Skate Ponoka
Club Code of Conduct
(August 2023)
Statement of Intent:
All Skate Ponoka members have the right to participate in a safe, supportive, caring, and fun environment- free from harassment; AND each member has the responsibility to contribute to and maintain this environment. Our club believes that all members should display a positive attitude towards themselves and others involved in skating- and conduct themselves in a way that upholds the integrity, principles, and spirit of the sport and the club.
Misconduct / Bullying and Harassment:
The club is committed to providing a skating environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Behavior that demeans, embarasses, humiliates, or verbally or physically abuses a person is unwelcome and unacceptable.
Prohibited conduct may include (but is not limited to)
These behaviors / actions are in violation of the code of conduct EVEN IF there was not deliberate intent to harass or mistreat.
Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior that may create an imbalance of power between parties. Bullying is typically behavior that is repeated.
Bullying is typically NOT:
Application of the policy:
Complaints/ Disciplinary Actions:
Complaints must be dealt with in a timely manner. If a club member feels they are experiencing negative/ unwanted treatment it is their responsibility to bring that to the attention of the proper club officials as soon as possible so that it may be dealt with in a timely way.
Whenever possible, the club will try to facilitate informal reconciliation between the involved parties as a first step if a minor code of conduct incident is reported or witnessed. The club wishes to handle situations in the most congenial manner possible, so that the overall spirit of the club is not negatively affected.
In very serious cases, a club member may submit a complaint to the Complaint Review Officer at the Skate Canada national office as per the process in the Skate Canada Membership complaints, Hearing and Investigation Procedures Policy (may be found online)
This policy was written following the examples and recommendations of several amateur sport organizations most notably:
Skate Canada policy & procedures
Skate Canada Safe-Sport handbook
US Figure Skating SAFESPORT program handbook
Hockey Alberta policy and procedures.
Skate Canada’s policies and procedures (including a position statement on bullying) may be found on the Skate Canada website. A copy will also be posted in the team locker room.
Statement of Intent:
All Skate Ponoka members have the right to participate in a safe, supportive, caring, and fun environment- free from harassment; AND each member has the responsibility to contribute to and maintain this environment. Our club believes that all members should display a positive attitude towards themselves and others involved in skating- and conduct themselves in a way that upholds the integrity, principles, and spirit of the sport and the club.
Misconduct / Bullying and Harassment:
The club is committed to providing a skating environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Behavior that demeans, embarasses, humiliates, or verbally or physically abuses a person is unwelcome and unacceptable.
- Bullying may be
- Physical: hitting, shoving, grabbing, others, damaging or stealing property
- Verbal: name calling, hurtful teasing, threats, humiliating or degrading behavior (this can occur in person, over the phone, in notes, texts, emails, other social media sites)
- Relational: attempting to make others look foolish, excluding individuals, spreading gossip or rumors (also in person, over the phone, electronically)
- Cyber: spreading threatening or harassing emails, texts, pictures, videos, (with or without consent) spreading lies/ rumours
Prohibited conduct may include (but is not limited to)
- On ice behavior that interferes with or diminishes the ability of other skaters to practice/ perform optimally
- Insulting/ derogatory / condescending comments and criticism, or behavior which undermines another’s self esteem (may affect the skating environment or skater’s performance)
- Negative comments, taunting, or questions about an individual’s appearance, body, attire, discourteous comments
- Swearing / inappropriate / offensive language
- Use of intimidating gestures
- Unwelcome remarks/ jokes/ taunts
- Possession/ display of offensive or derogatory material
- Unwelcome physical contact / physical assault (hitting, kicking, pushing, other forceful contact)
- Vandalism of personal or public property
- Use of inappropriate racial, religious, gender, or ethnic slurs
- Use of unwelcome sexual flirtations/ advances/ sexual assault
- Unsafe behavior on and off ice
These behaviors / actions are in violation of the code of conduct EVEN IF there was not deliberate intent to harass or mistreat.
Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior that may create an imbalance of power between parties. Bullying is typically behavior that is repeated.
Bullying is typically NOT:
- A single/ isolated conflict between two individuals
- A single/ isolated argument
- Accidental behavior (eg) falling/ bumping into another
Application of the policy:
- This policy applies to all Skate Ponoka athletes, coaches, officials, parents, and volunteers.
- This policy applies to action and behavior which may occur at/during the course of skating activities (on ice, in dressing room, in lobby)
- Misconduct / bullying may occur in person, in written form, and through electronic means (social media, emails, texts, etc)
- Each person involved in the skating club has a responsibility to ensure that the club environment is respectful and free from bullying and harassment. This means not engaging in, allowing, condoning, or ignoring behavior that is contrary to such a goal.
Complaints/ Disciplinary Actions:
Complaints must be dealt with in a timely manner. If a club member feels they are experiencing negative/ unwanted treatment it is their responsibility to bring that to the attention of the proper club officials as soon as possible so that it may be dealt with in a timely way.
Whenever possible, the club will try to facilitate informal reconciliation between the involved parties as a first step if a minor code of conduct incident is reported or witnessed. The club wishes to handle situations in the most congenial manner possible, so that the overall spirit of the club is not negatively affected.
- If a club member has experienced bullying or harassment, or has witnessed such treatment of another member that they feel requires formal action, they may submit a complaint to the club conduct review officer. Blank complaint forms will be located in the entry of the team locker room.
- The conduct review officer will require clear documentation of specific actions/behaviors, dates, times, people involved. These details must be provided in the complaint submission form.
- The conduct review officer will communicate with involved parties individually to obtain necessary information.
- Complaints will be dealt with in the most cooperative and confidential manner possible.
- More serious concerns/ infractions will AND/OR ongoing and repeated infractions will be taken to the club executive for review and discussion. Based upon this review, the following disciplinary consequences may be applied (singly or coinciding consequences may be imposed) Repeat offenses will be taken very seriously.
- Meeting between the conduct committee and club member (including parent/guardian) to review infraction
- Verbal and/or hand written apology delivered to other parties as required
- Written warning / reprimand placed in individual’s file/ record
- Loss of privilege to participate in one or more club events (may include practice sessions, competition, carnival)
- Longer term suspension from club activities (for a time period decided by the conduct committee)
- Expulsion from the club
In very serious cases, a club member may submit a complaint to the Complaint Review Officer at the Skate Canada national office as per the process in the Skate Canada Membership complaints, Hearing and Investigation Procedures Policy (may be found online)
This policy was written following the examples and recommendations of several amateur sport organizations most notably:
Skate Canada policy & procedures
Skate Canada Safe-Sport handbook
US Figure Skating SAFESPORT program handbook
Hockey Alberta policy and procedures.
Skate Canada’s policies and procedures (including a position statement on bullying) may be found on the Skate Canada website. A copy will also be posted in the team locker room.
Ponoka Skating Club Skater’s Code of Conduct 2023-2024
Skate Ponoka is committed to creating a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment for every member’s physical, emotional, and social development.
I recognize that my participation as a member of the Ponoka Skating club is an honor and privilege that carries certain responsibilities. I am expected to follow the club’s code of conduct to promote a positive, friendly environment where all club members have the opportunity to develop to their highest potential.
I will:
Skater Signature: __________________________________
Parent Signature: _________________________________
Date: __________________________________________
Skate Ponoka is committed to creating a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment for every member’s physical, emotional, and social development.
I recognize that my participation as a member of the Ponoka Skating club is an honor and privilege that carries certain responsibilities. I am expected to follow the club’s code of conduct to promote a positive, friendly environment where all club members have the opportunity to develop to their highest potential.
I will:
- Treat others with respect and promote friendship and positive relationships with others in the club
- Be courteous and exhibit good sportsmanship towards fellow skaters, coaches, volunteers, officials, parents, and guests
- Adhere to the rules of Skate Canada/ Skate Alberta and behave in a way that promotes the sport of skating
- Skate in a manner that is safe to myself and all others on the ice
- Use my time on the ice to the best of my ability and use practice time effectively - to improve my own skating and allow others to do the same
- Follow expected ice etiquette and safety guidelines: be conscientious and aware of others on the ice, skate with the flow of other skaters, and give right of way to the appropriate individual (a skater who is skating to their music / or in lesson)
- Respect and follow instructions given by coaches, club volunteers, and supervisors
- Not possess alcohol or drugs
- Adhere to the club policy on bullying/ harassment
- Treat public and private property with respect
- Take responsibility for the cleanliness of my personal locker area AND contribute to the cleanliness of the whole room by completing assigned clean up duties (calendars will be posted inside locker room)
Skater Signature: __________________________________
Parent Signature: _________________________________
Date: __________________________________________
Ponoka Skating Club Parent Code of Conduct 2017-2018
Skate Ponoka is committed to creating a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment for every member’s physical, emotional, and social development.
I recognize that my child’s participation as a member of the Ponoka Skating club is an honor and privilege that carries certain responsibilities. As a parent, I too am expected to follow the club’s code of conduct to promote a positive, friendly environment where all club members have the opportunity to develop to their highest potential.
I will:
Skater’s name: ________________________________________
Parent name: _________________________________________
Parent signature: ___________________________________ Date: __________
Skate Ponoka is committed to creating a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment for every member’s physical, emotional, and social development.
I recognize that my child’s participation as a member of the Ponoka Skating club is an honor and privilege that carries certain responsibilities. As a parent, I too am expected to follow the club’s code of conduct to promote a positive, friendly environment where all club members have the opportunity to develop to their highest potential.
I will:
- Do my best to make sure skating is fun and remember that my child participates in sports for their own enjoyment and satisfaction.
- Place the emotional and physical well being of my child and others ahead of the desire to win
- Encourage my child to skate in a safe and healthy environment by being respectful and courteous to others
- Teach my child to treat other skaters, coaches, volunteers, fans, rink staff with respect and to show them appreciation
- Encourage good sportsmanship and demonstrate positive support for all skaters, coaches, and officials at every practice, competition, and test sessions.
- I will not ridicule, blame, or yell at skaters, coaches, officials, or volunteers. I will respect officials’ decisions and authority.
- Be a positive role model for my child and others
- Respect and appreciate my child’s coach and communicate with them in a courteous manner
- Support and uphold the club’s skater code of conduct and policies on bullying and misconduct and follow procedures outlined within that policy.
- Fulfill my responsibilities to help with club activities / complete volunteer commitments
- Provide supervision of my child when he/she is at the rink. (Please note the town of Ponoka facility rule states that children under the age of 12 must be supervised by an adult.) Coaches and club executive are NOT responsible for supervision in the dressing room.
- Monitor / Assist my child in completing their locker room cleaning duties if necessary.
Skater’s name: ________________________________________
Parent name: _________________________________________
Parent signature: ___________________________________ Date: __________