Club Policies
Concussion Management Policy
It is the policy of the Whistler Skating Club that we will take every means necessary to ensure the health (physical & mental) of our skaters. The Concussion Management procedures are aligned with Skate Canada and are supported in our community by certified medical professionals.
Helmets: mandatory until skaters pass CanSkate 5 (see Skate Canada Safe Sport Guide)
Helmets/Halos: optional for skaters who have passed CanSkate 5 (parents to discuss/communicate plan directly with coaches)
Our figure skating coaches are trained in rink-side acute concussion management through Skate Canada
Complaints/Dispute Reporting and Resolution Policy
The Whistler Skating Club is dedicated to providing a fun, safe and friendly environment for all their members. All Members including skaters, parents, and coaches are encouraged to bring forward any serious concerns or complaints to the WSC Board of Directors using the Written Statement of Complaint Form.
Click here to download the 2021 policy (the Written Statement is included on page 3). Skate Canada has provided some helpful resources to help with Complaints and Dispute Resolution procedures - click here for this Power Point presentation.
STARSkate Ice Policies
The following will be reviewed by the coaches on a regular basis. Both skaters and parents/guardians are expected to understand and abide by these rules so that programs may run in a safe, efficient and respectful manner.
1. On-ice Sessions
Soloists have the right of way. Other skaters must avoid undue interference with the soloist, and the soloist must keep an alert eye open.
When the jump harness is in use, the skater in it has the harness right of way over the soloist.
Spins should be done towards the middle of the ice and jumps to the perimeter.
2. Group Enrichment
All skaters registered in the session are required to take part in the group lessons if it is included in the session.
All skaters are required to take part in off-ice sessions for their level.
3. Dance / Skill Sessions
Skaters in a lesson with music have the right of way.
Skaters practicing with music have the second right of way.
Freeskating is not permitted.
4. All Sessions
Appropriate skating attire must be worn.
No swearing, temper tantrums or inappropriate behaviour during on or off-ice sessions will be tolerated.
Instructors/coaches have the right to dismiss skaters for lateness or inappropriate behaviour.
Skaters must not stand or coast in the middle of the ice, and must be aware of fast moving skaters.
Skaters must get up promptly after a fall, unless seriously injured.
Skaters must commit to an energized work ethic that enhances skater development.
Skaters must promote good sportsmanship by encouraging fellow skaters and respecting their work time on the ice.
Skaters must clear the ice for the ice clean immediately as the Olympia doors are opened.
Skaters must not play or fool around in areas used for pre-ice warm-up.
5. Parent Viewing and Coaching
Parents are permitted in the bleachers and lobby only. No parents will be permitted to remain on ice level.
Parents are not allowed to coach, teach, lecture or encourage at the rink boards or from the music room. Interrupting focus during a moving session is considered hazardous.
Parents are requested to not speak to coaches on the ice nor delay their arrival to on or off-ice sessions.
WAiver & POLICY AGREEMENTs
As part of the on-line registration through Uplifter, all skaters (or their parent/guardian) registered with the Whistler Skating Club must read and accept the policies in our Waiver and Policy Agreements before their registration is considered complete. The text in each of these agreements can be found below:
REFUND POLICY
Whistler Skating Club does not offer refunds except in the case of medical circumstances. The skater must miss a minimum of 4 consecutive weeks to qualify. A doctor’s certificate must be included with your written request for a refund. The Board of Directors will consider medical refunds on a case-by-case basis. If granted, the refund will be prorated from the date of medical documentation. Refunds will be in the form of ice credits. There are no make-ups for missed sessions.
**Communicable Disease Policy: The Club will allow refunds for 2 consecutive weeks missed due to verifiable sickness or a verifiable required self-quarantine. If a skater is sick (exhibiting any symptoms, such as a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, allergy symptoms or other symptoms identified by health experts) and must miss two consecutive weeks, those weeks can be refunded. Missed sessions due to illness lasting less than two weeks will not be refunded. Refunds will be in the form of ice credit.
Volunteer Commitment Program
As a non-profit organization, our club is run and managed by a group of volunteers: the WSC Board and skaters' parents. Our volunteer work is essential to the quality and success of this club; it also provides opportunities to learn about the sport of figure skating and about our club, as well as to make connections within our skating community. Details about the WSC Volunteer Commitment Program are posted on our Get Involved page.