Synchro | Junior Blades

RULES AND REGULATIONS

To qualify for the squad the skater must be in Grade 4 and higher. Selections for the team are at the discretion of the Synchro Coaching team and the Committees.
The skater must be a current member of Junior Blades.
We strongly encourage you to become a SAFSA member and work towards achieving Skills 1 as this is a requirement to compete at competitions. Skills are taught in private lessons and not in club.
We encourage you to obtain private lessons from a professional coach.

Monthly fees as set by the Club Committee must be paid on or before 7th of each month in advance. Failing that, you will be restricted from participating in the squad and will not be allowed on the ice.
On joining the team, a one month's fee deposit is required.
Fees will be reviewed, when necessary, at the discretion of the Club Committee.

Due to shortage of ice time, skaters are required to be at practice at least 10 minutes prior to the start. You need to be in line ready to step on the ice by 07H20
If you are late, you will not be permitted onto the ice as this causes disruption to the team and the coaches. You will have to sit in the hockey box to observe the lesson.
Fines (as set down by the Committee) will be levied for non-compliance.

Absenteeism will not be accepted from any official practice sessions.
1 weeks' notice and a letter is required for absence due to a school function.
2 consecutive weeks absence, due to illness, will require a doctor's certificate.
For any other reason which causes you to be unable to attend any practice session, you must contact your team manager in advance, unless there are unforeseen circumstances, or an emergency arises.
Injured skaters should still attend all practices and sit on the side.
Absence from practice may lead to you losing your position in the team.
You will forfeit your deposit should you not attend practice for more than 1 month without notice of intention.

One calendar month written notice of resignation to be submitted to the team manager.
Team members are still liable for fees during this notice period.
Resignation should be avoided within 2 months prior to any competition or exhibition.
Skaters who are competing are expected to stay in the team until the end of the first home competition of the year, the WP Championships which will be held in December.

The respective Club uniforms will be the Synchro uniform until further notice.
Long hair to be tied up in a neat bun for general practices.
No jewellery or watches to be worn on the ice. The Club Committee will not be held responsible for any loss.
At competitions, exhibitions and/or galas, the following personal items are to be removed:
- All personal jewellery, watches, and nail polish.
Please use the lockers in the change rooms for your valuables (during competitions only). You will need to provide your own lock.
All blade covers and jackets must be removed before competing.

The respective clubs will not be held responsible for injury attained during practices, exhibitions, or competitions, or at any team event organized by the committee, coaches or team management.

No bad language will be tolerated.
No sitting on, or kicking of the barriers.
No chewing gum on the ice during practices. No eating or drinking on the ice, except water in the hockey box.
Abide by all the rules of the Ice Station.
Only coaches voice to be heard on the ice during practices.
No back chatting or private conversations during practices.
Full attention must be given at all times.
No cell phones.
Skaters not complying with these rules will be reported to the respective Committees for disciplinary action.
Whilst on the ice the team is solely under the leadership of the coach.
No interference will be tolerated from parents whilst the team is practicing.

The Team Managers shall be responsible for discipline off the ice.
All skater's queries are to be channelled through the Team Manager and involving the coaching staff will be at the discretion of the Team Manager. Parents are asked to please refrain from bypassing the Team Manager and approaching the coaches or club chairman directly.

Coaches' duties cover the technical aspects of skating as well as enforcing discipline on the ice and during off-ice practice sessions.

Team selection is made by the team coaches in consultation with the managers.
Participating skaters and parents of skaters shall have no input regarding team selection.
No skater's position is guaranteed, and no parent involvement/questions will be permissible with regards to selections.
Team Captain and Vice-Captain are selected by the coaches/management and committee for each competitive event and they are there to lead, guide and motivate the team prior to and during the competition.

It is important to remember that the club team is an introductory team and not a competitive team. The main purpose of the team is to introduce more skaters to synchro and to prepare the skaters as best as possible for progress to the WP Teams.
This is a team sport and therefore everyone is treated equally regardless of who their coach is or how good the skater is.
The team is only as strong as its weakest skater!
All parent meetings must be attended as required by the Club Committee.