no exception to this rule.
1. The following order determines the right of way during scheduled sessions:
A. A skater whose music is being played and is skating to a program.
B. A skater who is receiving a lesson. If the harness is in use, be aware and
avoid that area.
C. Skaters who are practicing on their own. As many skaters are moving on the
ice at the same time, all skaters should be mindful to those jumping and
spinning and be aware of their surroundings. It is every skater’s
responsibility for watching where they are going, no exceptions.
Note: Experienced and older skaters should be mindful of less experienced or younger
skaters and set an example as to when and how to yield to other skaters. Remember
that all skaters were beginners once.
2. A skater performing their solo to music is permitted to wear a “right of way” sash.
This neon sash will distinguish the solo skater from other skaters and identify
which skater to watch out for. Should a skater choose not to wear the “right of
way” sash then they lessen their chance of being identified as the priority skater
and take on the risk of not being identified when skating to their solo. A second
sash will be on the ice and be available to the “next skater in waiting” in
preparation for their music to be played next. Reminder: The “right of way” sash
is optional but does provide additional visibility to a skater, especially during high
traffic sessions.
3. Skaters are reminded to be aware of fellow skaters that may be moving in the
opposite direction or performing jumps. When practicing programs, skaters must
learn to move around other skaters to complete their program and remain
respectful and polite.
4. When a skater is practicing his/her program, he/she is reminded to be polite
when addressing another skater or coach that may be in his/her way. Phrases
such as, “Move” or “Get out of my way” are not considered acceptable language.
Phrases used politely such as, “excuse me please” or “heads up” or “coming
through” or “program” are considered acceptable.
5. All skaters must get up quickly after falling, unless injured, so as to not endanger
other skaters or themselves on the ice.
6. Skaters will move to the boards if a break is required. Skaters must not stand in
the middle of the ice.
7. Skaters shall make every attempt to maintain a safe distance from all other
skaters.
8. The corners/ends of the ice surface are considered to be the “jump” zones. There
is to be no spinning in those areas, except skaters performing their programs.
9. All spins are to be done between the two blue lines. Be mindful of skaters in
spins as they can’t see other skaters coming.
10. For skaters, skating down on a session, you must be mindful of the level of the
session and may need to adjust your practice accordingly to skate to the level of
the session.
On-ice Equipment & Personal Belongings
1. No food, drinks, gum or candy are allowed on the ice surface. Materials required
for skating such as cd’s, water bottles, tissue boxes and notebooks may be left at
the boards.
2. Cell phones are not allowed on the ice. Valuables should be brought to the
boards.
3. Wearing of headsets/ear phones on the ice is prohibited at all times.
4. Skaters must wait until the Zamboni doors have closed before going onto the
ice.
5. The Harness must only be used during a lesson with a qualified coach.
General Guidelines
1. Courtesy and good sportsmanship to coaches and fellow skaters is expected at
all times.
2. Skaters are expected to wear appropriate skating attire while on the ice (skating
dresses, skirts, leggings, warm-up jackets, etc.). Clothing with profanity or
inappropriate visual elements are not acceptable and a skater may be asked to
change. Long hair should be tied back with an elastic or cloth headband.
3. Parents and other skaters should not interrupt a coach while a lesson is in
progress.
4. Refrain from standing around and socializing on the ice.
5. When your session is over, gather your belongings and clear the ice immediately.
6. Be respectful to arena staff and property at all times.
7. The BCISC is
not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please leave valuables at home.
And remember…inappropriate behaviour (both on or off the ice) such as the use of foul
language towards any individual within the BCISC (skater, coach, board member,
parent/guardian, arena staff) will not be tolerated and disciplinary action may be
warranted.
Membership Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Policy
BCISC is committed to providing a skating environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to participate in a respectful environment free from bullying, harassment and discrimination.
Discrimination
Every BCISC registrant is entitled to participate free from discrimination. BCISC strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, colour, national place of origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), religious beliefs, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family or marital status, or any other ground or characteristic protected under applicable provincial human rights legislation (“Protected Characteristics”).
This policy addresses discrimination as contemplated by the applicable provincial human rights legislation. Under this policy, “discrimination” is differential treatment on the basis of Protected Characteristics. Discrimination may also be found where a requirement, qualification or factor exists that is not discriminatory on its face but results in the exclusion, restriction or preference of a group of persons who are identified by a prohibited ground of discrimination, and cannot be demonstrated to be reasonable and justified in the circumstances.
Bullying and Harassment
Harassment may relate to a form of discrimination set out in human rights legislation, but it does not have to. Discriminatory harassment includes harassment related to race, sex, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability or medical condition or age.
Bullying and harassment are any behaviour that demeans, embarrasses, humiliates, or verbally abuses a person and that is known or would be expected to be known to be unwelcome. Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to the following behaviours:
(a) written or verbal abuse or threats, including swearing;
(b) intimidating conduct or gestures;
(c) unwelcome remarks, jokes, taunts;
(d) unwelcome physical contact;
(e) physical or sexual assault;
(f) vandalism of personal property;
(g) abuse of authority which undermines performance or threatens an individual's career;
(h) racial, religious or ethnic slurs;
(i) practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment, endanger a person’s safety, or negatively affect performance;
(j) unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, requests for sexual favours, or invitations, whether indirect or explicit;
(k) unwelcome comments, innuendo, taunting, or questions about a person’s looks, body, attire, age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or sex life;
(l) displays of pornographic, racist or other offensive or derogatory material;
(m) leering, whistling, or other suggestive or obscene gestures;
(n) condescending, paternalistic or patronizing behaviour which undermines self-esteem, diminishes performance, or adversely affects the skating environment. Sexual harassment may be directed at registrants of the same sex or the opposite sex. This repetitive improper behaviour is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading, or embarrassing. The improper behaviour does not have to be made with the intent to harass or discriminate, to be in violation of this policy.
This policy applies to discrimination, bullying and harassment which may occur at or during the course of any BCISC business or skating activity or event (including business or skating activities or events of registrant organizations). It also applies to prohibited conduct occurring outside of those situations, when the harassment or bullying is occurring between persons covered by this policy, and the conduct adversely affects the BCISC skating environment
Application of this Policy This policy applies to all registrants of BCISC, including officials, coaches, athletes, volunteers. BCISC encourages the reporting of all incidents of harassment, regardless of who the offender may be.
Every registrant of BCISC has a responsibility to play a part in ensuring that BCISC’s skating environment is respectful and free from discrimination, bullying and harassment. This means not engaging in, allowing, condoning, or ignoring behaviour which is contrary to this policy. In addition, any registrant of BCISC who believes that a fellow registrant of BCISC has experienced or is experiencing harassment is encouraged to notify BCISC.
Confidentiality
BCISC understands that it can be extremely difficult to come forward with a complaint of discrimination, bullying or harassment, and that it can be devastating to be wrongly accused of such conduct. BCISC recognizes the interests of both the complainant and the respondent in maintaining confidentiality.
BCISC shall maintain all records in a confidential manner, except to the extent that disclosure of any of this information is necessary for the purposes of investigating the complaint, or taking disciplinary and corrective action in relation to the complaint, or is required by law.