The safety and welfare of everyone taking part in sport and recreational activities is absolutely paramount. The Government understands the concerns of those who wish to ensure that recreational activities are as safe as possible for participants, including children and young people.

Temporary and permanent ice rinks are vital attractions that pull diverse audiences into the heart of our high streets. These ice rinks go beyond providing recreation; they ignite the local ecosystem, fueling secondary spend in nearby restaurants, shops, and hotels. By enriching a destination’s visitor offer, they turn a simple visit into a memorable experience, sustaining the vitality of our regions.

The Health and Safety Executive advises people to not take part in a recreational activity if it is believed that activity is not safe. However, individuals have the right to make their own choices, and parents and guardians are free to exercise that right on behalf of the children and young people they are responsible for where appropriate.

The terms and conditions for ice skating are decided on a venue-by-venue basis. The Government has no plans to change the law to make it compulsory for children to wear gloves while ice skating.

The majority of ice skating activity does not take place in a structured sporting environment. However, for sport skating, participants should refer to safety guidance issued by the relevant national governing body. British Ice Skating is the national governing body for ice skating within the United Kingdom.

The Government will continue to discuss participant safety with sports and other stakeholders to ensure that everyone, including children and young people, can take part in sport as safely as possible.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport