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Ice Etiquette and Safety Guidelines

for Armstrong Enderby Skating Club

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Skating is basically an individual sport, and activities during most practice sessions are unstructured. Some basic on ice rules must be observed for safety and to ensure that everyone can make effective use of their ice time. AESC has its own set of rules, and you should be sure to know and follow them.
All skaters are required to read, sign, and return the Skaters' Code of Conduct when registering.

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Courtesy

First and foremost is courtesy. Respect the rights of other skaters and be constantly aware of who is around you. If you seem to be surrounded by skaters of significantly greater or lesser skills, be especially careful! Strive to avoid collisions!

All skaters, coaches, parents, and volunteers are to be treated with respect.

Do not interrupt coaches when they are giving lessons
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Priority / Right of Way

The "right of way" goes first to the skater in a lesson, then to the soloist (whose music is playing). The skater performing the program must also keep an alert eye open. Note that there are usually multiple lessons at the same time.
Other skaters must avoid undue interference with the skaters who have the "right of way". Skaters who are having the "right of way" must also remember to keep an alert eye open to avoid collisions and may respectfully remind others of "right of way" e.g., +"excuse me", except when both skaters have equal "right of way".

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Dangerous Singles Moves

When you are practicing elements like camel spins and back spirals be especially aware of the danger your exposed blade poses to other skaters. Recognize that once you have started the element it will be hard for you to see those around you. Take a good look at your expected "space" before you start the element and abort it if it looks like you could cause a problem. Other skaters are expected to give the skater free manoeuvring room once performing such an element.

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Lutz Corners

Because of the nature of the Lutz jump, it is most performed in opposite corners of the rink. These corners are informally called the "Lutz Corners". Strive to avoid long-term practice activities in these corners and be especially aware of your surroundings when you are in them. The approach to a Lutz is long and blind. The skater doing the Lutz is not likely to see you.

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Falls and Injuries

If you fall, get up quickly. Other skaters will have a much harder time seeing you when you are down low on the ice. Do not stay there any longer than you must. While falling, keep your fingers away from your blades. Learn to fall properly so that you can protect your head as much as possible. Learn to keep "loose" when you fall, and this will help you to avoid breaking things.

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Predictability

As you skate more, you will get to the point where you will recognize that a practice session has a certain "rhythm" to it. People tend to do pretty "expectable" or "predictable" things, and you can usually pretty much guess where somebody else is going, based on what they are doing when you see them (the normal approaches to each jump or spin are recognizable). Try not to skate or behave in a way that would surprise other skaters. If you are standing near the boards, do not enter the flow of skaters without checking to make sure you are not going to get into someone else's way. Be especially alert for reverse direction skaters.

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General Expectations

  • If any issues arise on the ice it must be brought to the head coaches’ attention immediately, to be dealt with.

  • Be aware of other skaters' positions at all times, especially before entering the ice or starting from a stopped position. Be especially alert for reverse jumpers.

  • Look in the direction of travel when skating backwards.

  • Refrain from standing around and visiting on the ice. This wastes expensive ice and presents an additional hazard for other skaters to avoid.

  • No food or drink on the ice (this includes chewing gum).

  • No large hair barrettes, hair baubles, or jewellery.

  • Skaters should avoid skating in the centre of the rink as this impedes on the other skaters' ability to perform their programs.

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