CANSKATE PARENTS HANDBOOK SKATE MARTENSVILLE 2017/10/13
TABLE OF CONTENTS Club Executive Coaches Program Assistants Parents Code of Ethics Rules CanSkate Skating Program Competitions at the CanSkate Level Carnival Equipment (Skates & Helmets) Clothing Registration Policy Costs Contacts 2017/10/13
CLUB EXECUTIVE For the 2016 2017 skating season, our Executive Committee to date is: President: Shelley Kobelsky Vice-President: Shannon Kojola Secretary: Shauna Murray Treasurer: Coralie Lennea Test Chairperson: Sherylann Skelton CanSkate Liaison: Tracy Martindale Fundraising Chairperson: Heather King Registration Chairperson: Jennifer Nygaard Member at Large: Dolly Mistry Coaching Representative: to be determined by the coaches. By-Law 10 in our Club Constitution states: The general management of the Club shall be vested in an Executive consisting of: Immediate Past President, President, Vice- President, Secretary, Treasurer, and (5) members-at-large and a Coaching Representative. The general membership shall elect nine (9) persons to serve on the Executive. The elected Executive will then, in closed session, elect the President and other officers from within its membership. All of the above, with the exception of the Past President and the Coaching Representative shall be elected every two (2) years (s) at an Annual General Meeting. Members will be elected to the Executive for a twoyear term at which time then can be re-elected for another term of two years for a maximum of four years. The intent being that one-third membership rotation only per term. Once a member has been off the Executive for two years, they can be re-elected. The Executive consists of nominated persons who volunteer their time and talent to help operate the Club. The Club (executive) is bound by a Code of Ethics as directed by Skate Canada. The Executive as a whole should: promote, govern and improve the skating programs under its control; exercise a general supervision and direction over the skating interests of its skaters, coaches and executive with the emphasis on the enhancement of good character and sportsmanship; and ensure enjoyment of the sport. Page3
COACHES DANNY JAMES Danny grew up skating in the Lloydminster FSC with her entire family being active members of the club. She attended spring, summer and fall skating schools in Edmonton and Saskatoon throughout her 14 years of skating. Danny achieved her gold dance, bronze variation dance, junior silver freeskate and gold skills. When she was 17 years old Danny made the transition from skater to coach and throughout her 25 years of coaching she has taught in many clubs including Maidstone, Lloydminster, Dundurn, Clavet and is currently entering into her seventh season with the Martensville Skating Club. Danny has three children who only increased her time spent in a rink. She was an active member on the Clavet Skating Club executive for many years and spent countless hours as a proud mom in the stands at both hockey tournaments and skating competitions. Danny also took up synchronized skating for a few years, winning a bronze medal with her team at the National Championships. Outside of the rink Danny is an accountant and owns a bookkeeping business. In her spare time she enjoys travelling, watching live sporting events and concerts. Danny loves to share her passion for figure skating with her students and watching them grow as skaters and people. Qualifications: 25 years coaching experience Skate Canada Primary ISPC Certified NCCP Level 2 Certified Standard First Aid CPR/AED Level C Completed CanSkate Coach Online Training Module Completed Making Ethical Decisions Evaluation (2010) Completed Respect In Sport Program (2013) Continuous Education Program CEP Bronze Status Skate Canada Tests Completed: o Gold Skills o Junior Silver Freeskate o Gold Dance o Bronze Variation Dance Page4
NICOLE GRYBA Nicole Gryba has been skating since she was 4 years old. Growing up with a passion for edges and spins, the skating rink become her second home. Nicole represented Clavet Skating Club for 13 years where she acquired her Jr. Bronze Freeskate, Gold Skills and Gold Dance. As a long-time member she was honoured with various club awards over the years, including STARSkater of the Year in 2004. In 2005, Nicole decided to end her training as a skater and become a certified coach. Nicole was hired by the Clavet Skating Club in 2005 to give private lessons to STARSkaters in the areas of skills, freeskate, dance, and also coached an Adult Learn-to-Skate program. After the 2008/2009 skating season, Nicole decided to move on from the Clavet Skating Club to pursue her career in Marketing. Upon Nicole s relocation back to Saskatoon, she coached the CanSkate and STARSkate programs in Delisle for the 2013-2014 season. Nicole recently moved out to Martesville in June 2014 and is looking forward to continuing her coaching career with Skate Martensville. Nicole is passionate about working with youth and believes her skaters success is her success. She encourages all her students to find inspiration through goals, self-discipline, exploration, creativity, and old-fashioned hard work. Nicole thrives on watching her skaters grow in their skating abilities and personal development. Qualifications: 5 years coaching experience Skate Canada Primary STARSkate Certified Skate Canada ISPC Trained Certified Standard First Aid CPR/AED Level C Completed CanSkate Coach Online Training Module (2012) Completed Make Ethical Decisions Evaluation (2012) Skate Canada Test Completed: Gold Skating Skills, Gold Dance, Jr. Bronze Freeskate Page5
TAYLER BELOWSOWSKY Tayler began skating at the age of 3, wanting to be just like her mom Danny. She was a member of the Clavet Skating Club for 13 years as a skater, program assistant and finally a coach. Tayler achieved her gold skills, senior bronze freeskate and gold dance, as well as awards such as Program Assistant of the Year and Starskater of the Year. Tayler was also heavily involved in soccer playing on high school, club and provincial teams and coached in the local community for many years. She began coaching skating when she was 17 and has coached in Clavet, Perudue and Martensville. Tayler completed a four-year biology degree at the University of Saskatchewan and is currently in her first year of study at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. When she isn t studying or coaching she enjoys watching the Chicago Blackhawks, travelling and hanging out with her cat Finnigan. Qualifications: 6 years coaching experience Skate Canada Primary Starskate Certified Certified Standard First Aid CPR/AED Level C Completed CanSkate Coach Online Training Module (2010) Completed Making Ethical Decisions Evaluation (2013) Continuous Education Program CEP Status Skate Canada Tests Completed: o Gold Skills o Senior Bronze Freeskate o Gold Dance o Bronze Interpretive Page6
PROGRAM ASSISTANTS To enable our Club to deliver the CanSkate program effectively and to meet the requirements set out by Skate Canada, we require the help of qualified Program Assistants. The Program Assistants should be 12 years of age or older and have passed the Preliminary Free Skate test. It is important that younger skaters be guided by Skate Canada Coaches or mature experienced Program Assistants. Role of Program Assistant Demonstrate A helping nature Patience with others around you An ability to communicate ideas clearly Reliability A sense of commitment to tasks Qualities of a good role model Ability to lead activities in a creative, enthusiastic manner Organizing and Planning Attend training sessions as required Setup lesson outline to be used on-line (ie. Station Skills Circuit, Games, Action Songs, etc.) At Rink Checking skater s equipment if necessary Hand out printed materials if necessary On-Ice Tasks Setup Station areas Take Station material with you when you go onto the ice Lead warm-up and cool down sessions as requested Take attendance Assist with circuits Demonstrate skills Reinforce learned skills (follow-up to coach s instruction) Lead exercises, drills, learning activities Lead games, action songs, creative expression games Supervise practice sessions Hand out awards/incentives Work with group for CanSkate FunFest Competition and during carnival preparation assist with choreographing number and ensuring practice of these numbers is completed Page7
PARENTS CODE OF ETHICS AS A PARENT I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all skaters, coaches, and volunteers at every practice, competition or skating event. I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my skater ahead of a personal desire to win. I will remember that my child skates for his/her enjoyment, not for mine. I will remember that the sport is for the skater(s) not for the parents. I will, and will ask my skater to, treat other skaters, coaches, volunteers, and parents with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or ability. I will, and will encourage my skater to, follow the rules and resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence. I will teach my skater that doing one s best is as important as winning, so that my skater will never feel defeated by the outcome of a test or event. I will make my skater feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and trying their best. I will never ridicule or yell at my skater for making a mistake, failing a test, or losing a competition. I will do my very best to make the skating experience fun for my child. I will be on my best behaviour at all times and will not use profane language or harass coaches, skaters, volunteers or parents. I promise to help my skater enjoy the skating experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectable spectator or assisting as a volunteer when necessary or whatever I am capable of doing. Page8
RULES - Parents are no allowed on the ice at any time due to insurance reasons. All skaters, coaches, program assistants and executive have paid the Skate Canada membership fee which makes them registered members of Skate Canada and covered under their insurance. Parents are not registered members of Skate Canada and therefore, are not covered under their insurance. If you need to take your child off the ice, please get the attention of one of the coaches or program assistant. Please do not go on the ice. - No watching from mezzanine (upstairs). We are not paying for this space; therefore, we are not allowed up there. Please refrain from going up there or from having your children run around up there. - CanSkate dressing rooms there are 2 dressing rooms assigned for CanSkate. Please check the TV screen when you come to the rink to find out which ones are for CanSkate. Our STARSkaters are in dressing room #1 so please do not go in to that dressing room as they could be changing at any given time. - No gum or candy on the ice. Please make sure that your child does not have anything in their mouths when going on to the ice. CANSKATE PROGRAM Back in 2014, Skate Canda developed a new CanSkate program based on Sport Canada s long term athlete development (LTAD) principles. Exciting new features include a fresh new look, new awards, great tools for coaches and most importantly a tested and proven new curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster. But there s more! The new program also includes specific skills that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating. The result is a dynamic new program that prepares all skaters for virtually every ice sport. What is CanSkate? CanSkate is a dynamic learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. Based on Sport Canada s long term athlete development (LTAD) principles, CanSkate centers on physical literacy and the fundamental skills needed to take part in any ice sport or to skate as a recreational activity. Who s it for? For beginners of all ages, children or adults, as well as for those wishing to improve their basic skills whether their focus be for figure skating, hockey, speed skating or just skating for fun. Who teaches it? NCCP-trained professional coaches, assisted by trained program assistants. What will you learn? A complete series of balance, control and agility skills taught in six stages of learning that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating as well as general recreational skating. CanSkate uses nationally-tested and proven curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster. Page9
What can you expect? Action, movement and fun! Lessons are given in a group format with a coach-to-student ratio of a maximum 1:10. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, upbeat music and a wide variety of activities that create a motivational environment and promote learning. Badges, ribbons and other incentives are used to benchmark skaters progress and reward effort and participation. Together with our Canskate Coaching Staff, our carefully trained Program Assistants (STARSkaters) also work with CanSkate members. These club skaters volunteer their time onice and off-ice to assist our coaches in delivering the CanSkate Program. Our CanSkate Coordinator/Executive members will be handing out badges throughout the year once skaters have passed a particular level and are available to answer any questions parents may have about the program. Their role is to liaise between the parents and the coaches. SAFETY POINTS FOR SKATERS... Get up quickly after falling down Look in the direction of travel when skating backwards No pushing, playing tag or bumping into others or the boards No gum or candy on the ice Advise club and/or coaches of any skaters with special medical conditions Please remember... It is important that an adult remain in charge of your skater while attending our CanSkate Program. If this is not going to be yourself, please indicate to the Club/CanSkate Coordinator who will be responsible for your child in case of emergency. Page10
COMPETITIONS AT THE CANSKATE LEVEL CanSkate FunFest is a fun, recreational competition which is held every year in our region. Each skater will be able to participate in a skills event, an elements event, and a team event. A Tech package is an information package sent to all clubs prior to the competition to let them know what events will be taking place. The Club hosting the competition must follow certain guidelines and criteria set out at the beginning of the year in the Provincial Technical Package. This includes the required elements for each level in the CanSkate program. Skaters in the CanSkate program as well as skaters in the STARSkate program that haven t passed any tests are eligible to compete in the CanSkate competition. Once the skater and their parents decide that they will skate in CanSkate competition, the coach will be able to help them determine what events and which level the skater will be competing at. The competition usually consists of Stroking, Skill Circuits and an Elements Program as well as team events. The CanSkate Coordinator will distribute information packages that include a registration form and any information about the competition. It is important to get the registration form back to the CanSkate Coordinator by the deadline as late registrations are usually not accepted by the host Club. Please ensure that you include a cheque or money order for the amount owing. Please remember to double check the registration form to ensure that the required information is complete and accurate and the waiver form signed. The CanSkate Coordinator will work with the CanSkate coaching team to ensure your skater is registered in the appropriate events and levels. Prior to the competition, the Club Program Assistants and Coaches will help the skaters prepare for the competition. This means practising the Skills Circuits and Elements Program as well as practising their stroking. Program Assistants also attend the competition to help the skaters. The Club will receive a schedule of times and confirmation of entries approximately one week prior to the competition. Please ensure that you know the times of your first event. Skaters are usually flighted by age and the host club reserves the right to split any group into flights within each group if necessary. Skating dresses or attire are not required at the CanSkate level although most of the female skaters at our Regional competition do wear skating dresses. Please dress warm as the rinks in our area are very cold! Mitts and sweaters are recommended. For the team events, many club teams dress the team members in the same type of outfit (ie. black skating skirts with red shirts, etc.). Please be advised if a team s parents wish to do this the Skating Club has carnival costumes available to be borrowed. Please speak with someone on the executive if you are wishing to borrow a set of costumes. Team Events: The CanSkate Coaches will place all skaters registered for the competition onto a team. Each team member will do one required element. Skaters must register one hour prior to their first event. Skaters who compete first may register 1/2 hour prior to their event. I m next! Skaters are called to the ice for a five-minute warm-up. In the case of larger flights, there will be more than one warm up session. Page11
CARNIVAL (YEAR END ICE SHOW) Details for the carnival (ie. theme, numbers, costumes, etc.) will be available by the end of January. Participation in the Carnival, to be held at the end of March, is optional. Preparation will begin mid- March. Expenses incurred for costume preparation will be the responsibility of the skater unless determined otherwise by the Club at a later date. WHAT TO EXPECT AS CARNIVAL APPROACHES A carnival committee is created in late December core committee consists of executive members (2 or 3) and additional CanSkate parents are brought on board in January. The committee is always looking for volunteers. The core committee determines the theme of the carnival. Group numbers, music and solo criteria are decided by the committee and these decisions are then approved at the executive level. Costume suggestions for each group number are determined by the coaches and committee. These suggestions are passed on to a willing group leader to implement. The club does not always have the funds to subsidize the cost of costumes (decided each season pending financial stability); therefore, the parents should expect minimal costume expenses. There will also be many e-mails and handouts during carnival time with information regarding carnival pictures date and time, dress rehearsal particulars, volunteers needed, carnival day particulars, etc. Please ensure during carnival time that you are at the rink during the CanSkate sessions. Page12
EQUIPMENT SKATES Trying and Buying New skates are available in a wide range of prices. Don t forget that good quality equipment often ends up in a skate exchange or in the used skate section of retail stores and pro shops. Whether they re new or used, skates should meet some basic requirements. The minimum requirements for a pair of skates are that: they provide a snug, comfortable fit they are made of a firm material to help support the ankle (Molded skates should be avoided as they are inflexible in the cold and allow the skater less control.) the blade is made of good stainless or carbon steel so that it will glide smoothly and stay sharp. The most important consideration when buying skates is how the boot fits. This can make the difference between frozen feet and frustration and having a ball. Contrary to what most people think, the average skater takes a half size smaller than his/her walking shoe. Remember to fit the skates over thin socks or tights because layers of socks limit the support provided by a boot. Make sure: the boot is snug around the instep and the heel, there isn t much buckling of the leather around the ankle, there is a gap of three to four centimeters (1" - 1 1/2") between the lacings and the instep, there is enough room to wiggle your toes. Here s a simple test to see if you ve got the right fit - lace up the boot, then ask someone to hold the blade down and see if you can lift your heel. If you can, then try a half size smaller. A word of warning to parents - when you are buying skates for your children, make sure the boot gives their ankles enough support. Don t get skates that are several sizes too large to allow them room to grow. The sooner they can get off their ankles and onto the skate blades, the sooner they (and you) will know the joy of skating. You don t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to get a good pair of skates. There is usually a ready market at local stores for secondhand skates in reasonably good condition. Used skate sales are often held at the beginning of the season, so keep an eye out! Lacing Up It s important to learn how to fasten skates properly. Many skaters complain of weak ankles or leg cramps when the real problem is poor lacing or improper fastening of boots. Here s how it s done. Make sure your socks are pulled up all the way -- wrinkled socks are uncomfortable and can cause blisters. Next, center the tongue of the boot and pull it as high as you can. Keep the lace at the bottom of the boot snug - but not tight - so the toes don t get cramped and the circulation doesn t get cut off. Tie the laces over the instep fairly tight to give the maximum support. From here on to the top of the boot, the lacing should be snug (again not tight) so that the ankle can flex and extend comfortably. Page13
Making Skates Last With a reasonable amount of care, a pair of skates can last a long time. Here are some maintenance tips: Don t walk on metal or concrete without using skate guards or you will wear down the blade edges and can make deep nicks and scratches in the metal. You can buy guards to slip over the blades. Remember to take the guards off before you store the skates - and before you hit the ice. Unlace skates sufficiently before removing them so that the back of the boot will not break down or rip. To prevent rusting, wipe the blades dry with a clean cloth after each use, and check for nicks in the blade. Let the blades and boots dry fully and air out before putting them away. Sharpening the Blades Brand new skates should be sharpened before you use them for the first time. The bottom toe pick should NOT be removed. This is part of the design of figure skates, it is used for performance of some skills and is essential to proper balance. Sharpening will get rid of any nicks you may get Higher level skaters should use qualified figure skate sharpeners and there are a couple in Saskatoon. Skates should be sharpened after approximately 25 hours of skating. Do not sharpen skates the night before a test day or competition! HELMETS A CSA-approved hockey helmet (no bicycle helmets please) is mandatory for all skaters until they pass Stage 5. Please see Skate Canada s Helmet Use Policy for more information. How should the hockey helmet fit? A hockey helmet should fit snug to prevent any shifting and maximize protection. Make sure the chinstrap can be adjusted so it gently makes contact under the chin when fastened. For an adjustable helmet, open it to the largest setting and gradually begin to downsize the helmet until a comfortably snug fit is achieved. The helmet should rest on the head so that the rim is one finger width above the eyebrow and making contact with the top of your head. Although most helmets are lined with protective foam, some helmets will feel better than others. Try on different brands of helmets for fit and comfort. All CSA certified helmets have a sticker indicating their certification. Why only hockey helmets? Hockey helmets are designed to help protect against head injuries occurring on ice, whether from a fall or collision. A bicycle helmet, for example, is designed to protect against head injuries should a fall occur while riding a bicycle. It is important to ensure that when a skater is on the ice, they are protected with equipment designed for their sport or activity. Page14
Are face masks required as well? Face masks are not mandatory; however young skaters may benefit from the added protection. Are used hockey helmets acceptable? Hockey helmets and face protectors sold in Canada must meet safety standards set by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). If the CSA sticker is not present, throw the product away. Hockey helmets normally last for about three to five years. Hockey helmets must not be used if previously subjected to a major impact or if older than five years or if showing visible signs of damage or if parts are missing. Hockey helmets must have labelling with the date of manufacture and have a chin strap. It is important that the helmet fit properly in order to ensure proper protection. Can a parent sign a waiver absolving the club from any liability and allow their child to participate without a helmet? No. The requirement to wear a helmet is a Skate Canada Policy and all clubs and members must abide by our policies. Therefore in order to participate in the CanSkate program all skaters who have not achieved Stage 5 in the CanSkate program or who lack good balance and control must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet while on the ice. Why has up to and including Stage 5 been selected as the benchmark for helmet use? Skaters who lack good control/balance when skating forward, backward and have difficulty stopping, as well as maneuvering around obstacles on the ice are at a higher risk of being unable to control a fall, regardless of their age. The CanSkate program has been developed to introduce basic skating skills to beginners in a safe and sequential manner. The learning progressions leading to and included in Stage 5 allow skaters to gain the necessary skills (balance, agility, and control) required to safely participate on the ice. While it may be likely that many Stage 5 skaters can skate reasonably well, ice surfaces can be very unpredictable and there is always a risk of falling, no matter what stage a skater is at. CanSkaters participate in a group environment with other skaters on the ice of different levels who may fall and cause other skaters to fall. Page15
CLOTHING The rink can often feel cold to younger skaters who aren t able to move as fast. Please dress your child warmly. Here is the recommended CanSkate attire for all skaters in Stages 1-6: Skaters should be warm and be able to move freely. Some snowsuits can make it difficult for the skaters to move (and get up). Suitable attire for both boys and girls are warm leggings/pants, a sweater, a jacket, and mitts. Please no fuzzy mitts or gloves as they stick to the ice. If the skater wears a scarf, it must be tucked in at all times. A dress or skirt for girls who progress (e.g. Stage 5 & 6) is fine but warm tights are necessary to remain comfortable. Example: Page16
REGISTRATION POLICY Late Registrations Will be accepted at the discretion of the Club Executive and will be dependent on the number of skaters registered in the requested program. Registration fees will remain the same fees will NOT be pro-rated pending date of registration. Refund Policy There will be no refund without medical reason. Requests for refunds for medical purposes must be accompanied by a doctor s note. The $35.65 SkateCanada fee is non-refundable. All requests for refunds must be done in writing to the Skate Martensville Executive. COSTING People wonder all the time where their money goes why are skating fees so much? Here is a brief explanation: For coaching and ice, each CanSkate session costs the club about $410. Multiply that by 2 CanSkate sessions per week then multiply that by 19 weeks and we end up with a cost of $15,580.00 per year. The club also facilitates office & CanSkate supplies like markers to write on ice, ribbons, badges, report cards, stickers, cheques, postage, paper, etc. Registration fees help with the cost of running a successful program for all skaters. If you have any questions about your fees and how they are structured, please talk to a member of our Executive. CONTACT Skate Martensville Website skatemartensville.ca Email skatingclub1@gmail.com Facebook Skate Martensville Skate Canada Saskatchewan Website skatecanadasaskatchewan.com Skate Canada Website skatecanada.ca Page17