Mastering Rink Etiquette: Essential Tips for a Great Session!

Thrill Of The Edge
Nov 18, 2023
1 min read

Public Sessions

Many rinks offer public sessions. These sessions offer a more affordable opportunity to grab some ice time. Skate rental is open and available for customers who do not own their own skates. Sometimes, skate rental is included in the price of the session but this differs from rink to rink. I have seen it included in the session price and listed as an additional fee. Always check the rink website before you go!

Public sessions are, as the name describes, open to the public. Anyone can go! Whether you are a first-time skater or you are more seasoned, you can enjoy a public session!

If you are in USFS Basic Skills 1-8 or ISI Alpha-Gamma, public sessions are a great way for you to practice! However, if you want to do more difficult maneuvers (e.g. three turns, C-steps, edges), go to the center circle to practice. Do not weave in and out of the general flow of traffic. Remember: you are in a public session.

Freestyle Sessions

Many rinks have strict policies regarding freestyle sessions. Always check the rink’s website for these policies. For some rinks, you may need to be USFS/ISI Freeskate 1 to be allowed on freestyle. However, I have seen rinks allow those skaters who are USFS Basic 6 (ISI Gamma).

Why is there a level requirement? Well, the short answer is safety. Freestyle sessions are primarily for more advanced skaters who are focused on training and improving their skills. Even further, rinks will split their freestyle sessions into “Low Freestyle” and “High Freestyle”. Or they separate by test level/elements and freestyles are labeled by the test you have passed like “Junior-Senior Freestyle” or “Intermediate and Above Freestyle.” Each rink has its own policies and guidelines. While one rink may ban dance patterns of high-level freestyle, another rink bans backward spirals and any maneuver you cannot see over your shoulder.

Rink exceptions to Public/Freestyle session policies

Often, they will say that you are allowed to be on a freestyle session that is beyond your skill level if you are in a lesson. Moreover, rinks do not have a real way to verify your skill level. Ice time can be hard to come by in many locations and I understand the need to skate when ice is available. Also, you are often at the mercy of your coach’s schedule. I remember the days of getting up at 4 am to get to the rink for my lesson!

All I can do is encourage you to be mindful. If your coach can only teach you on a Senior-level freestyle and you are working on Adult Bronze Skating Skills, you may have a tough session ahead of you: one filled with stress, very fast skaters, and you are more focused on your own safety rather than improving your skills. Talk to your coach and ask if there is any other time they can offer - even if it means doing two half-hour lessons on different sessions rather than an hour lesson on a session that is unsafe for you. Unfortunately, collisions do happen, and going to a session appropriate for your level is the best way for everyone to remain as safe as possible.

Tips to have a great session!

Stick to your ice time: Find the ice time that is best suited for your skill level. If you do not see sufficient ice time for your skill level, ask the rink manager or skating school director for ideas on what sessions are best suited for you. There may be a session that would be great that you are not aware of! Also, if you are told a freestyle session is sold out, do not try to negotiate. Freestyles have a maximum occupancy limit for safety.

Give way: Be mindful that more advanced skills take up more space and time. Take note of more advanced skaters’ patterns and paths so you can remain safe. Always know who is skating their program to music: they have the right of way and it is your responsibility to allow them to train their program.

Who’s in a lesson?: If the skater who is training their program to music has the right of way, anyone who is in a lesson with a coach is a very close second. Coaches with their students have the right of way and you must allow them the opportunity to work. Also, it is important to know that coaches can jump the line to play programs. Normally, playing your program is first come, first served. However, if you see a coach approaching the music station, they get priority.

Ask for space, politely: “Excuse me” or “Heads up, please” goes a long way. Using polite verbal and non-verbal cues so you can execute a maneuver is perfectly valid. Just remember who has the right of way and allow everyone to train in a positive and safe atmosphere.

Don’t leave a trail: Clean up after yourself! Water bottles, tissues, and anything else you need to have a successful session - clean it up! Make sure you use the waste receptacles provided by the rink. Also, make sure you do not leave anything on the ice. Peruse the ice for bobby pins, rogue clothing threads, earrings, or anything that may have fallen off of your person while training. This will help maintain the safety (and cleanliness) for everyone’s sake!

Know the plan: Always follow the rink’s rules. Many rinks have a diagram for freestyle sessions. This diagram informs the flow of traffic and assists in keeping everyone safe.

Here are two great examples!

Source: USFS Aspire Program: Ice Rules and Traffic Patterns