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This letter raises questions. What happened, and where? 
Open Letter to Adult Skaters Regarding Conduct at Competitions
Promoting Respect, Sportsmanship and Community at Figure Skating Events
Dear Adult Skaters,
As our skating community continues to grow in diversity and experience, competitions are a vibrant gathering where athletes from all walks of life come together to share their passion. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or new to the ice, your presence shapes the atmosphere and culture of every event.
Competitions are not just about athletic performance — they are about fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels welcome and respected. Your conduct, both on and off the ice, sets a standard for others and leaves a lasting impression on fellow skaters, coaches, officials and spectators.
This level of respect is a multi-way street between the skaters, officials, event organizing committee, volunteers and the spectators who attend to support you and your fellow competitors. If any part of this equation is removed, then the competitions that we know and love will cease to exist. No skaters = no competition. No officials = no competition. No organizing committee/volunteers = no competition.
The organizing committee spends countless hours behind the scenes putting together a competition that appears seamless. Officials invest years of their own time and thousands of dollars of their own money honing their craft to be knowledgeable in the nuances of every discipline of the sport. Skaters spend countless hours in cold, dark arenas perfecting programs and elements.
Negative comments about any aspect of an event, including the judging or work done by volunteers, are felt by those they are addressed to and produce a negative impact on the broader spectrum of these events. Whether this is the first event or last event of the season, respect and sportsmanship are paramount.
So, I say this with a note of caution. Please be mindful of your actions – what you say, what you post and how you conduct yourself on and off the ice. By demonstrating exemplary conduct, you help build a welcoming, enthusiastic and respectful skating community.
As adult skaters, we should strive to show the love that brings each of us to the rink. I know that everyone loves the ice, and the camaraderie is visible. You are a credit to a sport built on individuals that show up and support each other – cheering successes, holding hands in defeat and encouraging each other when the ice becomes a bit too slippery.
Thank you for your commitment to this wonderful sport. Together, we can make every competition a celebration of achievement, friendship and the enduring joy of skating.
Sincerely,
Ian Macadam
Adult Skating Committee Chair
Promoting Respect, Sportsmanship and Community at Figure Skating Events
Dear Adult Skaters,
As our skating community continues to grow in diversity and experience, competitions are a vibrant gathering where athletes from all walks of life come together to share their passion. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or new to the ice, your presence shapes the atmosphere and culture of every event.
Competitions are not just about athletic performance — they are about fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels welcome and respected. Your conduct, both on and off the ice, sets a standard for others and leaves a lasting impression on fellow skaters, coaches, officials and spectators.
This level of respect is a multi-way street between the skaters, officials, event organizing committee, volunteers and the spectators who attend to support you and your fellow competitors. If any part of this equation is removed, then the competitions that we know and love will cease to exist. No skaters = no competition. No officials = no competition. No organizing committee/volunteers = no competition.
The organizing committee spends countless hours behind the scenes putting together a competition that appears seamless. Officials invest years of their own time and thousands of dollars of their own money honing their craft to be knowledgeable in the nuances of every discipline of the sport. Skaters spend countless hours in cold, dark arenas perfecting programs and elements.
Negative comments about any aspect of an event, including the judging or work done by volunteers, are felt by those they are addressed to and produce a negative impact on the broader spectrum of these events. Whether this is the first event or last event of the season, respect and sportsmanship are paramount.
So, I say this with a note of caution. Please be mindful of your actions – what you say, what you post and how you conduct yourself on and off the ice. By demonstrating exemplary conduct, you help build a welcoming, enthusiastic and respectful skating community.
As adult skaters, we should strive to show the love that brings each of us to the rink. I know that everyone loves the ice, and the camaraderie is visible. You are a credit to a sport built on individuals that show up and support each other – cheering successes, holding hands in defeat and encouraging each other when the ice becomes a bit too slippery.
Thank you for your commitment to this wonderful sport. Together, we can make every competition a celebration of achievement, friendship and the enduring joy of skating.
Sincerely,
Ian Macadam
Adult Skating Committee Chair
