Edson Figure Skating Club Handbook STARSkate
2017 2018 Club Executive President: Greg Sidoruk Vice - President: Vacant Treasurer: Jaime Blundell Registrar: Lori Tuttle Director Fundraising: Lori Tuttle Secretary: Faye Hollinger Test Chair: Bernadette Vankosky Director Sobey s Gift Cards: Cindy Bodner Club Liasion: Cindy Bodner If you are interested in joining the EFSC executive, please see one of the current executive members Coaches Information Kelsey DeZutter - Head Coach Primary STARskate Certified Private Lesson Fee : $9.25 Email : kdezutter@me.com Lisa Thompson Katerina Giovos - Certified Level one Coaching Primary STARskate Certified Private Lesson Fee: Please contact directly Phone: 1 (780) 396-9159 Email: isabear1.lt@gmail.com Primary STARskate Certified Private Lesson Fee: $ 8 Phone: (780) 728-8124 Important Dates First Day of Skating: September 8, 2017 (Intermediate & Senior), October 2, 2017 (Canskate & Primary) Master Class: October 21, 2017 Showcase: TBA Christmas Break: December 22, 2017 (Last day) January 8, 2018 (First day back) PROPOSED Test Day: December 16, 2017 Final Day of Skating: late March 2018 Carnival March 17, 2018 Program Descriptions Every Skate Canada skating program complements the others and allows for unrestricted movement and development through the system. All programs are taught by professional coaches certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and they are offered at member clubs and skating schools across the country. Skate Canada programs are based on a long-term athlete development model (LTAD). Skate Canada s LTAD model is designed to assist coaches, parents, volunteers and administrators create an environment that allows skaters to fully develop and reach their potential in the sport, regardless of whether their goals are recreational or competitive in nature.
STARSkate Skills, Tests, Achievement, Recognition this is what STARSkate is all about! STARSkate offers opportunities for skaters of all ages to develop fundamental figure skating skills in the areas of ice dance, skating skills, free skate and interpretive skating. Unique in Canada, this program teaches figure skating skills in a group and/or private lesson format in a progressive and sequential manner and includes specifically designed awards and incentives. Skaters have the opportunity to take Skate Canada Tests through a nationally standardized testing system. Skaters who have mastered figure skating skills in STARSkate may also choose to pursue synchronized skating or pairs skating. The STARSkate Legacy STARSkate has been the mainstay of figure skating in Canada for more than four decades. When you/your child registers for a STARSkate program at your local Skate Canada club, you also become a member of Skate Canada and will have access to: 1. Opportunities to be recognized through a nationally standardized testing system for achieving specific figure skating skills 2. Complimentary Gold Test pins 3. Invitational and interclub competitions, including the STARSkate championship stream 4. Progress updates and report cards 5. Special STARSkate events and club functions 6. Opportunity to be talent-scouted 7. Opportunity for personal growth and the development of important life skills such as goal-setting, selfdiscipline, confidence, time management, healthy lifestyle and coping strategies to deal with success and failure. These are some of the awards and incentives that have been developed to encourage athletes in the STARSkate Program. The STARSkate program consists of figure skating skills in four areas Skating Skills, Ice Dance, Free Skate and Interpretive. What Options do I have as a STARSkate Athlete? Once a skater is in the Skate Canada STARSkate Program, there are several of options. Skaters may choose to remain in the STARSkate Program, taking tests (although not mandatory) at organized test sessions and honing learned skills. Skaters may also choose to enter competitions, while still trying Skate Canada tests. Other skaters may feel that they have progressed to a point where they may wish to enter the Skate Canada CompetitiveSkate Program or become involved in synchronized skating, evaluating or judging, or participate as an adult or varsity member. Skating Skills Skating Skills are a combination of fundamental skating movements, executed on a pattern and skated solo. The basic components of all disciplines of figure skating are incorporated into the program. The movements are derived from former compulsory figures, free skating and ice dancing. The objective of the Skating Skills program is mastery of the basic fundamentals of skating edge quality, control, power and speed. There are 6 Skating Skills tests in the STARSkate program: Preliminary Junior Bronze Senior Bronze Junior Silver Senior Silver
Gold Ice Dance Consisting of seven levels of tests, the Dance Test program teaches timing, musicality, rhythm interpretation, structure as well as basic skating skills such as edges, flow, control and unison. The dances in the STARSkate Program can be tried in any order but a candidate must pass the required number of dances in a dance test before proceeding to the next level. The Dance Tests are as follows: Preliminary Junior Bronze Senior Bronze Junior Silver Senior Silver Gold Diamond Free Skate Free skating consists of the execution of jumps, spins, footwork, field movements and stroking, either in isolation or performed in sequence to music. There are six Free Skating tests in the STARSkate Program: Preliminary Junior Bronze Senior Bronze Junior Silver Senior Silver Gold Each test consists of 2 parts Elements in Isolation and a Free Program. Interpretive The objective of the Interpretive program is to encourage and develop skaters creativity, expression, musicality, movement, interpretation of music, as well as the use of space, rhythm, line and style. The program provides skaters with the opportunity to explore the performance aspect of skating without focusing on technical elements. The Interpretive tests consist of skating to and interpreting a piece of music 2.0 to 3.0 minutes (+/- 10 seconds) in length. Introductory Bronze Silver Gold
Competitions for STARSkate Athletes STARSkate participants love to compete! Our feedback indicates that even though a skater may choose not to participate in the Skate Canada CompetitiveSkate Program, they still want the opportunity to test their skill in a competition situation. Skate Canada offers several opportunities to do this. Club Competitions Clubs offer competitions for their own members to compete against each other. The club determines the categories which generally follow Skate Canada STARSkate guidelines (e.g. length of program, category name, type of event offered, etc.) The club may also offer other creative events such as longest shoot-theduck, similar pairs, spins and jumps, etc.) STARSkate Interclub Competitions These are events involving a number of clubs in the same region or area. The competition categories offered generally fall in line with the applicable Skate Canada Section specifications, so that all Interclubs within the Section are standardized (this allows Skate Canada Sections to offer a Section Final). The STARSkate Championship program provides opportunities for skaters who want to remain in the STARSkate program but also want to have the challenge of competing up to a Sectional level in a credible, nationally standardized event. Invitational Competitions These are events coordinated by a Section or Club(s) and offered, generally, to STARSkaters and competitive skaters. Most events fall within Skate Canada s specifications regarding program length and eligibility to compete. For more information contact the hosting Section or club. Days, times, costs and information are believed to be correct at the time of publication. However, some inaccuracies may exist. The EFSC has the right to correct these without notice. Primary Skaters entering the Primary program have mastered many of the CanSkate program criteria and are at a minimum CanSkate level 3-4 (attained forward crossovers, backward skating, stopping, turning forward/backward, learning backward crossovers). ALL skaters must where a CSA approved helmet until they have passed their Stage 5 CanSkate badge. Group lessons are designed for skaters who wish to learn the basics of figure skating. Components introduced include stroking, free skate, dance and skating skills. Skaters can move up to the Intermediate level at coaches recommendation. Program will commence October 2 and run through to late March. Days Times Costs Monday 4:45-5:30 P.M. Registration $ 65 Wednesday 5:30-6:15 P.M Session fee $ 550 Thursday 5:45-6:45 P.M.
Intermediate STARSkate Sessions are designed for skaters that can practice well on their own and wish to be involved in the STARskate/Competitive test stream. Skill improvement, mental focus as well as fun, fitness, good sportsmanship and club spirit will be emphasized. Private, semi-private lessons are recommended and available for booking (extra coaches fees apply). Please contact the coaches to arrange these lessons. Program will commence early to mid September and run through to late March. Days Times Costs Mondays 3:45-4:45 P.M. Registration $65 Wednesdays 3:45-4:45 P.M. Session Fee $ 700 Thursdays Fridays 5:30-6:45 P.M. 2:45-4:00 P.M. Senior STARSkate Sessions are designed for skaters that can practice mainly on their own and wish to be involved in the STARSkate/Competitive test stream. Skill improvement, mental focus as well as fun, fitness, good sportsmanship and club spirit will be emphasized. Private, semi-private lessons are recommended and available for booking (extra coaches fees apply). Please contact the coaches to arrange these lessons. Program will commence early to mid-september and run through to late March. Days Times Costs Mondays 6:30-7:45 P.M. Registration $65 Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays 3:45-4:45 P.M. 5:00 6:00 P.M. (dryland) 3:45-5:30 P.M. 3:45-5:30 P.M. 2:45-4:30 P.M. Session Fee $ 750 Club fees Include ice fees, outside partnering fees, pre season ice fees and test day fees. They do not include private coaching fees. Club fees may be paid with club credits. They are to be paid within 14 days of receiving invoice. Skater accounts can be reviewed with the Treasurer at a mutually agreeable time. Club Credits They are earned by any member who holds an executive position. These credits are equal to $25 per month of the skating season (7). They are earned by attending club meetings. Monthly credit will be forfeited if the member fails to notify the President in person or by telephone prior to the meeting of non attendance. They have no monetary value outside of the club. They may not be used for tax purposes or for Skate Canada Registration fees. They are not transferrable. They will be forfeited upon withdrawal from the club.
They are earned in the current season and credited at the end of the current season for use in the following season. Exceptions for member who is moving from Edson- credit may be used in current season. They may be used to pay Club fees. Payment options Lump sum: Cash or Cheque Post dated cheques: Your full payment may be broken into 6 payments (Intermediate and Senior). Post dated cheques are to be dated for the first or fifteenth of each month. NSF cheques will be charged back to the parent at a rate equal to the rate charged to the club by the bank. Refund policy Monthly fees will be returned to the parent if a skater has skated once or twice in a given month. If the skater has skated 3 times, no refund will be given. Exceptions: Medical reason with doctor s note or moving from Edson Refunds consists of ice/coaching fee, MINUS lessons elapsed and registration fee. Fundraising and Volunteering As figure skating is one of the few amateur sports required to hire professional coaching staff, the cost of our program is considerably higher than most other sports. Consequently, our club must work extremely hard at fundraising in order to meet both our community and financial obligations while keeping the cost of skating affordable. There are several fundraising events planned for the season that we anticipate will be successful. It is the policy of the EFSC that all families assist the club in fundraising by volunteering their time helping with club functions. We ask that each family help as many times as possible in order to keep the Edson Figure Skating Club successful. Volunteer activities include: Test Days Competitions Music Players Other events as necessary The tentative fundraising activities are as follows: Cookie dough sales (Oct) Raffle tickets (Jan - Feb) Sobey s grocery card sales (year round)
Sobey s Grocery credit 2.5-4% credit is earned upon fulfilling the required purchase obligation over the fiscal year ending April 30 of that year. A minimum of $2,000 needs to be purchase to accumulate club credit Grocery cards are available from Cindy Bodner year round. Program assistants It is mandatory that all Senior skaters provide assistance to the CanSkate group. Program assistants will be recognized for their efforts. Music Intermediate and Senior parents are required to play music. The number of times will be determined by the number of skaters in the group. Please show up for your assigned shift or make prior arrangements. Equipment A good fit in a pair of quality used boots is better than a pair of low-quality new boots for skaters starting basic figure skating skills. Leather boots with firm support around the ankle and properly sharpened blades are essential. Molded boots are often too stiff and inflexible. Boots should be fitted with one pair of socks and there needs to be room to move the toes, but the foot should not slide. The heel must fit firmly and should not be able to move up and down. Ensure skates have less than 2 finger widths of growing room. The skate should feel comfortable. Blades need to be clean and free of any rust, nicks and ridges. Skate guards should be worn to and from the ice surface but removed for storage. Blades should be cleaned and dried after each session to prevent rusting. Where to buy For StarSkaters these locations are recommended: Pro-skate Services United Cycle Edmonton West Side 170St. & 111 Ave Edmonton South Side 9212-51 Ave. 10323-78 Ave, Gateway Blvd, Edmonton Phone: 1 (780) 481-5532 Phone: 1 (780) 438-9059 Phone: 1 (780) 433-1181 Figure skates need special sharpening approximately every 20 hours of skating Visit the Edson Figure Skating Club s Facebook page for USED skate and apparel sales
Testing and Competing Test Information When a skater advances into the test stream, they wait for test days sanctioned by Skate Canada. Test days are held in Edson at least twice a season. High tests (Junior Silver and up) are performed at various clubs in the area. Skaters are tested in the above mentioned test with the addition of pairs and interpretive. The skater is evaluated on a scale of excellent, good, satisfactory or needs improvement and the results given to the coach to share with the skater and his/her parents. For more info on tests please contact the club test chair. Practice sessions The club offers ice time for the development of skills, freeskate, interpretive and dance. Stroking is also offered. This offers endurance and technique training of the basic skating stroke. Private Lessons (Primary, Intermediate and Senior skaters) Private lessons given by professional club coaches are available. It is up to the skater or parents to approach the coach if he/she wishes to take lessons. Lessons are generally 15 minutes in duration and are available in all skating disciplines. The coach will inform the student of lesson rates and billing procedures and will recommend a program of lessons based on the amount of skating times per week, goals and budget. In addition to lesson fees, the skater should check with the coach regarding fees for: coaching at test and competitions, music editing for programs, partnering for dance tests, goal setting and travel expenses. Lessons not cancelled in advance may be subject to a charge. Problems and concerns should be discussed and resolved with the coach privately (not when the coach is on the ice). If a problem or concern cannot be resolved with the coach, it should be addressed, in writing to the Professional Liaison. Expenses to Parents of STARSkate Skaters These vary with each event. Club test fees for test day. Fees are equally divided by the number of tests. The Club will pay the Skate Canada fee and test fee for the first attempt at all gold level tests. Registration fees are payable prior to any function and are non-refundable except for a medical reason (requires a doctor s note) Travel Expenses- When competing or testing, expect costs of transportation, meals and one or two nights of accommodation. (These expenses can often be split by sharing with another skater/parent.) Coach Expenses The coach s travel, accommodation and meal costs will be divided equally amongst skaters registered to attend away functions. Mileage will be charged per kilometer. Meals and Accommodation will be charged as well as coach s fees at their hourly rate. This will be added together and divided by all the skaters attending the specific competition or test. Coaches do their best to keep expenses to a minimum to encourage participation for all skaters. Coach Professional Fees If your child attends a competition or test day you will be billed following the event or test. Coach fee schedules are available from your coach. Professional Coaches Code of ethics - is posted on the bulletin board. It can also be found at www.skatecanada.ca Parents Code of Conduct is posted on the bulletin board. It can also be found at www.skatecanada.ca
EFSC Rules and Expectations All club members are expected to follow No one is permitted on the ice until a certified coach over the age of 18 is present. Safety first! o Always watch for other skaters and coaches. o No blue jeans or hoods o Hair (including long bangs) must be tied back off the face o Mittens are a must. Right of way: o First to the skater/coach in a lesson o Then to a skater whose music is being played o Then to the skater whose music is playing but is not in a lesson. o When you fall get up immediately it is very dangerous to sit on the ice. It is unacceptable to purposely damage the ice (i.e.: pick holes) Bring a water bottle! Hydration is very important! Be prepared with gloves and warm clothing. Leaving the ice to get these items will not be tolerated! Be sure to use the washroom before getting on the ice. Leaving the ice will not be tolerated No gum, candy, food, or pop on the ice! No sitting on the boards! No profanity permitted (including music)! No electronic devices on the ice. (i.e.: cell phone or IPod) Skaters should not be in the players box unless you are tying your skates. Running in and out of the music box is NOT PERMITTED! Be on time for your lesson! Missed time cannot be made up! Chatting can be done before and after practice NOT on the ice If you know you are going to miss or be late for a session, please inform your coach in advance. RESPECT ALL COACHES, SKATERS, PARENTS & YOURSELF.