The Gallatin Ice Figure Skating Code of Conduct establishes the behavioral expectations for all participants and supports a safe, respectful, and positive environment where skaters can learn, practice, and enjoy the sport of figure skating.
This Code of Conduct applies to all skaters, coaches, parents, guardians, volunteers, and spectators participating in or attending Gallatin Ice figure skating activities, including Learn to Skate, Rising Stars, Stars, Travel Team, Open Freestyle sessions, performances, competitions, camps, clinics, and special events.
Participation in Gallatin Ice figure skating programs is a privilege. Every member of our skating community shares responsibility for creating a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment.
General Expectations
All members of the Gallatin Ice figure skating community are expected to:
- Demonstrate sportsmanship, respect, and professionalism at all times.
- Treat skaters, coaches, staff, volunteers, officials, parents, guardians, and spectators with courtesy and respect.
- Support a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where every skater has the opportunity to learn, progress, and enjoy the sport.
- Follow reasonable directions from the Skating Director, Gallatin Ice coaching staff, and rink staff.
- Address questions or concerns respectfully through the appropriate channels.
- Refrain from disruptive, abusive, intimidating, harassing, offensive, or inappropriate behavior or language.
- Respect Gallatin Ice facilities, equipment, and rink policies.
Coaches are expected to model these standards at all times.
Parent & Guardian Expectations
Parents and guardians are expected to model the same standards of sportsmanship, respect, and professionalism expected of all members of the Gallatin Ice community.
Parents and guardians are also expected to:
- Communicate respectfully with coaches, staff, and other skating families.
- Direct questions or concerns to the Skating Director through the appropriate process.
- Allow time to cool down before addressing concerns when emotions are high.
- Respect the instructional role of Gallatin Ice coaches. Parents and guardians may not coach or instruct skaters from the boards, glass, benches, rink doorways, or other viewing areas during classes, practices, or events.
- Avoid publicly criticizing skaters, coaches, staff, volunteers, officials, or Gallatin Ice programs.
Registration & Payment
- Registration, including payment, must be completed before participating in any Gallatin Ice figure skating program or session.
- Coaches are responsible for confirming that skaters receiving private lessons have completed registration prior to instruction.
Open Freestyle Expectations
Open Freestyle sessions are intended for teaching and practice. Skaters and coaches are expected to share the ice safely and cooperatively.
- Follow directions from the Skating Director, Gallatin Ice coaching and rink staff regarding safety and session operations.
- Wait until the Zamboni doors are closed before entering the ice and promptly exit when the doors open.
- Remain aware of other skaters and take reasonable steps to avoid collisions or interference.
- Personal headsets or earbuds may not be worn while skating.
- Only skaters and coaches are permitted on the players' benches and in the scorekeeper's box.
- Harness use is permitted during Open Freestyle sessions only.
- Session times are subject to change. Reasonable notice will be provided whenever possible.
Private Lessons & Music
- Private lessons are permitted only at the discretion of the Skating Director.
- Guest coaching requires prior approval from the Skating Director.
- Virtual coaching is not permitted.
- Music must be appropriate for a family-friendly facility.
- During busy sessions, music should be placed in line in the scorekeeper's box and played by the skater or coach on a first-come, first-served basis. Coaches actively teaching lessons have priority for music selection and may play lesson music ahead of skaters waiting in line.
- Music may not be started during the final three minutes of a session.
Gallatin Ice Programs During Open Freestyle
When Gallatin Ice classes, clinics, camps, or other instructional programs are conducted during an Open Freestyle session:
- Gallatin Ice instructional programs have priority for ice usage and music as needed for safe operation.
- Skaters who are not enrolled in the program are expected to cooperate with temporary skating patterns, music priorities, or activity restrictions.
- Outside scheduled Gallatin Ice programming, Open Freestyle remains a shared practice session where skaters and coaches are expected to share the ice and music cooperatively.
Administration & Corrective Action
The Skating Director is responsible for the administration, interpretation, and day-to-day application of this Code of Conduct.
Participation in Gallatin Ice figure skating activities is contingent upon compliance with this Code of Conduct and all other applicable Gallatin Ice policies. Conduct that is inconsistent with this Code of Conduct may be addressed by the Skating Director or, when appropriate, referred to the Disciplinary Action Committee for review in accordance with the GIF Disciplinary Action Framework.
Parent Resources
The following U.S. Figure Skating Parent Guides are available as additional resources for families:
Let's all do our part to keep skating safe, positive, and enjoyable for everyone.
