Board Pads: Short track safety padding
Board pads are a required part of speed skating safety. They are protective mats placed against the rink boards to protect skaters in case of falls. Properly installed board pads are mandatory for all speed skating practices and competitions. Protective padding standards are established by Speed Skate Canada. Further information can be found in Speed Skate Canada's Procedures and Regulations, The Red Book.
Who sets up board pads?
Board pad setup is reserved for adults and advanced skaters only:
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Parents and coaches are responsible for setting up the board pads.
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A Group (Advanced) skaters are also responsible for setting up board pads for A Group practices.
For safety reasons, skaters in C Group and B Group, as well as siblings or other children, are not allowed to setup board pads or help with the carts. It is important that all parents participate in setting up the board pads as part of the team effort before practice begins.
When are board pads set up?
Board pads must start to be put up 15 minutes before practice starts.
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Please arrive to practice at least 15 minutes early to help ensure the board pads are fully set up before skaters take the ice.
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Once the board pads are installed, the Zamboni will flood the ice.
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Delays in setting up the board pads will shorten practice time. Practices cannot be extended to make up for late starts
Who takes down the board pads?
Board pads are taken down after practice by parents, coaches, and skaters in B Group or A Group, depending on which group is on the ice for the club's last practice of the day. For safety reasons, no children or young siblings are permitted to take down board pads.
Why it matters
Helping with board pads isn't just fulfilling club responsibilities, it is critical for every skater's safety. Properly installed board pads ensure skaters can practice in the safest environment possible. It is a small task that has big impact. When everyone contributes to putting up board pads, practices run smoothly, efficiently and safely.