Solicitation – What is it & How to Report it?

As indicated in the Skate Canada Code of Ethics, coaches must maintain the highest possible standards of professionalism and integrity. It also clearly indicates that coaches must respect the coach/athlete relationship and not solicit the athlete(s) of another coach. Further to this information, we define the following in the Skate Canada Coach’s Guide.

What is direct or indirect solicitation?

Skate Canada coaches must not directly or indirectly solicit athletes of another coach.

Solicitation is defined as an act of asking for or trying to obtain something from someone.

Solicitation examples:

Direct: Coach A approaches the parents of Skater B and criticizes Coach B’s methods. Coach A offers to teach Skater B with the promise of better results.

Indirect: Coach A tells Parent A that he/she can help Skater B land their axel and that Coach B had terrible technique and coaching style. Parent A tells Parent B. The next day Skater B switches coaches and hires Coach A.

Coaches may:

Use promotional digital or printed material to advertise and promote their services, qualifications, and experience.

Provide further information only when it is requested by an individual.

Respond to parents/guardians/skaters who approach them and ask questions regarding their services, experience, qualifications, teaching methodology and coaching philosophy.

Coaches may not:

Approach a parent/guardian/skater and offer their services and or provide their promotional material.

Go against any procedures or regulations that a club/skating school has around skater recruitment.

How do you report solicitation?

The act of solicitation is a direct violation of the Skate Canada Code of Ethics and must be reported. For skaters, registrants, members, coaches, officials, parents/guardians, violations can be reported through the National Safe Sport Program. Reports can be submitted in English or French on a confidential basis to safesport@skatecanada.ca

We also highly recommend everyone to become familiar with Skate Canada’s Long-Term Development (LTD) Mental and Self-Skills ADM (Athlete Development Matrix) where specific communication and social media guidelines are provided. As an example, all coach interactions and communications with minor athletes must follow the Rule of Two guidelines as set by the Coaching Association of Canada. Private messaging minor athletes (i.e., Messenger/Instagram) is strictly prohibited.