
Patch times are subject to change during school holidays to cater for Mega Skate and for morning NISA Test Sessions. Please check with Planet Ice to be sure.
ICE RINK & PATCH

The Rink's History
​Silver Blades Ice Rink Widnes opened its doors 21st December 2012, the opening of our facility was eagerly anticipated in the Halton area and beyond. The rink has proved to be a positive attraction that people can enjoy!
At the rink we have some different facilities available such as a skate shop (not operated by Planet ice), the main ice pad, a dinky rink (separate to the main ice pad check with staff for availability), soft play area The FunZone (again check with staff for availability, disability access and VIP viewing areas, spectator seating and cafe facilities. (again please check with planet ice as some facilities may not be available.)
The Rink Now
​In 2017 the rink re-branded from Silver Blades to Planet Ice. We are happy to say it still offers a friendly home to WISC, with supportive staff who want to see the club grow from strength to strength.
Patch
The Home of the Widnes Ice Skating Club is based at The Planet Ice Rink in Widnes. We welcome all types of members from Skate UK, Skate Excellence, right through to higher level BIS skaters. The ice rink provides public skating sessions for skaters to skate on, but for most of our members at WISC, they train on the patch sessions.

The patch sessions allow our skaters to train and develop their skating skills in an environment that is safe, providing support from peer skaters and BIS trained coaches. To attend the patch sessions you need to be past level 5 of Skate UK and Skate Excellence. The cost of patch is £10per hour or you can gain access through a patch card which is bought directly through Planet Ice at £85.00per month. Please note, the patch cards are not transferable between rinks.

Patch Rules and Ettiqutte
The following rules are intended for the safety and consideration of all skaters:​​
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Be respectful to other skaters, coaches and rink staff at all times.
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Maintain control of your direction and speed at all times.
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Read and abide by all posted signs and warnings and cooperate with the rink staff and management.
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Skates must be worn on the ice during Patch Times, no street shoes. Shoes are permitted in the hockey players boxes, but must be agreed by rink management beforehand.
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Maintain a proper lookout to avoid other skaters, objects, or conditions on the ice surface.
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Accept responsibility for knowing the scope of your ability while on skates and skate within the limits of that ability.
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You should be aware of other skaters practising jumps, spins or other unsighted moves, so as to be mindful of the jumping/landing area and surrounding area in case of falls.
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If a skater is doing their program with music on, you should allow extra room for their practice to give them confidence that they are not going to collide with another skater.
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A maximum of two skaters are permitted to skate a routine at anyone time.
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No Skaters are to use the CD/Music Machine, this should be done by the coaches.
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Be aware of less able skaters and make provision for them as they may not realise that they are in the way.
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When you are not active on the ice you should keep to the barrier or ideally leave the ice.
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Refrain from skating while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other control impairing substance.
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Leave the ice when the ice resurfacing or remedial ice maintenance is taking place.
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NO food or drink is allowed to be consumed on the ice surface
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Refrain from acting in a manner that may cause or contribute to an injury to you, other skaters or spectators.
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Refrain from throwing or leaving objects on the rink surface.
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Refrain from instigating or becoming involved in any type of altercations with any other skater or spectator.
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No abusive acts or language is permitted within the rink.
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Assumption of Risk: By engaging in skating, skaters and spectators are deemed to have knowledge of, and assume the inherent risks of skating.
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Parents / Guardians will remain either in the cafe area or take a seat in the stands during patch. They are not permitted in the players bench area or anywhere that could result in an interruption of lessons. This includes all doorways leading to the ice.
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If a parent wishes to discuss an issue with a coach they will wait until the coach is off the ice or in an emergency will notify a member of the rink staff.
Any injuries or abuse of rules should be reported to a member of the rink staff immediately.​
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Please make sure you sign a copy of the patch code of conduct at the rink box office.

Patch Time table
Patch time table is subject to change for example
during school holidays to cater for Mega Skate and for morning NISA Test Sessions.
Times are regulated by Planet Ice not Widnes Ice Skating Club.
Monday
6 - 10am
3:45 - 5:45pm
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Tuesday
6 - 10am
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Wednesday
6 - 10am
3:45 - 5:45pm
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Thursday
6 - 10am
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Friday
6 - 10am
3:45 - 5:45pm
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Weekends
6 - 8:30am
Test sessions
Test Sessions are run by NISA using a Test Organiser. You Pay NISA for your Test Session. Planet Ice charge for use off the ice on the morning of a test sessions. £10.00 per test being taken.
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This is a closed session and only those skaters testing are permitted on the ice. Strict Test conditions must be observed.