Above: Photo credit Melanie Heaney Photography
As the 2024-25 season unfolds, it is crucial to ensure that all compliance requirements are fulfilled to uphold the safety standards U.S. Figure Skating prides itself on. Members can easily access and verify their compliance status by logging into their Member’s Only profile and proceeding to the Compliance page. For detailed guidelines and specific requirements, please refer to the comprehensive SkateSafe® Handbook, particularly Appendix A, which outlines necessary compliance measures. Additionally, take a look at our 2024-25 FAQ document addressing commonly asked questions.
Below is an outline of the requirements for athletes, coaches, leadership and volunteers. Additionally, we have included a recommended educational course for parents.
Mandatory Athletes are required to complete SafeSport™ training, which educates them on recognizing, responding to and preventing abusive behavior in skating and sports in general. By equipping athletes with this knowledge, U.S. Figure Skating fosters a culture of safety and respect among its participants.
Coaches play a pivotal role in the skating community, guiding athletes towards excellence while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and safety. For coaches, compliance includes the following:
- Complete SafeSport™ training
- Undergo a background check
- Maintain a current U.S. Figure Skating membership
- Obtain a U.S. Figure Skating Core Coach Certification and join Coach I.C.E.
Coaches must also adhere to U.S. Figure Skating Coaching Standards of Professionalism, sign all U.S. Figure Skating waivers and secure coach liability insurance. These requirements ensure that coaches are well-equipped to nurture athletes in a safe and supportive environment.
Leadership and volunteers within U.S. Figure Skating also adhere to strict compliance protocols. This includes completing SafeSport™ training to understand and prevent misconduct within the sport, as well as undergoing regular background checks to maintain trust and accountability.
Parents, as integral supporters of young skaters, are encouraged to take the recommended free SafeSport™ course titled "Parent’s Guide to Misconduct." This course provides valuable insights into recognizing and addressing misconduct issues that may affect their children or others in the skating community.
For those needing assistance or facing discrepancies in their compliance status, the U.S. Figure Skating team is readily available. Questions can be directed via email to skatesafe@usfigureskating.org or by phone at (719)-635-5200, option 6. It’s important to include your full name and member number in any correspondence for efficient resolution.
