Ice Safety & Etiquette Policy

Each member or guest of the Niagara Centre Skating Club is asked to follow these safety and courtesy rules/guidelines. Failure to follow these rules/guidelines may result in any of the following actions being taken: 

1. Verbal warning to the person at fault, by a coach on the ice. First offence. 

2. Immediate removal from the ice by any coach on the ice. Including a written letter from the Board of Directors. Second offence.

3. If repeat violations occur, the skater will have their registration cancelled for the rest of the season. No refunds. Third offence. 

General Etiquette

1. First and foremost is courtesy. It is essential to respect the rights of other skaters and be constantly aware of who is around you. Remember you are not out there alone and each person needs to be responsible for everyone else's safety. 

2. Treat others, as  you would want to be treated. This includes, skaters, coaches, board members, volunteers and other parents or family members. 

3. Skating is a frustrating sport. Please be cautious how you display your frustration, and do not take your frustration out on other skaters or coaches. It may be helpful to take a short break to calm yourself or to re-focus your concentration. Foul language, inappropriate or abusive language will not be tolerated. 

4. All skaters, no matter their level, should be treated equally. Being a higher level skater or an experienced  skater, does not warrant inappropriate behaviour. Keep in mind that everyone is a “new skater” to a level or ice at some point (as you were), and patience will be important. 

5. New and Experienced skaters should be willing to help each other adjust and learn the common work areas of the ice. 

6. Positive attitudes bring positive results. Sometimes there are problems that can easily be solved with tactful, positive communication. We encourage all skaters to create and maintain this type of helpful, positive environment on the ice and off. 

7. The changing rooms are a privilege provided by the arena. Please throw out your garbage and clean up after yourself. These are also communal areas with skates of all levels and ages. Appropriate behaviour is expected from everyone. 

8. look both ways when leaving the boards

9. Fix any holes you may make in the ice. A coach or another skater can show you how to do this. 

10. No food, gum or pop on the boards. Water is best and allowed in a non-breakable container.

11. When stretching at the boards, be sure to check your surroundings before lifting your skate into the air.

12. Avoid lutz corners for general practice or spinning. 

Layout of the Ice  

1. Learn the work areas of the rink: All levels of skaters should be using the work areas appropriately. 

   1. Ends for jumping, 

   2. middle for spinning. 

   3. The corners are prime areas for lutz’s & axels. 

Right of Way Guidelines (On-ice)

1. Right of way goes to the skater who doesn't see the potential for a collision: We all try to give way to skaters performing programs or taking lessons, but safety is the most important factor. Just because your music is playing doesn't give you the right to put anyone in danger. 

2. Lessons & Harness use: Skaters are often looking at their coach when they would otherwise be looking around the ice. Attention is divided. 

3. Programs: Complicated choreography and fatigue make it more difficult to avoid collisions. Learn to listen to the music and know which music goes with which skater. After some time, it's also possible to become familiar with patterns in others' programs, to help avoid those areas. 

4. Spins: You can't see anything when you're spinning. Never skate close to a spinning skater, even if your music is playing. Always give spinners enough space to change positions into a camel spin (e.g. don't skate close to a sit spin because it may not be a sit spin anymore when you get there). 

5. Competitions/Test Days: During the week prior to a competition or test session, skaters competing or testing will have priority over those not competing or testing. 

Falls on the Ice

If you fall, get up quickly. Remember that the other skaters will have a much harder time seeing you when you are down low on the ice. Don't stay there any longer than you have to. If you are seriously injured, a coach will come and assist you. 

Don't try to out-run another skater

Trying to "outrun" a faster skater won't help you get out of the way. Skate in a direction other than their path of travel while keeping them in your line of sight. 

Don't Stand Around 

Keep moving at all times. Refrain from standing around and visiting on the ice. This wastes expensive ice and presents an additional hazard for other skaters to avoid. 

In closing, NCSC wishes to foster a safe and positive learning environment for all its members. We are proud of our skaters and wish to support them whether their goals are competitive or recreation in nature. We are also proud of our talented coaching staff and our wonderful group of family volunteers. Together, we create a strong figure skating environment. 

Ice Safety & Etiquette Policy

As parent/Guardian of the following skater(s), I have reviewed this policy with them and we have made a promise to help keep NCSC as safe an environment as possible. 

A parent/guardian or skater over the age of 18, may register a minor child or themself for a NCSC season.

1. General Registration Guidelines

• All skaters must be registered members of the Niagara Centre Skating Club and Skate Canada before participating in any on-ice programs.

• Registration is done on a first-come, first-served basis. Spaces are limited and not guaranteed until full payment is received.

• Registration is completed online through the club's designated registration portal.

• All programs offered by NCSC and its affiliates are on a first come, first serve basis. NCSC reserves the right to limit spots available for each session and to move skaters to sessions which are better suited for their skating abilities.

2. Skate Canada Membership Fee

• An annual Skate Canada Membership Fee is required for all skaters and is non-refundable.

• This fee is valid from September 1 to August 31 of the current skating year and must be paid upon registration.

3. Late Registration

• Late registrations will be accepted only if space permits and must be accompanied by full payment.

• Fees will not be prorated.

4. Missed Classes & Cancellations

• There are no make-up classes or refunds for missed sessions due to illness, personal scheduling conflicts, or inclement weather unless a club-wide cancellation is declared.

• Any weather-related cancellations will be posted on the club's website, social media, and as a last resort via email.

5. Code of Conduct & Waivers

• All skaters (and parents/guardians, where applicable) must agree to abide by the Club Code of Conduct, Skate Canada policies, and any COVID-19 safety protocols in place.

• A signed Waiver & Consent Form is required at registration.

Schedule Changes: NCSC reserves the right to change times, days or cancel sessions due to enrollment numbers, contractual obligations with the Town of Pelham or City of Welland, Health & Safety protocols, weather or due to unforeseen circumstances. . 

There will be NO SKATING on STAT holidays with the exception of Easter Monday & Civic Holiday.

Policies may change or be updated at any time.

Program Fees & Payment

• Learn-to Skate programs - Full payment is due at the time of registration unless a payment plan is arranged and approved in advance.

• STAR 1 and up - $200 deposit at time of registration. Remaining balance is due by:(fall/winter - November 30, Spring - May 1, Summer - August 1)

• Accepted payment methods include: cash, cheque, or e-transfer.

• A $25 fee applies to NSF cheques.

• Multi-skater discounts are available for Fall/Winter only. Deduct $25 for second, third, etc. skater).

Skate Canada Membership Fee

• An annual Skate Canada Membership Fee is required for all skaters and is non-refundable.

• This fee is valid from September 1 to August 31 of the current skating year and must be paid upon registration.

Cancellation & Refund Policy - If registration is cancelled by parent/guardian (must be in writing). The Skate Canada Membership Fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.

• 7 days (or more) before 1st session of season – Full refund of all fees currently paid minus $5 processing fee.

• 6 days (or less) before the 1st session of season– refund of fees paid, minus administration fee ($75).

• Day of 1st lesson up to week 3 of lessons – refund of fees paid, minus administration fee ($75) plus ice & coach fees for each week of lessons scheduled.

• After week 3 of lessons – no refunds. This includes any volunteer fee. Unless accompanied by a doctors note.

• Public Health Measures: If programming is paused or cancelled due to public health measures, NCSC will work with each arena to determine the best course of action. If lessons can continue after the pause, no refunds will be offered. However, if a full season cannot be achieved, then NCSC will offer a refund based on cancellation/refund policy.

Schedule Changes: NCSC reserves the right to change times, days or cancel sessions due to enrollment numbers, contractual obligations with the Town of Pelham or City of Welland, Health & Safety protocols, weather or due to unforeseen circumstances. There will be no refunds for any missed sessions. Make-up sessions will not be offered. Skaters cannot switch from registered days to make-up for a missed session. 

There will be NO SKATING on STAT holidays with the exception of Easter Monday & Civic Holiday.

Participation: The safety of all NCSC skaters, coaches, volunteers and families is one of our top priorities. It is understood that if a skater is not able to actively participate in on-ice lessons and is causing a distraction or safety issue towards other skaters, coaches, volunteers, etc. A first warning will be issued and the skater will be asked to leave the ice. If this is a consistent issue, a second warning will consist of the skater being asked to exit the ice, and their registration being cancelled for the rest of the season. No refund will be offered. 

Skaters must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet when on the ice.

PreCanSkate, parent helpers, CanSkate, StarGroup, CanSkate - Power.

No other helmets will be accepted on the ice, and coaches can refuse entry to anyone who does not have the proper helmet.

Helmets must remain done up properly while on the ice. At no time is a skater to remove any strap or piece of the helmet while skating.

Helmets must in in working order. If a strap or button is missing, the skater will be asked to leave the ice surface until the helmet is fixed, correctly.

Skaters can only remove their helmet when their base coach has instructed they can safely do so.

Bullying is a form of harassment and is considered to be “personal harassment” as defined in the Skate Canada Membership Complaint Policy section 9. (c). Skate Canada’s complaint policies are contained in the Policies and Procedures section of the rule book available on the Members Only portion of the Skate Canada web site under Technical & Programs > Rules > 2013 Official Rule Book > Policies & Procedures > Bylaws.

STATEMENT OF INTENT

Skate Canada strongly condemns bullying, will not tolerate bullying by any of its members, and is committed to raising awareness of this issue and preventing and eliminating bullying behaviour within Skate Canada. Skate Canada recognizes that bullying can have a serious adverse impact on personal dignity, self-esteem, confidence, personal safety, performance, enjoyment of skating and of life itself.

All Skate Canada members have the right to participate in a safe, supportive and caring environment free from harassment and they have the responsibility to contribute to the protection and maintenance of this environment.

WHAT IS BULLYING?

Bullying is a form of personal harassment and includes physical or verbal abuse that occurs once or repeatedly and may involve an imbalance of power. Bullying is intended to hurt and humiliate the victim and may include:

• Insulting or derogatory remarks or gestures

• Rude or vulgar language or gestures

• Shouting, yelling, swearing, name-calling

• Persistent unwarranted criticism

• Public ridicule

• Verbal, written or physical threats and intimidation

• Hitting, kicking, pushing or other types of forceful physical contact

Bullying may occur in-person or through electronic means including e-mail, texting and social media.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE BULLIED?

If a member has experienced bullying behaviour, or has witnessed another member being bullied, the 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.

CLUBS AND SKATING SCHOOLS

Skate Canada recommends that all of its member clubs and skating schools post this document on their club/school notice boards and/or web site and make it available for members upon request.

Every member club and skating school will inform its athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers of this document and will encourage victims of bullying, and the parents of victims of bullying, to bring forward these items as per the above mentioned process so that all necessary and reasonable steps to stop and prevent bullying behaviour can be taken.

Skate Canada’s Position Statement on Bullying is posted on the Members Only site under “Members”.

Please read through the Skate Canada Privacy Code via this link (Skate Canada Privacy Code). 

Parent / Guardian for an individual who is a minor

A parent or guardian’s signature must be obtained if the individual is a minor at the time of signing this acknowledgement.

This parent or guardian’s signature can be in addition to or in place of the skater’s signature. I am the parent/guardian of skater named in this registration form, who was born on (date listed above on this form) and is therefore a minor at the time of signing this acknowledgment with Skate Canada.

By signing below and registering my minor child with a club or skating school and allowing your minor child to be registered nationally with Skate Canada and submitting this form, you indicate your acceptance of all terms and conditions associated with the Skate Canada Privacy Code and expressly provide your consent to the collection, use and disclosure of your minor child’s confidential information to register your minor child with Skate Canada in any capacity including, without limitation, as a Skate Canada registrant, coach or in connection with your affiliation with a skating club or skating school and to administer various services, such as Skate Canada programs, services and events, contact you to provide you with relevant offers regarding events and competitions, all as set forth in the Privacy Code.

In addition, through the submission of form, you expressly consent to the sharing or exchange of your confidential information with Skate Canada affiliates, which includes your local skating club or skating school or provincial association or section, and with service providers.

I will help prevent concussions by:

• Wearing the proper equipment for my sport and wearing it correctly.

• Developing my skills and strength so that I can participate to the best of my ability.

• Respecting the rules of my sport or activity.

• My commitment to fair play and respect for all* (respecting other athletes, coaches, team trainers and officials).

I will care for my health and safety by taking concussions seriously, and I understand that:

• A concussion is a brain injury that can have both short- and long-term effects.

• A blow to my head, face or neck, or a blow to the body that causes the brain to move around inside the skull may cause a concussion.

• I don’t need to lose consciousness to have had a concussion.

• I have a commitment to concussion recognition and reporting, including self-reporting of possible concussion and reporting to a designated person when and individual suspects that another individual may have sustained a concussion.* (Meaning: If I think I might have a concussion I should stop participating in further training, practice or competition immediately, or tell an adult if I think another athlete has a concussion).

• Continuing to participate in further training, practice or competition with a possible concussion increases my risk of more severe, longer lasting symptoms, and increases my risk of other injuries.

I will not hide concussion symptoms. I will speak up for myself and others.

• I will not hide my symptoms. I will tell a coach, official, team trainer, parent or another adult I trust if I experience any symptoms of concussion.

• If someone else tells me about concussion symptoms, or I see signs they might have a concussion, I will tell a coach, official, team trainer, parent or another adult I trust so they can help.

• I understand that if I have a suspected concussion, I will be removed from sport and that I will not be able to return to training, practice or competition until I undergo a medical assessment by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner and have been medically cleared to return to training, practice or competition.

• I have a commitment to sharing any pertinent information regarding incidents of removal from sport with the athlete’s school and any other sport organization with which the athlete has registered* (Meaning: If I am diagnosed with a concussion, I understand that letting all of my other coaches and teachers know about my injury will help them support me while I recover.)

I will take the time I need to recover, because it is important for my health.

• I understand my commitment to supporting the return-to-sport process* (I will have to follow my sport organization’s Return-to-Sport Protocol).

• I understand I will have to be medically cleared by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner before returning to training, practice or competition.

• I will respect my coaches, team trainers, parents, health-care professionals, and medical doctors and nurse practitioners, regarding my health and safety.

Niagara Centre Skating Club does have a facebook and instagram page. The Board likes to post pictures of special and fun events happening at the club. We do not post close-ups of faces, names of skaters or which days the group skates. We will post the session (PreCan, CanSkate, PrePower, etc).

I, as parent/guardian or skater over 18 years of age, give permission to NCSC to post pictures and video's, with my child/myself participating in skating related activities, on their social media pages. 

As a courtesy to other skaters, if you have chosen no for the photo waiver, please have your skater excuse themselves when group photos are being taken.  

I also understand that no royalty fee or other compensation shall become payable to me by reason of such use. 

The Meridian Community Centre is equipped with LiveBarn cameras. LiveBarn is a subscription service, that allows anyone, from anywhere to watch live and on demand amateur sports. NCSC has opted to blackout all programming.

Please read the corresponding Rowan's Law for the age of your skater on this registration form. These documents are available on the Government of Ontario website.  

Rowan's Law ages 10 & under

Rowan's Law ages 11 to 14

Rowan's Law ages 15 & up

Risk Factors: That any skater(s) participating in the activities of the Niagara Centre Skating Club assume a level of risk as with any activity. I hereby release and forever discharge the Niagara Centre Skating Club and its agents, being all coaches, directors, officers, volunteers, members, staff, successors and /or assignees of all claims, damages, actions or causes of action arising by reason of the participation of skaters in skating or other club activities. I also release Niagara Centre Skating Club and its agents from all claims or demands whatsoever in the law or in equity which I, my heir, executors, administrators, or assignees can, shall or may have because of participation.

For the safety of all participants, a parent, legal guardian, or designated responsible adult must remain in the arena at all times while a skater under the age of 12 years is on the ice.

This policy applies to all skaters under the age of 12, enrolled in any program offered by the Niagara Centre Skating Club.

• A parent/guardian (or a responsible adult over the age of 18) must be present in the arena (inside the building) for the entire duration of the session.

• Parents must be readily available in the event their child needs assistance (e.g., bathroom breaks, injury, or early dismissal).

• Parents are expected to ensure that skaters are appropriately dressed and prepared before entering the ice.

• Children under 12 who arrive at the rink without a parent or guardian present may be denied participation in the session.

• Repeated failure to comply with this policy may result in removal from the program without refund.

This policy is strictly enforced by Niagara Centre Skating Club staff and volunteers. It is in place to ensure quick response in the event of:

• Injury

• Illness

• Emotional distress

• On-ice incidents

Weather Policy: If the arena is open, our programs are running. 

The fastest way for NCSC to inform skaters of weather or emergency cancellations is through our Niagara Centre Skating Club Facebook page. Weather and emergency cancellations are posted on the Facebook page for the Town of Pelham and City of Welland. Emails to families will be a secondary source to get information to our membership. 

We ask you to use your best discretion when deciding to drive during inclement weather.

July 15, 2024

Purpose

Niagara Centre Skating Club (NCSC) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our members, employees, volunteers, and other stakeholders. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and manage personal information in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other applicable laws. We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website, and we encourage members to review the policy periodically.

Collection of Personal Information

We collect personal information for various purposes, including membership registration, program participation, and communication. The types of personal information we collect may include:

• Name

• Contact details (e.g., address, phone number, email)

• Date of birth

• Medical information (for safety purposes)

• Payment information

Personal information is the information that relates to you as an identifiable individual. It does not include business information (e.g. business address and telephone number)

Use of Personal Information

The personal information we collect is generally used for, but not limited to, the following:

• Managing membership and participation in club/skating school activities.

• Communicating with members, employees, and volunteers.

• Providing services and support.

• Ensuring the safety and well-being of our members.

• Processing payments and donations.

• Complying with legal and regulatory requirements.
  
  

Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose personal information to:

• Authorized employees and volunteers who need the information to perform their duties.

• Third-party service providers (e.g., payment processors) who assist us in our operations.

• Skate Ontario and Skate Canada 

• Legal authorities, if required by law or to protect our rights and safety.
  
  

Storage and Security

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from loss, theft, unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use, or modification. Personal information is stored in secure locations and accessed only by authorized personnel.

Access and Correction

Members have the right to access their personal information and request corrections if necessary. To access or correct your personal information, please contact us at niagaracentreskatingclub@gmail.com.

Retention and Disposal

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law. When personal information is no longer needed, we dispose of it securely.

Rights and Choices

Members have the right to:

• Access their personal information.

• Request corrections to their personal information.

• Withdraw consent for the use of their personal information (subject to legal or contractual restrictions).

July 25, 2024

Policy Statement  

Niagara Centre Skating Club (NCSC) is committed to: 

• ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities. We are committed to treating people with disabilities in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and we are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner. We will do so by removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and meeting our accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Ontario’s accessibility laws; 

• meeting its current and ongoing obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code respecting non-discrimination; 

• understanding that obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and its accessibility standards do not substitute or limit its obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code or obligations to people with disabilities under any other law; 

• excellence in serving and providing goods, services or facilities to all customers including people with disabilities. 

 Our accessible customer service policies are consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity for people with disabilities. 

Training 

We are committed to training all staff and volunteers in accessible customer service, other Ontario’s accessibility standards and aspects of the Ontario Human Rights Code that relate to persons with disabilities. In addition, we will train: 

a) all persons who participate in developing the organization’s policies; and 

b) all other persons who provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of the organization 

 Training of our employees and volunteers on accessibility relates to their specific roles. 

Training will include: 

• the purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the   Customer Service Standards 

• our policies related to the Customer Service Standards 

• how to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities 

• how to interact with people with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or a support person 

• how to use the equipment or devices available on-site or otherwise that may help with providing goods, services or facilities to people with disabilities.  

 The equipment or devices we have include: 

Access to Town owned Skating aides

 If a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing our organization’s goods, services or facilities please contact: Niagara Centre Skating Club  
Contact Information for assistance: niagaracentreskatingclub@gmail.com

 We train every person as soon as practicable after being hired and provide training in respect of any changes to the policies. We maintain records of the training provided including the dates on which the training was provided and the number of individuals to whom it was provided. 

 Assistive Devices 

 People with disabilities may use their personal assistive devices when accessing our goods, services or facilities. In cases where the assistive device presents a significant and unavoidable health or safety concern or may not be permitted for other reasons, other measures will be used to ensure the person with a disability can access our goods, services or facilities. 
 

We ensure that our staff are trained and familiar with various assistive devices we have on site or that we provide that may be used by customers with disabilities while accessing our goods, services or facilities. 

If applicable, identify how your organization will train staff on the use of assistive devices: 

None at this time

Communication  

 We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability by providing written communications through our online media that users can manipulate to their needs such as, large print, and language translation using online translation tools. Additionally, staff will speak by phone as required to provide verbal communication in plain language as requested by users of our goods and services.

Service animals  

 We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public. When we cannot easily identify that an animal is a service animal, our staff may ask for documentation (template, letter or form) from a regulated health professional that confirms the person needs the service animal for reasons relating to their disability. 

 If service animals are prohibited by another law, we will do the following to ensure people with disabilities can access our goods, 

services or facilities: 

• explain why the animal is excluded 

• discuss with the customer another way of providing goods, services or facilities 

 Support persons  

 A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to have that person accompany them on our premises.  

If a fee or fare is normally charged to a customer for accessing your goods, services or facilities, choose one of the following options: 

• Where admission fees are charged, provide notice ahead of time on what admission, if any, would be charged for a support person of a person with a disability 

• A Skate Canada Registration fee of $62 would be required to enter the ice surface. 

 In certain cases, this organization might require a person with a disability to be accompanied by a support person for the health or safety reasons of: 

• the person with a disability 

• others on the premises 

 Before making a decision, this organization name will: 

• consult with the person with a disability to understand their needs 

• consider health or safety reasons based on available evidence 

• determine if there is no other reasonable way to protect the health or safety of the person or others on the premises 

 If this organization determines that a support person is required, we will waive the admission fee or fare (if applicable) for the support person. 

 Notice of temporary disruption 

 In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for customers with disabilities NCSC will notify customers promptly. There will be a clearly posted notice and it will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. The notice will be placed at our property. 

Feedback process  

 NCSC welcomes feedback on how we provide accessible customer service. Customer feedback will help us identify barriers and respond to concerns. 

 Feedback may be provided in the following ways: niagaracentreskatingclub@gmail.com

 You can expect to hear back in 5-10 business days 

July 25, 2024

Purpose 

Niagara Centre Skating Club is committed to providing and exemplifying an equitable, diverse, inclusive, safe and barrier-free environment where every stakeholder feels valued, respected, accepted and supported. 

Application

This Policy applies to all Participants within the Niagara Centre Skating Club community. It should also be read in conjunction with the Skate Canada National Safe Sport Program(https://skatecanada.ca/portfolio-item/safe-sport/), the Niagara Centre Skating Club Accessibility Policy and the Niagara Centre Skating Club Code of Conduct.

Definitions 

Equity: 

Means recognizing that there are barriers to employment, participation, access and inclusion in the workplace and the skating community. The principle of equity acknowledges that systemic barriers exist and action is needed to address historical imbalances, and that addressing systems of disadvantage and exclusions must be rooted in treating individuals fairly, not necessarily equally or the same. 

Diversity: 

Means recognizing that our workplace and skating community are made up of persons who are all unique and bring varied experiences, differences, similarities/dimensions, visible and invisible qualities, perspectives and approaches to the workplace and skating community together with having an array of identities, characteristics, and backgrounds that are representative of our current and evolving population, and that as an organization we support meaningful participation at all levels of diverse peoples as we recognize that this shapes who we are, how we think, who we engage with and how we are perceived. Examples include, but are not limited to, gender, race/ethnicity, Indigenous identities, age, culture, religion, beliefs, language, geography, nationality, differing physical or mental abilities, sexual orientation, personality, style, perspectives, etc. 

Inclusion: 

Means intentionally creating a sense of belonging and a culture based on fairness and equity where all individuals are recognized, accepted, respected, supported and valued for their uniqueness and differences; it is how equity and diversity are put into action for the benefit of the collective; and collectively promoting an environment where individuals can be their full selves. 

Under-Represented Groups: 

Means people who are not represented in the majority in Ontario with respect to national origin, culture, religion, beliefs, language, sexual orientation, people who are seniors, people with different physical and mental abilities, newcomers to Canada, members of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) community, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and additional sexual orientations and gender identities) community.

Guidelines 

To promote and support Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), Niagara Centre Skating Club 

will:

• Oppose Discrimination: Niagara Centre Skating Club will oppose all forms of discriminatory practices. Any incident of discrimination will be addressed according to Niagara Centre Skating Club Code of Conduct (which outlines expectations for appropriate behavior) and the Dispute and Complaints Policy (which outlines the mechanism for reporting and dealing with complaints).

• Encourage Participation: Niagara Centre Skating Club will encourage participation at all levels and in all areas of the sport for all persons, including those considered members of Under-Represented Groups, by leading and supporting initiatives that focus on EDI for Under-Represented Groups.

• Increase Diversity: Niagara Centre Skating Club will strive to increase the diversity of individuals at all levels and in all areas of the sport to bring new ideas, support growth in participation, increase the fan base, and expand the number of qualified personnel to serve as volunteers and staff.

• Reflect Diversity: Niagara Centre Skating Club will strive to have staff and volunteers on its Board of Directors and committees that reflect the diversity of the larger community and include members from Under-Represented Groups.

• Integrate EDI Principles: Niagara Centre Skating Club will ensure that EDI is central to the Board of Directors' and staff's planning, oversight, and policy development.

• Incorporate EDI Principles: Niagara Centre Skating Club] will incorporate EDI principles into all strategies, plans, and actions, including programs, operations, management, sponsorship, marketing, media, and communications. This includes using inclusive language in communications and promoting EDI through inclusive images in promotional materials.

• Raise Awareness: Niagara Centre Skating Club will contribute to raising awareness and understanding of EDI among its membership.

• Share Success Stories: Niagara Centre Skating Club will share local/provincial/national/international successes related to EDI to provide ideas and motivation for others.

• Offer an Inclusive Workplace: Niagara Centre Skating Club will offer a workplace that is accepting and supportive of all people by incorporating EDI into human resource management practices, including hiring practices, performance management processes, job promotion opportunities, pay scales, and accommodation for specific needs.
  

It is the responsibility of all participants of Niagara Centre Skating Club to uphold the principles of EDI in our programs and interactions and identify any opportunities or gaps in the implementation of this Policy.

Feedback and comments on how to create a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment are welcome and appreciated. Feedback is accepted through Niagara Centre Skating Club's designated channels.

To be signed by a parent/guardian of legal age or Adult skater over the age of 18. Recommended for STAR 2+ skaters only.

To be signed if they/you will be participating in the use of the Niagara Centre Skating Club on-ice or off-ice harnesses. You have the right to change your decision regarding the use of the on-ice or off-ice harnesses at any time. 

The most current dated & signed agreement will be deemed as valid.

• Yes, I understand: I represent that I understand the nature and use of the jump harnesses and that my skater is qualified, in good health and in proper physical condition to use the jump harnesses.

• Yes, I acknowledge: I acknowledge that if conditions are unsafe, I will immediately discontinue use of the jump harnesses. I fully understand that use of the jump harnesses involves risks of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis and death, which may be caused by my own actions, or inactions, those of others involved in my use of the jump harnesses, the conditions at which my use of the jump harnesses takes place, or the negligence of the Releasees; and that there may be other risks either not known or not readily foreseeable at the time. 

• Yes, I accept and assume all such risks: I fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages I incur as a result of my skater using the jump harnesses. The jump harnesses installed in the Meridian Community Centre Duliban Rink may only be used by the approved coaches on approved sessions.

• Yes, I understand: At any time if the on-ice or off-ice harnesses are found to be defective, or inoperable the skater will discontinue the use of the harness and report immediately to a coach and the NCSC office personnel. 

• Yes, I agree: I hereby release, discharge, and covenant not to take legal action against the Meridian Community Centre, Town of Pelham, Niagara Centre Skating Club, or their directors, officers, administrators, sponsors, volunteers, agents, employees, staff, instructors, coaches, Skate Canada, Skate Ontario, trainers, other participants and if applicable, owners and lessors of the premises at which my skaters use of the on-ice and off-ice jump harnesses takes place (collectively the "Releasees") from all liability, claims, demands, losses, or damages on my account caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the Releasees or otherwise, including negligent rescue operations; and I further agree that if, despite this release, waiver of liability, and assumption of risk, I or anyone on my behalf, makes a claim against any of the Releasees, I will indemnify, save, and hold harmless each of the Releasees from any loss, liability, damage, or cost which may incur as the result of such claim. 

I have read this Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement. I understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing it and have signed it freely and without any inducement or assurance of any nature and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law. I agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid, the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect. 

Physical copies of this waiver are available in the Pelham Club office, and must be signed for each skater prior to use.