New Helmet Policy for Skaters at the Richmond Olympic Oval
May 27, 2009
New helmet policy positions Oval as a leader in skating safety
When skaters return for public skates at the Richmond Olympic Oval today, all youth 12 and under will be required to wear a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved multi-impact helmet. CSA approved multi-impact helmets are strongly recommended for all skaters.
“We reviewed our policies and procedures following our first Winter season to see where we could make improvements,” said John Mills, General Manager of the Richmond Olympic Oval. “In addition to requiring those 12 and under to wear helmets, all our on ice staff will wear them also, representing our commitment to personal safety.”
Other facilities that have helmet requirements for youth include the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex and all Abbotsford Community Centres. A number of other facilities reviewed in British Columbia strongly recommend helmets for all ages and require helmets to be worn by youth and staff participating in skating lessons.
CSA approved helmets are available for rent at the Oval’s skate shop. Due to the limited availability of skate and helmet rentals, skaters are encouraged to bring their own if possible.
CSA approved bike helmets are single-impact helmets and do not meet the requirements of the new policy. For more information on CSA multi-impact helmets and getting the proper helmet fit, please visit the consumer tips section of their website at http://www.csa.ca/consumers/consumer_site/tips.html and click on the ‘Hockey Helmets’ link.
About CSA
Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is a membership association serving industry, government, consumers and other interested parties in Canada and the global marketplace. As a leading solutions-based standards organization providing standards and codes development, application products, training and advisory services, CSA aims to enhance public safety, improve quality of life, preserve the environment and facilitate trade. The Canadian Standards Association is a division of CSA Group, which also consists of CSA International, which provides testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products; and OnSpeX, a provider of consumer product evaluation, inspection and advisory services for retailers and manufacturers. For more information visit www.csa.ca.
About the Richmond Olympic Oval
The Richmond Olympic Oval, a breathtaking venue on the banks of the Fraser River, has already become a hallmark of public accessibility, environmental sustainability and world-class sportsmanship. Home to speed skating during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, post-Games the Oval will become an international gathering place for health, wellness and sports excellence.
