Parent Code of Conduct

The Crowfoot Skating Club (CSC) is committed to ensuring that all skaters have the opportunity to participate in a safe and welcoming environment that is encouraging and promotes their overall development. Parents have an enormous influence on skaters’ experiences in the sport. The quality of a skater’s experience is influenced by their relationships with parents and the manner in which parents conduct themselves in the CSC environment.

In this code, “parents” shall refer to “parents and guardians” who are members of the CSC or have children who are members of the CSC. Parents shall always abide by this code while at the rink, volunteering, attending or participating in any CSC event, competition (at Crowfoot Skating Club or an event where CSC is being represented), or sessions. All parents are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner consistent with the values of fair play, integrity, open communication, and mutual respect.

Parents shall always model positive, responsible behavior and communicate with their child that they expect them to do the same. Parents will assume the major responsibility for their child’s on-ice conduct and attitude. Parents shall always treat all individuals and property with dignity,
courtesy, and respect, including but not limited to skaters, coaches, officials, volunteers, other parents, and all other individuals that are part of the club, section, or Skate Canada.

General Ethics

• Parents must be courteous at all times to everyone, including skaters and their fellow parents, in accordance with Skate Canada’s Code of Ethics. Skate Canada Code of Ethics
• If a Parent is overheard speaking in a derogatory or negative tone about a skating member, parent, coach, or official, they will be subject to disciplinary action by the CSC Board. This includes, but isn’t limited to, making negative remarks about skating ability or appearance. Crowfoot Skating Club is committed to promoting a positive and friendly environment for all skaters. Please treat your fellow members and the coaches as you would like to be treated: with kindness and respect.
• Parents with younger siblings in the stands are required to supervise their children at all times. It is essential to ensure that noise levels are kept to a minimum and that running in the stands is not permitted, as such behavior is not acceptable.
• For skaters under 10 years of age the rule of 2 must be applied in the dressing rooms. 2 adults must be present. For skaters over 10 years of age, parents are not permitted in the dressing rooms. If a skater needs their skates tied parents must do so in a public area of the rink (stands or benches).
• For insurance reasons, parents/guardians are not permitted on the ice surface.
• Parents, guardians, or a designated individual should remain in the arena for the entire session (until the child reaches 12 years of age), unless a designated parent has been assigned or contact information has been left with the coach.
• Coaches are not to be disturbed during lessons.
• Parents shall refrain from any behavior or comments that are profane, insulting, harassing, sexist, racist, abusive, disrespectful, or otherwise offensive.
• Parents shall emphasize the importance of values like sportsmanship, respect, cooperation, competition, and teamwork to their child, offering praise for competing fairly, participating, and skill development.
• Parents shall instill confidence in their child’s ability and skill development, avoiding comparisons with other skaters.
• Parents shall celebrate the acquisition of skills and goals achieved by their child.
• Parents, along with the professional coach and the athlete, shall be considered members of a team whose main concern is the child’s overall progress and development.
• Parents shall respect that the professional coach is responsible and empowered for the on-ice and off-ice development of the athlete.
• Parents shall ensure their child wears proper skating clothing and equipment.
• Parents shall adhere to the policies, procedures, rules, standards, and ethics of the CSC and Skate Canada at all times.
• Parents will not use technology or social media to disrespect or exploit others.
• Parents are not allowed to record another skater or any coach without permission.
• Concerns or complaints will be reviewed only if submitted in writing to the Board and will be reviewed by the Executive Board.
• Parents should not communicate with their child while they are on the ice.
  
  
  

The Crowfoot Skating Club Board will only commence disciplinary action upon receiving a written letter of complaint outlining a violation of the Code of Ethics. The Board will review the complaint in a "Committee of the Whole"; session. If the Parent is a member of the CSC Board,
they must excuse themselves from any disciplinary review involving themselves or a family
member.

Progressive Disciplinary Actions:

• 1st Offence: Written letter from the Crowfoot Skating Club Board addressed to the Parent detailing the violation.
• 2nd Offence: Suspension from the arena of all club programs for one week without compensation, including competitions and test days.
• 3rd Offence: Suspension of the Parent’s skater from all club programs for one week without compensation, including competitions and test days.
• 4th Offence: The Parent may be asked to leave the club at the Board’s discretion. In the case of a serious breach of ethics, the Parent may be immediately suspended at the Board’s discretion.

In cases of suspension or expulsion, no refunds of any kind will be granted.

Updated April 2025