At Lilac City Figure Skating Club, creating a safe, respectful, and positive environment for every skater is one of our highest priorities. We want to share information about two important tools that help us do that: Skate Safe and the Club Code of Conduct, including how each is used and how concerns can be reported.
Skate Safe (U.S. Figure Skating)
Skate Safe is U.S. Figure Skating’s national program designed to protect skaters and participants by promoting safe, appropriate behavior and providing a clear, confidential way to report concerns. It applies to all U.S. Figure Skating members, including skaters, parents, coaches, directors, officials, and volunteers.
Skate Safe covers issues such as:
– Emotional or physical misconduct
– Bullying or harassment
– Boundary violations
– Retaliation for reporting concerns
– Any behavior that makes a participant feel unsafe or uncomfortable
Concerns may be reported directly through U.S. Figure Skating’s Skate Safe reporting system:
https://www.usfigureskating.org/skatesafe
Reports can be submitted by skaters, parents, or any member, and retaliation for reporting is strictly prohibited.
Club Code of Conduct
Our Club Code of Conduct establishes clear expectations for behavior, communication, and professionalism within Lilac City Figure Skating Club. It applies to skaters, parents, coaches, directors, board members, and volunteers.
The Code of Conduct helps ensure:
– Respectful and appropriate communication
– Positive sportsmanship
– Clear boundaries and professional behavior
– A welcoming, inclusive environment
– Consistent and fair handling of concerns
You can review the full Club Code of Conduct and Ethics & Procedures policy here:
https://lilacskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/LCFSCEthicsProcedure-2022.pdf
How to Report Code of Conduct Concerns
Concerns related to the Club Code of Conduct may be submitted confidentially by emailing:
[email protected]
Code of Conduct matters are coordinated by Alicia Reis, our Code of Conduct Coordinator, and are handled with care, discretion, and consistency. As with Skate Safe, retaliation for raising concerns is not permitted.
Why This Matters
Skate Safe and our Club Code of Conduct are in place to:
– Protect skaters’ physical and emotional well-being
– Encourage open and honest communication
– Address concerns early and appropriately
– Maintain trust within our skating community
-Align our club with U.S. Figure Skating best practices
A strong reporting culture helps prevent small issues from becoming larger ones and supports a positive experience for everyone involved in our club.
Our Commitment
Lilac City Figure Skating Club is committed to:
– Supporting skaters and families
– Maintaining clear and safe reporting channels
– Respecting confidentiality
– Taking concerns seriously and responding appropriately
– Fostering an environment where everyone feels respected and heard
If you have questions about Skate Safe, the Club Code of Conduct, or reporting options, please feel free to reach out to the Board.
Thank you for being part of a community that puts safety, respect, and integrity first.
What if I’m not sure whether something is a Skate Safe issue or a Code of Conduct issue?
That’s okay. You do not need to decide which policy applies before speaking up. If a situation involves safety, boundaries, harassment, intimidation, or misconduct, you may report it through Skate Safe. If it involves behavior, communication, or professionalism within the club, you may report it under the Club Code of Conduct. When in doubt, choose the option that feels most appropriate—your concern will be routed correctly.
Can I report a concern even if I’m not sure it’s “serious enough”?
Yes. Reporting concerns early helps prevent issues from escalating. You are encouraged to report concerns in good faith, even if you are unsure whether a policy has been violated.
Can a skater or parent report a concern?
Yes. Reports may be made by skaters, parents, guardians, coaches, volunteers, or any club member.
Can I report something anonymously?
Yes. Skate Safe allows anonymous reporting. Club Code of Conduct concerns may also be submitted confidentially by email. While anonymity is respected whenever possible, the club will always prioritize safety and appropriate follow-up.
What does “retaliation” mean?
Retaliation is any action—real or perceived—that punishes, pressures, intimidates, or discourages someone for reporting a concern or participating in a review process. Retaliation is not allowed.
Examples of retaliation include:
– Being confronted or criticized for reporting
– Being treated differently after raising a concern
– Threats related to ice time, roles, opportunities, or participation
– Statements suggesting someone “should not have” spoken up
– Attempts to identify or single out who made a report
Even the appearance of retaliation is taken seriously.
What if my concern turns out to be unsubstantiated?
You will not get in trouble for raising a concern in good faith. Reporting concerns—even when they are ultimately unsubstantiated—is not misconduct and is protected under both Skate Safe and the Club Code of Conduct.
Who sees my report?
Reports are handled discreetly and shared only with those who need to know in order to respond appropriately. Confidentiality is respected to the greatest extent possible.
What happens after a report is made?
Each report is reviewed to determine appropriate next steps, which may include follow-up questions, guidance, or formal action. Not every report results in discipline, but every report is taken seriously.
Why does the club emphasize reporting so strongly?
A healthy skating environment depends on people feeling safe to speak up. Clear reporting options help protect skaters, support families, maintain trust, and ensure the club aligns with U.S. Figure Skating best practices.
Who can I contact if I have questions about reporting?
Skate Safe questions: Contact our SkateSafe Compliance Chair, Ana Ehrler, or submit a report through U.S. Figure Skating’s Skate Safe system.
Club Code of Conduct questions: Email [email protected], coordinated by Alicia Reis, Code of Conduct Coordinator.
