The Atlanta Figure Skating Club 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. To further this goal, the club requests the cooperation and agreement from all members, coaches, skaters, officials and parents, even if they are not club members themselves.

Members recognize that their participation in all activities hosted, supported, sponsored or engaged in by Atlanta FSC including but not limited to competitions, exhibitions and training camps, is an honor and privilege that carries certain responsibilities. Members agree to fully abide by the rules and guidelines set forth by U.S. Figure Skating and the Atlanta FSC or their properly designated agents. As a precondition to participation in activities hosted, supported, sponsored or engaged in by the Atlanta FSC, members will adhere to the following tenets in good faith:

  1. Members will exhibit the highest standards of fairness, ethical behavior and genuine good    sportsmanship in all of their relations with others.
  2. Members will not damage public or private property. Members understand that they may be held financially responsible for damage deemed to be wantonly or willfully executed on my part, and that members may be subject to disciplinary action by the Atlanta FSC.
  3. Members will adhere to the rules of U.S. Figure Skating and the Atlanta FSC at all activities hosted, supported, sponsored or engaged in by U.S. Figure Skating and the Atlanta FSC.
  4. Members will conduct themselves in a manner not detrimental to the welfare of figure skating. Members understand that their actions reflect on U.S. Figure Skating and the club and the sport of figure skating both positively and negatively.

Any member participating in any Atlanta FSC activities:

  1. Must obey and abide by all US Figure Skating and Atlanta FSC published rules, regulations, bylaws, and procedures.
  2. Shall maintain exemplary standards of personal conduct.
  3. Must obey all state, national and international laws.
  4. Must not use alcohol, illegal drugs, performance enhancing drugs or substances, which could impair ability or judgment
  5. Must refrain from using any profane or abusive language.
  6. Must not engage in sexual harassment or sexual misconduct with any athlete.
  7. Must support the athletes fairly and equitably.
  8. Shall never discriminate against any athlete.

General  Guidelines

All skaters must follow and uphold the tenets in this Skater Code of Conduct regarding behavior on and off the ice.

  1.  All club members are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship and be courteous toward their fellow  skaters, coaches, parents of skaters, U.S. Figure Skating officials and guests.
  1. Any member making derogatory or negative remarks verbally or on social media about another member will be subject to disciplinary action by the club.  This includes making statements about a member/coach/official or guest’s appearance, their skating ability, the person’s friends or family. Our club is committed to promoting a positive and friendly environment for all skaters.

Please treat your fellow skaters as you would like to be treated: with respect.

Ice Etiquette and Safety

  1. While in lesson or practice, it is the skater’s responsibility to always be conscientious and aware of other skaters around them.
  2. Skaters must skate with the flow of other skaters and familiarize themselves with the most     commonly used areas for jumps and spins.
  3. The only time a skater has the SOLE right of way is when they are skating their program. When you hear another member’s music start to play and know they’re heading for the exact area you’re practicing in,  please extend that person courtesy and move out of their path momentarily.
  4. Advanced skaters are expected to exhibit patience toward newer beginner members of the club.

Unsafe or Discourteous Behavior

Unsafe or discourteous (loss of temper, inappropriate language, gestures or looks) behavior of any such kind will not be tolerated. Violations of any tenets of this Code of Conduct will be addressed in a timely manner depending upon the seriousness of the offense by a member of the club board of directors following the procedures outlined in the club bylaws conflict resolution and/or Violations of Codes of Conduct/SafeSport. Consequences will be commensurate with the offense and may include verbal/written reprimand or warning, removal from activity, termination of club membership, referral to authorities.

Violations of this Code

Violations of any  tenets will be addressed at the time they occur by a member of the club Board of Directors.

The Atlanta Figure Skating Club 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. Preamble: The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, trustworthiness and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character” (Arizona Sports Summit Accord).

  1. Parents will encourage good sportsmanship by their actions, demonstrating positive support for all skaters,  coaches, and officials at every practice, competition and test session.
  2. Parents will place the emotional and physical well-being of their child and others ahead of my desire to win.
  3. Parents will encourage their child to skate in a safe and healthy environment by maintaining a respectful and courteous attitude to others.
  4. Parents will promptly inform their child’s coach of any physical/mental disability or challenge affecting their child that may affect the safety of their child or others.
  5. Parents will teach their child that doing his/her best is more important than winning.
  6. Parents will do their best not to ridicule, bully, blame, or yell at their child or other skaters, coaches, officials or volunteers in response to a poor performance or for any other reason.
  7. Parents will do my best to make skating fun at all times and will remember that their child participates in sports for his/her own enjoyment and satisfaction.
  8. Parents will teach their child to treat other skaters, coaches, fans, volunteers, officials, and rink staff with respect, regardless of race, creed, color, sexual orientation or ability. They will also take action and report any acts of bullying, harassment or abuse to the appropriate authorities.
  9. Parents will applaud any effort in both victory and defeat emphasizing positive accomplishments and learning from mistakes.
  10. Parents will teach their child to resolve conflicts calmly and peacefully without resorting to hostility or violence.
  11. Parents will be a positive role model for their child and others.
  12. Parents will demand a figure skating environment for their child that is free of drug or alcohol abuse and agree that they will not use or provide to a third-party any illegal drug prohibited by applicable federal, state, or municipal law.
  13. Parents will not assist or condone any athlete’s use of a banned substance as described by the International Olympic Committee, International Skating Union, United States Olympic Committee, or U.S. Figure Skating, or, in case of athletes, to use such drugs or refuse to submit to properly conducted drug tests administered by one of these organizations.
  14. Parents will expect their child’s coach to be in compliance with all requirements of U.S. Figure Skating and the Professional Skaters Association, to continue their education and training through programs offered by U.S. Figure Skating, the Professional Skaters Association and other accredited organizations.
  15. Parents will respect their child’s coach and refrain from “side line” coaching their child or other skaters.
  16. Parents agree to educate themselves regarding the proper procedures to follow when establishing or terminating a coaching relationship.
  17. Parents will respect the decisions of officials, their authority and decisions during competitions and test sessions and teach their child to do the same.
  18. Parents will show appreciation and recognize the importance of volunteers and club officials. Parents will fulfill their responsibility to help their club with membership, special projects, competitions and test sessions.
  19. Parents will become familiar with the rules of the U.S. Figure Skating and teach their child accordingly.
  20. Parents will support and respect all skaters and their right to participate.

Code of Ethics, Standards and Conduct

The Atlanta FSC 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 information is intended to provide both the general principles and the decision rules to cover most situations encountered by coaches and instructors. It has, as its primary goal, the welfare and protection of the individuals and groups with whom coaches work.

It is the individual responsibility of each coach to aspire to the highest possible standards of conduct. Above all, coaches of young people can have great influence on developing athletes who are reliant on these coaches for the basic instruction and guidance necessary to reach the top levels. Coaches can have tremendous power over these athletes in their quest to reach their goals. This power must not be abused. Therefore, we have set forth these codes of ethics and conduct to guide our coaches and protect our athletes for the mutual benefit of all concerned.

General Principles 

Competence

Coaches must strive to maintain high standards of excellence in their work. They should recognize the boundaries of their particular competencies and the limitations of their expertise. They should provide only those services and use only those techniques for which they are qualified by education, training and/or experience. In those areas, where recognized professional standards do not yet exist, coaches must exercise careful judgment and take appropriate precautions to protect the welfare of those with whom they work and train. Coaches shall maintain knowledge of relevant scientific and professional information related to the services they render, and they must recognize the need for ongoing education. Coaches should make appropriate use of scientific, professional, technical and administrative resources to maintain and/or increase their expertise.

Integrity

Coaches should seek to promote integrity in their coaching profession. Coaches should always be honest, fair and respectful of others. They must not make representations about their qualifications, services, products, or fees that are false, misleading or deceptive. Coaches should strive to be aware of their own belief systems, values, needs and limitations and the effect of these on their work. To the extent feasible, they should attempt to clarify for relevant parties, the roles they are performing and to function appropriately in accordance with those roles. Coaches must avoid conflicts of interest according to the guidelines in the PSA Code of Ethics.

Professional Responsibility

Coaches must uphold professional standards of conduct, clarify their professional roles and obligations, accept appropriate responsibility for their behavior, and adapt their methods to the needs of different athletes. Coaches should consult with, refer to, or cooperate with other professionals and institutions to the extent needed to serve the best interest of their athletes, or other recipients of their services. Coaches should be concerned about the ethical compliance of their colleagues’ conduct. When appropriate, they should consult with their colleagues in order to prevent or avoid unethical conduct.

Respect for Participants and Dignity

Coaches shall respect the fundamental rights, dignity and worth of all participants. Coaches must be aware of cultural, individual and role differences, including those due to age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language and socioeconomic status. Coaches must eliminate the effect on their work of biases based on those factors, and be sure they do not participate in or condone unfair discriminatory practices. 

Concern for Others

In their actions, coaches must consider the welfare and rights of their athletes and other participants. When conflicts occur among coaches’ obligations or concerns, they should attempt to resolve these conflicts and to perform their roles in a responsible fashion that avoids or minimizes harm. Coaches shall be sensitive to differences in power between themselves and others, particularly their students, and should not exploit nor mislead other people during or after their relationship.

Responsible Coaching

Coaches must be aware of their ethical responsibility to the community and the society in which they work and live. Coaches must comply with the law and encourage the development of law and policies that serve the interest of the sport or activity. The coach shall strive to serve as a leader and model in the development of appropriate conduct for the athlete both within and beyond the US Figure Skating setting. The coach shall strive to use strategies in practice and competition that are designed to encourage

participation within the letter and spirit of the rules. The coach shall strive to keep the concepts of winning and losing in proper perspective, for themselves and their students. The coach shall strive to enforce policies and rules with fairness, consistency and an appreciation for individual differences.

Ethical Standards

All coaches must complete all annual coaching member requirements set forth by US Figure Skating Rules and the PSA that apply to them by the appropriate deadlines.

Competence

Coaches should not undertake these duties until they have first obtained the proper training, study and advice that they are competent to do so as outlined by the PSA

Maintaining Expertise

Coaches should maintain a level of expertise through continued education and experience and shall continually strive to acquire additional education and experience through available sources available.

Respecting Others

Coaches shall respect the rights of other’s (all skaters, parents, rink staff, officials, volunteers, etc.) values, opinions and beliefs even if they differ from their own.

Nondiscrimination

Coaches must not engage in discrimination based upon age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, socioeconomic status, or any other basis as proscribed by law.

Sexual Harassment

Coaches must not, under any circumstances, engage in sexual harassment which includes solicitation, physical advances, verbal or non-verbal conduct which is sexual in nature and will respond to complaints of such a nature to respondents with dignity and respect.

Personal Problems or Conflicts

Coaches should have a responsibility to be aware if there are personal problems, or conflicts, which may affect their ability to work with athletes. They should also be able to identify problems affecting their athletes, which could potentially create situations that place their athletes in harm or danger of injury, and take the appropriate steps to remove the athlete from this environment.

Groundless Allegations

Any person who makes groundless allegations or complaints of abuse or harassment may be subject to disciplinary action per Article XXV, Section 3B, of the US Figure Skating bylaws. A coach operating in any Atlanta FSC activities:

  1. Must obey and abide by all US Figure Skating published rules, regulations and procedures.
  1. Shall maintain exemplary standards of personal conduct.
  1. Must obey all state, national and international laws.
  1. Must not use alcohol, illegal drugs or substances, which could impair ability or judgment as a coach.
  1. Must refrain from using any profane or abusive language.
  1. Must not engage in sexual harassment or sexual misconduct with any athlete.
  1. Must teach and support the athletes fairly and equitably.
  1. Shall never discriminate against any athlete.

Violations of any tenets of this Code of Conduct will be addressed in a timely manner depending upon the seriousness of the offense by a member of the club board of directors following the procedures outlined in the Club Bylaws conflict resolution and/or Violations of Codes of Conduct

and Consequences of SafeSport Sections. Consequences will be commensurate with the offense and may include: verbal/written reprimand or warning, removal from activity, termination of club membership, referral to authorities.

 

As a board member of the club, they are fully committed and dedicated to the mission of the Club, its Code of Conduct and the mission of the SafeSport program and have pledged to carry out these missions. They understand that their duties and responsibilities include the following:

  1. Actively promote the club in a positive manner.
  2. Understand their legal responsibilities for the club and those of their fellow board members.
  3. Responsible for knowing and overseeing the implementation of club policies and programs, including the Code of Conduct and the SafeSport Program.
  4. Accept the bylaws and operating principles of their club and understand that they are morally responsible for the health and well-being of this club, while also adhering to the member code of conduct of US Figure Skating.
  5. Promise to be fiscally responsible for this organization. They will make themselves aware and knowledgeable regarding our budget and finances and will take an active part in reviewing, approving, and monitoring the budget and fundraising to meet the goals of our club.
  6. Promise to treat their fellow board members and other club members with respect. When conflict
  7. occurs, they will respectfully disagree and work for a compromise that is in the best interest of the club.
  8. Will attend board meetings (in person or via teleconference) and be available for phone consultation and club events as they occur.
  9. Violations of any tenets of this code will be addressed in a timely manner depending upon the seriousness of the offense by a member of the club board of directors following the procedures outlined in the club bylaws conflict resolution and/or Violations of Codes of Conduct and SafeSport Sections. Consequences will be commensurate with the offense and may include verbal/written reprimand or warning, removal from activity, termination of club membership, referral to authorities.