What should my child wear for Pre-CanSkate/CanSkate? Your child must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet (check to make sure the CSA label is visible on the helmet). Skaters should also have well fitted skates. We discourage families from purchasing plastic skates as they do not offer the same support as hockey/figure skates. We also recommend that skaters wear warm clothes that are easy to move in, as well as mitts/gloves. We do not recommend the skaters wear hats under their helmets as they often slide down and get in their eyes, or the skaters get too warm. We discourage the use of skate training wheels.
How is Canskate structured?
Each session includes a warm-up, group lesson time, and a cool-down. Skaters rotate through stations focusing on different skills, guided by qualified coaches and program assistants.
Are parents allowed on the ice with their skaters? No parents are not permitted on the ice during our Pre-CanSkate and CanSkate sessions. We have a number of NCCP Certified Professional Coaches, and trained Program Assistants that will help your skater while they are on the ice. Due to insurance reasons, parents are not allowed on the ice, and the only individuals permitted on the ice are registered Skate Canada members with skates on.
Are Pre-CanSkate and CanSkate only for skaters that wish to figure skate? No! The Pre-CanSkate and CanSkate programs are an introduction to skating, and they prepare skaters for all ice sports whether it be Hockey, Ringette, Figure Skating or Speed Skating. Skaters learn fundamental skills (Balance, Control and Agility) that help them secure a strong foundation with their basic skating skills to help prepare them for any ice sport they wish to pursue.
How often should my skater’s skates be sharpened, and where do I get them sharpened? Skates should be sharpened every 20 hours of skating. Please connect with your coach to see where they would like you to get them sharpened
Can my child join the club mid-season? Yes! We welcome new skaters at any time. Please contact the club at info@norwichskatingclub.ca, and we will pro-rate your fees to reflect the late start.
Is it a requirement for parents to volunteer throughout the year?Yes, it is a requirement. To fulfill your volunteer obligations, you can either pay the volunteer fee upfront to exempt yourself from performing volunteer duties or you can volunteer your time and/or gain hours through fundraising opportunities. Options for hours will be offered throughout the season.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Please contact the club email, monitored by volunteers, or our head coach
What happens if a session is cancelled?
Updates regarding cancellations due to weather or facility issues will be communicated through email and social media ASAP
What should we expect on the first day?
Arrive early, check in if required, ensure skates are properly tied, and be ready to have fun! Coaches and program assistants will help guide new skaters.
My child is nervous. What can I do?
Feeling nervous is completely normal. Encourage your child, arrive early, and allow them time to become comfortable with the environment.
What happens when my skater passes Canskate stage 6? Upon completing Stage 6, skaters typically transition into the STAR (Skills, Tests, Achievement, Recognition) program, starting with session 1
What is the difference between Freeskate, Skills and Dance?Freeskate is the development of jump and spin technique, as well as the development of programs with program components being the main focus. Skills focus on the development of edge and turn technique. Dance focuses on execution and comprehension of dance technique with skaters learning the dance steps and patterns. Skaters will also learn how to skate on time to music in Dance.
What are skating assessments? Skaters are able to be assessed for Freeskate, Skills and Dance from the Star 1 level to Gold. STAR 1-5 assessments are completed by coaches. STAR 6 to Gold are done by external evaluators. This allows for skaters to progress at their own rate, and be assessed when they are ready. There will be a Skate Canada fee for your skater’s assessment, and the club will contact you to collect the fee when your coach has let them know that your skater is ready to be evaluated.
When will my child start participating in competitions? If you are wondering if you child is ready to compete, please check with your coach. If your coach has identified that your skater is ready to start participating in competitions, they will let you know which competitions you should register for as they may have specific ones they want your skater to do.
Why is off ice training important for my skater? Off ice training is important because it is helps develop key physical attributes that are needed on the ice. Skaters work on endurance, strength, flexibility, jump technique, and dance in our off ice training. All of these things become more and more important as skaters progress as skating is very much a “muscle memory” sport. Off ice training is also important to prevent injuries.
How do I best take care of my skates? Skates should always be dried off with a towel or cloth after each time your skater gets off the ice. It is recommended that skates are put in “soft” guards while in the skate bag to prevent rusting). It is recommended to wear hard plastic guards when going from the change room to the ice surface and vice versa to prevent damage to the blades
Note: Hard guard should never be left on skates when they are in the skate bag as they cause blades to rust.
How often should my skater’s skates be sharpened, and where do I get them sharpened? Skates should be sharpened every 20 hours of skating. Please connect with your coach to see where they would like you to get them sharpened
Is it a requirement for parents to volunteer throughout the year?Yes, it is a requirement. To fulfill your volunteer obligations, you can either pay the volunteer fee upfront to exempt yourself from performing volunteer duties or you can volunteer your time and/or gain hours through fundraising opportunities. Options for hours will be offered throughout the season.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Please contact the club email, monitored by volunteers, or our head coach.
What happens if a session is cancelled?
Updates regarding cancellations due to weather or facility issues will be communicated through email and social media ASAP
What are the freelance opportunities? Freelance opportunities are mandatory for session 2&3 skaters and are available on saturday mornings only for session 1 skaters.
Please note: Saturday morning ice is for session 1,2,3 & alumni skaters.