Helping Parents Keep Skaters Safe On and Off the Ice
U.S. Figure Skating and the SkateSafe® team have just unveiled an essential resource for parents and guardians of figure skaters: the Parent and Guardian Guide to Athlete Safety. This proactive guide is now available online and serves as a crucial tool for those who wish to foster a safer environment for their young athletes.
Why This Guide Matters
Parents play an indispensable role in the athlete safety network. Whether your skater is a novice or already progressing toward elite competition, recognizing potential concerns and maintaining healthy communication channels are vital responsibilities. This guide aims to empower parents in various key areas:
Raise awareness of the warning signs of grooming, abuse, and bullying.
Differentiate between constructive coaching and abusive behavior.
Encourage open communication among families, skaters, coaches, and clubs.
Support informed choices regarding coaching relationships and environments.
Provide guidance on how to safely and appropriately report concerns.
Build confidence in advocating for and navigating challenging situations for your athlete.
What’s Inside the Guide
The guide thoroughly addresses topics crucial to athlete safety:
Abuse prevention and education
The grooming process
Setting, relaying, and enforcing boundaries
Differentiating tough coaching from abusive tactics
Strategies for bullying prevention
Encouraging athlete autonomy and voice
Overview of SkateSafe® policies and accessible resources
Approaching reporting and responding to concerns effectively
This handbook not only informs but offers practical strategies to reference throughout the skating season and beyond.
Empowering a Safer Skating Community
U.S. Figure Skating is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment for every athlete, emphasizing community trust. The Parent and Guardian Guide to Athlete Safety is another step toward ensuring athlete protection and empowerment. We urge every parent and guardian to take time to read, share, and utilize this vital guide in their skating endeavors.
For any questions regarding the Parent and Guardian Guide to Athlete Safety, please contact skatesafe@usfigureskating.org.
