GENERAL Policies and ProcedureS

GENERAL

It is our goal to provide a welcoming, safe and healthy atmosphere for all our skaters, coaches, and volunteers. To achieve this, we have committed to developing policies to help with the running of our academy. It is our hope that having clear policies for all to follow will help the skating community to embrace the joy of skating in a positive environment.

It is expected that every skater and their parent(s), guardian(s) respect and follow them. Please remember these rules are in place for the betterment of the skaters’ learning and training environment. ARTSSA Skating Academy does not discriminate against any colour/nationality/age/sex/orientation or religion. It expects all their members to do the same. By registering, participants agree that they have read, acknowledge and consent to abide by the ARTSSA Skating Academy Policies, Procedures, Rules and Regulations.

EQUIPMENT

Proper skating attire is required at all times, rental skates might be available, upon request. Helmets are not available during our sessions.

• Learn to Skate skaters are required to wear mittens or gloves, a CSA approved Hockey helmet (no ski or bike helmets) with a valid expiry date.
• During Figure Skating sessions skaters are required to wear proper skating attire.
• During Hockey Skating Skills sessions skaters must have hockey skates, gloves, and helmet. Full equipment is optional.

SESSION REQUIREMENTS

• Learn to skate – Group sessions for beginners, starting age 3+. Assessments will be done by Skate Canada certified coaches.
• Figure Skating – Introduction – Group lesson, introduction to figure skating basics.
• Figure Skating sessions (Junior/Senior) – Skaters will be placed into sessions based on their completed tests. Every season, ARTSSA Skating Academy reserves the right to adjust level of sessions, to maintain good balance of sessions.
• Figure Skating – Competitive sessions – Introduction to figure skating through competitive level. Skaters registering to this program, expected to skate at least 3 times a week.
• Competitive sessions – Skaters competing in Pre-Juvenile level and higher. Must land consistent Axel and at least one double jump. Skaters expected to skate at least 5 times a week and register to competitions through out the season.
• Adult sessions – Those sessions reserved for skater 16 and older. Skaters must be evaluated before attending any group classes. Learn to skate adults must wear helmet, as per Helmet Policy.
• Hockey Skating Skills – Skaters may be any age and must have previous skating experience. Must complete Learn to skate program, prior registering.
• Off-ice – All sessions will be according to skaters’ level and included in the program package. Skaters registering to figure skating programs, expected to attend off-ice sessions.

Payment, Refund and Receipts

Payment and Fees

No cash accepted! If paying by e-transfer, must provide us with an invoice number.

Payment Options:

Payment accepted by Mastercard, Visa, or e-transfer. Pay the complete fee at registration or pay in instalments.

ARTSSA offers ONGOING registration.  If a session has started and there is still room available, fees will be pro-rated for the classes missed on a weekly basis at the completion of each class.

Financial Assistance:

Financial Assistance is available through Kidsport or Jumpstart.  It may take a few weeks to get approval through Kidsport or Jumpstart, apply early so your spot can be secured.

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT POLICIES

• ARTSSA Skating Academy reserves the right to amend any ice sessions based on registration or ice contract changes. Schedule and programs are subject to change or cancellation. The limit of skaters on all sessions will adhere to current COVID 19 restrictions. Spots will be filled on first come first served basis. There will be no partial registrations allowed. Payment is due in full at the time of registration.
• ARTSSA Skating Academy does not offer refunds except for medical reasons. You must miss a minimum of five consecutive, registered skating days to qualify and your request must be accompanied by a detailed doctor’s certificate. These refunds are pro-rated. All requests for refunds must be made in writing to the Academy.
• If a skater misses a registered class/day, they may not skate on a different session to “make up” for missing a session. Session changes will be accepted only if limit of skaters is not attained and must be approved by Program Director. An administration fee will be applied to cancellations.
• Buy-ons will be only available to registered skaters with ARTSSA Skating Academy. Skaters must be registered at least on one session to qualify for buy-ons.
• All payment for sessions, are due before stepping on the ice.
• Fees for freeskate sessions include ice costs only. Private lessons must be pre-arranged with the ARTSSA Skating Academy, prior to booking ice sessions. Academy will invoice all participants for their individual lessons. All, on and off-ice group sessions, include ice cost and coaching fees.

Receipts

When you register you will receive a receipt by email.  This can be used for your records.  Additionally, if you log into the website and select “My Account” in the top right corner and select “My Order History” you will see any receipts issued in the name of the person who made the payment for each participant enrolled in the ARTSSA programs.

Acceptance of Policies

Additionally, to the general terms and conditions, you will be required to accept the policies as required by each particular program during your registration process.

ICE SESSION ETIQUETTE AND POLICIES

• There must be at least one coach in attendance before any skater is permitted on the ice.
• All Parents/Guardians are responsible for their children while at the arena. Do not leave your children unattended. The Academy is not responsible to provide child supervision.
• Skaters should be at the rink on time for practice and lesson time, with an off-ice warm up, done for at least 15 minutes prior to going on the ice. Off-ice warm up helps to prevent injuries.
• Skaters should come prepared to work on all dance, skills and freeskate sessions. Standing around for extended periods of time impedes your progress and the progress of other skaters.
• No gum, candy or food are allowed on the ice. Water bottles are permitted.
• Skaters must wear proper skating attire. For safety reasons long hair is to be pulled back away from the face.
• Sitting or lying on the ice or climbing on the rink boards is strictly prohibited.
• Bullying, bad manners, profanity, improper behavior or lack of consideration for others will not be tolerated. Courtesy on the ice is especially important and must be used at all times.
• Un-sportsmanlike behaviour and/or abusive language on or off the ice will not be tolerated. Rowdiness, swearing and disrespect will also not be tolerated. These may result in the suspension of skating privileges.
• Littering of the arena, dressing rooms or misuse of the facility is prohibited.
• During freeskate and dance sessions, the skater having their music played shall have priority and all other skaters and coaches in the area are asked to be courteous, to be aware and heed the right of way. The next priority is skaters in lessons.
• If a skater falls on the ice it is important for the safety of the skater and others on the ice that the skater gets up immediately, if not injured.
• Skaters are not to leave the ice surface without a coach’s permission.
• If you have questions for the coach, please see them after all classes are completed on the ice. Coaches are not to be interrupted unless necessary.
• No personal electronic devices (iPods, iPads, cell phones, headphones etc.) are permitted on the ice.
• Skaters are not permitted to handle any of the music equipment without express permission from the coach.
• All coaches will abide by the ARTSSA Skating Academy Code of Ethics at all times. 

PUBLICITY RELEASE

SKATER’S CODE OF ETHICS

Skating is a competitive sport requiring safe and courteous behaviour from all participants, both on and off the ice. Skaters need to be aware of one another to ensure the safety of everyone. Although skating is primarily an “individual” sport, all skaters must act as a team and exhibit team mentality while sharing the ice.

Each skater at the ARTSSA SKATING ACADEMY is responsible for being aware of and practising the rules of etiquette and safety as noted in this document. This code of Ethics must be followed during all training sessions. All ARTSSA skaters are expected to act in accordance with these rules while representing our Club at exhibitions, competitions and other events.

GENERAL ETHICS:

1. Skaters must be courteous at all times to everyone, including their fellow skaters and parents both on and off the ice.
2. A Coach has the authority to remove any skater from the ice for non-compliance of this code or non-payment of fees.
3. Coaches are not to be disturbed during lessons.
4. Money and valuables should not be left unattended. ARTSSA can bear no responsibility for lost or stolen items.
5. Skaters are encouraged to make an effort to support their fellow skaters during regular sessions and competitions/events.
6. Concerns/Complaints will be reviewed only if submitted in writing to the Academy and will be reviewed by the ARTSSA Skating Academy team.

ICE RULES:

Right of Way Rules

1. Skaters in a lesson or during their solo to their music have the right of way. Regardless of priority – safety must come first. Use common sense and regardless of who has the right of way, both skaters must stop before a collision.
2. When a dance is played, the skater with the coach who requested the dance music will skate first.
3. Solo or dance music will be played in the order of coach request.
4. Spin in the center. Jump at the corners. Do not linger in these areas.
5. It is important to always be aware, cautious and considerate of everyone on the ice. Within each session, there are a variety of skating levels sharing the same ice.

Conduct:

1. Skaters may not enter the ice surface until the Zamboni doors have closed.
2. Food, drink and gum are not permitted on the ice. Water bottles must be left at the boards. No glassware is permitted.
3. Skaters are expected to be skating at all times when on the ice. Skaters must get up promptly after a fall in order to keep pathways clear for other skaters.
4. Attention must be paid to the position of other skaters and coaches while skating to ensure the safety of all.
5. Foul language, yelling, abusive or aggressive behaviour, including kicking or picking holes and the intentional making of “snow” is prohibited.
6. Pushing, tripping, horseplay, tag, racing or intentional interference with other skaters is not permitted on the ice.
7. Proper attire must be worn by all skaters on all sessions. NO hoodies or baggy pants allowed during on-ice sessions. Long hair should be tied back.
8. All Skaters must wear a CSA approved helmet until it is OK by the academy to remove. There are no exceptions. All Learn To Skate skaters must wear it at all times.
9. Skaters must follow the session schedule i.e. free skate only during free skate time, dance only during dance time, etc. unless in a lesson with their coach.
10. All skaters, including guest skaters, must skate on the session for which they are qualified.
11. All skaters are to participate in group stroking sessions unless receiving a private lesson.
12. Skaters should not leave the ice surface during a session unless absolutely necessary. It is good practice to obtain a coach’s permission before leaving the ice.
13. Skaters must clear the ice promptly at the end of the session.
14. I will conduct myself professionally during all interactions in and surrounding Skate Canada activities
15. I will not participate in any form of bullying, harassment, discrimination, physical or verbal abuse, neglect, intimidation, or exploitation.
16. I will not use technology or social media to disrespect or exploit others.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION:

The ARTSSA Skating Academy will only commence Disciplinary Action when a written letter of complaint is forwarded to the club. This letter will be reviewed by the Director of skating.

Upon receiving a written letter of complaint outlining a violation of the Code of Ethics, the ARTSSA Director will proceed with the following disciplinary action:

1st Offence: Verbal warning by the Skater’s Coach or the ARTSSA Team. The Skater’s Parent/Guardian will be informed of the warning if the Skater is under the Age of Majority.

2nd Offence:  Letter from the ARTSSA Director of Skating will be addressed to the Skater and Parent/Guardian outlining the nature of the violation.

3rd Offence:  Suspension from all Club programs without compensation for 1 week. This includes all competitions and test days. Written complaints relating to misconduct of spectators/Parents/Guardians may result in suspension from the arena.

4th Offence: Skater may be asked to leave the Club at the Director’s discretion.

In the case of a serious breach of ethics, the skater may be immediately suspended. In cases of suspension or expulsion, no refund of any kind will be granted.

ARTSSA Skating Academy Dispute Resolution Policy Process

General

ARTSSA Skating Academy supports the principles of dispute resolution and is committed to the techniques of negotiation, facilitation, mediation, and arbitration as effective ways to resolve disputes with and among members. In case of a conflict between ARTSSA Skating Academy members, the individuals involved in the dispute must make every effort to resolve the conflict amongst themselves. Where reasonable efforts to resolve the conflict fail, a request may be made to the ARTSSA Director or the Respect in Sport Advocate for assistance to resolve the dispute.

Confidentiality

No person is permitted to disclose either the existence of a complaint or information about the
complaint, except for the purposes of complying with the objectives of the Dispute Resolution
Process. Information shared in the Mediation Process shall be kept confidential.

Application of the Policy

The Dispute Resolution Process shall apply to complaints and disputes that are of personal
significance to the person(s) initiating the complaint and are not sufficiently serious and
significant as to be of general importance to skating and/or of general importance to the overall
ability of the ARTSSA Skating Academy to discharge its primary objective.

Complaints that are serious and significant, or when a registrant has made allegations of sexual or discriminatory harassment. Theses complaints should be referred to the National Complaints Procedure. Safe Sport – Membership Complaints Policy The Dispute Resolution Process should be initiated as soon as possible after the incident(s) or conduct which forms the basis for the dispute or the complaint.

The Academy may summarily dismiss a complaint and that there shall be no appeal from the Academy’s decision to do so.

Academy Resolution Process

ARTSSA Skating Academy Director will adhere to the following steps when dealing with requests made as described above:

1. An academy member must present a statement of conflict in writing to the academy’s director.
2. Director will then discuss the conflict policy process with the person issuing the statement of conflict and ask if they wish to move forward. Once the person issuing the statement has agreed to move forward, they will also be asked whether they would like to remain anonymous or agree to have their names mentioned when discussing their concern with all others involved.
3. Once permission has been granted to move forward, the academy will then inform all/any
   parties involved a statement of conflict has been made to the academy concerning them.
4. All involved will receive a copy of the original statement of conflict. Any identifying
   information of the original author shall be removed, should they have stated earlier they
   wish to remain anonymous. The statement will be forwarded to those concerned for
   review and will be required to write a response within a week from the date sent.
5. The Director will then investigate the statement of conflict through interviews conducted with:
   a. Academy member submitting the original statement of conflict;
   b. Any other parties discussed within statement of conflict;
   c. Any other people who may be witness to the alleged conflict.
6. Academy director will provide a confidential, written report to all involved, with a review of:
   a. the original statement of conflict;
   b. a record of findings during the interview process from all those interviewed;
   c. recommendations as to how to properly and appropriately resolve the issue at hand.
7. Both parties involved in the statement of conflict will then be given seven days to inform
   the academy in writing whether or not they accept the recommendations in the above mentioned report. Should both parties accept all recommendations the dispute will be considered resolved. The academy will ensure the matter is resolved by following up with both parties within six weeks to ensure all are following recommendations made.

Discipline Process

Employees, contractors, and volunteers, who’s performance and conduct should contribute to the achievement of the ARTSSA Skating Academy goals and objectives.

Employees, contractors, and volunteers who do not adhere to the rules and procedures of the academy or who do not satisfactorily perform their assignments are subject to discipline and/or
dismissal from their role. Action may be taken using the following discipline policy.

Disciplinary action shall range from verbal warnings to immediate discharge, depending on the seriousness of the offense in the judgement of the director. Possible grounds for immediate
dismissal may include gross misconduct or insubordination; theft of property or misuse of academy materials; abuse or mistreatment of clients, staff or other volunteers; not abiding by academy policies and procedures; and not satisfactorily performing assigned duties. The academy will use progressive discipline when appropriate but may take whatever action it deems necessary to address the issue at hand. This may mean that more or less severe discipline is imposed in a given situation. While the ARTSSA Skating Academy will generally take disciplinary action in a progressive manner, it reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to decide whether and what disciplinary action will be taken in each situation.

*Serious offences may result in immediate suspension or termination.

Stage 1 – Formal Verbal Warning

An employee/contractor/volunteer will be given a verbal warning when a problem is identified that justifies a verbal warning. A brief note of the warning will be kept but, subject to satisfactory conduct and/or performance, this would lapse after 6 months. Conduct is expected to improve within 2 weeks.

Stage 2 – Written Warning

If there is no improvement in standards within the prescribed time, or if a further offence occurs, a written warning will be given. A letter will be sent inviting them to attend a disciplinary meeting within 5 days. The meeting will be an opportunity for both the employee/volunteer (with their representative) to talk about the issues or allegations being made. A copy of the written warning should be kept on file, but the warning will lapse after 12 months subject to satisfactory conduct and/or performance. Following the disciplinary meeting, it will be decided if no further action is warranted, or if there is further action to be taken. The employee/contractor/volunteer will be informed in writing. Any training or actions required to improve performance are the responsibility of the employee/contractor/volunteer.

Stage 3 – Final Written Warning

If the conduct or performance remains unsatisfactory by the stipulated date, a final written warning will be given, or if the misconduct is sufficiently serious to warrant only one written warning, a final disciplinary meeting will be called with the employee and their representative.
The disciplinary meeting will be an opportunity for the employee/contractor/volunteer to answer the issues raised. This meeting establishes that there has been a failure to improve or change behaviour and may result in suspension and/or dismissal. Any suspension is without pay.

Final Stage – Dismissal

If the employee/contractor/volunteer’s conduct or performance still fails to improve or if further serious misconduct occurs, the final stage in the disciplinary process may be instituted and the employee/contractor/volunteer will be dismissed/terminated. When an employee/contractor/volunteer’s misconduct or poor performance is sufficiently serious such that the employment relationship is irreparably damaged, the employer may terminate the relationship with cause.

Gross Misconduct

Where an employee/contractor/volunteer is found to be involved in gross misconduct, they
would be subject to summary dismissal (instant dismissal without notice) and the above
procedures regarding progression of warnings will not apply.

Examples of gross misconduct might include:

• Deliberate falsification of expenses claims
  • disclosure of confidential information (see confidentiality policy)
  • convictions of a criminal offence that undermine a person’s suitability for the current position
  • consistently poor attendance on a project, without appropriate notification
  • use of abusive or offensive language or behaviour
  • bullying or harassment
  • being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • theft of property or misuse of equipment or materials
  • failure to abide by policies and procedures
  • failure to satisfactorily perform assigned duties

PRIVACY POLICY

The ARTSSA is committed to protecting the privacy of all members personal information. Any information given to us will be held with extreme care and will not be used in a way that has not been consented to. The academy does not sell or distribute any personal information with any other organization, user group, or third party. The academy web site does not automatically gather any specific personal information, such as name, phone number or email address. We only obtain this type of information if supplied by the member via e-mail or by registering in the members’ only registration portion of the site.