Browser Cookies
This site uses cookies necessary to properly function. By closing this popup, clicking a link or continuing to browse otherwise, you agree to the use of cookies. View our policies.

 

 

We appreciate the support of all families in reinforcing these expectations. A shared commitment to these standards ensures a safe, respectful and high-quality training environment for every skater.

 

STARSkate Code of Conduct

 
Skaters registering with the Whitby Figure Skating Club (WFSC) do so knowing and accepting the rules and etiquette both on and off the ice.
 
Skaters are expected to conduct themselves in an acceptable and responsible manner at all times on and off the ice, while representing the WFSC at competitions and skating exhibitions and while wearing WFSC apparel.
 

STARSkate Etiquette & On-Ice Expectations

 

STARSkate sessions—particularly shared ice—require a high level of awareness, respect, and cooperation. Whether a skater is in STAR 1/2 or STAR 8+, these expectations are essential to maintaining a safe, respectful, and high-performance training environment.

Right of Way (On-Ice Priority)

To ensure safety and proper flow on the ice, the following right-of-way order applies at all times:

  1. Skater whose music is playing
    • Full right of way
    • All others must clear their path immediately
  2. Skaters in a lesson (with a coach)
    • Be mindful and give appropriate space
  3. Higher-level skaters performing elements
    • Be aware of fast-moving skaters executing jumps and spins

Ice Awareness & Movement

All skaters are expected to demonstrate strong spatial awareness and safe movement patterns:

  • Look both ways before starting
  • Keep moving; avoid standing in high-traffic areas
  • If stopping, move to the boards (behind the red line)
  • Avoid cutting across another skater’s pattern or program
  • Be especially aware in:
    • Corners (jump entry zones)
    • Centre ice (spin practice area)

Safety Expectations

Head-up skating and awareness of surroundings are mandatory at all times.

  • No sudden stops in front of other skaters
  • No erratic or unpredictable movement
  • Maintain awareness of other skaters and coaches
  • Clear the area immediately after a fall
  • Respect designated training areas (lesson zones, harness use, jump areas)

Respect for Coaching & Training Areas

  • Do not interrupt or skate through lessons
  • Give space to coaches actively teaching
  • Be mindful of small group instruction

Respect & Sportsmanship

  • Demonstrate courtesy and respect to all skaters and coaches
  • A simple acknowledgment or apology supports a positive environment
  • Socializing is not permitted on the ice

General Conduct & Facility Guidelines

The following standards apply to all skaters, coaches, and families:

  • Bullying, foul language, or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated
    • First offence: warning
    • Second offence: removal from the session
    • Continued non-compliance: suspension or membership revocation
  • Only registered skaters and authorized personnel are permitted on the ice
  • Pattern skating is limited to a maximum of two skaters
  • No food, drinks, or gum on the ice
  • Cell phones and personal devices are not permitted on the ice (unless used as a training tool by a coach)
  • Skates must be put on in dressing rooms only
  • Skate guards must be worn in lobby areas
  • Hair accessories such as bobby pins are not permitted (except on test days)

Session Transitions & Ice Maintenance

  • Skaters must leave the ice promptly at the end of each session
  • The Zamboni will not enter the ice until all skaters have exited
  • Skaters may not enter the ice until resurfacing is complete and doors are closed

Parent & Spectator Guidelines

  • Parents are not permitted to interrupt coaches or Program Assistants while on the ice
  • If communication is necessary, it should take place briefly during a scheduled lesson
  • Respect the training environment and coaching time
 
Dance Session Rules:
  • During the dance portion of a structured session, dance music only is permitted. Skills or free skate may be taught in a lesson without skills or free skate music.
  • Skaters may practise any dance but must give right of way to those skaters skating to the dance music being played.
Skills Session Rules:
  • During the skills portion of a structured session, skills music only is permitted. Dance or free skate may be taught in a lesson without dance or free skate music.
  • Skaters may practise any skill but must give right of way to those skaters skating to the skills music being played.
Free Skate Session Rules:
  • Skills and dances are not permitted on sessions that are free skate only (ie. STARSkate, Competitive session).
  • Priority will be given to coaches requesting music to be played on all sessions. Skaters are not permitted to request their music, with the exception of LC/HC sessions.
  • Skaters must listen for the announcement of the solo music and corresponding skater to avoid interfering with the skater’s program. Yield to the skater skating to their music.
  • Skaters must wave their hand to signal the music player and to identify themselves to other skaters when their name is called.

______________________________________________________________________

Music Room 

The music room is to be used only by those authorized, ie. Music Players, coaches or those approved by coaches.

Every effort will be made to play a skater’s solo music at least once per session.

Rotating solo lists are kept in the music room. Skaters with more than one (1) solo may select only one (1) to be played. The second solo will be played if time permits.

**Skaters and coaches are not permitted to request the ice be cleared for any one skater.**

______________________________________________________________________

Reporting Concerns

Any skater experiencing inappropriate behaviour, including bullying, should report it immediately to their parent/guardian and coach. Formal concerns may be submitted in writing to the Club.

 
 Program Assistant Requirement - STARSkaters
  • All STARSkaters (STAR 4+) must complete the required Program Assistant hours, unless they have paid the ‘opt out’ fee. 
  • Program Assistants who miss a scheduled session without a replacement will receive a warning letter and a penalty of $20.00.
    • Skaters who miss two (2) scheduled sessions without a replacement will automatically be put under the ‘opt out’ option and payment will be due.
  • Tests will not be permitted if there are outstanding fees owed to the Club.
 
Guest Skating Rules:
  • ALL skaters requesting guest skating privileges must obtain the Registrar’s permission at least 24 hours in advance.
  • If a session is fully registered, no guest skating privileges are permitted. Refer to the Guest Skating book in the music room for a list of fully registered sessions.
  • Guest skaters will be permitted a maximum of five (5) guest skates per Fall/Winter Session, if space permits. Guest skaters’ music may be played if time permits, but may not be requested.
  • PRIOR TO ENTERING THE ICE - Guest skating fee must be placed in an envelope with the skater’s name and skating session clearly marked on the envelope and dropped in the WFSC Dropbox on the door of the WFSC Office.  Skaters must also sign the Guest Skating book located in the music room.
  • Non-WFSC skaters trying tests at the WFSC will be permitted one (1) guest skate if space permits on the appropriate session (determined by their test qualifications), prior to test day. They will be permitted one (1) play of their music (per registered test).

Bottom Content Title

This is an additional section to be able to add content