Rink

asic Skills, U.S. Figure Skating's grass-roots program, has already hit a high mark in terms of membership numbers for the 2006-07 season. The mission of the Basic Skills Program is to provide a goal-oriented program that encourages ice skating at all levels and to enhance the quality of skating skills at these levels. In March 2007, U.S. Figure Skating reached the 100,000 mark! Thanks to our great directors across the nation and the enthusiasm that is put into running these programs, we have been able to see a steady increase in numbers so far and will continue to do so as we look to break last year's record of 132,000 members. Tools such as fun promotional materials, instructor manuals, record books and parent guides that are given to the programs, instructors, skaters and parents contribute to the success of the program as a whole, as well as allow all facilities to offer standard, well-balanced individual programs. Ultimately, this consistency and support keeps people coming back for more. By offering the highest quality instruction in ten different curriculums for children and adults alike, we are enabling anyone who is interested in the sport of figure skating to enjoy it at all levels for the rest of their lives. n late February a memo was distributed by USA Hockey discussing gender equity policy and co-ed locker rooms. As stated in the memo: USA Hockey is frequently asked to provide some type of guideline about dealing with such situations. Teams, leagues, associations and USA Hockey need to recognize that there are gender equity issues to deal with when managing a co-ed locker room setting. Both female and male privacy rights must be given consideration and appropriate arrangements made. A complete copy of the memo can be found on usahockey.com. NGB News 56 R INK MAGAZ INE May/June 2007 Basic Skills Membership Soaring I Dealing With Locker Room Gender Issues B NOTE: Make certain that two properly screened adults are present in locker room settings to supervise. Arrange to provide supervisors who are of the same sex as the children they are to protect. Please follow Coaching Ethics guidelines. A. Where possible, have the male and female players undress/dress in separate locker rooms; then convene in a single dressing room to hold the coach's pre-game meeting. B. Once the game is finished, hold the coach's post-game meeting; then have the male and female players proceed to their separate dressing rooms to undress and shower (separately), if available. C. In those cases where separate facilities are not available, have one gender enter the locker room and change into their uniforms. That gender then leaves the locker room, while the other gender dresses. Both genders would then assemble in the locker room and hold the coach's pre-game meeting. D. Following the game and the coach's post- game meeting, where separate facilities are not available, the second gender group enters the locker room and undresses, while the first group waits outside until they have undressed and left the room. Once the sec- ond group leaves, the first group enters the locker room and undresses. USA Hockey's recommendations: MINNESOTA HOCKEY JOURNAL Snowplow Sam is the mascot for Basic Skills. Sam and his collateral materials, like certificates and posters, help make the learn-to-skate program more kid-friendly and fun.

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