U.S. Figure Skating is committed to fostering a safe, positive and inclusive environment for all participants in our sport. Through the SkateSafe® Program, event, program and activity organizers play a vital role in ensuring compliance with safety policies, reporting protocols and risk management.
Our Commitment to Safety
As the national governing body, U.S. Figure Skating strictly enforces the SkateSafe® Program. Organizers must ensure that all event personnel meet compliance standards and that policies are communicated and enforced at every level. Random audits may occur, and failure to comply may impact an organizer’s ability to host future events.
Compliance Requirements and Credentialing
Organizers are responsible for verifying that all individuals in compliance roles (such as coaches, instructors, officials and other adults with regular contact with minor athletes) meet all SkateSafe® requirements. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Completion of SafeSport™ Training
- A U.S. Figure Skating approved background check
- Role-specific training (e.g., Coach I.C.E., Learn to Skate USA® Instructor Course)
- Completion of waivers and acknowledgments
If an individual is missing one or more compliance components, they may not serve in a compliance-required role. Organizers must also verify compliance for day-of or last-minute personnel, including volunteers.
Banned and Suspended Verification
Organizers must ensure that no participant or event personnel is currently banned, suspended, on Jurisdictional Hold or otherwise ineligible. This includes last-minute volunteers or walk-up registrants. Organizers must:
- Review U.S. Figure Skating’s banned/suspended list and Jurisdictional Hold list
- Cross-check participant and personnel lists immediately before and during events
- Prevent ineligible individuals from participating in any capacity
The U.S. Center for SafeSport’s Centralized Disciplinary Database may also be used to verify eligibility. Sanctions apply across all U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned events regardless of an individual’s sport affiliation.
Communication of Policies and Reporting Procedures
Prior to each event, organizers must distribute the U.S. Figure Skating SkateSafe® Handbook to all registered participants and personnel. Organizers must also ensure:
- Participants are informed that they must follow SkateSafe® policies during the event
- Adult participants are reminded of their mandatory reporting obligations
- Day-of registrants and volunteers have immediate access to the handbook, such as via a QR code
Organizers should keep a record of communications to verify compliance.
By following these requirements, organizers ensure that U.S. Figure Skating events are safe, respectful and inclusive for every athlete, coach, official, volunteer and family member.
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