What is Canskate
It is the National learn- to- skate program. Skaters progress through stages learning 6 fundamental movements. Badges are awarded as the skaters achieve certain stages.
What are fundamental movements?
There are 6 fundamental movements of skating.
Forward skating, backward skating, stopping, jumping, turning, and spinning

Who coaches Canskate?
Only national certified coaches are allowed to coach this Skate Canada program with the help of Program assistants

Who are Program assistants? Program Assistants are our more advanced skaters who are on the Starskate program who have been trained to help our coaches. Each PA has achieved a certain level in their skating to become a program assistant. Program assistants are an essential component to the success of our program. They volunteer their time to come out and help the younger skaters. It is very easy to see who they are: they are the skaters wearing orange vests.

Are parents allowed on the ice?
Sorry no they are not. Only Skate Canada registered skaters are allowed on the ice.

CSC StarSkate FAQ for Parents
 
What is StarSkate?
*Skills    *Tests        *Achievements        *Recognition

This program is divided into 2 sessions at our club – Intermediates and Seniors.

These sessions offer the skater the chance to learn the fundamental moves of figure skating in these 4 disciplines
•    Skating skills
•    Ice Dancing
•    Free skate
•    Interpretive


Skaters have lessons in a group and/ or private lesson format. Skaters have the opportunity to take Skate Canada Tests through a nationally standardized testing system in each discipline. Incentives such as ribbons, badges and stickers will also be given out for recognition.

Will I have group lessons?
Yes, each day the CSC offers the Intermediate skater 1 or 2 group lessons. These lessons will cover the 4 disciplines.
Senior skaters receive 1 group lesson on Wednesday and stroking lessons on Tuesday and Friday. All of our coaching staff contribute to this program and strongly believe in teamwork when working with the skaters.

What do the skaters do when not in a lesson?
Skaters are encouraged to practice what they are learning in their group and private lessons. Each skater must learn how to utilize their time properly so that they can learn to be independent and work on their own without always having a coach with them.  There is a schedule of what discipline they should practice when not in a lesson.

What are private lessons?
A skater may arrange with one of our club coaches to be their private coach and have 1:1 coaching time with that coach. You may choose to have a semi private lesson and share this lesson time with another skater of the same caliber.

Private lessons are highly recommended at any level!

How do I get a private coach?
Just ask the coach of your choice. Our club is very proud to have such a great talented team of coaches on staff. All them are NCCP Skate Canada certified along with many years experience.

How much does it cost?
Each coach has their own coaching fee schedule. Please ask the coach of your choice what their coaching fee is. An average lesson is between $11- $12 for every 15 minutes. Payment is made directly to the coach.

How many lessons should I get?
This is a tricky question! There is no wrong or right answer. The number of lessons depends on many factors such as: what level you are skating at, why you are skating, your commitment to the sport and your budget. If you are a new Intermediate you may want 1 a day or if you are a Senior you may need 2 – 3 lessons per day.  Please talk to your private coach and she/he will recommend what you should have.

When are test days?
Different levels will try at different times and/or rinks throughout the season. Our club will get an evaluator to come to our club to evaluate our skaters for Low tests. Please check the board for dates and times.

High tests are centralized with other clubs in the area. Please check the bulletin board for dates.


How do I sign up for a test?
Your private coach will let you know when you are ready to try a test and she/he will submit your name to the test chairperson. You will be given an envelope to bring the payment to try your test to the test chairman. Remember to fill out all the information.

What are low tests days and high tests days?
Low test days cover tests from Preliminary to Senior Bronze levels.
High test days cover tests from Junior Silver to Gold.

Can I compete?
Yes there are many competitive opportunities for a StarSkater in this area.  Please check the board for dates or let your private coach know you are interested.
We will have our club competition on January 15th, 2010. Make sure you check the board for due dates. 

Where do I get forms?
Your coach and /or the test/competition chairperson will give out forms.

What is a solo?
It is a free skate program to music. A skater may their own personal solo choreographed by their coach. Sometimes your coach may make arrangements with another coach who specializes in this area to this with you.

What do I wear on the ice?
Skaters at this level have a dress code. Proper figure skating attire must be worn at each session. Long hair must be tied back! Street clothes are not recommended for safety reasons. Many different activities require proper uniforms such as marital arts, dance classes etc. Skating is no different. Skaters should dress in layers (sweaters, turtlenecks, mitts) for warmth. Skaters that disregard the dress code may be asked to leave the ice.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask someone at our skater information table in the lobby. They will be happy to help you.


Happy skating!