Conflict is inevitable in skating. You work with the same people a lot, see the same people a lot and are working really hard. Here are some common conflicts and how people are expected to handle them.

Conflicts Between Skaters

If you are not getting along with another skater, here is what you do:

1.) Tell the other skater you don’t like what they are doing. They may not know what they are doing is not okay with you. See if you can resolve it between yourselves first. This is strongly encouraged. Skaters are often times more astute at handling kid problems than myself.

2.) If the other skater is continuing to bother you, tell me what is going on IMMEDIATELY. I would like to witness the situation for myself and/or hear about the issue from both skaters in the present moment. If you tell another coach, they will have you come to me.

3.) If the situation is concerning, especially if it violates the U.S. Figure Skating Code of Conduct, I will email the parents of the skaters with the issue and how the situation was handled and what I believe we should do going forward.

4.) If the problem happens a second time, Melissa will engage the club so skaters can go through the “Conflict Resolution Process.” This is why the process exists, and one of the reasons why the club was created.

5.) Also, please remember that kids make mistakes and are learning. It is our job as adults to guide them, so be mindful of a situation and if it is happening because kids are still growing up.

6.) Skaters~ you have a choice if you engage in certain behaviors or not. Surround yourself with skaters who are a good influence on you and stay away from people who are not. You cannot control everyone else, but you can control yourself.