PARENT - CANSKATE HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME TO Warman Osler Skating Club....................................................................................1

MISSION STATEMENT.................................................................................................................... 1

SKATE CANADA.............................................................................................................................. 2

SKATE CANADA FEES/INSURANCE..............................................................................................2

WARMAN OSLER SKATING CLUB EXECUTIVE.................................................................................3

COACHING STAFF...........................................................................................................................5

RESPONSIBILITIES...........................................................................................................................6

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CLUB.................................................................................................6

RESPONSIBLITIES OF COACHES..................................................................................................6

RESPONSIBILITIES OF SKATERS...................................................................................................7

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARENT.............................................................................................8

FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES......................................................................................................8

COMMUNICATION.........................................................................................................................8

CARNIVAL.......................................................................................................................................9

EQUIPMENT................................................................................................................................... 9

SKATING CLOTHING................................................................................................................. 12

PROGRAMS AT WOSC..................................................................................................................13

PRE-CANSKATE ........................................................................................................................13

CANSKATE ............................................................................................................................... 13ADVANCED CANSKATE.............................................................................................................14

OTHER INFORMATION................................................................................................................. 15

SKATE CANADA PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT..............................................................................16

SKATE CANADA POSITION STATEMENT ON BULLYING.................................................................17

HELMET POLICY.............................................................................................................................18

WARMAN OSLER SKATING CLUB

#1000245Box 246

Warman, SK.S0K 4S0

EMAIL:

warmanoslerskatingclub@yahoo.ca

WEBSITE:

www.warmanoslerskatingclub.com

WELCOME TO Warman Osler Skating ClubThis handbook was developed to help all our club members and their parents understand the many aspects of the Canskate Program learn to‐ skate and figure skating. Please take time to read this handbook and familiarize yourself with the Club, with the programs we offer, with the sport of skating and figure skating and what will be expected from you as a member of our Club. We offer a broad selection of affordable, effective skating programs designed to provide social, emotional and physical benefit for all skaters. We provide programs at the Legends Centre and Diamond Arenas. Our programs provide a solid foundation in skating fundamentals for recreational skaters, aspiring young hockey and ringette players and figure skaters.

MISSION STATEMENTThe Warman Osler Skating Club, established in 1969, is a non profit, volunteer based‐ organization dedicated to the development of all skaters, a club where all skaters can realize their potential.

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SKATE CANADAThe Warman Osler Skating Club is a Skate Canada sanctioned club (Saskatchewan section), and our programs are developed and implemented by Skate Canada standards. Skate Canada is the governing body of amateur figure skating in Canada. It provides standards and rules for the activities of its members, qualifies and appoints evaluators, judges, referees and other officials, conducts training seminars for coaches and skaters, provides information to the public, and provides financial support. Membership includes all amateur Figure Skating Clubs, all skaters of each club, coaches and officials.

All members are registered with Skate Canada through their home club upon payment of the annual registration fee. Each skater will receive a Skate Canada identification number that has been recorded at the national office. This number does not change and remains your link to Skate Canada forever, even in years you are not an active member. It is important for you to know that to attend a Skate Canada Sanctioned Test Day, Competition or any other Skate Canada sanctioned event you must be a current member of Skate Canada.

SKATE CANADA FEES/INSURANCE

In Saskatchewan, each club pays an annual fee per skater for Skate Canada Registration. This membership runs from September 1 - August 31st. Part of the fee pays for insurance while your skater is participating in a Skate Canada Program and any off ice training within our club. ‐

Skate Canada membership also gives you access to the Skate Canada National member login site at www.skatecanada.ca. You can access the Skate Canada Saskatchewan Section website at www.skatecanadasaskatchewan.com.

Parents and skaters can visit these websites on a regular basis to obtain current information on anything and everything you need or want to know about the sport of figure skating

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Warman Osler Skating Club Executive

Board positions at the Warman Osler Skating Club are volunteer elected positions. It is due to the hard work of these individuals that our children can skate, at all levels.

The WOSC board is active 12 months of the year organizing fundraising activities, arranging ice schedules, registration, hiring coaching staff, holding test days, organizing competitions and other opportunities for skaters to perform and display their skills.

New executive members are greatly encouraged and are elected at our Annual General Meeting. Each position is held for a two-year term. If you are interested in being a part of the executive or would like more information, contact the club.

Acting President

Oversees regular club business and executive meetings. Establishes, with the help of the executive, ice times/scheduling, financial fundraising/planning. All Committee Chairs must submit the names of their Committee Members to the President for approval. The president shall be an ex-official member of all Committees.

Vice President

The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President in the absence of the President and shall assume such other duties as assigned by the Board.

Treasurer

The Treasure shall be responsible for the safe control of all Club funds, for preparing and submitting to the board an annual budget and keeping such records as are required for audit. All cheques and legal documents shall be signed by any two of the designated members of the Board.

Secretary

The Secretary shall deal with all correspondence subject to the approval of the President or delegate, shall issue all notices to the Board, General or Special Meetings, shall take minutes at all meetings and shall be responsible for submitting to Skate Canada and the Section, such reports as are required by Skate Canada Rules or other regulations.

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Test/Competition Chair

This person is responsible to oversee the conduct of test sessions, be responsible for accurate record keeping and preparing reports which will be submitted to the Section Judge Chair and Skate Canada National Office. Other responsibilities include:

Collecting of Test Fees and ice time Booking Judges, evaluators and ice time Making travel and accommodation arrangements for judges and evaluator Scheduling the day and informing test participants Enlisting volunteers to effectively run a test day

This person is also responsible for chairing the committee that would organize any competitions that the Warman Osler Skating Club would sponsor during the year. This person would work with the Tech Ad, book judges and make travel accommodations arrangements for the judges. This person would also be responsible to ensure that all competition forms have been distributed, completed and forwarded to outside competition committees. Other responsibilities include:

Copying and distributing to the coaches’ competition packages Assisting with online registration as required Assisting in the resolution of competition scheduling errors

Communication/Media Chair

This person is responsible for distribution of information, the publication of the Club newsletter and developing connections with the different groups within the club. This person may or may not be a member of the Board. Other responsibilities include:

Maintaining a website Contact person for Media (Newspaper, radio, Social Media)

Registration Chair

This person is responsible to oversee the membership records of the Club and remain current with Skate Canada policy regarding membership. This person shall implement and inform Board and general membership about fees and policies regarding membership and work in close association with Program Director. Other responsibilities include:

Registering all members (Competitive skaters by the deadline) Creating an active registration list to the coaches Maintaining a current list of which skaters’ skate on which days

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Fundraising Chair

This person is responsible for chairing the committee that will create and implement the fund- raising activities of the club. Other members who will assist the Fundraising Chair as support members are as follows:

Treasurer Registration/Membership Chair Program Director

Bingo Chair

This person is responsible for chairing the committee that will create and implement the bingo activities of the club. Other members who will assist the Fundraising Chair as support members are as follows:

Treasurer Registration/Membership Chair Program Director

COACHING STAFF

Current coaching staff is listed on website.

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Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CLUB(see Skate Canada for Club Code of Ethics for details)

1. Conducting a variety of skating programs at the skill and age levels appropriate to theclub’s membership.

2. Providing professional coaches to teach the programs offered in group and/or private lessons.

3. As required, conducting Skate Canada tests in accordance with Skate Canada rules.

4. As required, conducting competitions for the various skill and age levels of the membership.

5. Conducting club business per the club’s constitution and bylaws and the rules of SkatingCanada.

6. Liaison with the Skate Canada National Office, Section and the community.

7. Raising funds for club events.

8. Ensuring that the amateur status of skaters is protected.

Warman Osler Skating Club IS NOT REPSONSIBLE FOR LOST ARTICLES OR INJURY ON OR OFF THE ICE

RESPONSIBLITIES OF COACHES(see Skate Canada for Coaches Code of Ethics for details)

1. Skating coaches have the fundamental responsibility to promote skating and to coach to the best of their ability.

2. Skating coaches are responsible to the skaters not only as athletes but as individuals‐ who are developing values and beliefs that will last a life time.

3. Skating coaches must respect another coach teaching methods, techniques and/or opinions.

4. Warman Osler Skating Club coaches have the authority to “discipline” skaters. Disciplinary action taken will be based upon the offense and behavioral history. (Verbal reprimand, request to sit out a portion of practice, suspension from all activities for a period etc.).

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RESPONSIBILITIES OF SKATERS1. Courtesy and respect must be demonstrated to all individuals – skaters, coaches,

parents, rink attendants.

2. Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. Offending skaters will be asked to leave the ice immediately. Parents of offending skaters will be notified.

3. No gum, food, or drinks on ice.

4. Skaters should be on time for all skating sessions and lesson times – whether group, private, skating skills or stroking. Coaches should not have to leave the ice to find their skaters.

5. Permission must be attained before leaving the ice for any reason; this is both a courtesy to coaches and a safety factor for the skaters.

6. Please be sure to advise your coach if you will be missing any sessions.

7. Appropriate skating attire should be worn.

8. No skater is to be on the ice at the same time as the Zamboni.

9. No skater is to be on the ice without a coach present.

10. No parents are allowed on the ice at any time, for insurance reasons.

11. Skaters are not to enter or leave the ice over the boards or sit on the boards.

12. Do not stand or socialize in the middle of the ice or along the boards.

13. Do not lie on the ice unless you are injured or need assistance.

14. Skate guards should be used when skaters leave the ice, for safety reasons.

15. Dressing rooms must be kept clean and orderly. Trash must be placed in bins provided.

16. Skaters must be in “good standing” to participate in Skate Canada sanctioned events – test days, carnivals, competitions, etc. “Good standing” assumes that the skater’s registration and coaching fees are paid to date and that the skaters are not under any disciplinary action.

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RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARENTThe responsibilities of the skating club can only be met by parent participation since the club is operated by the parents of the skaters.

Parents are expected to contribute to the overall operation of the club in the following areas:

Registration Fees

Fees, as set by the club, are payable upon registration. Skaters not registered for any given session will not be permitted onto the ice.

Safety

Every effort is made to ensure the safety of our skaters. Please make it a responsibility to ensure your child is dressed appropriately and is pick up immediately following sessions. An arena is not a place for children to be left unattended.

Fundraising

As in other non profit organizations, the ‐ Warman Osler Skating Club requires fundraising to help keep the cost of registration as low as possible. Funds raised are used to offset the cost of ice rental, which is the clubs largest expense.

FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES

To be determined by the Executive Board on a year to year basis, to ensure that the club has enough funds to meet their financial needs. Each year the options for fundraising will be posted on the bulletin board at the arena and on the website.

COMMUNICATION

Warman Osler Figure Skating Club will post important club/skater/parent information in three ways:

On our website Our club wall at the Diamond Arena Email alerts Facebook page

You are responsible to check all of them to stay up to date. If you find that you are not receiving email alerts from the club and you did list an email address on your membership form, please contact an executive member or email the club.

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CARNIVAL

The WOSC holds a carnival every year in March. All skaters are strongly encouraged to participate. This is for the benefit of all skaters and gives an opportunity for families to come and watch their favorite skater. An Ice Show is a production that includes groups of skaters that skate a choreographed number that the coaches create. They wear costumes and usually the carnival has a theme to tie all numbers together.

EQUIPMENT

In skating, skates are the most important piece of equipment. Purchasing appropriate skates to suit the level of skater and your budget is of utmost importance whether you stay on as a Figure Skater or move over to hockey, ringette or speed skating. A helmet is also required to participate in Canskate.

Beginner Skaters in CanSkateBeginners can start with hockey skates or figure skates; either are appropriate at the CanSkate level. Recreational skates sold in department stores and sporting goods stores should provide adequate support for the beginner.

Skaters in Advance CanSkateYou will need to purchase figure skates when you move into Advanced CanSkate. You want to make sure that the skates provide adequate support in the ankles. Don’t break your budget. Figure skates sold in department stores and sporting goods stores should provide adequate support for the Advance program.

Tips for Buying Figure SkatesIf you’re buying new or used skates, there are many things you can do to help ensure thatyour skater gets the best possible result.

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Where to Buy New Figure SkatesBike Universe (122 20‐ th Street West, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan www.bikeuniverse.net Email: bikeuniverse@sasktel.net Ph. 306 244 0200) provides complete skate fitting and‐ ‐ skate sharpening services, from a discussion of the skater’s needs through to proper fitting and heat moulding, to information on skate care, to after sale service. They deal‐ with a wide variety of boot and blade manufacturers, to offer the best possible range of pricing and fit.Canadian Tire and other sports stores will have a selection of skates for your child's needs.

Buying Used Figure Skates

Some skaters opt for used skates but you need to be cautious that the blade is not so warn that cannot be sharpened anymore. Some options for buying used skates are Buy and Sells, Kijiji. There are also used skate stores in Saskatoon, such as Saskatoon Skate Exchange and Al Andersons.

Russ Prosko (Ph. 306 384 0341) ‐ ‐ has extensive experience in used and new figure skates and molding them and sharpening new and used figure skates (local to Saskatoon).

Caring for Skates

Boots and blades can be expensive. Proper care of the skates can help your investment last as long as possible. **Skates should never be left outside in a vehicle as the change in weather can expand and shrink the skates causing the skates to lose their shape.

Skate guards must be worn whenever the skater is walking on any surface except the ice. The blades are quickly damaged by walking on concrete floors or other gritty surfaces. The blades and boots soles must be dried before putting guards on them.

Guards must be removed when the skates are put away. Cold blades get wet from condensation and should have blade soakers put over the blades to pull the condensation from the blades.

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CanSkate:

How to Lace Your Child’s SkatesThe way you lace up your child’s skates can have a huge effect on how much they enjoy CanSkate and how much progress they make. Did you know that hockey skates and figure skates need to be laced up differently? Read on to find out how.

Putting On Skates (All Skaters)For both hockey and figure skates, here are some things to do when putting on the skates: Before putting the foot in the skate, make sure the socks or tights are comfortably loose around the toes. If they are pulled tight at the toes, it will restrict toe movement and may make your skater uncomfortable. Loosen the laces before putting on the boot, so the foot will go in easily without pulling the socks or tights out of line. Be sure that socks are not folded over or creased anywhere. Folds in the sock could create a pinch point and possibly a blister.

Lacing Hockey SkatesHockey skates are very stiff and hard, so the laces need to be tight right from the bottom to the very top Some of our coaches call this type of lacing “daddy strong arms”, because the tightest lacing that daddy can do will be just right.

Once you have the skate laced tight right to the top, tie the laces in a bow. Be sure that the bow loops are quite short (2 inches or less). If loops are too long, the skater can catch their other skate in the loop and fall. If you find that your skater’s laces are too long, any one of the following “fixes” will work for hockey skates: Tie a double bow or if the child is wearing tight‐ leggings, tuck the extra laces up into the leggings so they’re out of the way, or make a bow that has 1 2” loops, then cut off the extra lace and tie the cut ends in a knot to keep them from‐ ravelling. (When you cut, cut the lace about an inch longer than you want it to be. Once you tie the knots, the length will wind up just right.).

IMPORTANT: NEVER wrap extra lace around the ankle; this can cause damage to theskater’s Achilles tendon.

Lacing Figure SkatesFigure skaters are built differently than hockey skates and they need to be laced differently than hockey skates.

The lacing should be firm from toe to ankle, but not too tight. You can think of this type of lacing as “mommy strong arms”. (A “daddy strong arms” lacing that would be good on a hockey skate will be much too tight on a figure skate, and the child will be uncomfortable and unable to move properly).

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Once you have the eyelets firmly laced from toe to ankle lace firmly around the bottom hooks. Note: Instead of running the lace under the hook and pulling it upward, run the lace above the hook and pull downward and around. This helps to keep the laces from loosening during the class. Lace the bottom two sets of hooks firmly, then lace more loosely toward the top. You should be able to fit two fingers between the top of the tongue and the ankle this is necessary in a figure skate so that the child’s ankles and knees can bend properly. Tie the laces in a bow. Make the bow loops quite short (1 2 inches). If loops are too long, the skater can catch their‐ other skate in a loop and fall. If your skater’s lace loops are too long for safety, any one of the following “fixes” will work for figure skates: When you’re lacing, double hook the laces, i.e. pass‐ the lace around one or more sets of hooks more than one time. Double hooking‐ uses up the extra lace. Then tie a single, short looped bow at the top, or tie a double bow or tie a bow that‐ has big loops. Then loosely tie the loops into one or more knots, so that the leftover loops are just long enough to reach the top hooks. Hook the loops over the top hooks and out of the way or if the child is wearing tight leggings, tuck the extra lace up into the leggings so it’s out of the way. IMPORTANT: NEVER wrap extra lace around the ankle; this can cause damage to the skater’s Achilles tendon.

SKATING CLOTHINGYoung skaters just beginning lessons should take to the ice with long pants, mittens, warm sweater or jacket. Dress in layers – it will get warm!

Some More Useful TipsDress your CanSkater in straight, tight legged pants or tight leggings. Avoid pants with‐flared legs—it’s too easy to catch a skate on the flare, causing a fall.

Dress your CanSkater in darker colours. Many coaches use coloured markers to lay out patterns on the ice. If a skater falls while wearing light coloured clothes, they may get coloured marker‐ all over the clothes.

As your skater progresses throughout the club they will need apparel for competitions. Coaches or club personnel should be able to direct you to skating boutiques who normally sell “off the‐ ‐rack” apparel or who offer customer design and fitting services.

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PROGRAMS AT WOSC

PRE-CANSKATE Note: CSA Approved helmets are mandatory (see Helmet Policy)

Teaching young children to skate the right way inspires self confidence.‐ This program offers basic movement on ice for ages 3 to 4. The course design has a strong element of play built in to encourage and capture the attention of this age group.

To make learning to skate for the first time a pleasant and satisfying experience, coaches emphasize participation focusing on fun and continuous movement. Young skaters are encouraged to learn proper posture, and the correct methods of pushing, gliding, stopping, turning, jumping and spinning. Once the basics have been learned, the preschool skater will be ready to progress confidently to the Canskate program.

CANSKATE STAGE 1-6Note: CSA Approved helmets are mandatory (see Helmet Policy)

CanSkate is a dynamic learn to skate program that focuses on fun, participation and basic‐ ‐ skill development. Based on Sport Canada’s long term athlete development (LTAD) principles, CanSkate centers on physical literacy and the fundamental skills needed to take part in any ice sport or to skate as a recreational activity.

Canskate is for beginners of all ages, children or adults, as well as for those wishing to improve their basic skills whether their focus be for figure skating, hockey, and ringette or just skating for fun.

All you need are skates, a CSA approved hockey helmet, long pants, mittens, warm sweater or jacket.‐Dress in layers – it will get warm!

The program is taught by NCCP trained professional coaches, assisted by trained program‐assistants.

The skaters will learn a complete series of balance, control and agility skills taught in three stages of learning that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating as well as general recreational skating. CanSkate uses nationally tested‐ and proven curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster.

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Skaters can expect action, movement and fun! Lessons are given in a group format with a coach to student ratio of a maximum 1:10. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches‐ ‐ make sessions active using teaching aids, upbeat music and a wide variety of activities that create a motivational environment and promote learning.

ADVANCED CANSKATENote: CSA Approved helmets are mandatory (see Helmet Policy)

Advanced CanSkate is WOSC’s optional “bridge” program between CanSkate and theSTARSkate/Competitive Programs. It has been designed to give skaters a taste of figure skating and helps them further develop edges, turns, and other skills that are vital to figure skating or hockey.

Advanced CanSkate participants must be able to confidently skate forwards and backwards, can stop under control, and be over 5 years old. ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THE ADVANCED CANSKATE PROGRAM MUST WEAR FIGURE SKATES. It is recommended that skaters have or be working on (partly completed) CanSkate badge 3 before joining the Advanced CanSkate program. The Advanced groups are organized by age and ability. The placements are subject to change depending on enrollment and staffing, and advancement from CanSkate to Advanced CanSkate must be approved by the Co‐Ordinator or Club Manager. Additional costs may apply.

Advanced CanSkate introduces skaters to the skills in edges, stroking, spins, jumps, turns, and performance. The program reinforces daily, proper warm up and practice technique.‐ Confidence and ability to work independently at this level is another focus of this program. Skills will be monitored, and in the event that a skater is ready to move into the STARskate program, they will be notified.

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OTHER INFORMATION

WOSC POLICY STATEMENT REFUNDS‐

Policy Statement:

ALL REQUESTS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING AND HAVE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION IF APPLICABLE

ALL REQUESTS FOR REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED BY CHEQUE AFTER APPROVAL.

Note: Registration paid by a third party (kid sport, jumpstart etc.) will not be returned to the member.

1. At any time during the skating season:

a. A refund will be given on a pro-rated basis for medical reasons when a Doctor’s or Physiotherapy certificate is provided. Refunds will be pro-rated from the last day of skating. Administration fee, mandatory Skate Canada membership fees, WOSC membership fee (if applicable), and skater lottery tickets (if applicable) will not be refunded. A processing fee of $25 will be charged. Refunds will be issued in the skater’s name.A refund will be given on a pro-rated basis if a skater has moved 50km or more outside of City Limits. Refunds will be pro-rated from the last day of skating. Administration fee, SkateCanada membership fee, WOSC membership fee (if applicable), and skater lottery tickets (if applicable) will not be refunded. A processing fee of $25 will be charged. Refunds will be issued in the skater’s name.

2. Prior to the onset of the season:

a. A general explanation is required. Administration fee and Skate Canada membership fee will not be refunded. A processing fee of $25 will be charged. Refunds will be issued in the skater’s name.

3. After the onset of the season:

a. If a skater withdraws during the season and does not meet criteria 1a) or 1b) above, a written letter must be sent to the Board for approval as a Special Circumstance. If approved, the refund will be provided on a pro-rated basis from the last day of skating. Administration fee, SkateCanada membership fee, WOSC membership fee, and skater lottery tickets will not be refunded. A processing fee of $25 will be charged. Refunds will be issued in the skater’s name.

b. Pre-Can/Canskate Program Exception to 3a) above:

After the first 4 lessons if the parent or coach feels the skater is not ready (physically or mentally) to participate in the program a refund can be requested. Refunds will be pro-rated from the last day of skating. Administration fee, SkateCanada membership fee, will not be refunded. Refunds will be issued in the skater’s name.

SKATE CANADA PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Skate Canada is committed to ensuring that all skaters can participate in a safe and welcoming environment that is encouraging and promotes their overall development. Parents have an enormous influence on skaters’ experiences in the sport. The quality of a skater’s experience is determined by their relationships with parents and the way parents conduct themselves in the Skate Canada environment.

In this code “parents” shall refer to “parents and guardians”. This code appliesto all parents who are members of Skate Canada or have children who are

members of Skate Canada. Parents shall abide by this code always while participating in any Skate Canada club or school, competition, or activity.

• All parents are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner consistent with the values of fair play, integrity, open communication and mutual respect.

• Parents shall always model positive and responsible behavior and communicate with their son/daughter that they expect them to do the same. Parents will assume the major responsibility for their son/daughter’s on ice‐ conduct and attitude.

• Parents shall always treat all individuals and property with dignity, courtesy and respect, including but not limited to skaters, coaches, officials, volunteers, other parents, and all other individuals that are part of the club, skating school, Section or Skate Canada.

• Parents shall refrain from any behavior, or comments, which are profane, insulting, harassing, sexist, racist, abusive, disrespectful or otherwise offensive without hostility or violence.

• Parents shall emphasize the importance of values like sportsmanship, respect, cooperation, competition and teamwork to their son/daughter offering praise for competing fairly, participation and skill development.

• Parents shall model and encourage their son/daughter to maintain a healthy balance between skating and life. (i.e., school, other activities, social life, etc.)

• Parents shall model and encourage balanced, healthy food choices and subscribing to an active and healthy lifestyle.

• Parents shall set high, but reasonable expectations for their son/daughter’sparticipation in skating focusing on development and enjoyment for the child

SKATE CANADA POSITION STATEMENT ON BULLYING

Bullying is a form of harassment and is “personal harassment” as defined in the Skate Canada Membership Complaint Policy section 9. (c). Skate Canada’s complaint policies are contained in the Policies and Procedures section of the rule book available on the Members Only portion of the Skate Canada web site under Technical & Programs > Rules > 2013 Official Rule Book > Policies & Procedures > Bylaws.

STATEMENT OF INTENT

Skate Canada strongly condemns bullying will not tolerate bullying by any of its members and is committed to raising awareness of this issue and preventing and eliminating bullying behavior within Skate Canada. Skate Canada recognizes that bullying can have a serious adverse impact on personal dignity, self esteem,‐ confidence, personal safety, performance, enjoyment of skating and of life itself.

All Skate Canada members have the right to participate in a safe, supportive and caring environment free from harassment and they have the responsibility to contribute to the protection and maintenance of this environment.

WHAT IS BULLYING?

Bullying is a form of personal harassment and includes physical or verbal abuse that occurs once or repeatedly and may involve an imbalance of power. Bullying is intended to hurt and humiliate the victim and may include: Insulting or derogatory remarks or gestures

• Insulting or derogatory remarks or gestures• Rude or vulgar language or gestures• Shouting, yelling, swearing, name calling‐• Persistent unwarranted criticism• Public ridicule• Verbal, written or physical threats and intimidation• Hitting, kicking, pushing or other types of forceful physical contact

Bullying may occur in person or through electronic means including e mail, texting and social‐ ‐media.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE BULLIED?

If a member has experienced bullying behavior, or has witnessed another member beingbullied, the member may submit a complaint to the Complaint Review Officer at the Skate Canada national office as per the process in the Skate Canada Membership Complaints, Hearing and Investigation Procedures Policy.

Helmet Use PolicyEffective Date: July 1, 2011Revised Date: October 1, 2011

1.0 GeneralAll Skate Canada member clubs and skating schools who offer a CanSkate program must ensure all CanSkate and AdultCanSkate participants up to and including Stage 5 must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet while on the ice.This policy also applies to all other Skate Canada programs, therefore anyone who lacks good control/balance whenskating forward, backward and has difficulty stopping, as well as maneuvering around obstacles on the ice must wear aCSA approved hockey helmet.Clubs and skating schools must ensure this policy is enforced during all skating activities including competitions, carnivaldays or any other special on ice activities throughout the season for this level of skater.This policy is a minimum standard. Sections, at their discretion, may impose a higher standard which all clubs and skatingschools within the sections’ boundaries must adopt and implement.

2.0 Helmet Use During a Competition or Test DayA skater beyond a CanSkate Stage 5 level that chooses to wear a CSA approved hockey helmet during a competition ortest day will not be subjected to any deductions in relation to the use of a CSA approved hockey helmet.