The Langley Figure Skating Club

Transcription

1 The Langley Figure Skating Club Parent/Skating Handbook

2 Langley Figure Skating Club Table of Contents Page Introduction 3 Contact Information 3 Club Structure 4 Program Information 5 Fees & Refunds 7 Volunteer Bonds & Fundraising 9 Communication 10 Voicing a concern 11 Code of Ethics 11 Skating Equipment & Care 13 Dressing Room Policy 15 Helmet Policy 15 Coaches 15 Choosing a Professional Coach 16 Program Assistants 16 Competition & Test Days 17 Ice Rules & Courtesy 18 Gaming Grants 19 2

3 Introduction Welcome to the Langley Figure Skating Club. We are a non-profit society that is governed by a board of directors/executive that is formed from dedicated volunteers. We are under the direction of our own constitution and bylaws, those of the society act as well as the rules of Skate Canada. It is our goal to encourage the instruction, practice, enjoyment as well as the advancement of all skaters in all aspects of skating. We hope you enjoy your skating experience with us and we look forward to your successes. Contact Information Mailing Address: P.O. Box Brookswood, Langley, BC V3A 8C8 Telephone: Website: Office Location: George Preston Rec Center Other helpful sites:

4 Club Structure: The Executive consists of: Chair Vice-chair Secretary Treasurer Coaching Representative (chosen by the coaches) 6 Directors - Starskate Rep - Canskate Rep - Fundraising Rep - Test Rep - Synchro Rep - Director at the choosing of the executive At times there are also other committees that may be formed as needed such as: Ice Show/Carnival committee. Our Club has been fortunate to retain a paid club administrator. Please see insert for the current Executive and contact information. At anytime you would be interested in committing some time to the executive, please contact the administrator or any of the above executive members. Program Information There is a vast array of program provided by the Langley Figure Skating club. All the programs are national program designed by Skate Canada. They include the 4

5 following: Preschool, Canskate, Starskate Introductory, Starskate, and Synchronized Skating. Preschool This is a beginner program for 3-5 year olds. It is designed for children who have never skated, or are just beginning. Parents are able to watch their children learn to stand on the ice and take their first steps. The professional coaches use their talents to encourage and reward the little skaters achievements. *skaters at this level must have an adult in attendance at the arena, but not on the ice unless specified by the professional coach. A properly fitting helmet is mandatory. See Helmet Policy Canskate This is a popular learn to skate program that is designed for beginner skaters for school aged children. It covers all the basic skills for skating whether it is for figure skating, recreational skating, or for sports such as hockey. Participants in the program will receive ribbons and badges for accomplishing such fundamentals as going forward, going backward, stopping, turning, jumping and spinning. They will also be rewarded for skills learned such as balance, gliding forward, gliding backward, edges, power, speed and completion of their levels accordingly. Skaters in these levels will advance at their own pace. Each session will include a warm-up, instruction time, and cool down. A professional coach will provide a minimum of 10 minutes of lesson time to each group of skaters while a Program Assistant (PA) will assist by reinforcing the learned skills in the remaining time. All activities will emphasize participation and constant movement. Each session will be fun, keeping the needs of all participants in mind. Evaluations will be done on a regular basis so that 5

6 each skater moves through the stages while learning the fundamental skills. Starskate Introductory This is an extension of the Canskate program, formally known as Canfigure, that bridges a gap between the canskate program and the starskate program. These sessions are group lessons where the skaters are introduced to all the disciplines of figure skating such as; freeskate, stroking, dance, synchronized and interpretive. This is a good session for skaters who still want to continue to improve their figure skating skills but in a more relaxed environment and social setting. In this particular session, skaters have a coach available to them for the entire session. Starskate Program S (skills) T (test) A (achievement) R (recognition) The starskate sessions can be into Skills, Dance, Freeskate and at the Junior, Senior, or Open levels. At this level, the skater chooses a coach take private lessons with and buys ice time/session from an appropriate session. The private lesson times are worked out between the coach and the skater. These are billed separately from the ice time/session. Junior This is a session designed for figure skaters who have completed the canskate program levels and wish to continue to learn new skating skills. It is for skaters who have not yet passed a test or are working on preliminary or junior bronze. A skater must make arrangements with a coach prior to registering for any session as ice costs and coaching fees are separate. Please refer to the coaching section on picking a pro The skater can choose to learn one or all disciplines such as skills, freeskate, dance or interpretive. 6

7 Senior These sessions are designed for those figure skaters who are working on senior bronze freeskate and senior bronze skills/dance and higher. Open These sessions are open to both Junior and Senior levels as well as all disciplines. Sychronized Team program This option gives the skaters the opportunity to enjoy a team skating experience and to travel and compete at various competitions throughout the year. Teams are based on age and skill level. Each year, there will be tryouts/evaluations in order to determine the placement of the skater to the appropriate team. Please Note: All skaters are subject to the general rules and regulations of Skate Canada And All schedules are subject to change depending on the ice availability and number of skaters. Fees & Refunds Preschool and Canskate program fees include coaching, administrative costs, and ice time costs. Fees are payable to Langley Figure Skating Club and are payable at registration time. Fees are GST exempt as the club is a non-profit society. There is a one time/year fee to skate Canada (which the Club will collect at time of registration). Starskate program fees are separated into ice costs dependent on the session chosen and these are payable to the Langley Figure Skating Club. These fees are payable at time of registration and may be made in payment installments. There is a one time/year fee to Skate Canada (which will be collected at time of registration). Coaching costs are separate and payable to each coach. 7

8 Please discuss with the coach their payment schedule and fee. Statutory Holidays are non-skating days (these are reflected in your skating ice fees). No credits or make-up sessions for days missed due to a statutory holiday or a skater s absences will be permitted. At times, sessions may be cancelled for ice tests or competitions. There is no credit or make-up sessions for these sessions missed. We will make every effort to inform you when a session may be used for such purposes. Un-paid fees may result in being prohibited from skating until such time as fees are up to date or you may be considered a not in good standing member of the Club/Skate Canada. This may interfere with future registrations and/or tests and competition qualifications. Returned cheques (NSF Cheques) will be subject to a $25.00 service charge for each returned cheque. Refunds Skate Canada fees are non-refundable NO EXECPTIONS Requests for refund for skating registration fees (minus skate Canada fees) may only be reimbursed due to medical reasons. The request must be made in writing to the executive accompanied by a medical certificate. Refunds granted will be pro-rated from the date of the request letter and subject to a $25.00 administration fee. Buy on Cards Buy-on Cards may be purchased by a skater from their coach or club administrator for additional ice time (starskaters only). Contact Club administrator or coaches 8

9 for current prices. These prices may vary and are subject to change periodically. NO REPLACEMENT FOR LOST OR STOLEN CARDS Volunteer Bonds & Fundraising Opportunities Non-profit societies are dependent on the commitment of all members to ensure that the club is able to run smoothly and efficiently. During the season, there may be times when your assistance is greatly appreciated. In the past the Club has been able to offer a bi-annual Ice Show that would not be possible without the dedicated volunteer time of the parents. In addition, there may be other activities such as Halloween or Christmas parties, handouts, etc. Parents of children in the kidskate/canskate programs are asked to commit to 4 hours of volunteer time each year that our ice show is offered. Volunteer bonds are requested at the beginning of the season, during registration to guarantee the commitment and then will be returned at the end of the season once the commitment has been fulfilled. In order to honor your commitment, we ask that you fill in the volunteer form, which is provided at the beginning of the season (so as to keep track during the season). Once this volunteer form has been approved by a committee or executive member, coach, or administrator and submitted by the deadline, your volunteer bond will be returned. Volunteer bonds are only required every second year (ice show/carnival year) for the Canskate program. Volunteer bonds/time for the starskate program is required each year. The volunteer form is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that it is accurately filled in and returned on time. Requests for volunteer bonds after the deadline will not be granted. Volunteer Opportunities There are several volunteer opportunities throughout the year in order that your designated volunteer time can be fulfilled. Opportunities such as; being an executive 9

10 member, ice show/carnival committee member/volunteer, hand-outs, special events (such as Halloween, Christmas), Club fundraisers such as skate-a-thons, music players, test days, competitions days etc. Please let us know what your volunteer ideas are and we would be pleased to assist you. Starskate/Synchro Fundraising Fundraising opportunities may be available throughout the skating season. Fundraising in the starskate/synchro stream can be used for registrations, tests, competition fees, skating apparel. All fundraising is held by the Club in trust and is tracked by our club administrator. Fundraising amounts for the starskate/synchro programs will only remain for 1 year after the skater leaves the starskate/synchro program. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO STAY INFORMED! Communication Website: Our skating website is It is a parent volunteer who regularly updates the website. The website contains useful information about skating programs, registration, up-coming events. In addition, there is contact information of each executive member as well as the coaches. Please provide addresses at registration. We are trying to eliminate the need for hardcopy newsletters, notices. is the most efficient way of communicating between the club and the parents/skaters. If you are not receiving s, it is your responsibility to notify our skating office to ensure you are added to the appropriate distribution list. Bulletin Boards: Bulletin boards are updated frequently by volunteers with calendars, news items etc. There are two bulletin boards, one at each rink (George Preston and Sportsplex) 10

11 Voicing a Concern Step 1 - Please discuss issue/concern with a coach directly. Refrain from discussing any concerns with the program assistants. If your concern is not met to your standards proceed to Step 2 Contact the Head Coach Step 3 If your concern requires further discussion or if you feel your concern has not been met, please contact one of the executive members or submit a letter to the executive and your concern will be addressed at the next executive meeting. You will be notified of a response following the meeting, in a timely manner. The executive are bound by the Rules of Skate Canada and the mediation Policy Code of Ethics Skater s code of Ethics: -skate for the enjoyment of it, not to please your parents or coach. -obey the rules it is for your safety - Be respectful to the coaches and to your fellow skaters - work hard for yourself - Be a good sport, cheer for all - treat all other skaters as you yourself would like to be treated. Don t interfere, ridicule, bully or take advantage of any other skaters. - Cooperate with your coach, club and fellow skaters - It takes a good sport to be a good loser, but it takes an even better sport to be a gracious winner Parent s Code of Ethics: -do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports 11

12 -teach your child that an honest effort is as important as winning a medal. -encourage your child to abide by the rules. -Never yell or ridicule your child for making mistakes or losing a competition or having to re-try a test. -Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good efforts by other skaters as well as your own. -Do not publicly question or criticized officials, coaches. - Recognize the value and importance of the volunteers. They give their time and resources to provide a club for your child. Coaches Code of Ethics: -Be reasonable in your demands on your skater s time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember they have other interests. -Teach your skaters that the rules of the sport are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break. -Live by the Skate Canada Code of Ethics -Avoid favoritism -Remember that children skate for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only a part of it. Never ridicule or yell at skaters for making a mistake or losing a competition or having to re-try a test. -develop respect for the ability of fellow competitors as well as for the judgement of officials. -Never compare one skater to another. -remember that children need a coach they can respect. Be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Set a good example. Take time to listen to your skaters. -make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed. -Cooperate with and respect the executive and parents. Executive Code of Ethics: 12

13 -ensure that equal opportunities for participation are available for all children. -respect skaters and parents. input into the planning and evaluation of programs -promote good sportsmanship. -Be supportive of all volunteers -ensue that proper coaching is provided by hiring certified coaches. Skating Equipment and Care Skates: The most important piece of equipment for a beginner or experienced skater is their skates. Although, most department and sports stores sell skating equipment in a variety of prices and quality range, it is essential to check carefully for proper fit, firm ankle support, good quality leather and correct blade placement. Avoid buying a larger size skate in anticipation that the skater will grow into it. Molded plastic skates should be avoided (they are inflexible and make it difficult for the skaters to bend their knees and push off). Look for blades that are screwed onto the boot rather than attached with rivets. If the blade is riveted, make sure it is on straight and centered under the foot and the foot should not fall to one side. *Coaches are an excellent resource to help you in your purchase How to fit skates: When trying on skates, it is necessary to wear one pair of tight fitting socks or tights. Follow these steps; -Partially lace up boots through instep -Slide foot forward so toes touch the front but are not cramped. -Stand with weight equally distributed over both feet -Bend knees 13

14 -Ensure the space at the back of the heel is no more than a pencil width. Also keep in mind that: -Skates should fit snugly around the ankle and heel with some room for movement of the toes -There should be no looseness or creases in the boot -The tongue should be well padded and wide enough to cover the front of the ankle and stay in place. -Laces should be loose over the toe and front of the foot, while snug over the ankle and instep -Walk around in the skates off the ice, they should feel comfortable. Skate Sharpening: It is important to sharpen your skates as soon as they are purchased. Use a good skate sharpening company. The local skate shops within the ice area would be sufficient for beginner skaters however, a company that specializes in skate sharpening is better for those more advanced levels. Re-sharpening of skates should occur after approximately hours of skating time. The bottom pick should not be removed. This pick is part of the design of figure skates and is essential to proper balance. Beginner skaters may find that sharpening at the beginning of the season and again at Christmas break is sufficient. Skate Care: -Always wipe your blades completely dry after skating. -Never leave your skate guards (hard guards) on your skates for any length of time ie. While storing your skates. -Protect your blades from each other with a towel or soft covers when carried in your skate bag. -Don t leave your skates in your bag overnight. They need time to dry out properly. 14

15 Clothing: -Gloves/mittens -Dress warmly and preferably in layers -Beginners may want to wear snow suits -Avoid wearing jeans -No scarves Dressing Room Policy Dressing rooms are assigned at both arenas and used by all skaters and are co-ed. The lobby is not to be used to put on skates or take skates off. Do not leave valuables in dressing rooms. The Langley Figure Skating Club and the Rec Centers are not held responsible for lost/stolen items Helmet Policy This is not an optional policy i.e. a parent can not decide to opt out and sign a waiver. A CSA approved hockey helmet must be worn for all skaters who are up to and including level 5 of the Canskate program. The face guard/mask is optional. A CSA approved hockey helmet must be worn by all skaters who are invited to come participate in bring a friend day despite their skating ability. Professional Coaches Coaches are invaluable in the development of an athelete s skills. They are teachers and mentors to our skaters. They work with the skater and their parents to set realistic goals and the training that is required to achieve those goals. Not only do these coaches teach the skaters the essential skills but also encourage the love of the sport of figure skating. 15

16 All coaches are certified in the National Coaching Certification Program of Skate Canada. A certified coach is an experienced, skilled and dedicated professional. Coaches constantly educate and update themselves in order to be effective. All coaches working at Skate Canada members Clubs must meet the minimum requirements as set out by Skate Canada. In addition, all coaches meet the minimum requirements in first aid standards of care as well as a criminal record check. Choosing a Professional coach The Langley Figure Skating Club is fortunate to have retained a high caliber of dedicated professional coaches that run our canskate program as well as the private lessons within the starskate program. The club does not participate in the selection of those coaches for your skater However, below are some guidelines on helping you choose a professional coach once you have decided to move into the competitive program of the starskate program. -Talk to the coaches. Take the time to introduce yourself to the coaches. Advise them you are considering private lessons and inquire as to whether they are accepting new skaters at that time. -Consider the coaches qualifications -inquire about fees. Fees for services vary according to the professional s experiences and level of certification. Fees for private lessons are managed and paid between the skater and the coach. Ice time is paid via the club. Program Assistants Program assistants (PA s) are volunteers who play an important part in the Canskate program and who contributes greatly to the success of the Club s overall programs. What is their role: Program assistants are to: -assist the coach in on-ice program delivery 16

17 -follow instructions from the professional coach -demonstrate skills and teaching progressions -supervise practice time -can lead warm-ups and cool-downs under the direction of a professional coach -reinforce learned skills -assist with on-ice circuits -provide individual and group assistance -act as a role model for the young skaters -are trained on an annual basis How are PA s selected: PA s have completed the Canskate program and are skating within the Starskate program. They are a minimum age of 12. They have annual training both onice and off-ice from our certified professional coaches. *If you have a question or an issue arises regarding your skater, please do not address the PA s but rather contact one of the coaches. Competitions and Tests Those skaters who want to challenge their figure skating skills and show potential as a competitive skater may choose to do competitions (in consultation with their coach) Competitions may at the local, regional, provincial and national level. Travel may be involved in competitions and expenses are the responsibility of the skater. Fees vary according to the level/type of competition. Competition guidelines: -arrive approx. 60 minutes prior to your sheduleds time (or as deemed appropriate by your coach) -hair neat and tidy -skating attire and tights in good repair 17

18 -skates sharp -extra laces in your skate bag -a black or white warm up jacket (no hoodies) -be respectful and sportsman like (refer to code of ethics) Test Days Those skaters that have completed the canskate program and wish to continue acquiring new skills may wish to test in the starskate stream. Valuable feedback is given to the skaters and their coach on their performance. Test days may be held at the skaters home club or at varying club depending on the level of test. Fees vary for tests. Judges for the test days are certified canskate judges who are volunteering their time. They are only compensated for their mileage. We try to make their stay more enjoyable by providing a light meal, snacks or refreshments (provided by the parents). Each test result is recorded and forwarded to Skate Canada. Test Day guidelines: -arrive approx. 60 minutes prior to your sheduleds time (or as deemed appropriate by your coach) -hair neat and tidy -skating attire and tights in good repair -skates sharp -extra laces in your skate bag -a black or white warm up jacket (no hoodies) -be respectful and sportsman like (refer to code of ethics) Ice Rules and Courtesy There are a few courtesies and rules by which everyone must abide in order to ensure the safety and enjoyment for everyone: -be alert for other skaters -good work habits bring positive results 18

19 -be punctual to all sessions and leave immediately when your ice session is over. -be neatly and appropriately dressed -do not lie or sit on ice as other skaters may not see you and do not stand in the way of other skaters -do not bring food, drinks onto the ice (a water bottle may be left at the side boards) -do not chew gum or suck on candies while skating -take care in stowing possessions while on the ice (The club and/or facilities is not responsible for lost of stolen items) - do give the right away to the skater when their solo is on. -do not bother the music player. The music is requested by the coaching staff only. -Do not interrupt a coach during a private lesson -Jumps are practice at the ends of the ice -Spins are practice at the center of the ice Gaming Grants Each year, the Langley Figure Skating Club applies for a gaming grant. It is not known until August of that year whether we are eligible for or the amount. Over the years, we have been fortunate to receive these funds. Gaming grant funds are used to subsidize our ice fees so that the grant may be equally distributed. At times, special programs within our club have applied to the executive for extra grant money allocation. 19

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