Protocols

Practice Protocol

These rules are to encourage a safe and happy practice for everyone

  • Safety mats are placed around the boards for the protection of the skaters should they fall or slide into the boards. It is important that these mats be in place at all practice sessions before skaters are allowed on the ice. Parents are expected to get safety mats on the ice before and after each practice.
  • The safest place to be is in the middle of the ice.
  • Skaters must not stand against the boards as a falling skater may hit them.
  • Always ask the coach if you must leave the ice. Extreme caution must be used in crossing the skating path. Stop, look, then cross quickly.
  • On the skating path, the fastest skaters have the outside lane, and the slower skaters the inside lane.
  • When skating on the path, skate in a consistent pattern. If you wish to stop or rest, stand up and glide carefully to the middle of the ice. Do not stop suddenly and cut across the path.
  • Falling and sliding across the ice or pushing other skaters is dangerous.
  • A coach must always be on the ice and is always the person in charge.
  • All skaters, whether competitive or recreational, must follow the same directions.
  • Tighten skates and use the bathroom before going on the ice.
  • Be prompt getting on the ice at practice.
  • Always skate counterclockwise.

Athlete Code Of Conduct

All skaters and members involved are asked to take note of the following rules for conduct. The Code of Conduct applies to all skate sanctioned activities both on and off the ice.

  1. Matsqui Blades expects all members to:
    • be honest and forthright
    • treat others with courtesy and respect
    • respect the property of others
    • respond to coaches and all meet officials with courtesy and respect.
    • settle disagreements in a fair and non violent way
  2. The following behaviour is unacceptable for a member of the Matsqui Blades Speed skating Club.
    • lying
    • intimidation
    • using profane, disrespectful and abusive language including offensive gestures.
    • using any form of physical abuse.
    • prejudicial behaviour,
    • harassment
    • defiance of or rudeness to coaches and all ice officials or chaperones.
    • destroying, damaging or interfering with the property of others, or of the Matsqui Blades Speed skating Club.
  3. The following is a list of immediate consequences for unacceptable behaviour. All or some of these measures may be taken, and not necessarily in this order listed.
    • Warning
    • Time out
    • Contact with parents
    • Suspension until further investigation can take place
  4. Upon accepting his or her misbehaviour, a skater may make restitution through a verbal or written apology to the parties involved, along with a Statement to the Club Executive, that the offending action will not reoccur.
  5. For persistent unacceptable behaviour, all or some of the following measures may be taken by the Executive of the Matsqui Blades Speed Skating Club:
    • Withdrawal of funding to meets.
    • Suspension from practices and meets
    • Expulsion from the Matsqui Blades Speed Skating Club
  6. Immediate suspension without warning will be enforced by the Executive of the Matsqui Blades Speed Skating Club for serious infraction involving:
    • Overt or deliberate opposition, rudeness, attack or threatening of any individual including, but not limited to coaches, officials chaperones or fellow skaters.
    • Wilful destruction of or harm to, property during all club sanction activities.
    • Use of alcohol and/or drugs at any club sanctioned activity.
    • Wilful destruction of, or harm to property of another during all skate sanctioned activities
  7. Minor skaters must have a parent or designated supervisor present during all club sanctioned activities.