And Another Thing...


Peter Martell ISI Executive Director


WHY DO SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE?


M


y first recollection of ice arena air quality becoming an “issue” was an article pub-


lished in the Wall Street Journal about an incident that occurred in Seattle in May 1971. Te article was extensive and very critical of the industry, implying that all ice arenas had a serious air pollution problem. As the annual ISIA Conference &


Trade Show was just around the corner, a special session on air quality, led by the owner of the arena in question, was quickly added to the conference agenda. Te incident was discussed at length,


including causes and remedies, with a transcript of the entire meeting docu- mented in the conference proceedings, which were distributed to the entire ISIA membership. Later that year, an article by Darrell


Anderson of the Minnesota Department of Health titled “Problems Created for Minnesota Ice Arenas by Resurfacer Engine Exhaust” was published in the journal of the American Industrial Hygiene Association. Since that time, dozens of other articles and educa- tional seminars have been written and presented on the subject of air qual- ity. Unfortunately, there have also been dozens of additional indoor air quality incidents and, consequently, many unflat- tering reports about them in the media. However, over the past 30 years or so,


dramatic advancements have been made in ice maintenance equipment and air quality monitoring devices along with enhanced discussion and education on the subject as well as legislated air qual- ity regulations in the states of Minnesota, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with more on the way. Te Summer 2011 issue of the ISI EDGE magazine contained an


article titled “Let’s Clear the Air,” outlin- ing responsible practices and practical solutions for air quality management. So why is it that, year after year, we con-


tinue to have air quality incidents, which not only reflect poorly on our indus- try, but also frighten and endanger the very customers whom we rely on or are trying to attract to grow our sports and businesses? The answer is simple. It’s human


error, lack of knowledge or, even worse, indifference. Until arena owners and managers recognize and accept that air quality monitoring and maintenance are their responsibility and vital day-to-day functions in their arena — not just some- body else’s — or until we have indoor air quality legislation on the books in every state (with stringent fines and penalties for noncompliance), we will continue to suffer “black eyes” from a few uneducated or indifferent operators each year. As in any industry, it is our responsi-


bility to make every effort to provide safe, clean and healthy facilities for our patrons. After all, poisoning our customers probably isn’t so good for business!


You Have the Message, WE HAVE THE AUDIENCE


Your business image and message are important keys to your success — but only when they reach the right audience. ISI’s print and digital publications and national events provide targeted exposure to those most likely to buy your products and services: ice arena professionals, coaches and directors, skaters and parents.


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38 ISI EDGE SPRING 2015


SKATING EVENTS


SUMMER 2 0 1 4


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OUTDOOR SEASONAL RINKS


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Ice Sports Forum Profile:


MUSIC in the Rink: Challenges & Solutions


Battery/Charger Maintenance & Care


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