Shallowmead Ice Rink – Behaviour Policy

Our 10m × 5m family ice rink is designed for fun, gentle skating in a relaxed garden centre setting. To keep everyone safe and happy, all skaters and spectators must follow this behaviour policy which is a condition of booking.

General Principles

The rink is for family-style, recreational skating only – not for speed skating, hockey or advanced tricks. All skaters and spectators must follow staff instructions at all times. We reserve the right to remove anyone from the rink whose behaviour puts themselves or others at risk, without refund. If this is necessary, you will only have yourself to blame, so please don’t abuse our staff. We trust this won’t be necessary but just saying.

Rink Direction & Flow

Skating is normally anti-clockwise (counter-clockwise) around the rink. Follow the one-way system and skate in the same direction as everyone else. Do not cut across the middle, skate in the opposite direction, or stop suddenly in the main flow except in an emergency. Staff may occasionally change the direction for fairness or safety – please follow their lead.

Respect for Other Rink Users

Skate at a sensible speed for a small family rink. If you are weaving through people, you are going too fast. No pushing, tripping, barging, chasing, “tag” games or chain-skating (linking large groups of people). Give extra space to nervous or beginner skaters, particularly young children. If someone falls, avoid crowding them; alert a member of staff if they need help.

Age, Supervision & Ability

This is a family rink. Children and beginners are welcome, but please ensure they are safe and supervised. Children under 8 must be accompanied by a responsible adult in the rink area regardless of skill. We recommend that non-skating parents/guardians stay rink-side where they can be easily seen by their child and staff. Do not carry babies or children on the ice, even in your arms or in carriers.

Clothing & Equipment

Gloves and long sleeves are strongly recommended – synthetic ice can still cause harm in a fall. Skaters must wear ice skates suitable for the synthetic surface (hire skates or approved own skates). No shoes, boots, heels, blades, scooters or other items on the rink surface. Helmets are recommended for children and anyone unsteady on their feet. Keep laces tied properly and clothing zipped / fastened so it doesn’t catch on skates.

What’s Not Allowed

To keep the rink safe for families, the following are not permitted: Dangerous moves such as high-speed skating, jumps, spins, lifts or tricks. Sitting, kneeling or lying on the rink except after a fall – if you fall, please get up promptly if you are able. Food, drink, chewing gum or glass on or near the rink. Phones, cameras or headphones while skating (photos are fine from the side). Skating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Aggressive, abusive or foul language towards staff or other visitors.

Rink Capacity & Session Management

For comfort and safety on our 10m × 5m synthetic rink, a maximum number of skaters will be displayed at the rink. Staff may temporarily pause entry or ask skaters to leave at the end of their timed session so the rink does not become overcrowded. Please leave the rink promptly when your session ends so the next group can start on time.

Falls, Accidents & First Aid

If you fall and are not hurt, try to get up quickly and move to the side before stopping. If you see someone appear hurt or distressed, do not try to move them – alert a member of staff immediately. Any accidents, injuries or damaged equipment must be reported to staff straight away so we can assist and log the incident. Our Commitment Staff will monitor the rink and politely remind skaters of the rules. We will maintain the synthetic surface and hire skates to a safe, clean standard. We will always prioritise family enjoyment and safety over speed or advanced skating.