Ice etiquette is a much needed commodity when figure skaters take to the ice.  There are rules that must be followed on the ice, in order to prevent collisions and near misses.  Many new skaters do not know about these rules.  Your coach will instruct you on these issues when you start lessons.

The following are the etiquette rules quoted directly from USFSA:

 1. Student in a lesson has the right of path, and first priority on the ice.  This means other skaters are to move out of their path.

 2. Student doing a program to music also has first priority on the ice.  Again other skaters are to move out of their path.

 3. Lutz Corners

 Because of the nature of the Lutz jump, it is most commonly performed in the 10:00 and 4:00 corners of the rink.  These cornrs are informally called "Lutz Corners", (I call them "jump zones") and can usually be identified by the unusually large concentration of divots in the ice.  Strive to avoid long-term practice activities in these corners, and try to be especially aware of your surroundings when you are in them.  Remember that the approach to a Lutz is long and blind.  The skater doing the Lutz is not likely to see you.

4. Dangerous Singles Moves

When you are practicing elements like camel spins and back spirals, be especially aware of the danger your exposed blades poses to other skaters.  Recognize that once you've started the element, it will be hard for you to see those around you.  Take a good look at your expected "space" before you start the element, and abort it if it looks like you could cause a problem.

5. Predictability

As you skate more, you'll get to the point where you'll recognize that a practice session has a certain "rhythm" to it.  People tend to do pretty "expectable" or "predictable" things, and you can usually pretty much guess where someone else is going, based on what they're doing when you see them (the normal approaches to each jump or spin are pretty recognizable).  If you're a "wrong way" skater (clockwise jumper) be aware that other skaters will probably guess wrong about your intentions pretty often.  If you have clockwise jumpers in your rink, try to recognize them and adjust your expectations accordingly.  Try not to skate or behave in a way that would surprise other skaters.  If you're standing near the boards, don't enter the flow of skaters without checking to make sure you're not going to get into someone else's way.

6. Don't stand around

Refrain from standing around and "visiting" on the ice.  This wastes expensive ice time and presents an additional hazard for other skaters to avoid.  This also makes Mom very upset!!!!         

On- Ice Rules:

Please do not interrupt any coach while they are teaching: you may leave a message for them at the rink office, or wait until the end of the session to speak to them.

It is the skater's responsibility to leave the ice at the end of a session.  If you stay on the ice into another session, (even for 5 minutes), and have not signed-in for that session, you will be automatically charged for the session.  As a practice of on-ice etiquette, please do not wait to be asked to leave the ice.

Skaters involved in a lesson or performing a program/dance pattern, have the right of way on the ice.  Please be polite to each other on the ice.  If you are doing your program it is okay to announce "excuse me please!", or "coming through please!".  This will maintain a level of courtesy among the skaters and will help prevent the potential for any accidents.

Management reserves the right to ask a skater or coach to leave the ice and/or the facility if they engage in any form of verbal or physical behavior that is deemed as inappropriate or dangerous.

Please play program and dance cd's in an orderly and courteous manner-students in a lesson have cd priority.

Please check the bullentin board and website for club news, (meeting dates, test dates, etc.) as well as current events at other rinks in the area.