Welcome

The Oakville Skating Club aims to promote a safe, supportive environment for the skating community that equally respects our common interests and our differences for all skaters to enjoy the sport and fulfill their own individual goals within a team spirit. In support of this objective, the OSC has adopted the following Code of Conduct based on the following principles:

The Oakville Skating Club by-laws and rules.
The Oakville Town Parks and Recreation rules.
A harassment free policy.

GENERAL

All OSC members must conduct themselves in a manner respectful of all policies and property at the Ice rink as well as any other facility. Any violation of facility policy may result in disciplinary action from the Club. This Code of Conduct is also in effect when the Club is represented at out of town activities. Please exhibit a model of behavior that will provide a good example to the community and encourage pride in our club.

Members are expected to display proper respect and sportsmanship towards their fellow skaters, coaches, officials, parents, Board of Directors and the general public at all times.
Members are expected to follow the direction of Ice Rink staff and OSC members acting as rink attendants during Club sessions or Club events.
Members shall not harass or abuse, physically or verbally, any other fellow skaters, coaches, officials or parent at any time.
At team events, simulations and competitions skaters are encouraged to make an effort to support their fellow skaters during their performances.
Members are expected to follow any coach’s instructions where that coach may request restrictions on routines or elements that he/she deems unsafe or dangerous to other skaters on any club session.
Members are expected to follow the Ice Etiquette and Guidelines for Fun and Safe Skating shown below.

Any act performed by a Club member that a rink attendant, Club member, coach or parent sees and deems unsafe or inappropriate may be brought to the OSC Board's attention for any disciplinary action necessary as described below.

RESOLUTION OF CONFLICT

With many different people and personalities coming together to participate in skating – whether as skaters, friends, family or fans – it is no surprise that conflicts will occasionally arise from differences of opinion or simple misunderstandings.

Moreover, the fast-paced, risky nature of skating makes it natural that skaters will sometimes collide or accidentally get in each other’s way – even when they are maintaining complete awareness and exercising reasonable caution. As a friendly reminder, all skaters who accidentally run into each other or cut each other off are encouraged to say, “I’m sorry,” or excuse themselves in a polite manner, even it appears that the other person is more at fault. It shows graciousness, maturity and respect – qualities that bring out the best in all of us.

However, if a member wishes to object to an instruction by an Ice Rink staff, coach, parent or fellow skater, the member shall make the objection known to his/her own coach first. The skater’s coach is responsible for resolution of the issue. If the coach cannot reach resolution of the issue, the coach shall then bring the matter to the Board in writing.

ICE ETIQUETTE

The following right-of-way order is to ensure safety for all skaters on the ice and is in effect during all Club sessions.

1st priority: Skater skating his/her program
2nd priority: Skater in a lesson
3rd priority: Skater in a spin or jump entrance
4^th priority: Coaches

It is common etiquette to make extra effort to stay out of the way of priority skaters, however, you do not have to stop skating and stand at the boards.

It is important to be aware, cautious, and considerate of other skaters. Be especially aware that there may be different level skaters sharing the same ice and that neither is more important than the other.

GUIDELINES FOR SAFE AND FUN SKATING SESSIONS

KEEP MOVING! If you feel the need to stop and talk to another skater, you must move next to the boards.
LOOK WHERE YOU ARE GOING AT ALL TIMES! Skaters are responsible for looking in the direction they are skating--forward or backward.
SPIN IN THE CENTER. Spins should be practiced in the center of the rink
DO NOT LINGER IN JUMPING LANES. Most jumping is done at the ends of the rink. Skaters will use the sides of the rink to gain speed for their jumps.
Prolonged Sitting on the ice after falling is prohibited!
KICKING OR DIGGING AT THE ICE WITH SKATE BLADES IS PROHIBITED

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

SPECIFIC CLASSES OF INFRACTIONS

CLASS I

Intentionally leaving objects on the ice
Chewing gum, eating, or drinking on the ice (exception for water/sports drink at the boards).
Discourteous behavior

CLASS II

Abusive or obscene language, profanity, or any gesture of profanity
Lack of cooperation with any official, parent, coach or rink staff
Displaying or promoting unsafe actions on the ice or elsewhere in the facility
Deliberately skating in a manner that interferes with another skater's safety
Any destruction or defacement of property including the ice surface

CLASS III

Any intentional physical contact, bodily or by throwing objects, which would be considered aggressive in nature by a responsible, prudent person
Threatening or harassing of other skaters or persons
Possession or use of any illegal substance on the premises
Theft

CONSEQUENCES FOR INFRACTIONS

CLASS I

1st offense - verbal warning
2nd offense - verbal warning of upgrade upon next offense
3rd offense - upgrade to Class II - 1st offense

CLASS II

1st offense - Immediate removal from the ice and loss of privileges for the following session
Writen apology to offended party
Letter of reprimand with warning of upgrade upon next offense
2nd offense - Upgrade to ClassIII
Meeting of all parties concerned for disposition

CLASS III

A class III infraction will require a meeting of the Board , skater, and parents if the skater is a minor.
1st offense - Removal from Club ice and Club activities for a length of time to be determined by the Board
Written letter of apology to offended party
If the skater is under 18 years of age, upon return to ice, parent must accompany skater for a period of time to be determined by the Board
2nd offense - Permanent Club suspension