Skating aids banned at most public skate times

A tool that helps kids learn to balance during their first few times on skates is banned at indoor public skate times in Regina.

Skating aids are designed to give young first-time skaters something to push along the ice to keep their balance, instead of hanging on to an adult or falling down with each step. Yet families who bring the devices to public skate times at indoor arenas are being told they are against the rules.

Melissa Coderre is the co-ordinator of sports facilities and special events with the Parks and Recreation Services department for the City of Regina. She said skating aids are banned during most indoor public skate times because they pose a tripping hazard when they are used in crowds.

“Yes the skater is at risk when they fall, but when the skate aid is pushed away and when you have 150 skaters on the ice, if (the skating aids) were allowed at other skates, the chance that another child is going to go over that bar is significant which is why they are not allowed at regular skates,” Coderre said.

“I understand it doesn’t seem to make sense, but there is a reason that this is the best practice, it really does ensure the safety of the skaters and the new skaters.”

The rule is based on best practices from organizations like Skate Canada and other city recreational arenas in cities around Canada. They state the safest time to use a skating aid is when there are fewer than 50 people on the ice at a time.

Skating aids are allowed only during the designated Parent and Tot skate time on Saturday afternoons at the Kinsmen Arena, because the city limits the number of people on the ice to 50.

Families are also welcome to use skating aids for their kids at any outdoor rink, and there are even some available for public use on the ice surface downtown at City Square Plaza.

Coderre said the difference is that it would be very rare to see more than 50 people using any outdoor skating rink at one time. While crowd size varies on any given public skate time at indoor arenas, Coderre said they are very popular and regularly attract more than 50 skaters.

Walking sticks, wagons, strollers, sleds, chairs, baby carriers and car seats are also banned from the ice surface at indoor arenas along with pylons, hockey sticks, pucks and balls.

Hockey, figure skating and tag are also against the rules during public skates. Skating backwards is not allowed and neither is listening to headphones.

Shoes are restricted to centre ice for adults helping beginner skaters. Helmets are recommended but not mandatory on the ice.

Coderre said the city strongly advises all skaters to wear helmets but said it is technically a personal choice and only poses a risk to the skater and not others.