Rink Management Services Corporation

To Whom It May Concern,I have spoken with Mr. [redacted] several times in person,
which included a meeting on Saturday August 22, at 9 am for 2 hours.  This attempt to resolve issues quickly was
less than one week after tryouts and when he first brought his concerns to my
attention.We have 2...

types of [redacted] teams both with 2 teams each.  Learn to Skate Sparklerettes are part of our
Learn to Skate program.  When Sparkeretts
sign up, they are guaranteed a spot and are put on an age appropriate team.  Skaters can be added to teams throughout the
year.  Southwest Sparklers are a “try-out”
team with no guaranteed spot.  All teams
are age appropriate per Ice Skating Institute (ISI) rules.  Both compete in local competitions and do
exhibitions but the Sparklers travel to compete in the ISI National Competition.
 All teams have no “minimum-level passed”
requirement.  However, Sparklers do have
a requirement that you must attend the Sunday morning practice "camp"
and parents must attend an informational meeting after the practice, if skaters
want to try out later that afternoon for the Sparklers.  ICE at The Parks also offers a [redacted] Summer
Camp for 4 days as part of our Summer Figure Skating Program.  There is no requirement to attend this try-out
for Southwest Sparklers or Sparklerettes.Mr. [redacted]’s daughter, [redacted], just passed level “Freestyle
3.”  The next level to be tested when she
is ready, is Freestyle 4. [redacted] was placed on an age appropriate team per ISI rules. (ISI
rules are attached and Mr. [redacted] has previously been sent a copy.)  There is no "baby tot team" but
there is a Jr Youth Team, 8 years or younger (16 skaters).  The next level is Youth 9 yr to 11 yrs (18
skaters).  ISI rules have the birth date
cut-off at June 30th.  [redacted]'s
birthday is in November at which time she will be 9.  According to ISI rules, she will have to
compete on the Youth Team (9 to 11 years) next fall.  There are 4 skaters (of 18) that are 8 years
old skating on the Youth Team which falls within the ISI rules.  When we started with [redacted] there was only
one team and the 4 skaters have skated with that group of skaters for 2+ years.  As interest grew with enough skaters at
various ages, a second Sparklerettes Team was started.  All participants/families, including Mr.
[redacted], were given a letter by the Sparklerettes coaches stating the reason
for skater placements at the start of this session.  ISI has no specific rules in regards to
discrimination based on age but with the [redacted] Team it has age specific
requirements (ie: 20 year olds cannot compete against 8 year olds, etc.)During Sparkler tryouts all 20+ skaters were treated the
same and no "results were fixed." In regards to judging the tryouts, the
Sparklers Coaches recruited a panel of 3 adult [redacted] skaters (all of whom volunteered
their time, all have skated and competed for several years both as individuals
and as part of a [redacted] team) to help select the team.  Sparklers coaches were on the ice to organize
the skaters and show them moves they wanted them to perform.  They were not in the panel area during the
try outs but were on the ice and met with the panel of adult [redacted] skaters
after the session.  They used their
feedback to help select the best team possible. 
It was never said that the coaches would not be in the rink, on the ice
or watching during tryouts but that they would not be part of the panel during
tryouts.  In all the years that I have
played and coached sports, there has always been coaching staff evaluating
participants.  Tryouts involved a mandatory
practice session in the morning and a parent meeting following practice at
which there were a couple of handouts with team expectations, etc.   Mr. [redacted]'s
wife attended that meeting.  Tryouts
consisted of a 30/40 second individual performance per ISI Rules, skating as
part of a group and the ability to learn and adapt to new steps. [redacted] is a good individual
skater but lacked control and focus in Sparkler tryouts as Mr. [redacted] was
told. As for outskating everyone else, that is a father's opinion and as a
father myself, I respect that.  There were 20+ other skaters and families at tryouts with 50+
skaters total in both programs.  Everyone
that I spoke with, had no issues with the coaches or the program.  As for his statement about the rink staff
continually lying, I have researched, questioned all concerned and could find
no proof that anyone lied or mislead Mr. [redacted].  He could provide no verifiable proof of being
lied to even after being asked several times to provide proof.  He has made several accusations and continues
to smear the reputation of our qualified coaches and the rink.  He continues to plead his case to other
[redacted] parents, customers and basically anyone who will listen.  I am now getting complaints about Mr. [redacted].  He disrupted Sparkler practice Sunday
September 13th by his actions. 
During that time, he was confronting several parents from the team.  Parents complained to me; mall security was
called and the situation was resolved peacefully. I have told Mr.
[redacted] that if he is so unhappy with our program, I would refund his money
and he could try to find another ice rink that better suits his needs.  He stated that that he did not want a refund.In closing, Mr. [redacted] has been told [redacted] will not be put
on the Sparklers Team but can try out again next year.  We have discussed the allegations with the
coaches and the coaches will not be fired.  There seems to be no possible resolution to
his complaint.  If he doesn't get the
answer he wants, he tries someone else. We have invested many hours trying to
resolve any and all issues with Mr. [redacted] but have been unable to come to a
satisfactory solution for both parties.[redacted]

To Whom It May Concern,I have spoken with Mr. [redacted] several times in person,
which included a meeting on Saturday August 22, at 9 am for 2 hours.  This attempt to resolve issues quickly was
less than one week after tryouts and when he first brought his concerns to my
attention.We...

have 2 types of [redacted] teams both with 2 teams each.  Learn to Skate Sparklerettes are part of our
Learn to Skate program.  When Sparkeretts
sign up, they are guaranteed a spot and are put on an age appropriate team.  Skaters can be added to teams throughout the
year.  Southwest Sparklers are a “try-out”
team with no guaranteed spot.  All teams
are age appropriate per Ice Skating Institute (ISI) rules.  Both compete in local competitions and do
exhibitions but the Sparklers travel to compete in the ISI National Competition.
 All teams have no “minimum-level passed”
requirement.  However, Sparklers do have
a requirement that you must attend the Sunday morning practice "camp"
and parents must attend an informational meeting after the practice, if skaters
want to try out later that afternoon for the Sparklers.  ICE at The Parks also offers a [redacted] Summer
Camp for 4 days as part of our Summer Figure Skating Program.  There is no requirement to attend this try-out
for Southwest Sparklers or Sparklerettes.Mr. [redacted]’s daughter, [redacted], just passed level “Freestyle
3.”  The next level to be tested when she
is ready, is Freestyle 4. [redacted] was placed on an age appropriate team per ISI rules. (ISI
rules are attached and Mr. [redacted] has previously been sent a copy.)  There is no "baby tot team" but
there is a Jr Youth Team, 8 years or younger (16 skaters).  The next level is Youth 9 yr to 11 yrs (18
skaters).  ISI rules have the birth date
cut-off at June 30th.  [redacted]'s
birthday is in November at which time she will be 9.  According to ISI rules, she will have to
compete on the Youth Team (9 to 11 years) next fall.  There are 4 skaters (of 18) that are 8 years
old skating on the Youth Team which falls within the ISI rules.  When we started with [redacted] there was only
one team and the 4 skaters have skated with that group of skaters for 2+ years.  As interest grew with enough skaters at
various ages, a second Sparklerettes Team was started.  All participants/families, including Mr.
[redacted], were given a letter by the Sparklerettes coaches stating the reason
for skater placements at the start of this session.  ISI has no specific rules in regards to
discrimination based on age but with the [redacted] Team it has age specific
requirements (ie: 20 year olds cannot compete against 8 year olds, etc.)During Sparkler tryouts all 20+ skaters were treated the
same and no "results were fixed." In regards to judging the tryouts, the
Sparklers Coaches recruited a panel of 3 adult [redacted] skaters (all of whom volunteered
their time, all have skated and competed for several years both as individuals
and as part of a [redacted] team) to help select the team.  Sparklers coaches were on the ice to organize
the skaters and show them moves they wanted them to perform.  They were not in the panel area during the
try outs but were on the ice and met with the panel of adult [redacted] skaters
after the session.  They used their
feedback to help select the best team possible. 
It was never said that the coaches would not be in the rink, on the ice
or watching during tryouts but that they would not be part of the panel during
tryouts.  In all the years that I have
played and coached sports, there has always been coaching staff evaluating
participants.  Tryouts involved a mandatory
practice session in the morning and a parent meeting following practice at
which there were a couple of handouts with team expectations, etc.   Mr. [redacted]'s
wife attended that meeting.  Tryouts
consisted of a 30/40 second individual performance per ISI Rules, skating as
part of a group and the ability to learn and adapt to new steps. [redacted] is a good individual
skater but lacked control and focus in Sparkler tryouts as Mr. [redacted] was
told. As for outskating everyone else, that is a father's opinion and as a
father myself, I respect that.  There were 20+ other skaters and families at tryouts with 50+
skaters total in both programs.  Everyone
that I spoke with, had no issues with the coaches or the program.  As for his statement about the rink staff
continually lying, I have researched, questioned all concerned and could find
no proof that anyone lied or mislead Mr. [redacted].  He could provide no verifiable proof of being
lied to even after being asked several times to provide proof.  He has made several accusations and continues
to smear the reputation of our qualified coaches and the rink.  He continues to plead his case to other
[redacted] parents, customers and basically anyone who will listen.  I am now getting complaints about Mr. [redacted].  He disrupted Sparkler practice Sunday
September 13th by his actions. 
During that time, he was confronting several parents from the team.  Parents complained to me; mall security was
called and the situation was resolved peacefully. I have told Mr.
[redacted] that if he is so unhappy with our program, I would refund his money
and he could try to find another ice rink that better suits his needs.  He stated that that he did not want a refund.In closing, Mr. [redacted] has been told [redacted] will not be put
on the Sparklers Team but can try out again next year.  We have discussed the allegations with the
coaches and the coaches will not be fired.  There seems to be no possible resolution to
his complaint.  If he doesn't get the
answer he wants, he tries someone else. We have invested many hours trying to
resolve any and all issues with Mr. [redacted] but have been unable to come to a
satisfactory solution for both parties.[redacted]

Review: I contacted Rink Management Services Corporation in regards to a issue I'm having with Ice at the Parks in Arlington TX, whom they manage. I had previously attempted to have my issue resolved by management at the rink level but [redacted] at the rink had no intention of doing anything but what was easiest for him and what caused the least amount of issues for him. He didn't give 2 craps that his coaches were lying cheating and abusing children. I sent an email in to the company, and was put into contact with [redacted]. He asked me about the initial complaint which I gave him the details about. He then said he'd get back in touch to discuss this matter and set up a conference call. Well its been over a week and haven't heard another word. I have attempted to contact him again by both email and phone and get nothing. Basicly the same attitude I got at the rink level...we will do whatever is easiest for us...and not deal with the issue and pretty much give a silent so what...just keep paying us...right?Desired Settlement: for issue to be resolved from management company to rink level management

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern,I have spoken with Mr. [redacted] several times in person,

which included a meeting on Saturday August 22, at 9 am for 2 hours. This attempt to resolve issues quickly was

less than one week after tryouts and when he first brought his concerns to my

attention.We have 2 types of [redacted] teams both with 2 teams each. Learn to Skate Sparklerettes are part of our

Learn to Skate program. When Sparkeretts

sign up, they are guaranteed a spot and are put on an age appropriate team. Skaters can be added to teams throughout the

year. Southwest Sparklers are a “try-out”

team with no guaranteed spot. All teams

are age appropriate per Ice Skating Institute (ISI) rules. Both compete in local competitions and do

exhibitions but the Sparklers travel to compete in the ISI National Competition.

All teams have no “minimum-level passed”

requirement. However, Sparklers do have

a requirement that you must attend the Sunday morning practice "camp"

and parents must attend an informational meeting after the practice, if skaters

want to try out later that afternoon for the Sparklers. ICE at The Parks also offers a [redacted] Summer

Camp for 4 days as part of our Summer Figure Skating Program. There is no requirement to attend this try-out

for Southwest Sparklers or Sparklerettes.Mr. [redacted]’s daughter, [redacted], just passed level “Freestyle

3.” The next level to be tested when she

is ready, is Freestyle 4. [redacted] was placed on an age appropriate team per ISI rules. (ISI

rules are attached and Mr. [redacted] has previously been sent a copy.) There is no "baby tot team" but

there is a Jr Youth Team, 8 years or younger (16 skaters). The next level is Youth 9 yr to 11 yrs (18

skaters). ISI rules have the birth date

cut-off at June 30th. [redacted]'s

birthday is in November at which time she will be 9. According to ISI rules, she will have to

compete on the Youth Team (9 to 11 years) next fall. There are 4 skaters (of 18) that are 8 years

old skating on the Youth Team which falls within the ISI rules. When we started with [redacted] there was only

one team and the 4 skaters have skated with that group of skaters for 2+ years. As interest grew with enough skaters at

various ages, a second Sparklerettes Team was started. All participants/families, including Mr.

[redacted], were given a letter by the Sparklerettes coaches stating the reason

for skater placements at the start of this session. ISI has no specific rules in regards to

discrimination based on age but with the [redacted] Team it has age specific

requirements (ie: 20 year olds cannot compete against 8 year olds, etc.)During Sparkler tryouts all 20+ skaters were treated the

same and no "results were fixed." In regards to judging the tryouts, the

Sparklers Coaches recruited a panel of 3 adult [redacted] skaters (all of whom volunteered

their time, all have skated and competed for several years both as individuals

and as part of a [redacted] team) to help select the team. Sparklers coaches were on the ice to organize

the skaters and show them moves they wanted them to perform. They were not in the panel area during the

try outs but were on the ice and met with the panel of adult [redacted] skaters

after the session. They used their

feedback to help select the best team possible.

It was never said that the coaches would not be in the rink, on the ice

or watching during tryouts but that they would not be part of the panel during

tryouts. In all the years that I have

played and coached sports, there has always been coaching staff evaluating

participants. Tryouts involved a mandatory

practice session in the morning and a parent meeting following practice at

which there were a couple of handouts with team expectations, etc. Mr. [redacted]'s

wife attended that meeting. Tryouts

consisted of a 30/40 second individual performance per ISI Rules, skating as

part of a group and the ability to learn and adapt to new steps. [redacted] is a good individual

skater but lacked control and focus in Sparkler tryouts as Mr. [redacted] was

told. As for outskating everyone else, that is a father's opinion and as a

father myself, I respect that. There were 20+ other skaters and families at tryouts with 50+

skaters total in both programs. Everyone

that I spoke with, had no issues with the coaches or the program. As for his statement about the rink staff

continually lying, I have researched, questioned all concerned and could find

no proof that anyone lied or mislead Mr. [redacted]. He could provide no verifiable proof of being

lied to even after being asked several times to provide proof. He has made several accusations and continues

to smear the reputation of our qualified coaches and the rink. He continues to plead his case to other

[redacted] parents, customers and basically anyone who will listen. I am now getting complaints about Mr. [redacted]. He disrupted Sparkler practice Sunday

September 13th by his actions.

During that time, he was confronting several parents from the team. Parents complained to me; mall security was

called and the situation was resolved peacefully. I have told Mr.

[redacted] that if he is so unhappy with our program, I would refund his money

and he could try to find another ice rink that better suits his needs. He stated that that he did not want a refund.In closing, Mr. [redacted] has been told [redacted] will not be put

on the Sparklers Team but can try out again next year. We have discussed the allegations with the

coaches and the coaches will not be fired. There seems to be no possible resolution to

his complaint. If he doesn't get the

answer he wants, he tries someone else. We have invested many hours trying to

resolve any and all issues with Mr. [redacted] but have been unable to come to a

satisfactory solution for both parties.[redacted]