Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1249212
28 / MAY.JUNE.2020 USICERINKS.COM • Winter months are typically busier for skating programs. The summer months are a great time to offer semi- nars, packages, camps or events along- side other programs. Programming Considerations for Learn to Skate USA To ensure the health and safety of your facility's staff, guests and the greater com- munity, the following recommendations for group classes provided by U.S. Figure Skating, based on the CDC's guidelines for social distancing and sanitation prac- tices, will help ensure your customers feel safe and comfortable in your rink. • Tools of the trade: Have an employee handle and sanitize all rent- als between usage. Cease helmet rentals unless proper sanitation steps can be followed. Dispose of all plush toys and replace with plastic toys that will be sanitized between uses. • Instructors: Limit personal contact with students. Wear a mask and eye protection. Wash or replace gloves, coats and hats as often as possible. Disinfect the top of the boards after each class. Use a variety of traffic patterns while teaching for skater separation. • Pre-planning: Allow time to sanitize lobby areas, bathrooms, tops of dasher boards and rental equipment between sessions. Utilize online payment systems and take payments over the phone if needed. If skaters need rentals, have them set aside and ready upon arrival. Ensure students can always maintain a six-foot distance. Consider removing practice time at the end of the session or adjusting times. • Prepare for arrival: Stagger arrival times or use separate entrances. Create clear signage directing skaters to entrance areas. Post staggered class schedules in multiple areas and strictly adhere to it. Use tape to mark readi- ness zones for skaters to take skates on and off. Have instructors assist with the arrival procedures. • During class: Have skaters enter ice at staggered times or separate entrances. Adjust lesson plans to keep skaters six feet away from each other. Use markers and new activities two ensure proper spacing. Provide six-foot markers in spectator areas to ensure spectators say six feet apart while observing the class. Have skaters excite the ice the same way they entered. • After class: Make it clear skaters have a set amount of time to pack up and exit. Lobbies should not allow groups to lin- ger. Sanitize lobby areas, bath- rooms, dasher boards, etc. in between each session. • Look ahead: Develop flexible refund policies should stay-at-home orders be restored or if your rink is forced to close. Create an emergency plan for a possible outbreak. J For more information or to become a member program, visit LearnToSkateUSA.com. Grassroots for the Future , Learn to Skate USA is a customizable program that allows facilities to meet consumer demand, maximize profits, and increase foot traffic.