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September/October 2015

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38 / SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2015 RINKMAGAZINE.COM by MARK VAUGHAN T here is a notable ambiance in all ice arenas: Parents cheering, younger siblings running around, and hockey bags strewn about the lobby. While we can appreciate that type of atmosphere, it also sounds like at some point we lost our rink etiquette. There should be a certain way that cus- tomers and employees conduct themselves when at the rink. Having the appropriate arena etiquette not only improves safety, but increases the level of fun, too. Here are five ways that we can work together with our patrons to make sure our arenas run their best day in and day out. 1. Keep the Ice Fresh Ice is the bread and butter of our industry. As arena personnel we work with it daily, if not hourly, to ensure that each team of skaters has the best sheet possible. But, the ice resurfacer and rink refrigeration can only do so much. Turn to coaches and ask for some assistance by having them spread their drills out on the ice. Let them know that by doing so, it leaves the ice nice and (relatively) rut-free for the next group. Another good etiquette tip is for the coaches who stay on the ice to help move nets. Remind them that the ice resurfacer driver cannot see them over the top of the machine. Have them hold the net away from the boards until the resurfacer goes by. Then, make sure the snow does not follow the net onto the newly resurfaced area. If it does, it will freeze and make the ice surface unsafe for the next group. When pushing the nets, recommend they push them between blue lines. The farther away the net is from the corners, the better room it allows for the driver to make proper turns and not miss any areas. 2. Locker Room Cleanup We've all opened the locker room door to find tape, food and spit all over the floor. The easiest correction for this is to make sure there is a garbage can in the locker room — and a big note reminding players and coaches to use it! There is no reason anyone should be throwing garbage on the floor, or feel the need to spit on it either. It is not a requirement for sports. I guarantee players are not spitting on the floor of their parents' house, so there's no reason for it at our hockey home. Remind players and coaches to leave the locker room cleaner than they found it. We understand spills and are willing to assist, just make sure to let staff know if there is major spill. We as staff also need to make sure it is in our practice to check locker rooms each hour. 3. Clear a Path Above we mentioned the hockey bags. As much as we hate to see it, it's our reality. It's something that, for me, is a head shaker but is a problem that can be easily remedied. Remind parents, players and coaches that if they have dryland training, a team meeting or are waiting for Don't Forget Your Arena Etiquette Remind players and coaches to leave the locker room cleaner than they found it. We understand spills and are willing to assist, just make sure to let staff know if there is major spill. , The arena is a place for everyone to enjoy. Practice your rink etiquette. RINK ISSUES Rink Etiquette PHOTOS: COURTESY OF SPIRIT ICE ARENA AND RINK MAGAZINE

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