Skater Code of Conduct

Skater Code of Conduct POLICY – JULY 2026, Final

Ripley Huron Skating Club
Skater Code of Conduct

*You must read the entire policy prior to accepting it.

The Ripley-Huron Skating Club Skate Code of Conduct ensure the safety of all skaters, coaches and family members during our sessions while respecting all members of our club. It is the responsibility of each parent/guardian and coach to ensure their respective skaters are aware of, and respect, these rules.

  • Respect others (including personal property of others).
  • Money and valuables should not be left in the change areas. The club bears no responsibility for loss or theft.
  • All skaters have the right to a safe environment, both on and off the ice, and as such verbal and /or physical abuse of any kind will not be tolerated and could result in immediate suspension at the discretion of the RHSC Executive.
  • Due to insurance requirements, only registered Skate Canada or power skate members are permitted on the ice. This also includes the bench area, except in a medical emergency.
  • Parents of skaters are responsible for the behaviour of their child during all sessions.
  • Skaters must not step on the ice until a Coach or RHSC Executive member is present.
  • Appropriate skating attire is required for all skaters on the ice. Baggy clothes, jeans or jeggings or sweaters that impede a skaters view are not permitted. Full hockey equipment is required for power skating, including mouthguard.
  • Hair must be tied back.
  • Skaters must look both ways before stepping onto the ice surface or leaving the boards.
  • If a skater falls, they should get up quickly if not hurt, so as not to endanger other skaters on the ice.
  • No food, gum, or candy is permitted on the ice. Only plastic water bottles containing water are permitted at the boards.
  • Respect the ice surface – no kicking, digging holes, scraping or stomping the ice with blades.
  • Pushing, tripping, horseplay, tag or intentional interference with other skaters is NOT permitted on the ice or elsewhere in the arena.
  • Skaters shall pick up all belongings (including dirty tissues, water cups, bottles, etc) at the end of the session.
  • Parents, skaters not on the session or friends/spectators are not allowed on the ice during lessons and are not permitted to remain in the player’s bench or inside the ice pad area. Parents may watch their children from the stands or through the glass so as to not interfere with lessons or block access to the ice. It is unsafe and counterproductive to a constructive training session.

  • Right of Way Guidelines:
    These guidelines exist to protect all skaters during a session. When practicing routines, skaters must learn to manoeuvre around other skaters and still complete jumps, spins, and footwork successfully. 
  • The following order determines the right of way during Freeskate sessions:
  1. A skater whose music is being played and is in a lesson.
  2. A skater whose music is being played.
  3. Skaters who are receiving a lesson 
  4. Skaters who are setting up an element (jump, spin, field movement)
  • a. Right of way goes to the skater who doesn't see the potential for a collision: We all try to give way to skaters performing programs or taking lessons, but safety is the most important factor. Just because your music is playing doesn't give you the right to put anyone in danger. However, Skaters must yield the right of way to other skaters in a private lesson and especially if their music is playing.
  • b. Lessons: Skaters are often looking at their coach when they would otherwise be looking around the ice. Attention is divided. 
  • c. Programs: Complicated choreography and fatigue make it more difficult to avoid collisions. Learn to listen to the music and know which music goes with which skater. After some time, it's also possible to learn some of the patterns in others' programs, e.g. a straight line diagonal footwork sequence goes with the boom/boom/boom part of the music, etc. 
  • d. Spins: You can't see anything when you're spinning. Never skate close to a spinning skater, even if your music is playing. Always give spinners enough space to change positions into a camel spin (e.g. don't skate close to a sit spin because it may not be a sit spin anymore when you get there). 
  • e. Competitions/Test Days: During the week prior to a competition or test session, skaters competing or testing will have priority over those not competing or testing. 
  • Calling out “Excuse me!”  or “Heads up!” will alert other skaters to get out of the way.
  • Know where skaters are likely to jump – “Lutz Corners” 
    • Avoid standing, spinning or teaching in the Lutz corners or near the boards where edge jumps will take place. Remember that the approach to a Lutz is long and blind. The skater doing the Lutz is not likely to see you. Skater safety is paramount.
  • Skaters should keep moving while on the ice as it is dangerous for skaters to stand still during a session. If a skater must do so, then standing should be done at the boards.
  • All skaters are required to use the full ice surface and are not to congregate in one area. Keep moving.
  • If skaters need to talk to someone off the ice, they should get off the ice to do so.
  • Skaters must ask their own coach for permission to leave the ice surface.
  • Skaters must leave the ice surface promptly at the end of the session to allow the Zamboni to maintain its schedule.
  • Only members in good standing with the club will be allowed to take tests and participate in club competition. Members not in good standing may be suspended at the executive’s discretion.
  • All times are set by the arena clock.
  • Skaters are allowed to skate only on the sessions they are qualified and registered for - or have board approval.
  • Guest skating during StarSkate is at the discretion of the RHSC Executive and prior approval and payment is required.
  • Skaters are representatives of RHSC whether in our area or away at external test days or competitions and as such are expected to conduct themselves in a proper and polite manner which includes no profanity.
  • Ice etiquette rules are in effect at all times. Failure to abide by the above rules may result in the offending skater being removed from the ice.
  • Failure to abide by these guidelines may result in disciplinary action by the Ripley-Huron Skating Club. Refunds are not given for violations of the Skater Code of Conduct Policy.
  • All complaints or concerns must be addressed to the board in writing; either given to a board member or by email. A decision, if required, will be made at the next scheduled board meeting. Board members may not be sought out individually at the arena, their home or place of business to register complaints.

3 Strike Rule (Zero Tolerance Policy)

If a skater/parent/volunteer is in violation of the Code of Conducts they will be:

  1.  Verbally informed the warning.
  2.  2nd offence will be a written letter.
  3.  3rd offence will constitute a suspension at the RHSC Executive's discretion.

Violations of RHSC’s Skater 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 Executive. 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. If the behaviour of a skater/parent/volunteer is in serious breach of conduct (at Executive’s discretion) said skater/parent/volunteer may be immediately suspended.  **In cases of suspension NO REFUND of any kind will be granted**

Skater Code of Conduct POLICY – JULY 2026, Final