Milton Skating Club - Skater Code of Conduct

Milton 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 Milton Skating Club has adopted the following Code of Conduct based on the following principles:
•	Milton Skating Club by-laws and rules.
•	A harassment free policy.
Members and parents of Pre-Star to Competitive are required to review, discuss and accept this Code of Conduct and indicate that they have read and understand their responsibilities by signing the attached agreement before participating in club activities.
All Milton Skating Club 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 behaviour 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 Milton Skating Club 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 ice 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 Milton Skating Club 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 excising 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 if 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.

Disciplinary Action 
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 behaviour

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, Written apology to offended party, Letter of reprimand with warning of upgrade upon next offense. 
•	2nd offense – Meeting of all parties concerned for disposition, Upgrade to Class III

CLASS III
A Class III will require a meeting with 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