SAFSA WP

1. PURPOSE

This policy outlines the guidelines and regulations for conducting virtual lessons on SAFSA WP patch sessions.

This policy aims to balance the benefits of online lessons with the need to maintain the safety, fairness and efficient rink environment for all skaters and coaches.

This policy reflects the current technological landscape and will be periodically reviewed and updated to adapt to future advancements.

2. SCOPE

This policy applies to all SAFSA WP skaters, members and registered coaches, visiting coaches and any individual conducting or participating in virtual lessons at the Ice Station.

It encompasses all aspects of virtual lesson conduct, including scheduling, equipment usage, safety protocols and liability.

All skaters still need to abide by all the rink rules as set out by the Cape Peninsula Ice Skating Club (CPISC).

3. APPROVAL AND SCHEDULING

• Virtual lessons may only be conducted by coaches approved by the SAFSA WP Committee and the CPISC.
• Coaches conducting virtual lessons require completed and approved documentation pertaining to Safeguarding.
• Where Safeguarding practices are as yet not implemented in the country of the coach, they need to provide the SAFSA WP Committee with a Letter in Good Standing from their Federation.
• CPISC will determine if a coach's contract is required for coaches conducting virtual lessons.
• Skaters must be registered as SAFSA WP members to participate in a virtual lesson.
• Skaters under 18 years of age must have written parental/guardian consent before attending a virtual lesson, including signing an Indemnity form.
• The skater must have an appointed Head Coach who is based at the Ice Station and consent to the virtual lessons.
• Virtual lessons must be scheduled in advance with the skater's Head Coach at the Ice Station and placed onto the weekly schedule.
• Priority will be given to in-person coaching and general training sessions.
• Virtual lessons must be scheduled in a manner that does not interfere with regular rink activities, scheduled practices or events.
• Virtual lessons are not permitted during peak times (currently being Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings) unless otherwise determined by the Coach Liaison in consultation with the Head Coach.

4. EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

• Skaters are responsible for providing their own equipment, including devices, internet connectivity and any required software.
• The use of tripods or other equipment must not be placed on the ice, obstruct rink traffic or pose a safety hazard.

5. SAFETY AND SUPERVISION

• Skaters participating in virtual lessons are still subject to standard rink rules and regulations and safety practices.
• It is recommended that, where possible, a parent or a guardian be present at the rink during virtual lessons for younger skaters.

6. RINK ETIQUETTE

• Skaters must maintain appropriate noise levels during zoom lessons to avoid disrupting other skaters and coaches.
• All participants must adhere to the general ice etiquette, including respecting each other's space and avoiding collisions.

7. VIRTUAL LESSONS

• Headphones are prohibited.
• Skater's may only wear one earbud and/or airpod during a virtual lesson.
• Skaters should not stand in cross-traffic zones when listening to feedback from the virtual coach, for safety reasons.
• The camera person is not allowed to follow (on ice) the skater whilst filming.
• All filming is to be done from the barrier.
• No virtual lessons may be conducted during public sessions.
• No programme run throughs are permitted in a virtual lesson.
• Sections of the programme may be skated in the virtual lesson, if the skater has a coach play their music or in the case of a Junior or Senior skater, they are able to play their music.
• The virtual lesson is for the development of skills and techniques and is to supplement their training with their Head Coach.

8. LIABILITY

• The CPISC will not be liable for any technical difficulties, equipment malfunctions or injuries that may occur during a virtual lesson.
• Skaters and their parents assume all the risks associated with participating in virtual lessons at the rink.

9. COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT

• Skaters and coaches found violating this policy may receive a warning, followed by a possible suspension of virtual lesson privileges.
• Rink Management reserves the right to revoke virtual lesson permission at any time if deemed necessary for the safety and fairness of all skaters.

10. EXCEPTIONS AND SPECIAL APPROVAL

Requests for exceptions to this policy must be submitted in writing to the SAFSA WP Committee, who in turn will approach the CPISC.