Safety and Your Liability

Safety and Your Liability

Originally published May/June 2019 PS Magazine

As we get closer to renewal time, it is apparent that our liability insurance rates are going up. In discussions between our insurance carrier and their underwriters, surprisingly or not, the main issue is the number of collisions on free skate sessions that are resulting in an injury and our members being sued. In talking with our insurance carrier, it was suggested that PSA remind our coaches of their responsibility in helping foster a safe training atmosphere.

Their comment reminded me of an article I had written years ago called, “The Forgotten Art of Skating Etiquette.” I did several seminars on the topic and a companion DVD was produced and can be seen on PSA TV- it is free for everyone! I encourage you to share the link with your skaters and fellow coaches. It is our responsibility to teach our skaters safety and the rules that help create a safe and efficient training environment. Here are some of the highlights of what is important.

General Rules for Skaters:

·         Skaters should be courteous – “Excuse me, Thanks, Heads-up”

·         Look both ways before skating away from the barrier

·         When passing slower skaters, always pass to the outside of the skater

·         When skating towards another skater, and when in doubt, skate to the right

Right of Way:

·         Programs have the 1st priority to the right of way

·         Lessons have the 2nd priority to the right of way

·         Seniority has the 3rd right of way and the responsibility to avoid collisions

·         MIF and dance have the lowest priority on designated free skate sessions

Programs:          

·         Programs have the 1st priority to the right of way

·         The program skater should be easily identifiable. Use a fluorescent colored vest or material that can be tied around the waist.

·         Coaches should NOT follow a skater during the program

Coaching Suggestions:

• Closer to competition time, coaching should be done from the side or off the ice completely. Practice as you compete, compete as you practice.
• As a general practice, do not let skaters skate behind you
• Coaches have the ultimate responsibility to control the safety of a session
• When teaching spins, it is advantageous to do so in the center of the ice. This cuts down on the skater having to travel straight across the traffic pattern to the barrier and less disruptive to the flow of traffic.
• Coaching corners- a great spot to teach younger skaters who need closer attention.
• Avoid standing jumps using the blue lines or the center red line. This can be very disruptive to the flow of traffic and dangerous for the skater. If required, use the area in the second half of the session, the rationale being that generally there is less skating activity as the session progresses.

Training Harness:

• Skater to the left of instructor
• Two hands on bar
• Skater directly under wire
• Jump in the center “third”
• Support, do not lift
• Coach’s responsibility to make sure area is clear of traffic