Rink

We are thinking about installing a skating harness. What can you tell us about it? For this answer I went directly to the source, Susi Wehrli McLaughlin, Senior Director of Membership for U.S. Figure Skating. Susi mentioned that there are a few manufacturers to buy from and added that regardless of which company you buy from she recommends that you research them all. Ask for the specifications and make sure that it will fit your arena and the needs you have. Work with your figure skating instructors and use their input when choosing the location and manufacturer of the harness. Have the harness installed by a professional and then run a training class with the entire coaching staff on appropriate usage and storage. Develop written policies about how and when the harness can be used. We know from our IMEO classes that some rinks have had serious issues with harnesses not being put away properly and in a few cases the ice resurfacer operator was almost hung by it. Susi told us that some coaches do not understand the forces behind the harness and skaters have been injured by it. It is meant to assist skaters with learning new jumps by holding them at the top of their jump for a split second longer so they can feel rotation. Plus it helps to break their fall but is not designed to stop them from falling. The policies need to include when the harness can be used. The harness should never be used during public skating sessions, only free skate sessions with skaters who are familiar with the traffic pattern of the harness. Skaters who are on the harness can't always move out of the way of other skaters and should have the right of way on the session. U.S. Figure Skating's insurance policies do cover harness use for skaters and coaches (another reason why proper training and policies are important). A harness is a great learning tool when used properly but if not it can become a hazard. Due to construction that was done inside our arena and on the concrete ice surface we now have bobcat tire marks, some hydraulic oil spots and normal dirt/soil coverage on the concrete ice bed. What would be your best recommendation for cleaning the surface prior to putting in the new ice sheet for the season (to be certain we have no problems mid-season)? First and foremost is a good sweeping of the concrete surface and don't forget to dust off the netting and the boards and glass. Then once the floor is clear of loose dirt, use a solution of TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate) — you can find TSP in the painting section of Home Depot or Lowes. Mix the TSP with water according to the directions and use a floor scrubber to clean the floor. Another option would be to use the TSP and a pressure washer but you will still need a floor scrubber to help dry up the floor and get rid of the water. Rent a floor scrubber if you do not have one — it's well worth the money. Double-rinse the surface with fresh water and you will be ready to go. It is possible that you may still see some faint tire marks, but it should be clean enough to start the ice painting process. DO NOT use any cleaners with petroleum solvents in it — that will repel the water and give you bonding problems. ★ ask dave 58 R INK MAGAZ INE july/august 2008 ■ You have rink questions. Dave has rink answers. Send your questions to AskDave@rinkmagazine.com. COURTESY OF SKATETOWN, ROSEVILLE, CALI. Skatetown in Roseville, California, safely utilizes a skating harness to assist with private lessons. STAR PHOTO

• Cover