of our patrons, video recording equipment and cameras are not allowed on this premises without written consent.
I took my kids ice skating for the first time over the holidays, and as any proud father would do, I thought it would be great to get a photo of their first time on ice skates. As they came around the rink, I shot a quick couple of shots of them, they were no farther than 10 feet from me at the time. Immediately the skating guard (the 16 year old kid who wears the vest and skates around the rink) comes to me and says that pictures are not allowed, and could I please put my camera away. I said of course I would, and I was not aware of the rules, and I apologized. Mature of me eh?
I go to the front office and ask to speak to the manager. I tell her that I would like written consent to shoot a couple of pictures of my kids as it is their first time on skates, and I would like to keep the memories.
Her: No.
Me: Why? Could you please explain your reason for denying my request?
Her: Read the rules again.
Me: I understand the rules very well, that is why I am here asking for written permission.
Her: How do I know you are not going to take pictures of other people for other motives?
Me: (Can't believe what I am hearing), I could understand if this were a swimming pool, or a locker room and people were in a state of undress, but everyone in here is wearing at least a sweater, if not a coat as it is freezing. So, may I have a permission slip? I will do my best to ensure that there is no one else in the photographs.
Her: Give me your camera.
Me: I don't think so, it is packed in my camera bag as you can see and it will remain there. What is your name please? I would like it so I can talk to someone at the city so I may get some resolve and a permit for future use.
Her: Get out now, we don't need 'your kind' in here.
Me: If that is the way you want it fine, I'm going to get my kids. And what exactly is 'my kind'?
Her: No you are not, I'll have someone send them out, what do they look like and what are they wearing?
Me: (Now I'm frigging fuming), listen now, I don't know who the hell you think you are, all I did was come here for permission to take a picture, and in less than a minute your shitty attitude has turned this into a war that I really don't think you want to be in. I suggest you grow the hell up and start treating people with respect, I have done nothing wrong here. Now if you will excuse me, I'm going to get my kids.
She reaches out from behind the counter to grab for my camera bag and all of a sudden this big hand comes out from the person behind me and blocks her hand. Then I hear a voice...
"Maam, what you are about to do is called assault, I have heard the whole conversation and this man has done nothing wrong. I am officer XXX from XXX and it is my suggestion that you allow him back in the arena to watch his kids skate". The gentleman then produces a badge, (he was off duty at the time). "Sir, if you need a witness as to what has transpired here, please feel free to give me a call, I would be quite happy to verify your story". He gives me a card, I thank him and I am on my way back into the arena to watch my kids skate for the next little while.
You should have seen the glare I got while I was leaving.
So, now I will type a letter to the city to explain what happened, and thanks to the off duty officer as I will be using him as a witness. But what a crappy way to start off the New Year.
I swear to god, there are just some people who should not be put in a position of athourity. The woman behind the desk I would guess to be in her 50's, so one would think that she should have some level of maturity. I can't wait for the reply I get.
I took my kids ice skating for the first time over the holidays, and as any proud father would do, I thought it would be great to get a photo of their first time on ice skates. As they came around the rink, I shot a quick couple of shots of them, they were no farther than 10 feet from me at the time. Immediately the skating guard (the 16 year old kid who wears the vest and skates around the rink) comes to me and says that pictures are not allowed, and could I please put my camera away. I said of course I would, and I was not aware of the rules, and I apologized. Mature of me eh?
I go to the front office and ask to speak to the manager. I tell her that I would like written consent to shoot a couple of pictures of my kids as it is their first time on skates, and I would like to keep the memories.
Her: No.
Me: Why? Could you please explain your reason for denying my request?
Her: Read the rules again.
Me: I understand the rules very well, that is why I am here asking for written permission.
Her: How do I know you are not going to take pictures of other people for other motives?
Me: (Can't believe what I am hearing), I could understand if this were a swimming pool, or a locker room and people were in a state of undress, but everyone in here is wearing at least a sweater, if not a coat as it is freezing. So, may I have a permission slip? I will do my best to ensure that there is no one else in the photographs.
Her: Give me your camera.
Me: I don't think so, it is packed in my camera bag as you can see and it will remain there. What is your name please? I would like it so I can talk to someone at the city so I may get some resolve and a permit for future use.
Her: Get out now, we don't need 'your kind' in here.
Me: If that is the way you want it fine, I'm going to get my kids. And what exactly is 'my kind'?
Her: No you are not, I'll have someone send them out, what do they look like and what are they wearing?
Me: (Now I'm frigging fuming), listen now, I don't know who the hell you think you are, all I did was come here for permission to take a picture, and in less than a minute your shitty attitude has turned this into a war that I really don't think you want to be in. I suggest you grow the hell up and start treating people with respect, I have done nothing wrong here. Now if you will excuse me, I'm going to get my kids.
She reaches out from behind the counter to grab for my camera bag and all of a sudden this big hand comes out from the person behind me and blocks her hand. Then I hear a voice...
"Maam, what you are about to do is called assault, I have heard the whole conversation and this man has done nothing wrong. I am officer XXX from XXX and it is my suggestion that you allow him back in the arena to watch his kids skate". The gentleman then produces a badge, (he was off duty at the time). "Sir, if you need a witness as to what has transpired here, please feel free to give me a call, I would be quite happy to verify your story". He gives me a card, I thank him and I am on my way back into the arena to watch my kids skate for the next little while.
You should have seen the glare I got while I was leaving.
So, now I will type a letter to the city to explain what happened, and thanks to the off duty officer as I will be using him as a witness. But what a crappy way to start off the New Year.
I swear to god, there are just some people who should not be put in a position of athourity. The woman behind the desk I would guess to be in her 50's, so one would think that she should have some level of maturity. I can't wait for the reply I get.