Policies & Guidelines

• Verbal or physical abuse toward any skater, parent/guardian, coach (including CanSkate/Glider helpers), volunteer, board member, or facility staff will not be tolerated.

• The use of foul language or disruptive behaviour is unacceptable on or off the ice. Deliberately challenging, scaring, or intentionally blocking another skater is prohibited. Any skater engaging in this behavior will be asked to leave the ice immediately for an indefinite period of time.

• The GFSC shall not be responsible for failure to supply ice due to circumstances beyond the control of the club.

• As Skate Canada states, helmets must be worn by all skaters who have not passed CanSkate Stage 6.

• If members' club fees or coaching fees have not been paid after 2 weeks past the due date, the club shall notify the member in writing, giving 14 days' notice for payment. If the payment has not been paid after the 14-day notice, the member's participation shall be suspended.

• Attendance Policies for intermediate and senior skaters: 12 hours' notice should be given to the coach if a skater will be missing a session. Skater may be charged for a "no-show" lesson at the coach's discretion. Access to the ice is removed 10 minutes after the start time of a session unless arrangements have been made with the Coach/Director.

• The changeroom must be kept clean (no clothing items or garbage can be lying on the benches after a session).

• No food or gum on the ice.

• No skater is allowed on the ice without a qualified coach or insured member of the board (Chantalle, Lynette) in attendance.

• For insurance reasons, parents are not allowed on the ice surface.

• Verbal or physical abuse toward any skater, parent/guardian, coach (including CanSkate/Glider helpers), volunteer, board member, or facility staff will not be tolerated. 

• The use of foul language or disruptive behaviour is unacceptable on or off the ice. Deliberately challenging, scaring, or intentionally blocking another skater is prohibited. Any skater engaging in this behavior will be asked to leave the ice immediately for an indefinite period of time.

• The coaches are responsible for the skaters at all times during the sessions. Failure of a skater to follow directions or rules may result in the skater being asked to leave the ice surface.

• Skaters are reminded to be aware of fellow skaters who may be moving in the opposite direction or performing jumps. When practicing programs, skaters must learn to move around other skaters to complete their program and remain respectful and polite. 

• The skater whose music is being played and is practicing their program has the right of way. It is the responsibility of everyone, coaches and skaters alike, to be aware of this skater and yield to the skater until the program is complete. 

• When a skater is practicing their program, that skater is reminded to be polite when addressing another skater or coach who may be in their way.

• All skaters must get up quickly after falling (unless injured) to not endanger other skaters on the ice. 

• The corners/ends of the ice surface are considered to be the “jump” zones. There is to be no spinning in those areas, except skaters performing their programs. 

• All spins are to be done between the two blue lines. 

• Experienced and older skaters should be mindful of less experienced or younger skaters and set an example as to when and how to yield to other skaters. Remember that all skaters were beginners once. 

• At the end of each session, all skaters and coaches need to leave the ice promptly so the ice may be resurfaced. The last one off the ice is to please close the door. 

• Appropriate skating attire is required for all skaters on the ice. Jeans are discouraged. Hair should always be pulled back from the face. Hair elastics and/or athletic headbands are acceptable.

• The changeroom must be kept clean (no clothing items or garbage can be lying on the benches after a session).

• Skaters are expected to show up with a good work ethic that enhances the training environment.

• No food or gum on the ice.

• No skater is allowed on the ice without a qualified coach or insured member of the board (Chantalle, Lynette) in attendance.

The Golden Figure Skating Club is committed to providing members with the opportunity to develop and pursue their goals in an encouraging environment. This "parents code of conduct” refers to parents, extended family members and guardians of the GFSC skaters. Parents are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner consistent with the values of fair play, mutual respect and open communication. Failure to comply with the Parent Code of Conduct will result in disciplinary action up to and including revocation of membership.

• Verbal or physical abuse toward any skater, parent/guardian, coach (including CanSkate/Glider helpers), volunteer, board member, or facility staff will not be tolerated. 

• The use of foul language or disruptive behaviour is unacceptable on or off the ice. Deliberately challenging, scaring, or intentionally blocking another skater is prohibited. Any skater engaging in this behavior will be asked to leave the ice immediately for an indefinite period of time.

• Parents are asked to refrain from coaching or offering instruction to their child(ren) during the sessions. Or observing from the penalty boxes/players' benches. Skaters and coaches find this distracting. If you have concerns, speak to your child’s coach privately after the session. 

• At CanSkate, a parent/guardian or designated adult should remain in the arena for the entire session (until the child is 8 years old).

• Parents of skaters are responsible for the behaviour of their children during all sessions.

• For insurance reasons, parents are not allowed on the ice surface.

Link to Skate Canada’s Code of Ethics.

Link to Skate Canada’s Privacy Code.

Please ensure you review the helmet policy for your program, found in our Equipment Checklist or Programs sections. Helmets are mandatory for all skaters who are in our Pre-CanSkate and CanSkate programs.

• What Kinds of helmets are acceptable?

  The GFSC only accepts hockey helmets that are CSA approved. Bicycle, skateboard, ski, or other helmets are not permitted.

• Are face cages/shields required?

  Face cages/shields are not mandatory but young skaters may benefit from the added protection and may be used at your discretion. Face cages/shields are not permitted in our Glider program, but helmets are mandatory.

• How should a helmet fit?

  A helmet should fit snug to prevent any shifting and maximize protection. Make sure the chinstrap can be adjusted so it gently makes contact under the chin when fastened. For an adjustable helmet, open it to the largest setting and gradually begin to downsize the helmet until a comfortably snug fit is achieved. The helmet should rest on the head so that the rim is one finger width above the eyebrow and making contact with the top of your head.

• Are used/old helmets acceptable?

  Helmets must not be used if previously subjected to a major impact or if older than five years or if showing visible signs of damage or if parts are missing. Hockey helmets must have labeling with the date of manufacture and have a chin strap. It is important that the helmet fit properly in order to ensure proper protection.

• Can I sign a waiver and allow my child to participate without a helmet?

  No. The requirement to wear a helmet is a GFSC and Golden & District Arena policy. In order to participate in our programs, all skaters who have not achieved at least a stage 6 badge and advanced to the StarSkate program or who lack good balance and control must wear a helmet while on the ice.

To learn more about Skate Canada’s Safe Sport Guidelines click here.

• The safety of our skaters and coaches is of the utmost importance. It is imperative for everyone’s safety that all skaters stay aware of other skaters on the ice. Try to anticipate their patterns as you decide your own pattern. 

• Remember to look both ways before skating across the ice. 

• Keep moving while on the ice, as it is dangerous for both you and other skaters to stand still during a session. It is especially important not to stop in the middle of the ice or any of the jumping corners. 

• The skater doing a routine to music has the right of way. Please stay aware of which skater is doing their routine and do your best to stay clear of their pattern.

By registering in these programs, I aknowledge and understand that taking part in skating, figure skating, and other sporting activities is voluntary, and involves inherent risk during participation, including the risk of possible accidents, physical injury, or exposure to the COVID-19 virus or other infections or infectious diseases as a result of attending training, classes, or club events. I freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, including but not limited to personal injury, disease transmission, death, property damage or loss, resulting from my participation. I have carefully considered the risks involved, and I have full confidence that reasonable precautions will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all registrants.

By participating in activities organized by the GFSC, all skaters and their guardians acknowledge and accept that photographs, videos, and other media may be captured during practices, events, and competitions. These images may be used by the club for promotional, marketing, and communication purposes, including on social media, the website, and printed materials.

By attending or participating, skaters (or their parent/guardian if under 18) grant permission for the use of such media in perpetuity, without expectation of compensation. If any participant wishes to opt out, they must notify the club in writing prior to the activity.