Ice Rules

PSCHS Ice Rules

These rules are set up for the safety of our skaters and to promote the best use of our ice time. All club members are asked to know and observe them.

Helping to maintain the ice surface is everyone's responsibility. Anything that would result in damage to the ice surface, surrounding matting or practice areas (such as kicking holes in the ice or eating and drinking on or around the ice surface) is not permitted.

Skating requires complete awareness of what is going on around you. Be alert for other skaters. Communicate with other skaters on the ice to avoid accidents.

The ice rules apply to PSCHS members, their families, guests and coaches. They will be strictly enforced. Any skater not abiding by these rules may be asked to leave the ice. All rules are subject to change by the PSC&HS Board of Governors.

I. General

Only figure skates may be used. Exceptions: Basic Skills, Family, Hockey Skills, Public and weekday morning Mixed Sessions (before 9am).

The only persons allowed on the ice without skates are judges and coaches.

No food or gum is allowed on the ice or on the floor around it.

Nothing is to be left on the ice surface. Clothing, scribes etc. may be left on the floor or benches adjacent to the ice but are to be removed at the end of each session.

Every skater should patch holes when the Zamboni starts to warm up. All skaters must leave the ice immediately when the Zamboni comes on to the ice. No person shall hang from the railing beside the ice whether the Zamboni is out or not, nor shall anyone in any way impede the function of our maintenance crew. After the ice has been resurfaced, it may only be used when dry.

Cones should only be used to divide the ice during group lessons, private lessons if needed, or for support of beginning skaters.

II. Safety

No skaters may push, pull, grab or purposely bump into other skaters. Games such as Snap the Whip or any form of tag cannot be played. Skaters cannot make or throw snowballs. Kicking holes in the ice, except as a normal consequence of toe jumps is forbidden.

For the safety of and as a courtesy to all skaters, do not congregate on the ice surface. If you want to have a discussion with a fellow skater, move off the ice completely.

Coaches are to teach from the edge of the ice except when skating with or demonstrating to a student, when on patch, when using the harness or with beginning skaters to ensure safety.

Headsets or walkmans are not allowed on any session.

Adults are not permitted to carry children when skating.

Skaters who have not passed Basic Skills Level 1 must wear helmets and mittens.

III. Session Specific Rules

During Family sessions no jumps or spins beyond Basic Skills are allowed. More advanced skaters will defer to beginners and young skaters.

Skaters must be test-qualified for each session. Criteria for Junior sessions is based on Moves in the Field test passed. Criteria for the Junior/Senior Level A session is based on Moves in the Field test passed or Adult Freestyle or Dance test passed.

Mixed sessions include dancing, moves in the field and freestyle. On mixed/patch sessions, if no skaters are patching 10 minutes after the start of the session, the entire ice surface may be used for mixed skating.

Programs will be played in rotation. If a skater elects to not skate his or her program when it is their turn in the rotation, their music will go to the end of the rotation. The coaches' requests for music will have priority alternating with non-coach requests and will be played in order of request.

All skaters should remain alert and yield right of way as noted below. Particular care should be taken with elements where visibility is limited such as backward moves, certain freeskating elements or certain dances.

Yielding Right of Way:

Everyone (skaters and coaches) yields to whomever is skating to the music.
Skaters who are not on lesson yield to skaters who are on lesson

IV. Ice Etiquette

PSC&HS emphasizes good sportsmanship through the USFSA "Have Fun, Skate Well, Play Fair" program:

Maintain a positive attitude and outlook for your own achievements and those of others. Help others to see their strengths.

Negative comments disrespect or disruptive behavior detract from the sport and makes you and our club look bad. Congratulate other skaters for good performances.

Set a good example for younger less experienced skaters. They look to you for guidance and inspiration.

Skate for fun. Skate for yourself. Set goals for your own improvement.

Honest effort is an important as victory. Winning is doing your best.

Play by the rules. Do the right thing.

Treat all skaters, coaches and rink staff the way you would like to be treated.

Cooperate with your coach, other skaters and rink staff; remember that they make it possible for you to skate.

Remember that the goals of any sport are to have fun, build skills gain mental and physical conditioning and discipline.

ENJOY YOUR SKATING!