Our Story | Sheffield Synchronized Skating Academy

Synchronized skating is a fast growing discipline of figure skating, combining the athleticism and artistry
of singles, pairs and ice dancing.
The first ever synchro squad (the Hockettes) was formed in 1956 to provide ice hockey match-night
entertainment in Michigan, USA. Since then its’ popularity has grown – to the extent that the
International Skating Union is hopeful that synchronized skating will soon become an official Olympic
event.
It is a highly technical form of team skating, where 8 – 16 skaters perform together as a squad.
Characterized by speed, accuracy, intricate formations and transitions, the objective is to blend skating
elements into formations, so that the skaters look like one unit as they perform. It is truly a spectacular
sport to watch and participate in.

2. Who Are We?

The Sheffield Synchronized Skating Academy is a not-for-profit organisation affiliated to British Ice Skating. It has members of all ages and is based at Ice Sheffield, Coleridge Road, Sheffield. The Academy was formed in 2008 through the vision of coach Amanda Hembrow-Jones, who was joined two years later by Edmund Jones. The Academy has grown significantly over the years. Louisa Parker-Monks joined the coaching team in 2021, and Dorothy Rose Wilkins joined the coaching team in 2024. We currently have seven squads competing at different levels in national and international competitions.

The Committee is made up of parent volunteers who manage the Academy operations including membership, finance and event co-ordination. The Committee co-opts other Academy members to help manage various projects whenever possible.

In March 2019 the Academy was proud to host the inaugural Steel City Trophy in Sheffield. This international competition saw squads from all over the UK and Europe competing for trophies and medals. The success of the competition saw it return to a wider audience in 2020, and this is continuing to grow each year. The Steel City Trophy has now become a permanent feature on the synchro calendar and has received the important accolade of becoming an ISU recognised competition. Skaters are welcomed into the Academy at any level above Skate UK passport Bronze. The SSSA promotes teamwork, develops confidence and instils the discipline of working hard to achieve a goal through training and competing together.

3. Our Values

Our mission is to provide skaters with a pathway from “Skate UK” through to national and international

synchronized skating competition, developing individual skating skills, the discipline of striving to be the

very best that they can be, building character and important life skills too – with many team members

making long-lasting friendships along the way.

The core values of our Club are:

Teamwork

Determination

Self-belief

Friendship

Respect

Courage

Skaters, parents/guardians, coaches and club officials should be guided by these values in their personal

conduct with the Club, and should aim to create a supportive and encouraging environment for our skaters.

4. Our Squads

The SSSA squads have grown and evolved since the Club started and will con/nue to do so as squad members advance through ska/ng levels, new skaters join, and older skaters move on. This means the name of a squad may change from season to season and squads may skate at different levels in different compe//ons, especially as they progress together.

Our squad names are as follows:

Presto Meaning: “Quick Tempo”

Novus Meaning: “New”

Amici Meaning: “Friendship”

Ignis Meaning: “Fire”

Unum Meaning: “As one”

Perpetuum Meaning: “Perpetual moAon”

Magna Meaning: “Great”

The Academy requires skaters to commit to attending all their squad training sessions as programmes are built around skaters having set roles and positions. Squad members need to be flexible and willing to adapt for the benefit of the whole squad.

Some/mes a squad may have more skaters than required to skate in a compe//on, the squad may have new skaters or the coaches may wish to select those skaters best suited to a par/cular rou/ne requirement. In these instances, a skater may be allocated the role of alternate. An alternate is a skater who does not skate in every compe//on but s/ll has a cri/cal role in the squad, as they need to be able to drop into the rou/ne at short no/ce i.e. to fill in for a skater who is sick, injured or absent. During compe//ons alternates can some/mes be seen on standby and ready to skate at the rink side i.e. in skates and full costume while the squad competes. Alternate skaters must s/ll aBend the regular, and any addi/onal, squad training sessions to maintain the correct standard. They play an extremely important role in the training squad.

5. Communication

In line with the SSSA core values, all communication should be kind, courteous and age appropriate in order to ensure a welcoming and respectful environment. Please ensure all queries, comments, complaints or issues are communicated via squad reps/parent liaison/committee member, please do not contact the coaching team direct.

Spond App

The Academy’s main communication channel is Spond so please ensure that you have downloaded the App and registered your details correctly. It is important that the skater’s information is kept up to date please ensure when a skater passes a skill level this updated. All training schedules, information and announcements are posted on Spond. You will also find up to date policies and documents in the files section.

Other communication methods, such as WhatsApp, are secondary channels and Spond should be referenced in the first instance.

Official WhatsApp groups will be set up by a member of the committee, please ensure official communication takes place on either Spond or these groups. Any other form of communication not set up by the committee must not have any name connection to the Academy ie not a team/squad name or academy name linked to them.

Please ensure you respond to all event invitations in a timely manner. It is important to accept/decline all invites to all sessions as this ensures that the Academy can effectively manage ice availability. If for any reason skaters cannot attend please make sure a reason is given. All sessions including off ice and fitness need to be attended, all attendance will be monitored.

Notifying absence

Whilst we recognise that skaters will sometimes have holidays, sickness and other life events, they are expected to attend all squad training wherever possible. This is a team sport and absence will affect the squad’s training, especially when programmes have been completed. For sickness or last-minute absences please message on the Spond event page. In the case of a medical condition of a delicate nature, or absence for a reason you wish to remain confidential, please private message the Safeguarding/Welfare Officer or Parent Liaison Officer. Please note that even if a skater is unable to get on the ice due to an injury, they should endeavour to still attend training in order to watch.

Long-term absence (over four weeks) due to ill health or injury should be certified by a medical professional and must be formally notified to the Safeguarding/Welfare Officer or Parent Liaison Officer. On return, the parent/guardian will need to complete a Return to Skating Form before attending a training session. This ensures that it is safe for the skater to return to training from both the skater, team and Academy perspective.

During the summer months, sessions may be cancelled rather than incur costs if members are planning to be away, so it helps to know this in advance. A register is taken during each training session so that any on-going absence issues can be addressed. It is important to attend all squad training as one person missing from the squad can have a significant impact on the ability of the rest of the squad to train effectively.

Attendance is key, anymore than 2 consecutive absences without notification will be questioned and discussions taken place regarding commitment.

Attendance to all training sessions is required, on the run up to competition any skaters missing any training sessions 2 weeks prior to the competition may jeopardize their position within the team. This will be at the coaches/committees discretion and their decision will be final.

Website • SSSA website - www.sheffield-synchro-skating.co.uk

Social Media Facebook - @SheffieldSynchronizedSkatingAcademy

Instagram - @Sheffield_Synchro_GB •

Twitter - @SheffSynchro

Social media is an excellent way of sharing news about the club and celebrating our success and we encourage skaters and/or their parents/guardians to follow and positively engage with our various Academy channels. When posting on social media Members should represent our Academy in a positive manner and should communicate the values that come with membership of SSSA.

6. Coaches, Committee, Chaperones and Squad Reps

Coaches The SSSA coaching team comprises Amanda Hembrow-Jones, Edmund Jones, Louisa Parker-Monks and Dorothy-Rose Wilkins. In order to support development of future coaches, at times there may also be trainee coaches on the ice.

Coaches’ Commitment

The Sheffield Synchronized Skating Academy Coaches will:

• Remain up-to-date with all relevant ISU rules and regulations

• Attend the required synchro-specific training sessions at the British Ice Skating Annual Coaches Conference • Be on the ice at the beginning of training sessions ready to start work

• Be approachable for squad members to ask questions

• Treat squad members with respect

• Choreograph programmes to the highest level achievable by squad members

• Consult squad members where necessary regarding music and programme construction

• Make amendments to the programmes as required due to rule changes and updated information from British Ice Skating and ISU

Committee

The Academy has a Committee that arranges ice time, training sessions, fundraising and promotion. In addition, sometimes sub-committees are set up to assist with marketing, fundraising and other projects.

All positions on the Committee run for two years after which time, the Committee member can apply for re-election if they wish. Each position is nominated and seconded, and a vote takes place at the Annual General Meeting, together with identifying co-opted roles and sub-committee members.

Details of current committee members can be found here

Chaperones

Squads which have skaters aged under 18 require chaperones and these volunteers are selected at the start of each season. Chaperones must have a chaperone licence from their local authority. Chaperones will need to attend the BIS safeguarding course which will be funded by the Academy. If you would like to volunteer, please contact a member of the Committee. Chaperones are volunteer parents/guardians. Chaperones are asked to be present at training sessions and competitions on a rota basis. Their primary objectives are to ensure that the wellbeing of the skaters is monitored during training and competitions and to keep the squad together when at other rinks.

Chaperones’ Commitment:

• Ensure skaters are at the allocated location at the correct time.

• Ensure the wellbeing of all skaters is monitored during training and competitions.

• Act on the advice and instruction of the coaching team.

• Attend any information and training sessions as directed by SSSA.

If there are any issues that arise with a chaperone please contact the safeguarding officer.

Squad Reps

Each squad has a volunteer parent/guardian who is the point of contact for that squad. The squad rep should be the first point of contact for a skater and parent/guardian. Their role is to liaise with the skaters and parents/guardians on various Academy matters such as training kit, competition information, travel requirements and any issues that the skater or parent/guardian may wish to raise. Squad reps liaise with the committee in order to communicate information to the skaters and their parents/guardians. They may also collect information, or chase for responses to polls or questions, in order to provide accurate feedback to the committee. Skaters should familiarise themselves with who their squad rep is. If for any reason you feel you cannot speak to the squad representa/ve then please contact the parent liaison officer.

7. Uniform and Kit

The Academy has a kit for all skaters to help ensure they feel part of a squad.

The kit has the SSSA logo and as such is a visible representation of our Academy and should be maintained to a high standard to ensure that it looks smart.

Skaters must be responsible for their own kit and take care to ensure they do not lose items. Skaters will need to purchase their own basic core kit.

The core kit comprises:

• Clean white (girls) or black (boys) figure skates with clean laces

• Plain black leggings with no logos

• Black top with embroidered logo or plain black top with no logos

• Black logo jacket

• Plain black trainers

The Academy may introduce optional items from time to time such as:

• Logo backpack for training and competitions

• Bodywarmers

There are also items of kit issued by the academy to the skater. These items are on loan and must be looked after and treated with respect. They should be returned clean and in good condition when leaving the Academy. When joining a refundable deposit of £50 is taken. This is returned when the items are returned.

They include:

• Black ‘Great Britain’ coat

• Black wheeled suitcase for competitions

• Practice kit which consists of – Leotard, Skirt and leggings or Shirt and trousers Any damage or loss of kit that is loaned will need to be replaced and paid for.

General appearance for training The following standards should be adhered to:

• Long hair should be tied up in a neat bun at the back of the head.

• Fingernails should be short to prevent injury to another skater

• No gloves

• No jewellery except stud earrings to be worn.

• Fitbits and other fitness tracking devices should not be worn during training.

• Underwear should not be visible.

• Low cut tops or crop tops must not be worn

• Official training kit should be worn to all training sessions

8. On-ice and Off-ice Training

The Club provides regular on-ice training for all squads. Skaters are expected to commit to attending all

of their squad training sessions as programmes are built around skaters having set roles and positions.

Detailed training calendars for all squads are published on Spond. Please ensure that you respond to all

invites in a timely manner. Please understand that our sessions are very much dependent on the rink and

may be cancelled to accommodate other events.

We are unable to accommodate requests to change training times or squad allocation.

9. Off-ice Training

All teams will do regular off-ice sessions, usually after their on-ice training session.

There is also a weekly fitness/flexibility class via Zoom run by Kelly Buddery. This is on a Monday evening 19:15-19:45.

Please ensure appropriate sports clothing is worn no pyjamas, short shorts or revealing clothing. Throughout the year there may be the opportunity for the club to purchase additional ice. Additional training sessions will be published on Spond.

Our current ice and off-ice training sessions are here:

Developing individual skills

In order for skaters to progress through the competition levels as a squad, it is important that each skater continues to have individual or group lessons with a coach in addition to attending the Academy sessions. This is particularly important in helping the skater progress through the British Ice Skating Skills levels, which are required for competition (depending on level). This not only develops skills and techniques but also increases general ice time for the skater, helping overall development. Competitions are becoming more skill focused so in order for a skater to progress with their team they need to be completing their BIS skill levels.

Skater’s Commitment

The Club requires skaters to commit to attending all of their squad training sessions as programmes are

built around skaters having set roles and positions. There is an expectation that skaters will prioritise

their squad training over other non-competitive events.

Further development

Additional training sessions and camps may be organised by the club, IceSheffield and British Ice Skating.

Skaters are encouraged to attend as many as possible in order to develop general skating skills.

10. Costs

The current annual membership fee is payable in monthly instalments in advance before the 14th of each month via by standing order or bank transfer, we do not accept cash payments.

The Academy bank details are:

Account name: Sheffield Synchronised Skating Community Account

Sort code: 56-00-09

Account Number: 31617433

When setting up your payment, please include the name of the skater and subs as the reference. Payments must be made on time and should remain up-to-date. Failure to pay will result in the skater being suspended. Any difficulty in making the monthly payment should be discussed directly with the Treasurer/assistant treasurer.

Payments will not be suspended because a skater is on holiday or missing training for a few weeks due to personal circumstances. The Academy still has significant outgoing expenditure every month and the committee will only consider suspending membership for exceptional circumstances i.e. certified extended illness, hospitalisation or a certified serious injury such as a break or ligament tear.

If a skater is leaving the then this needs to be communicated directly to a committee member or coach. A month's notice will be required, or another month's subs will need to be paid.

Additional costs

Skating camps or off-ice sessions may be arranged by the Academy, or by Ice Sheffield, and these will attract additional fees. Details will be circulated via Spond or social media pages.

Competition fees are calculated in advance and include entry, coaching, costume fees and occasionally meals during the day. We try to keep costs to a minimum by identifying opportunities to cost-save i.e. costumes may be re-used from season to season when the routine allows. All costs will be communicated in advance and competition fees must be paid in full two weeks prior to travel to the competition. Please ensure you pay any additional costs into the correct bank account and reference the payment as requested.

Please see the Treasurer/assistant treasurer or a member of the Committee if you have any concerns about the likely cost of competitions.

11. Meetings

The Club holds an Annual General Meeting in the summer each year. It is advisable for ALL parents and

skaters to attend the AGM in order to be involved in the running of your Club for the following season.

Other planning, Committee and fundraising meetings may take place and the dates of these will be

published in advance, on Spond.

12. Competitions

The Synchro competition season runs from October to April each year, and the Academy competes in as many events throughout the season as possible, setting goals and encouraging a competitive spirit. Attendance to all training sessions is required, on the run up to competition any skaters missing any training sessions 2 weeks prior to the competition may jeopardize their position within the team. This will be at the coaches/committees discretion and their decision will be final. Dates are subject to change and not all squads will attend every competition. Competition dates can be found on the homepage.

Travel and accommodation to competitions will need to be arranged by parents/guardians/skaters.

Competition fees must be paid in full two weeks prior to travel to the competition. It is a costly exercise for the Academy to organise competition costs for every skater in every squad throughout the season. We therefore insist on competition fees being paid on time otherwise the skater will be unable to compete.

All Synchro skaters MUST have a valid British Ice Skating membership and correct skill levels to enable them to compete. Please ensure membership is paid in plenty of time to avoid any last minute stress and enter the membership number onto the skaters’ details on Spond. Skaters without a valid membership will not be permitted to compete. Visit the website at www.iceskating.org.uk to register and pay.

Skaters must attend competitions prepared and with all the required items in their black Synchro case. If skates require sharpening this should be arranged well ahead of the competition, skates and laces must be clean and taped if needed.

Competition costumes must be treated with care and respect as they are the property of the Academy and will be used again in the future. Skaters (or parents/guardians) should ensure that underwear worn under costumes cannot be seen please refer to the kit list.

There are usually official photographers and videographers at competitions who produce photos and recordings for purchase. You are not permitted to take your own photographs or recordings during competitions.

Our teams represent SSSA and we are proud of our reputation. All skaters must show respect to other skaters, coaches, chaperones, rink staff and rink users alike. Skaters must clear up their rubbish and should ensure that they obey coaches and chaperones at all times. Skaters must stay together in their squad and may only leave with the permission of their chaperone and if they are accompanied (depending on their age).

We have our own competition song that all teams sing in support of the team on the ice.

SSSA Competition Song:

Oh Sheffield (Oh Sheffield) Is wonderful (is wonderful) Oh Sheffield is wonderful!

For its wheels, blocks and circles Sheffield is wonderful!

13. Development

There are many development opportunities to help each skater progress within the sport. The Club may

offer skating camps, where they will develop both synchronized and general skating skills. The costs for

these camps are kept to a minimum and skaters are encouraged to share travel and accommodation.

There are squad feedback meetings to discuss routines, scoring and other topics in order to ensure that

team members are familiar with requirements each season. It is important to attend squad meetings and

to watch any accompanying videos, read any training notes etc that may be uploaded to Club social

media pages.

Feedback meetings after competitions are important development opportunities. Coaches and skaters

can discuss performance i.e. what worked well and what could have gone better, in an effort to improve

the squad score for the next competition.

At the discretion of the coach, a skater may be invited to attend a Personal Development Review (PDR)

meeting from time to time. This review meeting is an opportunity for the coach and the skater to

discuss progress. This session will allow an open conversation covering the skater’s progress to date,

areas for improvement and potential for progression both within and outside the current team. This will

give the coach and the skater the chance to speak on a one-to-one basis and together develop a clear

action plan.

14. Fundraising

The monthly subs fee covers the cost of training i.e. ice, off-ice and flexibility classes.

The Academy is a non-profit organisation and relies on fundraising to cover some of our operating costs.

The Academy is therefore reliant on fundraising support from our members as it is an important part of our income stream, and all members are expected to take part in order to benefit from this. Involvement in fundraising events teaches valuable ethics and life skills, including working hard together to achieve an end result and dealing with the public, as well as marketing and raising general awareness of SSSA and its activities.

The Fundraising Officer organises events throughout the year, some of which include:

• Synchro Bingo Lottery

• 100 Club

• Raffles

It has been decided that each squad will participate in individual fundraising for their squad. Below are some fundraising ideas that have been done in the past.

• Bag packing at supermarkets

• Stalls at local carnivals

• Tombolas and raffles

We are always looking for members to suggest fundraising ideas, any fundraising ideas need to be approved by the committee via the squad rep. If you work for a company you feel may be able to help the Academy by donating money, raffle prizes or anything else that may help, please approach them. We can provide a letter template if required. Some large organisations offer to match-fund their employees who are fundraising. We would be keen to talk to members, or members of their family, if they work for a match-funding organisation. All skaters and their families are expected to actively participate in as many of the fundraising activities as they possibly can in order to benefit from the funds raised. Those not taking part should not automatically expect their child to have a share of the Academy funds.

15. Safeguarding

Sheffield Synchronized Skating Academy has adopted the current British Ice Skating ‘Safeguarding and Protecting Young People Policy’ which can be found on the British Ice Skating website (www.iceskating.org.uk).

An introduction to and overview of the Safeguarding Policy is included below. The policy will be updated by British Ice Skating from time to time therefore please refer to the website for the detailed and current policy.

Safeguarding and Protecting Young People Policy

“Sport can and does have a very powerful and positive influence on people – especially young people. Not only can it provide opportunities for enjoyment and achievement; it can also develop valuable qualities such as self-esteem, leadership and teamwork. These positive effects can only take place if sport is in the right hands, namely in the hands of those who prioritise the welfare of all children and young people and vulnerable adults and adopt practices that support, protect and empower them”. “British Ice Skating (BIS) has a duty of care, based in law and guidance, in order to safeguard all skaters from abuse. We believe that every person has the right to feel safe and be protected from any situation or practice that could result in him or her being physically or psychologically harmed. It is essential that the people we work with do not feel threatened or abused by anything we say or do and the policy sets out the safeguards we have in place to protect them from abuse. It is also essential that they themselves are aware of the safeguards we have in place and to know where to go should they have concerns of this nature. Every person involved in ice-skating has therefore a legal and moral responsibility to protect children and young people from abuse. BIS is committed to safeguarding the well-being of the children and young people, vulnerable adults, parents, carers, coaches, staff and volunteers who are involved in the organisation. We recognise that children and young people have rights as individuals and should be valued, listened to and treated with respect. All children and vulnerable young people are at risk of abuse and we therefore aim to achieve excellent standards of safeguarding in all areas.

All BIS affiliates and members will:

• accept the moral and legal responsibility to implement procedures to provide a duty of care for young people and vulnerable adults, safeguard their wellbeing and protect them from harm;

• respect and promote the rights, wishes and feelings of young people and vulnerable adults;

• recognise that some young people and vulnerable adults face additional barriers to getting help because of increased vulnerabilities which could include their ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, social background or culture;

• ensure they adopt best practice to safeguard and protect young people and vulnerable adults from abuse and to reduce the likelihood of allegations being made against themselves;

• accept and abide by the Safeguarding Policy and Procedures and the BIS Code of Ethics and Conduct as well as all other policies, procedures and guidance

• respond appropriately to any complaints about poor practice or allegations of abuse.

We are committed to recruiting staff, coaches and volunteers safely, ensuring all the necessary checks are made. We recognise and promote that all staff and coaches in paid and voluntary positions have a duty to prevent the abuse of children and vulnerable adults and report any safeguarding concerns to the relevant person. BIS will share concerns with agencies that need to know, involving parents, carers / enablers, children and vulnerable adults appropriately.”

The BIS document sets out the policy, case management processes and reporting procedures for all staff, coaches or volunteers when engaged in skating activities with children and young people. Any complaint about the way that BIS has handled a particular safeguarding concern will be logged through the BIS Complaints Policy and addressed by the relevant team.

The guidance given in the BIS procedures is based on the following principles:

• “The welfare of the child and vulnerable adult is paramount.

• All young people and vulnerable adults, regardless of any personal characteristic including their age, gender, ability, any disability they may have, culture, racial origin, religious belief and sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.

• An adult has a moral and statutory duty for the care, custody and control of any person under the age of 18 under their supervision.

• All incidents of poor practice or suspicions of poor practice and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

• All young people and vulnerable adults have a right to participate in ice skating within an enjoyable and safe environment. • Young people and vulnerable adults have a right to expect appropriate support in accordance with their personal and social development with regard to their involvement in the sport of ice skating.

• It is the responsibility of the safeguarding experts and agencies to determine whether or not abuse has taken place but it is everyone’s responsibility to report any concerns.”

January 2022

SSSA will endeavour to appoint two committee members with responsibility for safeguarding. Their details can be found in Section 6 of the Handbook.

BIS Safeguarding Lead Officer

“Every sports organisation should designate a person to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults within the sport. The role includes includes liaising with the DBS recruitment process, co-ordinating the dissemination of relevant safeguarding policies, procedures and resources as well as supporting Club Welfare Officers in their roles. The SLO also provides support for the NISA board, as well as managing the administration of cases of poor practice/abuse within the sport and contribution to the case management panel when cases arise. This includes being the central point of contact for enquiries such as from complainants, the LADO, Children’s Social Care and/or the Police.

The SLO is the BIS national lead for receiving and acting upon concerns of a safeguarding nature. This person will receive concerns about:

• unacceptable behaviour of a member of staff or volunteer towards a child

• unacceptable behaviour towards a child by someone within a club setting

• concerns of a serious or significant nature

• any concerns arising outside of a club situation, such as privately owned and run ice rinks

• any concerns outside the scope of the CWO.”

Further information can be found in the Safeguarding and Protecting Young People Policy (www.iceskating.org.uk)

Anti-Bullying Policy

Sheffield Synchronized Skating Academy has adopted the BIS ‘Anti-bullying policy’ which can be found on the British Ice Skating website (www.iceskating.org.uk). An introduction to and overview of the BIS policy is included below. The policy will be updated by BIS from time to time therefore please refer to the website for the detailed and current policy.

“Every child has the right to participate in ice-skating free from the fear of bullying. Bullying may be seen as deliberately hurtful behaviour, usually repeated over a period of ;me, where it is difficult for those bullied to defend themselves.” “Bullying can take the form of:

• verbal: name calling, teasing, threatening, spreading rumours, sarcasm, racist taunts, homophobic bullying, graffiti and gestures

• physical: hitting, kicking, punching, spitting, stealing/breaking belongings

• emotional: ignoring, hurtful emails/text messages, excluding from activities, tormenting, ridiculing, humiliating.”

“The damage inflicted by bullying can frequently be underestimated. It can cause considerable distress to children, young people and vulnerable adults, to the extent that it affects their health and development or, at the extreme, causes them significant harm.”

The Academy will:

• “recognise its duty of care and responsibility to safeguard all participants from harm

• promote and implement this anti-bullying policy in addition to the safeguarding policy and procedures

• seek to ensure that bullying behaviour is not accepted or condoned

• require all members of the Club to be given information about, and sign up to, this policy

• take action to investigate and respond to any alleged incidents of bullying

• encourage and facilitate children and young people to play an active part in developing and adopting a code of conduct to address bullying”

Each participant, coach, volunteer or official will:

• “respect every child’s need for, and rights to, an environment where safety, security, praise, recognition and opportunity for taking responsibility are available

• respect the feelings and views of others

• recognise that everyone is important and that our differences make each of us special and should be valued

• show appreciation of others by acknowledging individual qualities, contributions and progress

• be committed to the early identification of bullying, and prompt and collective action to deal with it

• ensure safety by having rules and practices carefully explained and displayed for all to see

• report incidents of bullying they see – by doing nothing you are condoning bullying.”

August 2019

Organisation Contact details

British Ice Skating

British Ice Ska/ng English Institute of Sport

Coleridge Road

Sheffield

S9 5DA

Office: 01159 888 060

www.iceskating.org.uk

BIS Safeguarding manager

Natalie Sage Email: safeguarding@iceskating.org.uk

Safeguarding Officer

John Mills Tel: 01159 888060/07539697819

Email: safeguarding@iceskating.org.uk

Police Tel: 101 (999 emergencies only)

NSPCC Helpline (24 hours)

Tel: 0808 800 5000

Website: www.nspcc.org.uk

NSPCC – Child Protection in Sport Unit (CSPU)

Tel: 0116 234 7278,

E-mail: cpsu@nspcc.org.uk

Local Authority Designated Officers (LADO) See local phone directories, internet search engines or via Local Authority directly

LSCB (Local Safeguarding Children’s Board)

Website: www.safenetwork.org.uk

See local phone directories, internet search engines or via Local Authority directly

Victim Support Helpline:

Tel: 0845 3030 900

Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk

Child line Tel: 0800 1111

Website: www.childline.org.uk

16. Annual Presentation Evening

At the end of each season, the Committee organises a Presentation Evening where certificates are

awarded to each squad and skater to recognise their efforts throughout the season. Loyalty awards are

given to skaters to celebrate the length of time they have been a member of the Club.

This is a fun event, with a buffet, bar and disco. Tickets are sold by the Committee, with any proceeds

going into SSSA funds. This is a great opportunity to reflect on successes and allows the squads to mix socially, dance and have fun.

17. Your Responsibilities

British Ice Skating membership

All Synchro skaters MUST have a valid British Ice Skating membership to enable them to compete with

the Club. Please ensure membership is paid in plenty of time to avoid any last minute stress and that the

membership number is included in the skaters’ details on Spond. Skaters without a valid membership

will not be permitted to compete. Visit the website at www.iceskating.org.uk to register and pay.

SSSA membership

Being a member of the SSSA requires a significant level of commitment. Membership of another

synchronized skating club at the same time is not permitted, as this will inevitably lead to conflict

regarding training times, competition schedule etc.

Once a skater makes the decision to join a squad they are part of that squad for the entire season. Please

understand the domino effect of withdrawing mid-season. Programmes, monthly subscriptions and even

squad competition eligibility, are all affected. Any withdrawal from a squad will be addressed by the

Committee on a case by case basis. Skaters will be expected to commit as soon as squads are released.

The synchro season continues through until mid-March.

Anti-doping

On occasion, at competition, it may be required that skaters provide a dope test (urine sample) to the

Anti-doping Agency. In the UK this is overseen by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD). However abroad, there are

other agencies which are overseen by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

For further information, please visit www.isu.org and select 'clean sport' from the menu at the top of the

homepage or visit BIS at www.iceskating.org.uk/index.cfm/about/policies/anti-doping/

For competitions, it is necessary for anyone taking prohibited medications to complete a Therapeutic

Use Exemption (TUE) form. Again this can be found on the BIS website and is also available from a

Committee member.

It is YOUR responsibility to check medication, fill out the form and make us aware.

Conduct

Sheffield Synchronised Skating Academy has adopted the British Ice Skating Code of Conduct

All skaters are expected to behave responsibly at the rink and conduct themselves in a mature manner,

especially when in a public area such as the bar. Large groups can become loud and disruptive very

quickly, so be aware of the nuisance to others and help the SSSA to maintain a professional standard at

all times. Conduct whilst visiting other rinks should be respectful and as outlined in this Handbook.

Changing rooms

Please arrive ready for training and do not change in the bar area or the toilets.

Expectations

As a member of the SSSA there are certain expectations for each parent and skater, all of which are there

to enable every skater to get the most from the session. Please ensure you and your skater are aware of

these expectations.

Skaters

1. Ensure that you warm up before the training session begins.

2. At the published start time of the training session, be ready to step on to the ice, wearing the correct

clean and well-maintained clothing with boots fully laced and ready to go. Do not leave the training

session without a discussion with the coach, as the coach is responsible for your wellbeing and safety.

3. Keep up to date with steps and elements. If you miss a session, find out from teammates what you

have missed, watch shared videos and advise the coach if you are struggling. If you don’t tell them

then they can’t help you.

4. Accept the coaches’ judgement and choices; ask questions but don’t argue. Coaches are responsible

for the wellbeing of skaters during training and may ask a skater to leave the ice / training if they feel

it is in their best interest.

5. Don’t chat, eat or use mobile phones during training sessions. Do not take food onto the ice. Only

questions regarding current work should be discussed.

6. Treat the coaches with respect by listening to their instructions, answering their questions and trying

to achieve the goals set.

7. Respect yourself and other squad members. Treat others as you would wish to be treated.

8. Be supportive of the other squads within the Club, especially those at a more junior level – remember

you were there once.

9. All communication should be kind, courteous and age appropriate.

10. Fuel your body correctly in order to stay in optimum condition for training. Healthy snacks are

encouraged but snacks and fizzy drinks are not permitted during training or competitions. If you have

any questions regarding nutrition, please ask one of the coaches.

11. Join in with organised fundraising events and suggest new ideas of your own!

Parents / Guardians

1. to abide by the BIS code of conduct

2. Complete all forms that are requested and return within the timescale stipulated. Ensure that coaches / committee members / Squad Reps are aware of any special needs, medical conditions or requirements specific to your child and that you immediately make them aware of any changes.

3. Ensure that skaters arrive at the rink in time to warm up and encourage skaters to go to the toilet before training in order to minimise interruption to training sessions. Always collect skaters promptly at the end of each training session. If you leave a skater at training and go offsite always ensure that you notify a committee member and remain contactable throughout the training session. If the skater is under 18 and has a serious medical condition that may require any interventions we request that parents/carers/nominated adults remain on site at all times during training and competitions.

4. Be supportive of all squad members, parents/guardians coaches, committee members and chaperones and uphold their decisions.

5. Use the correct channel of communication to raise any issues with coaches. Do not interrupt the coach or skaters during training. Any issues or questions that you wish to raise with the coaching team MUST be communicated via the squad rep or parent liaison please DO NOT contact the coaching team direct.

6. All communication should be kind, courteous and age appropriate

7. Conduct whilst at Ice Sheffield or whilst visiting other rinks should be respectful and should set an example. Do not leave skaters or siblings unattended or unsupervised at the rink without a nominated and named person being responsible for their safety.

8. Encourage skaters to attend all training sessions, both on and off-ice.

9. Inform coaches/co-ordinators of any expected absences with as much notice as possible in order to assess the viability of training sessions.

10. Provide your child with sufficient water for the training session, together with healthy snacks for the end of the session. Ensure your child does not eat during a session, unless specifically permitted to do so by the Coach. No food should be taken onto the ice.

11. Attendance to all training sessions is monitored if a skater is absent for a period of time and has a low attendance percentage then this could jeopardize the skaters position within the team.

12. Pay the monthly subscription and competition fees on time. The annual fee is divided into monthly payments which are payable in advance by standing order/bank transfer before the 14th of the month. Failure to pay will result in the skater being suspended. Any difficulty in making the monthly payment should be discussed directly with the Treasurer/assistant treasurer.

13. Remember that this is a serious sport not a social club. There is a social side but this is not to the detriment of training and performance.

14. Be supportive of fundraising events and encourage your child to participate.

15. Be flexible regarding arrangements, and appreciate that things sometimes have to be changed without notice. Be tolerant of changes.

16. Appreciate why decisions are made regarding the squad i.e.travel, accommodation, training sessions and events. Respect that decisions are made for the squad/Academy as a whole and not for an individual’s benefit. Do not expect to be reimbursed / refunded if your child is unable to attend a squad event funded by the Academy.

17. Encourage your child to support all the teams within the Academy, not just their own. The SSSA is a large Synchro family and we encourage development through the teams.

18. Advise co-ordinators of ALL dietary, medical issues or special needs specific to your child via the appropriate form and prior to booking meals. Ensure a new form is completed as soon as there are any changes to the information held by the Academy.

Safeguarding

Who Are We?

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Our Squads

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Training

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Welcome

Our Values

uniform

Presentation Evening

Your responsibilties