USC Skating Etiquette 2026

General

  • Treat employees and visitors of Varsity Centre and Mattamy Athletic Centre with respect.
  • Be courteous to others, skaters, coaches, judges, board members, parents, rink employees and visitors at all times.
  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
  • Promote the well-being of fellow skaters by positive encouragement or by reporting any unhealthy or dangerous conduct to coaches, board members or parents.                                                                                  
  • No food or gum should be taken on the ice. Plastic or metal bottles are acceptable but must be left at the boards. Glass bottles are not permitted.

Ice Etiquette

  • Appreciation and awareness on all sessions and even more so on a session with adults and young skaters both on the ice to ensure safety and efficiency on all sessions.
  • For safety, no ear buds in use on the ice for skaters under 18 and then only with permission from club board member.
  • Arrive on time for your sessions allowing time to warm up and stretch before going on the ice to prevent injuries.
  • CanSkate lessons will be limited to a section of ice using pylons going across the rink when other programs are on the ice at the same time, following  Canskate Procedures. Canskate coaches can lead skaters on a fast circuit close to  the boards as listed in Canskate procedures.
  • Entering/exiting, do not go on the ice before the Zamboni is finished and leave the ice immediately when the session ends.
  • Keep moving, being aware of other skaters at all times, and anticipate other skater’s paths to avoid collisions. Do not stand in the middle of the ice to chat or rest – use the corners or boards.
  • Right of way:
    • The skater whose music is playing has absolute right of way
    • Club group lessons have second priority
    • Skaters in a private lesson with a coach have third priority over those skating alone
  • Spins are best practised in the centre of the ice and jumps in the corners and ends of the rink.
  • Respectful behaviour, no loud talking, foul language.
  • For safety, no ear buds in use on the ice for skaters under 18 and then only with permission from club board member.