Makes sure instructors have thorough knowledge of safety practices, equipment use and maintenance, and technique.

Reviews the rules and operating procedures with the girls before each session.

Makes sure the safety rules are written, understood, practiced, and posted at the site.

Secures all equipment in a dry, locked storage area.

Makes sure girls and adults avoid wearing jewelry, especially pierced earrings, looped earrings, bracelets, and necklaces in contact sports or where jewelry may become entangled in equipment.

Makes sure a list of emergency telephone numbers, including those for emergency rescue ser vices and the police, is posted or carried by the adult in charge.

Teaches girls to take shelter away from tall objects in a storm with lightning and thunder. Find the lowest point in an open flat area.. Squat low to the ground on the balls of the feet. Have girls place their hands on their knees with their heads between them. Instruct girls to make themselves the smallest targets possible and to minimize their contact with the ground.

The rink manager is called in advance to arrange for large groups or for practice sessions. The rink is adequately staffed to monitor the size of the crowd. (Check with the rink manager in advance to learn how many adults, in addition to the rink staff, are needed to supervise the group.)

Leaders supervise from outside the main skating floor.

All girls receive basic instruction in skating skills, including how to fall and get up. Practice sessions are scheduled for beginners.

Girls learn to perform basic skating skills before attempting more advanced skills. Warm-up exercises are done before any strenuous skating; cool-down exercises end the sessions.

Skaters are instructed in safety rules by the leader or rink manager or both.

The rules of the rink are observed. For example:

Loose or sharp articles, such as handbags, combs, and keys, are not carried in pockets, hands, hair, or anyplace where they might injure a skater in the event of a fall, fall to the floor, or injure another skater.

Outdoors, girls skate in areas where traffic or pedestrians will not interfere. Check local ordinances for any restrictions. Girls skate in the street or in a parking lot only if it is closed to traffic. When skating on a walkway, yield to pedestrians. Skate on the right side, pass on the left.

Girls do not skate faster than their ability to stop.

Girls use the buddy system.

Skaters are alert to their surroundings. Girls do not wear head phones while skating.

Girls skate at night only in well-lit areas

Clothing allows freedom of movement. Long-sleeved shirts help to prevent scrapes.

Girls receive instruction in selecting the proper skate size. Skates are properly fitted, securely laced, and properly tied.

Skate wheels, boots, and plates are kept clean and in good condition and are inspected. Girls never skate with broken or missing laces. No dangling decorations are attached to laces.

When skating outdoors, protective gear includes snug-fitting elbow pads and kneepads, wrist guards that fit like gloves, and a bike hel met or a helmet with the American National Standards Institute or SNELL Memorial Foundation seal or both. Helmets should be as snug as possible and be worn low over the forehead, approximately one inch above the eyebrows.

Council guidance is obtained in selecting the skating site. Rinks are safest.

The rink should have a smooth skating surface free of papers, candy wrappers, and other debris.

Local ordinances or parks offices are checked to see whether skating is permitted on bike paths or in city parks.

Outdoor skating surfaces are checked in advance for cracks, uneven joints and grooves, twigs, pebbles, or bits of glass that might cause a fall.

Avoid water, sand, and debris, which will damage the wheel bearings.