scv CODEs OF CONDUCT
The Skating Club of Vail is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for members’ physical, emotional, and social development and ensuring that it promotes an environment free of misconduct. This Code of Conduct has been established to ensure the safety of all members using our ice, to ensure quality practice time for all home club, regional, non-members, and guests who purchase ice from the club and who participate in any club-related activities.
Skater Conduct Committments
As a skater for the Skating Club of Vail I promise to give my fullest effort to my coaches, my parents, and myself. I understand that my affiliation to the Skating Club of Vail does not end when I leave the ice, but it extends to giving proper respect to my fellow skaters, coaches, SCV board members, parents, and rink personnel. I will uphold the standard of behavior and sportsmanship that have earned the Skating Club of Vail the positive reputation of being one of the best skating organizations in Colorado.
The Skating Club of Vail is committed to promoting a positive and friendly environment for all skaters. Remember “The Golden Rule” - Treat other people like you want to be treated -- with respect.
The board will follow our 3 step disciplinary policy. (See conflict resolution for more details)
Step 1: Verbal Warning from a Coach or Board Member and a parent will be notified
Step 2: Written Warning from a Coach or Board Member and a parent will be notified
Step 3: Suspension from club activities and/or Termination of Membership. If this occurs there will be no refund of any fees.
3. I will refrain from making or participating in behavior that I know is unacceptable, including but not limited to:
Being late or absent from a class, rehearsal or SCV event twice without letting a Coach know in advance. The Ice Show has its own attendance policy that may vary from standard SCV attendance commitments.
Using a cell phone in class (unless approved by a Coach)
Not following the instructions of the coaches or rink personnel.
Engaging in personal behavior, privately or publicly, that is related to SCV, and that can be construed or interpreted as improper, indiscreet, or offensive by others, even if I may believe otherwise. This includes ridiculing, bullying, blaming or yelling at others.
Making or participating in inappropriate or disparaging comments regarding other skaters, teams, coaches or SCV at any time, including at practices, rehearsals, testing, competitions, events, or on the internet or social media.
4. Because some behaviors warrant skipping steps in the process, the SCV Board reserves the right to skip any step(s) in the progressive discipline process. This includes the following behaviors, but is not limited to:
Violating local laws
Possession, distribution, or use of illegal substances. Illegal substances include alcohol, tobacco/nicotine/vaping and marijuana, as they are illegal in Colorado (and nationally) for anyone under the age of 21.
Causing malicious damage to persons or property.
Possession of any sort of weapons or making verbal threats involving weapons.
5. US Figure Skating policy states that cell phones and other devices with recording and photographic capabilities are prohibited from being used in the locker rooms/changing rooms. If phones or other devices must be used, they should be taken outside of the locker room/changing room.
6. Coaches and SCV board decisions for SCV sponsored events are final (this includes items such as group assignments, music choices, etc). You have the option to opt out if you do not agree with a decision.
SCV Ice Etiquette and Safety:
While in a lesson or practice, it is the skater’s responsibility to always be conscientious and aware of other skaters around them.
Skaters must skate with the flow of other skaters and familiarize themselves with the most commonly used areas for jumps and spins.
The only time a skater has the SOLE right of way is when they are skating their program to music. When you hear another member’s music, please extend that skater the courtesy and move out of their path momentarily. This only takes a moment and you will enjoy the same courtesy while you are performing your program.
Advanced skaters are expected to exhibit patience toward beginner members of the club. Remember, you were an inexperienced skater once, and it takes time for our future generation to advance to the point where they are completely comfortable skating with all levels of skaters.
Parent/Guardian Conduct Commitments
Parents/Guardians are an essential part of the club’s success. Expectations for SCV parents/guardians include:
1.Communicate with the coaches or the board regarding any questions or concerns. Please refer to the “Conflict Resolutions” section that addresses who to contact, respectively and our 3 step Disciplinary Policy.
2. Review Skater Conduct Commitments with your child.
3. Ensure that your skaters arrive at the rink on time for practice sessions, lessons and show related rehearsals. Your skater should be dressed, stretched, warmed-up and on the ice at the start of their lesson or session. If your child will be late or absent from a class or rehearsal, you must let the coach know ahead of time.
4. Pay all fees including SCV freestyle ice, VRD, Mountain Recreation and private lessons, show registrations and any other club fees, in a timely manner. Late payments may result in additional fees and may affect a member's standing with the club. Only members in good standing are eligible to participate in SCV events and activities.
5. Set a positive example for your child. Encourage good sportsmanship with your actions, demonstrating positive support for all skaters, coaches, and officials at every practice, rehearsal, competition, event, and test session.
6. Respect all SCV members (board, skaters, parents, coaches) and rink staff. Do not ridicule, bully, blame or yell at any child, skater, coach, official, or parent in response to a poor performance, skating group or level assignment, or for any other reason. Respect your child’s coaches and their decisions and refrain from “sideline” coaching your child or other skaters. Do not make any inappropriate or disparaging comments regarding other skaters, teams, coaches or individuals at any time, including at practices, rehearsals, testing, competitions, events, or on the internet or social media.
7. Attend scheduled parent meetings to offer ideas and get important information.
8. Help your skater(s) set individual performance goals. Your coach should also do this with their private lesson students.
9. If your skater is injured, please make your coach aware. For more serious injuries, coaches may ask for a note from a physician prior to returning to skating.
10. Get involved to help the club grow, meet other families and foster club camaraderie. Parents are encouraged to participate in various committees throughout the year. We have required yearly volunteer hours for each family, please refer to the “Volunteering” on our website. Additionally, we all families are required to obtain Sponsorship or Ad funding for our annual ice show. Our spring Ice Show and the Vail Invitational would not be successful without the volunteer help and sponsorships acquired by our parents and families.
11. If a skater and their family are considering a coaching change, the parent or guardian should first have a conversation with the current coach before any transition takes place. While families are free to choose the coach who best meets their skater’s needs, open communication is important and helps ensure a smooth transition. SCV coaches do not recruit or solicit skaters who are currently working with another coach. A new coach may not begin working with a skater until the conversation with the current coach has occurred. This process supports a culture of respect and collaboration among our coaching staff and skating families.
Coach Conduct Commitments
As a coach for the Skating Club of Vail I promise to give my fullest effort to the club, skaters, and parents. I understand that my affiliation to SCV does not end when I leave the ice, but it extends to giving proper respect to my fellow coaches, skaters, SCV board members, parents, and rink personnel. I will uphold the standard of behavior and sportsmanship that has earned the Skating Club of Vail the positive reputation of being one of the best skating organizations in Colorado.
1. Treat all parents, skaters, and fellow coaches fairly, equally and with respect.
2. Be prepared for every lesson, class, and show rehearsal by planning in advance and developing a lesson outline beforehand. If you are unable to attend, arrange for a qualified substitute coach in advance and notify the SCV Board of your coverage plan.
3. Uphold highest standards of personal conduct. Obey and abide by all U.S. Figure Skating published rules, regulations, procedures, and Code of Conduct, including Safeskate policies.
4. Submit all coaching documents annually by July 1st including: Certificate of Liability insurance, USFS member and compliance cards, and Safesport certificates.
5. Refrain from alcohol, illegal drugs, or any substance that can affect athlete safety and coaching judgment.
6. Refrain from using any profane or abusive language. Do not make inappropriate or disparaging comments regarding other skaters, teams, coaches or individuals at any time, including at practices, rehearsals, testing, competitions, events, or on the internet or social media.
7. Evaluate skaters’ performance and coach them for improvement. Foster a positive environment that encourages the development of each skater to their fullest potential. Communicate clearly and consistently with parents about their skater’s current level, and keep them informed of skating opportunities, including testing, competitions, ice shows, and exhibitions.
8. Coach and participate in the SCV classes, Ice Show, exhibitions (such as the Eagle Extravaganza and Beaver Creek Exhibitions), SCV purchased freestyle ice, fundraising (such as the Halloween fundraiser) and any other club events. Coaches should participate in at least one of the local Learn to Skate programs. Coaches and Board should agree on coaches’ coverage of all SCV events. If the SCV Board determines that a coach is not meeting the expected level of participation, engagement or commitment, the coach may be required to pay for coaching privileges on SCV freestyle ice.
9. Support the Vail Invitational competition by volunteering and having skaters participate in it.
10. Coaches are expected to address any concerns regarding an athlete in a timely, respectful, and professional manner. When concerns arise related to an athlete’s safety, well-being, performance, or conduct, the coach should:
Communicate directly with the athlete when appropriate, using constructive, age-appropriate, and supportive language.
Ask a skater to leave the ice and review the concern later, if it is not appropriate to discuss during class or rehearsal, or if the situation is disruptive to the class.
Raise concerns privately with their head coach or the SCV Board rather than in public or in front of other athletes.
Base discussions on observable behaviors and facts, avoiding assumptions or personal judgments.
Maintain professionalism and composure, even in challenging situations.
Document and escalate concerns when necessary, following the SCV policies on Conflict Resolution and our 3 step Disciplinary Policy.
Collaborate with parents/guardians when applicable, in a transparent and respectful manner.
11. SCV coaches will refrain from actively recruiting or soliciting skaters who are currently training with another coach. If a skater and their parents wish to change coaches, the parent must first communicate directly with their current coach regarding their decision. The prospective new coach may not assume coaching responsibilities until that conversation has taken place and all parties have been appropriately informed. This policy is intended to promote professionalism, respect and clear communication among coaches, skaters and families.