Skating Rules

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Notice - Skating Rules

Many outdoor rinks are open with COVID-19 safety measures in place. Review the safety measures on the Outdoor Rinks page and plan your visit accordingly. 

Content - Res - Rec - Public Skate Rules

Public Skating

Participants are asked to obey the following rules to ensure a safe and pleasant skating experience:

  • Respect staff at all times. When the whistle sounds, listen to and follow staff instructions.
  • Report all accidents or injuries to staff immediately.
  • Children ten years of age and under must wear a protective CSA approved helmet with a screen during skating sessions. It is strongly recommended that all skaters wear a helmet on the ice.
  • Only persons with skates shall be permitted on the ice surface.
  • The middle of the ice surface is reserved for children and less confident skaters.
  • Skate at a sensible and safe speed in the same direction as other skaters.
  • Pucks or sticks are reserved for Shinny Hockey sessions and are not permitted during skating sessions.
  • Wearing full hockey equipment is not permitted on the ice surface during regular public skating. Children may wear full hockey gear for designated Parent & Tot shinny hockey only.

During public skating sessions, children age 7 and under must be actively supervised by a responsible person age 16 or older.

  • Skate guards must be worn in unmatted areas throughout the facility.
  • Skating backwards is not permitted during any Public Skates.
  • Users of City facilities are personally responsible for ensuring that they are fit to participate in physical activities. Anyone with a condition affecting his/her ability to participate must take appropriate safety precautions to ensure his/her own safety and is encouraged to be  accompanied by an adult who is knowledgeable about their condition.

The following activities are not permitted on the ice at any time; such behaviour could result in immediate removal from the facility.

  • Carrying children (including baby carriers).
  • The use of headsets, cell phones or hand-held electronic devices.
  • Food and drinks.
  • Rough play, speed and figure skating and multiplayer games (i.e. tag and races), foul language or inappropriate behaviour.

Wheelchairs and skating aids

  • Skating supports, chairs, sleds, strollers, and pylons are not permitted on the ice surface during public skating sessions.
  • Wheelchairs are permitted during Family and Public Skating sessions, with the accompaniment of a responsible person age 16 or older with skates on.
  • CSA approved helmets are required for wheelchair occupants over 12 months.
  • Wheels must be cleaned of sand and salt prior to entering the ice surface to ensure the safety of skaters.
  • Wheelchair users are asked to use the perimeter of the ice closest to the boards.

Shinny Hockey

Adult Shinny

  • Adults age 18 and older must wear full hockey equipment including a CSA approved helmet. It is highly recommended that participants wear a full-face mask.
  • All participants must pay prior to accessing the ice surface.  Proceed to facility front desk or ticket booth locations to make payment. Note: INVISTA Centre participants will be issued a wrist band that must be worn to verify payment. Players may be requested to show proof of age at time of purchase.
  • No on-ice monitoring/refereeing is provided
  • Participants are restricted to a maximum of 20 skaters and 3 goalies for all City-operated Shinny Hockey programs.
  • If there are more than 20 skaters on the ice please request city staff to verifying admissions.
  • Equal ice time ensures everyone gets the most out of the program. We ask players to self-monitor shifts to a maximum of 3-4 minutes in length.

Youth/Child Supervised Shinny

  • Full hockey equipment is required including a CSA approved helmet with full-face mask, gloves and neck protector.
  • All participants must pay prior to accessing the ice surface. Proceed to facility front desk or Ticket booth locations to make payment. Players may be requested to show proof of age at time of purchase.
  • Ice Monitors will determine teams based on equal skill, referee the activity and encourage team play.

To ensure the safety of all patrons

  • Time allocated for Ice Skating sessions may be reduced in order to accommodate ice maintenance.
  • Staff are responsible for safe skating conditions and will make the final decision, relative to safety considerations.
  • Do not proceed onto the rink until the ice resurfacer is off and the gates are closed.