FAQ's - Dispensation

Who is the dispensation scheme for?

The dispensation scheme is for people who face barriers to progressing through the skate UK course, this may be due to a disability, impairment or health condition.

I have a disability which is making it hard to progress though certain exercises, how can I use the dispensation scheme?

The dispensation scheme has 3 additional pathways which are accessible to use if someone requires more flexibility in the pass criteria. The first pathway will reduce the amount of time, length, or skill in the exercise. The second will allow the use of a skating aid or another person to provide support throughout the movement. The final dispensation is applying 1 and 2 together, the exercise will be adjusted and the use of an aid or person will also be allowed.

Will everyone know I am using a dispensation?

Someone might notice the criteria is slightly different but the dispensation system can be used within the Skate UK structure and you or others shouldn’t notice any difference, the sign up process is the same and the coach will incorporate everyone’s criteria into the session and assessments.

Will it make Skate UK too easy for me?

The dispensation shouldn’t be used to eliminate the challenge you face when ice skating. Ice Skating is hard to learn and requires lots of practice. The dispensation should only be used when a skater is unable to pass the criteria which is beyond their capabilities, these adjustments allow the skater to face the same level of challenge as anybody else when progressing through the course. If you are unsure or would like to discuss the difficulty of the programme please speak to your coach to look at reasonable adjustments that need to be made.

Is the dispensation just in Skate UK?

British Ice Skating have made a commitment to introduce more inclusive pathways into our sport. The dispensation scheme currently goes up to the platinum star program and we are continually reviewing and adapting our activities to provide more inclusive opportunities.