Club Policies :: Lake Superior Figure Skating Club

Club Policies

Updated and Approved August 2025

SECTION 1 General Information

SECTION 2 Code of Conduct

SECTION 3 Rink Etiquette

SECTION 4 Registration & Payments

SECTION 5 Fundraising - STARSkaters

SECTION 6 Guest Skaters

SECTION 7 Professional Development and Bursaries

SECTION 8 Skater Level

SECTION 9 On-Ice Expectations - STARSkaters

SECTION 10 Concussion and Head Injury Prevent

SECTION 11 Social Media

SECTION 12 Changeroom

SECTION 13 Dispute Resolution

SECTION 1: General Information

Ice time lost due to disciplinary action will not be eligible for monetary compensation.
Music programs will be played from a prearranged list or according to attendance on the ice. Skaters may not request their music be played. Coaches’ requests take precedence but are limited to one request per 15-minute lesson.
Meetings of the Board are not open to club members and coaches (except for the Director of Coaching). Should a club member or coach desire to address the Board, they may make a request to attend to the Board two weeks in advance of the next scheduled Board meeting.
The Annual General Meeting is open to the public and member attendance is highly encouraged. The meeting will be held in early fall, and the date will be announced 30 days in advance.

SECTION 2: Code of Conduct

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to outline the expectations of the Lake Superior Figure Skating Club (LSFSC) with regards to providing a safe sport environment in which all individuals and groups are treated with respect and dignity. All individuals will be aware that LSFSC is always instituting a Zero Tolerance Policy, with the expectation of appropriate behaviours consistent with the values of LSFSC.

2. Definition of Applicable Stakeholders

Stakeholders included in this policy include but are not limited to all LSFSC members, coaches, board members.

3. Application of this Code

This code applies to conduct of its stakeholders as defined, that may arise during the course of LSFSC business and activities including but not limited to its office environment; meetings; events and practices; training camps; and travel as a member of a LSFSC team or on LSFSC related business. LSFSC may also consider activities outside of those listed if there is conduct that is deemed to be detrimental to the image or reputation of LSFSC and/or its stakeholders.

4. Responsibilities

It is expected that all stakeholders as defined, have a responsibility to: demonstrate respect to all individuals and groups,

b) act when appropriate, to prevent or correct practices that are unjustly discriminatory,

c) demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship, sport leadership and ethical conduct,

d) avoid public criticism of any Skate Ontario stakeholder as defined (in particular its athletes,coaches and officials) and promote the sport in a positive, constructive manner,

e) ensure the adherence to the rules of the sport,

f) refrain from any behaviour that constitutes harassment, where harassment is defined as

negative comment or conduct directed towards an individual or group (including the

LGBTQI2S community) which is offensive, abusive, racist, sexist, degrading or malicious as

defined in the Skate Ontario Harassment Policy,

g) ensure adherence to the Skate Ontario Anti-Doping policy,

h) respect the property of others and not willfully cause damage,

i) adhere to all federal, provincial, municipal and any applicable host country laws

j) comply at all times with LSFSC by-laws, policies, procedures, rules and regulations as adopted and amended from time to time, and

k) promote the sport of Figure Skating in a positive manner.

5. Member Clubs and Skating Schools

In addition to the responsibilities as defined in Section 4 of this Code, clubs and skating schools are obligated to:

a) ensure that all athletes and coaches participating in their programs and sanctioned events

are registered with Skate Canada,

b) ensure that volunteers, as appropriate or required, are registered with Skate Canada,

c) develop a Dispute Resolution Process to deal with disputes and complaints concerning registrants and coaches within the jurisdiction of the club/school, and

d) conduct the organization as an ambassador of LSFSC maintaining a supportive,

constructive environment

6. Skate Ontario Board and Committee Members

In addition to the responsibilities as defined in Section 4 of this Code, Board and committee members are obligated to:

a) be familiar with LSFSC’s Vision, Mission and Values

b) be familiar with LSFSC’s By-laws

c) be familiar and comply with the legislation and government policies under which LSFSC is

governed including:

i. ii.

the Ontario Corporations Act the Ontario Sport Recognition Policy

d) be aware of any conflicts of interest and place the interests of LSFSC ahead of any interest they

may have in any individual, member club/school or other organization

e) respect and support all decisions made by the Board/committee whether they may

have had a dissenting opinion

f) unless otherwise authorized by the President, refrain from speaking publicly in a manner which may be perceived as a formal representation of the organization

g) maintain confidentiality on all matters discussed during meetings (including votes) except

as disclosed in the minutes of any such meeting or otherwise made public

h) not engage in activities or accept appointments or elections to an office in any

organization whose activities are likely to conflict with Skate Ontario

7. Coaches

In addition to those responsibilities as defined in Section 4 of this Code, coaches must:

a) be familiar with and conduct oneself in accordance with the standards of Skate Canada and

the ISU and accept responsibility for delivering coaching services in a safe and professional

manner

b) maintain membership with Skate Canada and remain in good standing

c) be familiar with and abide by the Skate Ontario Accreditation at Events Policy and all on-site

security protocols

d) at all times, accurately represent one’s technical, education and professional credentials

and resumes

e) negotiate all contracts (including with clubs/ schools and skaters/parents) accurately and in

good faith and invoice only for services rendered (not anticipated)

f) understand that a coach becomes the base coach of an athlete from the moment that an

athlete contracts that coach, whether individually or in a group and that other coaches must

initiate discussion about an athlete’s training only through the base coach – a coach may not

solicit or cause an athlete to be solicited

g) respect that a coach may respond directly to athletes or parents who approach them to

inquire about their services, experience, qualifications, philosophy/methods

h) be a positive role model and demonstrate the characteristics of respect, courtesy,

honesty, integrity, fairness and dependability

i) encourage skaters to learn and uphold the rules of the sport

j) maintain the best interests (including physical and emotional) of each individual athlete at

all times and not disadvantage one skater to promote another

k) communicate regularly with the skater and their parents/guardians with regards to realistic

goals and progress as well as any other matters concerning the skater’s participation in the

sport

l) may participate in any self-promotional activities that do not violate other clauses of this Code

8. Athletes

In addition to the responsibilities as defined in Section 4 of this Code:

a) any athlete representing LSFSC on a team or in a event or other activity shall:

· report in a timely manner, any injury or medical condition that would affect their performance or ability to compete, travel or train

· appear on time, well-nourished with clothing and equipment as required, to participate to the best of their ability

· accurately represent oneself when applying for entry to a event, training camp or other activity

b) for those on provincial teams, abide by any additional policies that may be imposed by

coaches or team managers (chaperones)

c) always comply with any contracts or athlete agreements executed with LSFSC – either by

the athlete or on their behalf

d) keep confidential any such information about fellow athletes or others gained through

skating activities

9. Parents/Guardians and Spectators

In addition to those responsibilities as defined in Section 4 of this Code:

a) be respectful and supportive of all athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and staff

b) accept and respect the decisions and judgements of the officials and encourage the athletes to do the same

c) encourage athletes to obey all rules and regulations; have respect for others and resolve any conflicts in an appropriate manner

d) stress the importance of participation and remember that athletes are involved for their own enjoyment and development and not any other purpose

e) maintain a supportive and constructive atmosphere for other stakeholders (e.g. club and skating school volunteers, staff members, event volunteers)

SECTION 3: Rink Etiquette

Etiquette for Skaters

Skate with your eyes and head up.
Look both ways when entering the ice.
Learn to maneuver skillfully around other skaters.
Respect the right of way of the skater whose music is playing in a lesson and those in a lesson.
Call out “Excuse me” or “Head’s up” to alert inattentive skaters.
Practice spins in the centre ice area.
Get up promptly after a fall, when possible.
Be polite. Foul or abusive language is forbidden.
Control your behaviour on the ice.
Avoid socializing during a session.
You must leave the ice when speaking to anyone in the stands
Clear the ice promptly at the end of a session.
Gates (doors to ice surface) must be closed while sessions are in progress.

Etiquette for Spectators

For skater safety, watch from the stands, not by the boards.
Refrain from talking to skaters on the ice.
Gates (doors to ice surface) must be closed while sessions are in progress.
Please do not bang on the glass, slam doors or engage in any other type of activity that is loud and/or distracting to skaters on the ice.

SECTION 4: Registration and Payments

Registration and Payments

For liability reasons, skaters will NOT be permitted on the ice prior to registration and payment.
Any skater, who during the season moves to another level, will be required to pay a pro-rated fee
Canadian Funds accepted only.
Everyone who registers as a member with the LSFSC is required to pay the posted annual non-refundable Skate Canada membership fee for Skate Canada membership & insurance. This fee covers all programs which fall within the current skating year running from September 1^st to August 31^st.
All skaters registered in the STARSkate program (Jr. Star, Intermediate and Senior levels) /Competitive program are required to pay a $100.00 mandatory Skater Development fee at the time of registration.
Registration fees do not include off-ice, testing, program music curation, Skate Ontario and Skate Canada events or private lessons.

Off-ice programming is separate from the registration packages, unless specifically noted.
All fees for testing and events are separate from the registration packages.
Fees for private lessons will be billed directly by coaches and must be paid within 30 days from date of billing unless otherwise stated by the coach. A coach who is not being paid in a timely manner reserves the right to cease coaching until fees are received and/or a mutually agreed upon plan is in place. In such cases, the matter will be addressed at the next scheduled board meeting and the board can revoke or suspend membership and restrict access to ice time.

Members in Arrears

A coach who is not being paid within the prescribed time frame reserves the right to cease coaching until fees have been received.
The Board of Directors will assist a coach in recovering unpaid fees when necessary.

Unpaid fees may result in a revoked or suspended membership at the Board’s discretion. An additional administrative fee of $50.00 will apply.

Refunds

· All fees, as set by the club, are payable upon registration. There will be no refunds after two weeks of the start of the skating session, unless for medical reasons (with a medical note provided). Skate Canada fee, fundraising fee and used portion of registration is non-refundable. A $50.00 Administrative fee will be charged.

Ice Cancellation

Unfortunately, there may be ice cancellations from time to time throughout the season due to hockey tournaments, holidays etc. Every effort is made to schedule around these events prior to the start of the season, however sometimes things come up last minute. In this case, every effort will be made to reschedule and make up those sessions, however, these unscheduled cancellations have already been considered in your registration fees. Notification of any changes will be posted via email and social media with as much advance notice as possible.

SECTION 5: Fundraising – STARSkate Members

All STARSkate members are required to participate in one designated fundraiser each skating season.

The designated fundraiser will be announced prior to the opening of registration for the upcoming season – 2025-26 will be Halenda’s Meat Sticks
Members must fully complete the fundraiser as outlined by the club.
Members who choose not to participate may opt out by paying a $250.00 fundraising fee at the time of registration.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure equitable contribution toward the operational and program costs that benefit all skaters.

Failure to meet the fundraising requirement or pay the opt-out fee will result in the member’s account being placed on hold until the obligation is met.

SECTION 6: Guest Skaters

LSFSC registered members may request Board approval to skate on days other than their regular skating days for an hourly guest skating fee (calculated each season). Non LSFSC members can request to “Guest Skate” on any given day but must pay the non-member guest skating fee (calculated each season). All skaters must be current members of Skate Canada and provide a Skate Canada Membership number. All fees must be paid prior to entering the ice surface.

SECTION 7: Professional Development and Bursaries

Bursary fund may be offered to Star 5-Gold/competitive skaters who have qualified to compete at the Skate Ontario Provincial Championship or Skate Ontario Sectional Championship.

The following criteria must be met:

An active member in good standing representing the LSFSC and has paid registration fees beyond the Skate Canada fees
Has assisted in club fundraising through volunteering at a minimum of one fundraising event and also engaged in a minimum of one non-mandatory fundraising activity during the current season. Volunteering must include both the skater and at least one member of the skater’s family, however, does not need to be at the same event.
For a bursary to be granted, a skater must apply for the bursary by addressing a letter directly to the Board upon qualifying. If approved, the bursary will be awarded directly to the eligible skater(s) upon the completion of the event.
Each September, the bursary policy will become active for the current skating season: September 1^st – August 31^st. The board will allocate a portion of fundraised dollars annually to the bursary. At the Board’s discretion the amount of the bursary awarded will be dependent on the number of eligible skaters applying and the amount of fundraising dollars available.

Bursary Fund Professional Development

A Bursary fund may be offered as financial support to a skater/coach undertaking to further or enhance their coaching level or skills. The Bursary will cover registration fee up to a maximum of $500.00.

The skater/coach must be a member in good standing at the LSFSC.
The bursary will be granted upon successful completion of the course and submission of Skate Canada Certificate, to the Board of Directors, identifying completion of all necessary components.
Any LSFSC StarSkate Certified Coach must commit to coaching a minimum of two group programs per week per season.
Applicant will be required to reimburse the LSFSC Board the entire sum of the granted bursary.
For the bursary to be granted, the skater/coach will need to apply for the bursary by addressing a letter to the Board of Directors stating the purpose of the bursary including the course name and destination. The letter of request will need to be sent to the Board 1 month prior to the registration date. Letters received after the payment of registration will not be considered.
Applications for bursaries will be considered on a first come basis, based on the date of receipt of the written request to the Board, as well as taking into account the needs of the club in terms of coaching staff.
A yearly maximum of funds will be allotted and available for skater/coach upgrading which will be determined by the Board based on available fundraising dollars each September. Any requests received after the maximum funding cap has been reached, will be deferred to the next skating season and will be placed as priority for consideration by the Board.

SECTION 8: Skater Level

Classification of Intermediate and Senior STARSkaters

Intermediate STARSkater – A skater who is working at the STAR 2, STAR 3, or STAR 4 level.
Senior STARSkater – A skater who has achieved STAR 5 or higher and/or is between 14 years of age and under 21 years of age.
Special Circumstances – The Director of Coaching has the authority to make final placement decisions when a skater’s situation does not align exactly with the criteria above.

SECTION 9: On-Ice Expectations – STARSkaters

The following ice rules will be adhered to by all skaters both on and off the ice:

Do not step on the ice for a session until the Ice Resurfacing Machine doors are closed and at least one coach is present.
Do not kick the ice, use foul language, or engage in inappropriate behaviour. Skaters will be given one warning and then be asked to leave for the remainder of the day.
Proper skating attire is required (no jeans); hair should be neatly tied up.
No food, drink or gum should be taken on the ice – except water bottles.
Skaters are asked to clear the ice promptly at the end of the session. The Ice Resurfacing Machine is not permitted to start resurfacing the ice until all skaters are off.
Be always alert for other skaters. Listen for solo music and identify the soloist.
If skaters need to speak to their parents in the stands, they need to get off the ice to do so. If a skater is speaking to their parent in the stands they are not focused on the activity on the ice.
In the playing of free skating music, priority will be given to lesson requirements.
Priority of the right of way will be as follows:

Coaches
Skaters in a lesson with music
Skaters with music
Skaters in a lesson

Free skating will not be allowed during the dance / skating skills sessions.
In the playing of dance / skills music, preference will be given to lessons.
Do not leave any valuables in the Dressing Rooms.
Keep Dressing Rooms clean and tidy.
No socializing on the ice during skating sessions.
No chewing gum on the ice.
No electronic devices or headphones to be worn on the ice. The club is not responsible for any damage to or loss of any electronic device that is brought to the ice pad by a skater.
Stroking is a mandatory part of our skating program.
Parents will be made aware (in writing) by the Board of Directors of a skater who does not follow the rules and ignores warnings on a consistent basis.
Parents must not approach the coaching staff once a skating session has begun unless there is an emergency.

On-Ice Expectations – Program Assistants (PAs)

· Dress in proper attire – black pants, black jacket

· Conduct themselves in a manner that is in line with the annual PA training

SECTION 10: Concussions and Head Injury Prevention

Policy Statement

Lake Superior Figure Skating Club is focused on ensuring the wellbeing and safety of all skaters, coaches, officials, volunteers, staff, and all other participants. LSFSC [JN3] recognizes the potential severity of a head injury and the commitment and intent behind research to manage concussions. LSFSC is committed to educating those involved, creating awareness to help prevent injuries and appropriately managing any suspected concussions and diagnosed concussions.

Scope

This policy will be enforced at all LSFSC events, activities and programs.

This policy applies to:

• All skaters, officials, coaches, clubs and skating schools

• All participants that include

• Individuals

• Parents/guardians

• Persons who interact with skaters, all defined as skater support personnel, including but not limited to team leaders, referees, medical/licensed healthcare professionals, paramedical or any other person working with, treating or assisting a skater or other individual

• Persons employed by or engaged in activities, events, and programs with and/or hosted by LSFSC, including but not limited to, directors of the Board, officers, employees and event volunteers.

• Spectators

This policy is to be read in conjunction with the Skate Canada Incidents of Injury Reporting and Management Policy and supporting procedure, the Skate Ontario Removal-from-Sport Protocol and the Skate Ontario Return-to-Sport Protocol

Definitions

Concussion:

• is a brain injury that causes changes in how the brain functions, leading to symptoms that can be physical (e.g. headache, dizziness), cognitive (e.g. difficulty concentrating or remembering), /behavioral (e.g. depression, irritability) and/or related to sleep (e.g. drowsiness, difficulty falling asleep)

• may be caused either by a direct blow to the head, face or neck, or a blow to the body that transmits a force to the head that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull

• can occur even if there has been no loss of consciousness

• cannot normally be seen on X-rays, standard CT scans or MRIs

• can result in symptoms that are evident immediately or may evolve and persist over the course of hours, days or even months.

Designated Persons: At each LSFSC event, activity, or program LSFSC will name a “designated person” who will have the following responsibilities:

In accordance with Rowan’s Law, under the Removal-from-Sport Protocol for LSFSC, the designated person(s) is/are responsible for ensuring that:

• A skater is immediately removed from further training, practice or event if the skater has sustained a concussion or is suspected of having sustained a concussion, regardless of whether or not the concussion was sustained from a sport activity associated with LSFSC

• If in the opinion of the designated person(s), there is an emergency and/or any red flag signs and/or symptoms appear – including those resulting from a suspected concussion, call 911.

• Removal of the skater from further training, practice or event; and if the skater is under 18 years of age, the parent or guardian is informed of the removal.

• The skater, or the parent or guardian if the skater is under 18 years of age, is advised that the skater is required to undergo a medical assessment by a physician or nurse practitioner before the skater will be permitted to return to training, practice or event according to the Return-to-Sport Protocol

• A skater or, if the skater is under 18 years of age, the skater’s parent or guardian receives the Removal-from Sport and Return-to-Sport Protocols for LSFSC as soon as possible after the skater’s removal

• Once removed, the skater is not permitted to return to training, practice or event, except in accordance with the Return-to-Sport Protocol.

In accordance with Rowan’s Law, under the Return-to-Sport Protocol for LSFSC, the designated person(s) is/are responsible for ensuring that:

• A skater who has sustained a concussion or is suspected of having sustained a concussion does not return to training, practice or event until permitted to do so in accordance with the Return-to-Sport Protocol

• When a skater has not been diagnosed with a concussion, the skater is only permitted to return to training, practice, or event if the skater or, if the skater is under 18 years of age, the skater’s parent or guardian provides confirmation to the designated person(s) about the outcome of the skater’s medical assessment, specifically that the skater:

• has undergone a medical assessment by the physician or nurse practitioner and has not been diagnosed as having a concussion, and

• has been medically cleared to return to training, practice or event by a physician or nurse practitioner

• When a skater is diagnosed by a physician or nurse practitioner as having a concussion, the skater is not permitted to move on to unrestricted training, practice or event unless the skater or, if the skater is under 18 years of age, the skater’s parent or guardian provides a confirmation of medical clearance by the physician or nurse practitioner to the designated person(s)

• A skater is not permitted to return to training, practice or event through the graduated Return-to-Sport steps unless the skater or, if the skater is under 18 years of age, the skater’s parent or guardian has shared the medical advice or recommendations they received, if any, with the designated person(s)

• When a skater is diagnosed by a physician or nurse practitioner as having a concussion, the skater or, if the skater is under 18 years of age, the skater’s parent/guardian has been informed of the importance of disclosing the diagnosis to any other sport organization with which the skater is registered or school that the skater attends

• The regulation states that a designated person(s) may rely on the information received from a skater or, if the skater is under 18 years of age, from the skater’s parent or guardian in carrying out their responsibilities under Return-to-Sport Protocol

Accountabilities

All individuals and participants are responsible for:

• Being familiar with and understanding the provisions of this policy, the Removal-from-Sport protocol, Return-to Sport protocol, as well as other applicable Skate Ontario and Skate Canada policies and protocols

• Supporting LSFSC’s vision of providing the safest possible environment for all our participants in the skating community

• Reporting all incidents of concussion, suspected and/or actual as outlined in the Skate Canada Incidents of Injury Reporting and Management Policy and supporting procedure

• Adhering to this policy and associated protocols as a minimum standard in addressing concussion injuries and the Return-to-Sport requirements

• Taking all applicable concussion and education training, as prescribed from time to time

• All StarSkaters must complete a mandatory baseline testing prior to the first session of each season.

Through this policy, LSFSC is committed to the following actions regarding concussions:

1. Increasing awareness regarding what concussions are and the potential for serious complications.

2. Enforcing procedures and training that promote preventative actions to help reduce the number of concussions.

3. Providing procedures that support staff, its agents, volunteers and skaters in ensuring quick recognition and removal of any individual with a suspected concussion from LSFSC activities.

4. Ensuring that following a suspected concussion there are clear steps for both the individual and LSFSC to follow before a Return-to-Sport occurs to ensure the focus is on the individual’s long-term health.

This policy has been written to ensure compliance with Rowan’s Law and to complement the Skate Ontario Removal-from-Sport Protocol, Skate Ontario Return-to-Sport Protocol, the Skate Ontario Codes of Conduct, the Skate Ontario Rowan’s Law acknowledgment forms, and resources made available on the Skate Ontario website.

Helmet Use Policy - Information for Clubs, Coaches and Parents

On July 1, 2011, Skate Canada implemented a Helmet Use policy. This policy was implemented as a proactive safety measure to help protect members in the early stages of the CanSkate program that are learning how to skate. Skate Canada believes it is an appropriate time to implement such a policy to help prevent future injuries to its members that are learning how to skate. In the development of the policy Skate Canada consulted various groups of individuals including parents, and the policy was approved by the Skate Canada Board of Directors earlier in 2011.

Skate Canada is proud of its CanSkate program, the best learn-to-skate program in Canada, and we will continue to develop policies and programming that create a better and safer learn-to-skate experience for our skaters.

How should the hockey helmet fit?

· A hockey helmet should fit snug to prevent any shifting and maximize protection. Make sure the

chinstrap can be adjusted so it gently makes contact under the chin when fastened.

· For an adjustable helmet, open it to the largest setting and gradually begin to downsize the

helmet until a comfortably snug fit is achieved. The helmet should rest on the head so that the

rim is one finger width above the eyebrow and making contact with the top of your head.

· Although most helmets are lined with protective foam, some helmets will feel better than

others. Try on different brands of helmets for fit and comfort.

· All CSA certified helmets have a sticker indicating their certification.

Why only hockey helmets?

· Hockey helmets are designed to help protect against head injuries occurring on ice, whether

from a fall or collision. A bicycle helmet, for example, is designed to protect against head injuries

should a fall occur while riding a bicycle. It is important to ensure that when a skater is on the

ice, they are protected with equipment designed for their sport or activity.

Are face masks required as well?

· Face masks are not mandatory; however young skaters may benefit from the added protection.

SECTION 11: Social Media Policy

Policy Statement

Lake Superior Figure Skating Club recognizes that social media, used in a responsible manner, is an effective tool for positive communication about the organization and among its stakeholders. The purpose of this policy (“Policy”) is to safeguard the organization’s integrity, image and branding. All representatives of LSFSC are required to exercise good judgment in their use of social media and conduct themselves in a responsible and respectful manner when contributing and interacting in online spaces.

Applicability

This Policy is applicable to all LSFSC stakeholders including skaters, coaches, volunteers, clubs, skating schools and staff (“Stakeholders”). This Policy is not intended to interfere with the private lives of our Stakeholders or to impinge on the right to freedom of speech.

Definitions

Certain terms used herein may not be capitalized; however, for the purposes of this Policy, the following terms herein have the ascribed meanings as set forth below. In addition, all references to the singular include the plural and vice versa.

Social media: Should be understood in its broadest interpretation to include but is not limited to Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, blogs, electronic newsletters, online forums and other sites and services that permit users to share information with others in a contemporaneous matter.

Official use: Refers to anyone posting on behalf of the organization, with any form of LSFSC in their username or description.

Personal use: Refers to posts about LSFSC through a personal, non-affiliated account of any Stakeholder. LSFSC Stakeholders are free to publish or comment via social media in accordance with this policy.

Guidelines

• The purpose of using social media channels representing LSFSC is to support the organization’s mission, goals, programs, efforts and events, including news, information, content and objectives.

• When posting for either official or personal use, refrain from reporting, speculation, discussion or giving opinions on LSFSC topics or personalities that could be considered sensitive, confidential or disparaging.

• Confidential or proprietary information that has been shared with you should not be publicized on social media channels.

• As in all communications, Stakeholders should be consistent in their message when posting about LSFSC. Users are not permitted to post information, photos or other representations of inappropriate behaviour, or items that could be interpreted as demeaning or inflammatory.

• All communications will be positive and respectful of others. This includes the obvious (no ethnic slurs, offensive comments, defamatory comments, personal insults and obscenity) but also proper consideration of privacy of objectionable topics, such as politics and religion.

• Stakeholders are encouraged to tag the accounts of athletes and coaches, along with images, provided the action does not release any personal information the subject does not already have on their account/handle.

• When representing LSFSC, professionalism and quality must be maintained. This includes the use of proper grammar, syntax, style and accuracy of information in all posts. All communications should adhere to the brand guidelines and established online voice of Skate Ontario.

• Stakeholders will not use social media to promote goods or services not affiliated with LSFSC

Material posted on LSFSC media platforms that does not follow this Policy, will be promptly removed or the individual who posted on an affiliated account will be asked to remove said post.

Reporting

If you see a misrepresentation of LSFSC in the media, you may report it to LSFSC at admin@lsfsc.ca. Conversations are encouraged, but if you feel the values of LSFSC are being contradicted, please address the issue immediately.

If an error is made, correct it quickly and if you modify an earlier post, make it known that you have done so.

SECTION 12 CHANGEROOM:

The safety and protection of our participants is key to Lake Superior Figure Skating Club’s goals. LSFSC adheres to Skate Canada’s National Safe Sport Program to help protect its participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse and other types of misconduct, including emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment, and hazing. To help prevent abuse or misconduct from occurring in our locker rooms and changing areas, LSFSC has adopted the following locker room/changing area policy. This policy is designed to maintain personal privacy as well as to reduce the risk of misconduct in locker rooms and changing areas.

Locker Room/Changing Area Monitoring Skaters must be supervised and the Rule of Two must always be enforced.

A coach should never be alone or out of sight with an athlete – especially a minor (example: locker room/changing area).

• Gold Standard – Two Certified Coaches

• Silver Standard – Certified Coach & another adult (parent, volunteer, etc.)

• Bronze Standard – Certified adult & minimum of 2 minors

One of the coaches should be the same gender as the athlete.

Parents in Locker Room/Changing Areas Except for skaters at the younger age groups – CanSkate Groups, we discourage parents from entering locker room and/or changing area unless it is truly necessary. If a skater needs assistance with their uniform or gear, if the skater is or may be injured, or a skater’s disability warrants assistance, then we ask that parents let the coach know beforehand so they can properly assist their skater.

Naturally, with our youngest age groups it is necessary for parents to assist the skaters getting ready for their lesson. As skaters get older, the coach may in their discretion prohibit parents from a locker room/changing area.

Inclusive Locker Room/Changing Areas

It is imperative to remember that Skate Canada registrants and members are permitted to use facilities based on their chosen gender identity. Individuals must be allowed to use the locker room, changing area, or restroom they choose based on their gender identity/gender expression. If a request is made for separate space, this must be accommodated as much as possible.

Cell Phones and Other Mobile Recording Devices

Cell phones and other mobile devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras, and video cameras, are not permitted to be used in the locker room and/or changing areas. If cell phones or other mobile devices must be used, they should be taken outside of the locker room/changing areas.

Prohibited Conduct and Reporting

LSFSC prohibits all types of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment, and hazing, all as described in Skate Canada’s National Safe Sport Program. Participants, coaches, parents/guardians and volunteers at LSFSC may be subject to disciplinary action for violation of these locker room/changing area policies or for engaging in any misconduct or abuse or that violates the Safe Sport Policies. Reports of any actual or suspected misconduct must be reported to Skate-Safe.ca.

SKATE-SAFE CONTACT INFORMATION:

Online: www.skate-safe.ca
Telephone: +1-833-723-3758

SECTION 13 Dispute Resolution:

General

1. Lake Superior Figure Skating Club 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.

2. In case of a conflict between LSFSC members, the individuals involved in the dispute must make every effort to resolve the conflict amongst themselves.

3. All registrants of LSFSC, including the Respondent, must cooperate with an investigation under this section.

4.LSFSC follows all guidelines identified by Skate Canada’s National Safe Sport Program.

Scope and Application

1. This policy applies to all disputes with and among members or individuals engaged in activities with or contracted by the Club.

2. A dispute is characterized by a disagreement between two or more parties and may consist of single or multiple incidents. The gravity of a dispute may vary significantly and may be characterized by a range of actions, implications, or consequences. Examples include:

• A complaint alleging that a board member, volunteer, employee, skater, team, coach, official, parent/guardian or spectator is guilty of misconduct.

• A dispute relating to team selection.

• Any other request for resolution of a dispute arising from or relating to the activities of the Club.

Reporting a Dispute

1. Any individual subject to this policy may report a dispute.

2. After making every effort to resolve the conflict amongst themselves, a complaint can then be made to the President (admin@lsfsc.ca) in writing (signed and dated by the complainant) as soon as reasonably possible and within seven (7) business days as set by this policy. Should the report involve the President, the report will be subsequently managed by the Vice-President.

Referral And Review of Complaints and Incidents

1. The President will immediately advise the Executive Board and the Respondent(s) named in the complaint that a complaint has been filed and, within three (3) business days, provide each with a copy of the complaint.

2. If the dispute is trivial, frivolous or vexatious in nature, the President will advise complainant and thereafter shall take no further action in relation to that dispute.

3. The President may extend the time for submission of a complaint notwithstanding the expiration of the time set by this policy.