SCBC aims to promote a safe, supportive environment for the skating community that equally respects our common interests and our differences for all skaters to enjoy the sport and fulfill their own individual goals within a team spirit. In support of this objective, the SCBC has adopted the following Code of Conduct based on the following principles:

• SCBC by-laws and rules.
• City of Brampton Recreation rules.
• A harassment free policy.

Members and parents of junior members are required to review, discuss, and accept this Code of Conduct and indicate that they have read and understand their responsibilities by acknowledging  this agreement before participating in Club activities.

All SCBC members must conduct themselves in a manner respectful of all policies and property at the Ice rink as well as any other facility. Any violation of facility policy may result in disciplinary action from the Club. This Code of Conduct is also in effect when the Club is represented at out of town activities. Please exhibit a model of behaviour that will provide a good example to the community and encourage pride in our club.

• Members are expected to display proper respect and sportsmanship towards their fellow skaters, coaches, officials, parents, Board of Directors and the general public at all times.
• Members are expected to follow the direction of City of Brampton staff and SCBC members acting as rink attendants during Club sessions or Club events.
• Members shall not harass or abuse, physically or verbally, any other fellow skaters, coaches, officials or parent at any time.
• At team events, simulations and competitions skaters are encouraged to make an effort to support their fellow skaters during their performances.
• Members are expected to follow any coach’s instructions where that coach may request restrictions on routines or elements that he/she deems unsafe or dangerous to other skaters on any club ice session.
• Members are expected to follow the Ice Etiquette and Guidelines for Fun and Safe Skating.
• Any act performed by a Club member that a rink attendant, Club member, coach or parent sees and deems unsafe or inappropriate may be brought to the SCBC Board of Directors attention for any disciplinary action necessary.

Parents/Guardians Code of Conduct

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

In this code “parents” shall refer to “parents and guardians”. This code applies to all parents who are members of Skate Canada or have children who are members of Skate Canada. Parents shall abide by this code at all times while participating in any Skate Canada club or school, competition, or activity.

All parents are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner consistent with the values of fair play, integrity, open communication and mutual respect.

Parents shall always model positive responsible behaviour and communicate with their son/daughter that they expect them to do the same. Parents will assume the major responsibility for their athlete’s on-ice conduct and attitude.

Parents shall at all times treat all individuals and property with dignity, courtesy and respect, including but not limited to skaters, coaches, officials, volunteers, other parents, and all other individuals that are part of the Club, Section or Skate Canada.

• Parents shall refrain from any behaviour or comments which are profane, insulting, harassing, sexist, racist, abusive, disrespectful or otherwise offensive without hostility or violence.
• Parents shall emphasize the importance of values like sportsmanship, respect, cooperation, competition and teamwork to their athlete offering praise for competing fairly, participation and skill development.
• Parents shall model and encourage their athlete to maintain a healthy balance between skating and life. (e.g., school, other activities, social life, etc.)
• Parents shall set high, but reasonable expectations for their athlete’s participation in skating focusing on development and enjoyment for the child.
• Parents shall instill confidence in their athlete’s ability and skill development, always avoiding comparisons with other skaters.
• Parents shall celebrate the acquisition of skills and goals achieved by their athlete.
• Parents, along with the professional coach and the athlete, shall be considered members of a team whose main concern is the child’s overall progress and development. Parents shall respect that the professional coach is responsible and empowered for the on‐ice and off‐ice development of the athlete. A parent’s role shall be to take a healthy interest in their child’s progress and development and be responsible for the child’s nutrition, rest, adherence to off‐ice training regimen set by the coach or other fitness professional, overall health, life‐balance, and moral and emotional support.
• Parents shall ensure their athlete wears proper skating clothing and equipment.
• Parents shall never provide alcohol or drugs to minors in a Skate Canada environment.
• Parents shall never provide or advocate the use of performance enhancing drugs or substances.
• Parents shall avoid any conduct, which brings their club, skating school, Section or Skate Canada, into disrepute, including but not limited to abusive use of alcohol, non‐medical use of drugs and gambling.
• Parents shall openly support and uphold this code of conduct policy and take action and steps to ensure other parents follow and uphold this code of conduct policy.
• Parents shall adhere to the policies, procedures, rules, standards, and ethics of Skate Canada at all times.

Parents and guardians are responsible for their children’s conduct at all times. Per City of Brampton policy, children under 10 years of age must be accompanied in the facility by a parent or designated guardian who is at least 14 years of age. For registered club programs, a parent or designated guardian must remain in the building for the duration of the session.

Resolution of Conflict

With many different people and personalities coming together to participate in skating – whether as skaters, friends, family or fans – it is no surprise that conflicts will occasionally arise from differences of opinion or simple misunderstandings.

Moreover, the fast-paced, risky nature of skating makes it natural that skaters will sometimes collide or accidentally get in each other’s way – even when they are maintaining complete awareness and exercising reasonable caution. As a friendly reminder, all skaters who accidentally run into each other or cut each other off are encouraged to say, “I’m sorry”,  or excuse themselves in a polite manner, even if it appears that the other person is more at fault. It shows graciousness, maturity and respect – qualities that bring out the best in all of us.

However, if a member wishes to object to an instruction by an ice rink attendant, coach, parent or fellow skater, the member shall make the objection known to his/her own coach first. The skater’s coach is responsible for resolution of the issue. If the coach cannot reach resolution of the issue, the coach shall then bring the matter to the Board in writing.

Disciplinary Action

CLASS I

• Intentionally leaving objects on the ice
• Chewing gum, eating, or drinking on the ice (exception for water/sports drink at the boards).
• Discourteous behaviour

CLASS II

• Abusive or obscene language, profanity, or any gesture of profanity
• Lack of cooperation with any official, parent, coach or rink staff
• Displaying or promoting unsafe actions on the ice or elsewhere in the facility
• Deliberately skating in a manner that interferes with another skater’s safety
• Any destruction or defacement of property including the ice surface

CLASS III

• Any intentional physical contact, bodily or by throwing objects, which would be considered aggressive in nature by a responsible, prudent person
• Threatening or harassing of other skaters or persons
• Possession or use of any illegal substance on the premises
• Theft

Consequences for Infractions

CLASS I

• 1st offense – verbal warning
• 2nd offense – verbal warning of upgrade upon next offense
• 3rd offense – upgrade to Class II – 1st offense

CLASS II

• 1st offense – Immediate removal from the ice and loss of privileges for the following session, Written apology to offended party, Letter of reprimand with warning of upgrade upon next offense
• 2nd offense – Meeting of all parties concerned for disposition, Upgrade to Class III

CLASS III

A class III infraction will require a meeting of the Board , skater, and parents if the skater is a minor.

• 1st offense – Removal from Club ice and Club activities for a length of time to be determined by the Board, Written letter of apology to offended party, If the skater is under 18 years of age, upon return to ice, parent must accompany skater for a period of time to be determined by the Board
• 2nd offense – Permanent Club suspension

Policy Statement and Application

SCBC is committed to providing an equitable, diverse, inclusive and barrier-free environment where every stakeholder feels valued, respected, accepted and supported.

This policy applies to all stakeholders in the SCBC community. It should also be read in conjunction with the National Safe Sport Program and the SCBC 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 our workplace and skating community is made up of persons who are all unique and bring varied experienced, differences, similarities/dimensions, 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. Examples include, but are not limited to, gender, race/ethnicity, indigeneity, age, culture, generation, religion, language, education, geography, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, etc.

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

Guidelines

To promote and support inclusivity, SCBC will strive to:

• Encourage participation at all levels and in all areas of the sport for populations that are traditionally underrepresented
• Increase the diversity of individuals involved with skating to help bring new ideas, support growth in participation, increase the fan base and expand the number of qualified personnel to serve as volunteers and staff for SCBC
• Ensure the mix of staff and volunteer leaders on the Board and committees reflects the diversity of the larger SCBC community
• Contribute to raising awareness and understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion amongst our membership
• Encourage member clubs and affiliated agencies to ensure equal opportunities for all
• Share local/provincial/national/international successes related to inclusion in order to provide ideas and motivation for others
• Offer a workplace that is accepting and supportive of all people

It is the responsibility of all SCBC stakeholders to uphold the principles of inclusion in our activities and interactions and identify any opportunities or gaps in the implementation of this policy.

Policy Administration

SCBC maintains and reviews this policy at a minimum of every 3 years. In recognition of the evolving nature of equity, diversity and inclusion policies, SCBC is committed to updating and enhancing this policy pending direction from Skate Ontario, Skate Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries.

Creating an Account

Parents must create an online account as the Member and then add the skater(s) as Participant(s). For adult skaters and skaters (over 18 years old) who are registering for themselves, there is a checkbox to identify that you would also be the participant of a program.

Accessing and Maintaining Your Account

• Access the Registration page.
• In your account, you can access your invoices, change your contact information and payment method.
• Make sure that your Account has an accurate email address and phone number should we need to contact you. Your email is the primary source of communication on all Club information.
• If your credit card has changed or the expiry date updated, please ensure that you update your account with the latest information. SCBC does not have access to your credit card information.

Age Requirements

In order to provide safe and enjoyable programming, age restrictions may be applied to certain program offerings. Skaters must be the minimum age required on the start date of the program (unless otherwise stated). Proof of age may be required at the time of registration.

To register for CanSkate, SCBC’s Learn to Skate Program, skaters must be at least 4 years old by the end of December of the current year. For Pre-CanSkate, skaters must be at least 3 years old at the time the program starts.

Skaters over the age of 18 must show proof of full-time enrollment in post-secondary education to sign up for SCBC sessions, since SCBC is a youth program subsidized by the City of Brampton. The exception is skaters training full-time in a high-performance Skate Canada program (Junior or Senior level).

SCBC also offers Adult sessions for those who wish to continue skating.

As a Brampton Community Sport Group and member of the Brampton Sport Alliance (BSA), SCBC is expected to ensure and prioritize registrations opportunities for all Brampton Residents. When non-residents of Brampton register, there is a requirement that a Non-Resident surcharge be paid on the registration fees. This fee will be paid to SCBC, and will then be remitted to the City of Brampton.

As a Brampton affiliated Youth Sport Organization, SCBC receives preferred ice rates and benefits from the City provided we ensure services and registrations are available to all Brampton Residents.

As outlined in the Community Sport Group Policy:

• All Community Sport Groups must maintain a minimum of 80% City of Brampton resident and/or ratepayer participation within their overall registration base. House League programs must maintain a minimum of 90% resident participation.
• Community Sport Groups are required to maintain a “Declared Non-Resident List” and provide this information to the City prior to each playing season and upon request.
• Non-resident participants may be subject to a surcharge in accordance with the City’s User Fee By-Law.

Additionally, under the City of Brampton User Fee By-Law, Youth Groups are required to collect a non-resident surcharge of 30%, up to a maximum of $100 per non-resident registration. These surcharge amounts must be remitted to the City of Brampton within 60 days after the start of the group’s playing season.

A copy of the Community Group Affiliation Policy is available for your review in the SCBC office if you would like to review the entire Policy. This Policy also outlines the benefits that SCBC receives as a service provider to the Brampton Community

This Policy applies to registration in other City run programs and use of City fitness and aquatic facilities, where a surcharge is charged to non-residents of Brampton.

Determining Resident Status

• Residents: If you or your landlord is paying property taxes in the City of Brampton, you are considered a Brampton resident (proof of residency may be requested)
• Non-Resident: If you or your landlord is not paying property taxes to the City of Brampton, you are considered a non-resident. Brampton municipal taxes are used to subsidize all youth programs; therefore, anyone participating in our programs who do not pay taxes to the City of Brampton is subject to a Non-Resident fee on their registration.

SCBC operates as a not-for-profit organization that requires the support of volunteers to operate successfully. The club offers various volunteer opportunities throughout the course of the skating season, such as events and competitions that we host in partnership with Skate Ontario.

We also have volunteer opportunities throughout the season including the Holiday Show in December, session reps for CanSkate and StarSkate sessions and our annual Star 1-4 Club Competition.

The volunteer commitment applies to all registered skater families in the following sessions: Bridging, Star 1, Star 2/3, Star 4/5, Provincial, Open, Ice Dance, Pre-Competitive, Competitive, Teen/Adult Star 1-4 and Gold Ice synchronized skating teams.

The volunteer requirement for each family is 15 volunteer hours or $300. For families with multiple children in our program, an additional 5 hours or $75 is required per each additional child.

Payment

The volunteer fee ($300 for first skater + $75 for each additional skater) will be added to your registration fee. Once your volunteer hours have been verified, the credit will be returned in the form of a direct refund to your credit card.

Note: There is no payout for partial hours completed against your deposit. If you do not complete the required number of volunteer hours, your volunteer fee will not be returned.

Volunteer hours may be contributed by skaters, only where the skater has reached 16 years of age. There are a limited number of opportunities for these skaters to gain the necessary hours. Check with the  SCBC Board to determine what qualifies as acceptable hours. These skaters at their discretion, can use these hours towards the High School Volunteer Commitment that students are required to complete. Volunteer hours may not be used for both, therefore the skater will need to decide how they would like their hours counted.

CanSkate Program Assistant hours do not count as part of the volunteer commitment under this program.

Reporting

Volunteer Reporting Cards are available for all members through the SCBC website or in the office. Once you have completed a volunteer session, you are to record this on your form and have it signed off in the club office. Only SCBC Board members are able to authorize your volunteer hours.

Volunteer forms are due back to the Club, on or before June 1st of the skating year. Only these hours will be used to count towards your volunteer hours for the year. Any hours after June 1st will be counted towards the following year’s volunteer commitment.

Skaters who register for a StarSkate (or higher) or Bridging program March 1st or later are not required to complete the volunteer commitment.

Information on each of these volunteer opportunities will be communicated out to our membership as each event approaches.

Rowan’s Law Requirement

Under Ontario’s Rowan’s Law, every skater under 26, every parent/guardian of a skater under 18, and all coaches, officials, and designated persons must review the required Concussion Awareness Resources and SCBC’s Concussion Code of Conduct before registering each season. Acknowledgement is completed through Uplifter at the time of registration.

If you’re registered with more than one sport organization in a given year, you only need to review a Concussion Awareness Resource once — but you must confirm that review, and review/confirm the Concussion Code of Conduct, separately with each organization you register with.

Exception: athletes registered with a University, College, or other post-secondary institution follow that institution’s Rowan’s Law process instead.

Concussion Code of Conduct

Before you can register for SCBC programs, you must review the information:

• Concussion Awareness booklet
  • Ages 10 and Under
  • Ages 11–14
  • Ages 15 and Up
• Skate Ontario’s Concussion Policy

Parents/Guardians must acknowledge that they have reviewed the information during registration in Uplifter.

Concussion Information

Recognizing a Concussion

A concussion is a brain injury that won’t show up on an X-ray, CT, or MRI. It can be caused by any blow to the head, face, neck, or body that jars the brain. Most people with a concussion do not lose consciousness — a single symptom is enough to suspect one, and symptoms can appear right away or hours/days later.

Common signs include headache, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, confusion, trouble concentrating, sleep changes, and irritability or low mood.

Call 911 immediately if any of these red flags appear: neck pain, double vision, weakness or tingling in the limbs, a severe or worsening headache, seizure, loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, or increasing confusion or agitation.

If a Concussion Is Suspected

1. Remove the skater from the ice or activity immediately — even if they feel fine or insist on continuing.
2. Get them assessed by a physician or nurse practitioner.
3. Follow a gradual, medically guided return to school and sport, using the Concussion Return to Play Form.

A skater cannot return back to the ice unless the Return to Play form is signed and brought back.

Additional Resources

Ontario Government – Rowan’s Law & Concussion Safety

This information is for general awareness only and does not constitute medical advice. For emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. For concussion-related health care advice, consult a physician or nurse practitioner.

Ticket Ice is additional time that a SCBC member can arrange with their coach(es) to supplement their regular practice and training routine. Ticket Ice cannot be used as a primary training period in lieu of registering in a regularly scheduled session.

Ticket Ice is available to all SCBC registered members, who have registered in minimum 2-day regularly scheduled SCBC session. If you are not registered in a minimum of 2 scheduled sessions, you are not eligible to use Ticket Ice time. Gold Ice registered skaters, Teen/Adult StarSkate, and CanSkate athletes may also use Ticket Ice. To use Ticket Ice, a skater must be working with their coach on that session.

To access Ticket Ice, all members are required to register online. Attendance will be taken for the Ticket Ice sessions.

Out of club skaters who are registered members of Skate Canada, in good standing at their club and registered in a 2-day session in their club can access Ticket Ice privileges with an SCBC coach during Ticket Ice times. These skaters and/or their coach are responsible for registration for Ticket Ice. Any coach/instructor who is not on the SCBC coaching staff, may not instruct on Ticket Ice without the knowledge and prior authorization of the SCBC Board.

Skaters are not permitted on the ice without the presence of an SCBC contracted coach.

Any skater found to be using a Ticket Ice session without a coach on the ice, will be suspended from all Ticket Ice privileges for the remainder of the season.

Skate Canada Brampton-Chinguacousy coaches are contracted by the Club to provide professional coaching services to the membership and are governed by Skate Canada under the Coaches Code of Ethics. Coaches are privately contracted for services by a member for the purposes of private instruction to the skater. If a member feels that at any time they are unhappy with the services the Coach is providing or feel that any of the Skate Canada Coaches Code of Ethics guidelines may have been violated it is first the responsibility of the member to communicate and arrange an informal meeting with the Coach in order to make every effort to resolve the complaint informally to the satisfaction of both parties.

A Member is encouraged to file a complaint with the Club if an informal mutually acceptable result is not accomplished under the following circumstances:

• A member feels that confronting/meeting the Coach is not possible
• A member confronts/meets with the Coach and the behaviour continues
• A member feels that they have made all efforts to communicate with the Coach directly to resolve the conflict.

All complaints from a Member must include the following before the Club may proceed with the complaint:

• Name of Parent, Skater and Coach
• Details of complaint including nature of, dates, times, witnesses and all other pertinent details.
• Details of efforts to resolve the complaint through direct communication with the coach.
• Summary of results expected from complaint.

A Coach against whom a formal complaint has been made has the right:

• To be informed that a complaint has been made
• To be provided with a copy of the complaint outlining particulars of the allegations.
• To be afforded the opportunity to respond to the complaint
• To be represented or accompanied by another person of his or her choice (including legal counsel) during any interviews in relation to the complaint.

All complaints in regards to coaching issues must be in writing and forwarded to chair@skatescbc.ca.

Confidentiality

Skate Canada Brampton-Chinguacousy understands that it can be extremely difficult to come forward with a complaint and that it can be devastating to be wrongly accused. SCBC recognizes the interests of both the complainant and the respondent in maintaining confidentiality. SCBC will make every effort to resolve the complaint under the Club’s Dispute Resolution Policy. If complaints cannot be dealt with at a Club level, further action may be taken at a Section or National level.

The additional policies established by Skate Canada are used as guidelines within Skate Canada Brampton-Chinguacousy to promote consistency and operational efficiency, enhance the organization’s mission and mitigate significant association risk. The policies can be found on the Skate Canada policies webpage.

SCBC from time to time takes photographs or video of the skaters. Any photograph or video may be included on our website or social media, in the local newspapers, or any other club related document, information sheet or advertising relating to the club. The use of photographs and video will be limited to these purposes. Please email info@skatescbc.ca if you have any questions regarding this policy.