Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/536739
STARRINKS.COM JULY.AUGUST.2015 / 43 involves monetary harm," but can also come in many other forms. Specifically the FTC writes, "Injury exists if consumers would have chosen differently but for the deception." According to the FTC policy statement on deception written in October 1983, practices that have been found misleading or deceptive in specific cases include false oral or written representations, or failure to perform promised services. The FTC also considers claims or omissions "material" if they significantly impact health or safety in which a consumer could be reasonably concerned. Coaches should take extra care when promoting themselves to children, and refrain from using psychological tactics to encourage demand. The FTC places special emphasis on truth-in-advertising laws when applied to children. Again, the FTC policy statement on deception reports, "False, misleading and deceptive advertising claims beamed at children tend to exploit unfairly a consumer group unqualified by age or experience to anticipate or appreciate the possibility that representations may be exaggerated or untrue." Another important responsibility is to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for all skaters. Coaches should be respectful of any disruption in the workplace that may put a skater's safety in jeopardy. Code of Ethics Rule #3: In order to protect the safety and development of students, no member shall engage in any in-person solicitation of a student while the student is actively engaged in a lesson or while "performing." "Performing" means skating or preparing to skate in an event at an arena in a test, competition or exhibition, and includes meeting with coaches, locker room time, practice skating and warmup skating. Additionally, for U.S. Figure Skating registered coaches, SafeSport policies must be followed in order to provide a safe environment for its members that is free of abuse and harassment. While the PSA wishes to encourage the open recruitment of skaters, our members must understand the limitations required to protect minors. The SafeSport Program Handbook is available for download on the U.S. Figure Skating website. Subject to the nuances above, the PSA removed its restrictions solicitation or open recruitment of skaters. Please check with your facilities as they may have their own internal policies. J For additional information on the PSA Code of Ethics and FTC settlement: www.skatepsa.com/ Professional%20Standards.htm. Jimmie Santee is the Executive Director of the Professional Skaters Association. THE GOAL IS TO INCREASE COMPETITION BETWEEN COACHES, REDUCE FEES FOR SKATERS, IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICES AND ENCOURAGE INNOVATION.