Req 2d3 — Safety Rules & Courtesy

Skate parks operate on an informal but important set of rules that protect everyone and make sessions productive and fun. Understanding these rules helps you fit in at any skate park and demonstrates maturity as a skateboarder.

General Safety Rules

Always wear protective gear. Helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are required when skating at most public parks for youth skaters, and strongly recommended for all. There are no exceptions when you are learning.

Skate within your skill level. Attempting features well beyond your current ability — oversized ramps, very high rails, steep drops — dramatically increases injury risk. Progress is earned gradually.

Watch for others before dropping in. Before entering any obstacle (dropping into a bowl, entering a ramp from the deck, or pushing into a street section), visually confirm the feature is clear. Other skaters may be approaching from directions you cannot see.

Do not “snake” runs. “Snaking” is cutting in front of another skater who clearly had right-of-way. It is disrespectful and dangerous.

Keep the deck (top of ramp) clear. The deck is not a standing area. Wait off to the side until it is your turn to drop in.

Right-of-Way

The skater already in motion has right-of-way. If someone is mid-run on a feature, wait until they complete it before entering.

First to the obstacle goes first. Among skaters waiting their turn, the skater who arrives at the feature first takes the next run.

Longer runs yield to shorter entries. A skater completing a long full-park run has right-of-way over someone about to enter for a single-obstacle trick.

Communication Signals and Warnings

“I’ve got it” / “I’m going.” Before dropping in or starting a run at a busy park, a quick verbal signal lets nearby skaters know you are going. This is especially important at bowl lips and ramp decks where multiple skaters are queued.

“Ball!” If a board rolls into a shared area, immediately shout “Ball!” (or “Board!”) to alert skaters to the rolling hazard.

Make eye contact before crossing. At busy parks with intersecting lines, make eye contact with oncoming skaters before crossing their path. A nod or hand signal confirms they have seen you.

Shout “CLEAR!” for falls. If a skater falls into a shared area, the first person to see it shouts “Clear!” to stop incoming skaters.

Official Resources