Oxford Ice Rink booking conditions and guidelines

In order to provide a safe and enjoyable visit for all Ice Rink users, we ask that everyone adhere to the following practices:

Supervision information

• children under 10 must be supervised by an adult (over 18) at all times
• supervising adults do not need to skate, but must remain in the building with the child
• any child under 10 attempting to gain admission, without supervision, will be refused entry
• we advise that all skaters, adults and children, have access to an emergency contact number

 Safety guidelines and Ice Rink rules

• no anti-social behaviour including shouting, swearing, spitting, fighting, vandalism, petting, bullying, and boisterousness
• no horseplay or games
• no climbing over or sitting on barriers or access gates
• no loitering on the ice - keep moving
• no digging, chipping or throwing ice
• no skating in a manner dangerous to yourself or others
• no chains of more than three persons
• no carrying of others including children or infants
• no entry onto ice pad without skates
• no hockey sticks, puck or ball playing around rink or on ice during sessions
• no figure skating or dance practice on public sessions without instructor supervision
• no skating aids are permitted unless agreed by the rink management in advance
• skater must skate at an appropriate speed
• keep the centre of the ice clear
• follow the flow of the session (usually anti-clockwise direction)
• no littering or smoking in the building
• no food or drink allowed on the ice
• no personal stereos or other headsets permitted in the building
• no phones or cameras to be used while on the ice
• no photography of any type without the written permission of the Duty Manager
• always follow the instructions of the ice stewards
• no baseball caps, hoods, scarves or clothing deemed potentially hazardous (secured helmets are permitted)
• shorts, skirts or short sleeved shirts are not recommended, but are permitted
• gloves are recommended

Any contravention of the above rules or any other misconduct may result in either individuals or groups being asked to leave the building.

Group bookings

Any groups, of at least 17 skaters, qualify for a 15% discount off the admission price for their booked session.  In order to qualify for the discount:

• groups must contact us in advance, at least 48 hours prior to arriving.
• must make a single payment for the entire group
• must enter the rink as a group
• no deposit is required to make a group booking.

When arriving, please assemble the group outside, away from other ice rink users.  One or two from the group should come to reception to let us know that you have arrived and to pay any outstanding admission. We can then let your group in together.

If your group consists of children under 17 years of age, you must observe the following supervision ratios of adults to children:

Advice for safe and enjoyable skating

Clothes

It is a good idea to wear what is comfortable and will keep you warm. Shorts or short-sleeved tops are permitted but should you fall over you run the risk of scraping your knees or elbows on the ice, trousers and long sleeves are recommended. Gloves can help protect your hands and keep you warm too.

Do not wear: Hats (cycle helmets with straps are allowed) scarves or long coats.

These can easily get caught in your own or someone else's skates.

Skates

Make sure you select the right size of skates. The boot should be a good fit - not too tight around the foot, but not too big around the ankle. When asking for skates please ask for the size you have in shoes not a size bigger. You can always change the skates you get if they are not the right size.

Lacing Up

Firstly loosen the laces to fit your foot into the boot. When your feet are in, tighten the laces from the bottom all the way to the top of the boot, ensuring laces are sufficiently tight around the ankle where you need support; the laces should be firm but not too tight. Make sure you use all the hooks on the boot. When returning your skates can you please undo all knots and tuck the laces into the boots.

Getting on the ice

It can feel odd when you get on the ice, get used to the feel of your skates by walking on solid flooring beforehand. When you are ready, stand at the rink edge, while holding onto the barrier step onto the ice. Keep your feet close together, with your toes turned slightly out to give you better balance, hold your arms out and slightly forward to maintain balance. Relax, bend your knees a little, and with your body weight leaning forward take small steps on alternate feet. This will soon develop into a short glide on each foot.

As your confidence builds, your glides will become steadier and longer.

Falling down and getting back up

If there is one certainty with ice skating it is that you will fall over at some time.  The main thing to remember if you feel yourself falling is to try and stop your head hitting the ice. Keep your chin close to your chest and try to cushion your fall with your arms (not your hands as that can damage your wrist). When sitting or lying on the ice, please keep your hands and fingers close to your body to protect them and to avoid tripping other skaters over. It is possible to get up on your own without assistance, get into a position where you are kneeling on one leg and push yourself up into a standing position. If you are unable to do so, it is not advisable to get an inexperienced skater to help you up - you are more likely to pull them down on top of you. Please wait for assistance from a steward or a confident skater.

We hope these few tips will make your visit more enjoyable and rewarding. If you have any questions please ask a member of staff.

Page last reviewed 8 Sep 2008