Rink

Are there minimum rink size requirements to host official figure skating competitions or hockey tournaments? The most common rink size in the U.S. is the NHL regulation- size ice rink which is 200' x 85'. There are also many Olympic/International-size rinks at 200' x 100'. USA Hockey and U.S. Figure Skating have sections related to hosting regional and national competi- tions in their rule books. The USA Hockey rulebook is very clear in rule 102(a) that no regional or national championship will be held on a surface smaller than 185' x 85'. The U.S. Figure Skating rule #1014 states that "For all U.S. Figure Skating Championships and qualifying competitions, ice surfaces of not less then 185' x 85' shall be used whenever possible." Both USA Hockey and U.S. Figure Skating use bidding processes for groups that would like to host tournaments and competitions. For more information check out their websites. We started noticing something recently, and it could have been happening for some time, but we never thought anything of it. Each time we resurface we notice that the amount of the cut seems to change, even though we do not move the blade adjust- ment wheel. This is most noticeable in the morn- ing or anytime the machine sits for long periods of time, and the problem appears to be getting worse. Our city garage mechanics have said they see nothing wrong with the machine. What could it be? All types of ice resurfacers have moving parts that can become worn and cause this condition. Some models of resurfacers use bushings and springs to hold tension on the blade holder bar, and these bushings and springs need to be thoroughly inspected. The inspection will require some disas- sembly to be sure that all the parts are in good shape and lubricated properly. As for the springs that keep pressure on the blade holder bar, if they become rusted to the point where there is no flex in them, replacement is required. Some ice resur- facer models have pivot points that can stick if not lubricated properly. This type of machine also uses a lock-down pres- sure system that must be adjusted for the conditioner to sit properly on the ice sur- face. If more then three years have gone by since the conditioner has been disassem- bled and inspected this would be the place to start. Only by use of some disas- sembly can the parts be thoroughly checked. The blade adjustment screws — both side-to-side and main blade adjust- ment screw — need to be inspected for damaged threads. The only proper way to do this is to clean and inspect them from under the conditioner. In some cases we have found dirt and debris caught between the blade holder bar and the side wall of the conditioner box. All of the details on the conditioner can be found on the manufacturer's maintenance videos. ★ ask dave 56 R INK MAGAZ INE may/june 2010 ■ You have rink questions. Dave has rink answers. Send your questions to AskDave@rinkmagazine.com. STARrinks.com Know your ice resurfacer's conditioner inside- out for proper operation. No matter what size the rink, putting it on a football field sure makes it look small. PHOTOS BY DAVE WESCOTT

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