Helmet Use Policy
On July 1, 2011 Skate Canada implemented a Helmet Use policy. This policy was implemented as a proactive safety measure to help protect members in the early stages of the CanSkate program. Skate Canada believes it is an appropriate time to implement such a policy to help prevent future injuries to its members that are learning how to skate. In the development of the policy Skate Canada consulted various groups of individuals including parents, and the Skate Canada Board of Director approved the policy earlier in 2011.
Skate Canada is proud of its CanSkate program, the best learn-to-skate program in Canada, and we will continue to develop policies and programming that create a better and safer learn-to-skate experience for our skaters.
General
All Skate Canada member clubs and skating schools who offer CanSkate program ensues all CanSkate and Adult CanSkate participants up to and including Stage 5 must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet while on the ice.
Clubs and skating schools must ensure this policy is enforced during all skating activities including competitions, carnival days or any other special on ice activities throughout the season for this level of skater.
Clubs and skating schools may choose to expand the use of CSA approved hockey helmets in their club as they see necessary. In general, anyone who lacks good control/balance when skating forward, backward and has difficulty stopping, as well as maneuvering around obstacles on the ice must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet.
The CSA approved logo will be found on the back of the hockey helmet affixed to the outer shell of the helmet. For more information about CSA standards visit www.csa-international.org.
Stickers on Helmets
All skaters within Skate Canada must wear a CSA certified hockey helmet and the CSA sticker must remain on the helmet at all times. The following summarizes guidelines related to the application of stickers on the CSA certified helmet:
- It is recommended that you do not apply anything to the helmet, however, if the user decides to apply materials such as stickers then it is their responsibility to ensure it meets the approval of the helmet manufacturer.
- It is important that the manufacturer instructions for care of the helmet are carefully read and followed to ensure proper maintenance of this piece of equipment.
- If you have applied stickers that do not follow regulations of the manufacturer you are at risk of having a faulty helmet and should remove them immediately.
The stickers that may have been awarded to the skaters and will be awarded to the skaters do not abide with the standards. Please remove any stickers on your child’s helmet.