LDFSC Handbook
This handbook has been prepared for our members and their parents in hopes that it will help answer any
questions that may arise.
Please take the time to read this handbook in order to familiarize yourself with the club and its operations,
the sport of figure skating, and the expectations of our members.
Mission Statement
To provide comprehensive skill development supporting ALL levels of ice skaters. We strive to encourage
physical, emotional and social growth and promote achievement through a positive learning environment and teamwork.
Programs Offered
The Lumby & District Figure Skating Club (LDFSC) is the purchasing agent for ice and is under the governing
body of Skate Canada*
The following programs are taught by Skate Canada qualified coaches.
CanSkate
Learn to skate in a fun group environment!
Group instruction taught by a qualified and experienced Skate Canada coach and
assisted by Program Assistants (trained senior level skaters).
Skaters learn the fundamentals of skating which include forward skating,
backward skating, stopping, turning, spinning, and jumping. These
fundamentals prepare skaters to begin figure skating, hockey, ringette, or
recreational skating.
Skaters require helmets.
Due to insurance, parents/caregivers are not allowed on the ice.
·
Skate Canada badges 1-3.
The CanSkate program promotes fun, friendship, exercise, development of good
skating skills, and a lifelong love for the sport of skating.
Junior Development ~
STARSkate 1
·
A program designed for the younger skater who has mastered the fundamentals of
skating (passed 3rd badge).
·
Group instruction using the full sheet of ice with an emphasis is on power and
edging – great for hockey, ringette, and figure skaters!
·
The skater must have permission for the CanSkate Director to enter this
program.
·
Skate Canada badges 4-7.
STARSkate 2 & 3
A program tailored to the individual!
·
A Skate Canada program that involves 3 main disciplines: skating skills, free
skate, and dance.
·
Private or semi-private lessons are required – a base coach who will be
providing these lessons needs to be chosen at this point (fees for private
lessons are paid directly to the coach).
·
Skaters can prepare to take Skate Canada tests through a Nationally Standardized
Testing System. Skating competitively is also an available option.
·
Skaters are expected to work independently before and after this lesson
time.
STARSKate: Skills, Tests, Achievement,
and Recognition
*www.skatecanada.ca
Fitness Tax
Credits
Remember to keep your receipts
to use them for the government fitness tax credit.
·
Skaters must be ‘in good standing’ to participate in Skate Canada sanctioned
events – test days, carnivals, competitions etc. ‘Good standing’ assumes that
registration and coaching fees are paid to date and that the skater is not under
any disciplinary action.
Roles, Rules, and
Responsibilities
Responsibilities &
Roles of the Parents/Guardians
All parents play a vital role
in the operations and success of the LDFSC. Parents are expected to
contribute to the overall operation of the club in the following areas:
1. Registration Fees
Fees, as set by the club, are
payable upon registration.
2. Operation and Administration
Club operation is administered
by a club executive which is composed of parent volunteers. In
order for the smooth operation of the club and so that a small percentage of
parents will not be doing all of the work, all parents are expected to serve in
some area.
3. Fundraising
As with all clubs, the LDFSC
requires fundraising to help keep the skaters’ fees as low as possible.
Funds raised are used to offset the cost of ice rental, which is the club’s
largest expense. All programs offered by the LDFSC are subsidized by
fundraising, and since all members benefit, it is expected that all will
volunteer.
As figure skating is one of the
few amateur sports required to hire a professional coaching staff, the cost of
our program is considerably higher than many other sports. Consequently, our
club must work extremely hard at fundraising in order to meet our financial
obligations while keeping the cost of skating affordable. There are several
fundraising events planned for the season that we anticipate will be
successful.
LDFSC Rules and Expectations
·
Helmets are required to be worn by all CanSkate skaters.
·
Parents must stay off the ice and out of the hockey boxes unless instructed by a
coach.
·
Any question or concern, should be addressed to a board member, or be submitted
in writing to be discussed at an upcoming board meeting.
·
Etiquette: all skaters, coaches, and parents must be courteous and
conscientious when on and off the ice.
·
Skater’s must remain in good standing with the club (fees paid to date).
·
Private lessons: parents must arrange these with the coach of their
choice. The Club is not responsible for these sessions in any
way.
Responsibilities of the Club
·
Conduct a variety of figure skating programs at the skill and age levels
appropriate to the club’s membership.
·
Provide professional coaches to teach the programs offered in group and or
private lessons.
·
As required, Conduct Skate Canada tests in accordance with Skate Canada
regulations.
·
Conduct club business according to the club’s constitution and bylaws and the
rules of Skate Canada. The Club Code of Ethics can be found on the Skate Canada
website www.skatecanada.ca
·
Liaise with Skate Canada National Office.
·
Raise funds for club operations.
·
The LDFSC is not responsible
for lost articles or injury on or off the ice.
Responsibilities of the
Skater
·
Courtesy and respect for other skaters, coaches, parents, club volunteers, and
arena staff. Remember to say thank you!
·
Please be on time and prepared for group and private lessons.
·
Swearing, kicking or stomping the ice, or other disrespectful behaviour will not
be tolerated. Offending skaters will be asked to leave the ice
immediately. Parents of offending skaters will be notified.
·
If you need to speak to a coach, do so while they are off the ice. Do not
interrupt lessons.
·
Appropriate skating attire must be worn – No jeans!
·
No skater is to be on the ice at the same time as the zamboni.
·
Dressing rooms must be kept clean and orderly.
·
Use your ice time wisely, and have fun. Get to know the flow pattern for
jumps and spins, and remember that a skater doing a program has the right of
way.
·
24 hours notice is required if you are unable to make it to a scheduled private
lesson; if 24 hours notice is not given, you will be responsible for paying
Responsibilities of the Coaches
·
Coaches are responsible to the skaters – not only as athletes but as individuals
who are developing values and beliefs that will last a life time.
·
Coaches must respect another coaches teaching methods, techniques and/or
opinions.
·
LDFSC coaches have the authority to ‘discipline’ skaters. Disciplinary
action taken will be based upon the offense and behavioural history.
Verbal reprimand, request to sit out a portion of practice, suspension from all
activities for a period of time are all possible actions.
Private Lessons
Private lessons given by professional club coaches are available to all club members. 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 their students 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. Skaters purchase blocks of ice time from the club for these lessons. 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 test, goal setting and year planning and travel expenses. Lessons not
cancelled in advance may be subject to a charge. If for some reason the skater
wishes to change coaches, they must notify the current coach and bring their
account up to date. Student/Parent/Coach relationships are confidential and
therefore any concerns or problems should be discussed and resolved
privately. If a problem or concern cannot be resolved with the
coach, it should be addressed, in writing, to the Professional
Liaison.
Figure Skating Terminology – The Basics 101
Test/Competitive Stream: The interest is
in learning all the aspects of figure skating. The
skater will require private lessons during StarSkate 2&3 Programs
to complete the test requirements. As with any private lessons,
the skaters are responsible for hiring a professional
club coach of their own choice.
Testing is performed on the following categories:
Skills : Exercises
containing edges, turns, small jumps and field moves designed to teach fundamental
movements to skaters. The basic components of all disciplines
of figure skating are incorporated into the program. Skills
exercises are
skated to prescribed music.
Freeskate: The more athletic part of
figure skating where the skaters practice jumps, spins,
interconnecting footwork and field moves and choreographed programs
to music.
Dance: Ballroom dancing on ice. Skaters practice compulsory dance patterns to music.
Interpretive: Introduced to encourage
creativity and interpretation of music rather than technical difficulty.
Interpretive programs contain a variety of moves selected for their value in
enhancing the interpretation of music.
Pairs Skating: The skating in unison of two
people who perform movements in harmony. It includes lifts, throws and
side-by-side jumps and spins. It is often confused with ice dancing, however the
two disciplines are very different.
Competitive
Skating: Specific
requirements (age or test level) are a prerequisite to enter competitions.
Please consult your coach with specifics. At competitions there is a panel
of three to nine judges that assign the skater a mark based on the level of
performance – judges are volunteers!
Test Information
When a skater advances into the “test stream”, they wait for test days sanctioned by Skate
Canada. The LDFSC will coordinate one test date during the season. These skaters are tested in Skills,
Freeskate, Ice Dance, Interpretive, and Pairs. The skater is evaluated on a
scale of excellent, good, satisfactory or needs improvement and the results are given to the coach to share with individual
skaters and his or her parents.
Visit www.skatecanada.ca for more figure skating definitions.
Other Considerations
(adapted from the Don Kortes Figure Skater’s Handbook)
·
Balance: make sure there is balance in your skater’s life.
·
Support your coach: pay your bills and get your skater/s on the ice on time.
·
Learn about the sport so you can recognize elements and praise progress.
·
Watch your skater whenever possible – they need to know that you are
interested. Often skaters whose parents never watch in practice feel very
self conscious or pressured when their parents do show up to watch.
·
Be a good sport and model this behaviour.
·
Support your skater/s: provide praise when appropriate. Resist the urge to
compare your child against another - let them progress at their own level.
Keeping You Up To Date
Please remember to read the
parent/skater information board that is posted outside of the music room at the
arena. Also, remember to check your emails
regularly.
This handbook has been prepared for our members and their parents in hopes that it will help answer any
questions that may arise.
Please take the time to read this handbook in order to familiarize yourself with the club and its operations,
the sport of figure skating, and the expectations of our members.
Mission Statement
To provide comprehensive skill development supporting ALL levels of ice skaters. We strive to encourage
physical, emotional and social growth and promote achievement through a positive learning environment and teamwork.
Programs Offered
The Lumby & District Figure Skating Club (LDFSC) is the purchasing agent for ice and is under the governing
body of Skate Canada*
The following programs are taught by Skate Canada qualified coaches.
CanSkate
Learn to skate in a fun group environment!
Group instruction taught by a qualified and experienced Skate Canada coach and
assisted by Program Assistants (trained senior level skaters).
Skaters learn the fundamentals of skating which include forward skating,
backward skating, stopping, turning, spinning, and jumping. These
fundamentals prepare skaters to begin figure skating, hockey, ringette, or
recreational skating.
Skaters require helmets.
Due to insurance, parents/caregivers are not allowed on the ice.
·
Skate Canada badges 1-3.
The CanSkate program promotes fun, friendship, exercise, development of good
skating skills, and a lifelong love for the sport of skating.
Junior Development ~
STARSkate 1
·
A program designed for the younger skater who has mastered the fundamentals of
skating (passed 3rd badge).
·
Group instruction using the full sheet of ice with an emphasis is on power and
edging – great for hockey, ringette, and figure skaters!
·
The skater must have permission for the CanSkate Director to enter this
program.
·
Skate Canada badges 4-7.
STARSkate 2 & 3
A program tailored to the individual!
·
A Skate Canada program that involves 3 main disciplines: skating skills, free
skate, and dance.
·
Private or semi-private lessons are required – a base coach who will be
providing these lessons needs to be chosen at this point (fees for private
lessons are paid directly to the coach).
·
Skaters can prepare to take Skate Canada tests through a Nationally Standardized
Testing System. Skating competitively is also an available option.
·
Skaters are expected to work independently before and after this lesson
time.
STARSKate: Skills, Tests, Achievement,
and Recognition
*www.skatecanada.ca
Fitness Tax
Credits
Remember to keep your receipts
to use them for the government fitness tax credit.
·
Skaters must be ‘in good standing’ to participate in Skate Canada sanctioned
events – test days, carnivals, competitions etc. ‘Good standing’ assumes that
registration and coaching fees are paid to date and that the skater is not under
any disciplinary action.
Roles, Rules, and
Responsibilities
Responsibilities &
Roles of the Parents/Guardians
All parents play a vital role
in the operations and success of the LDFSC. Parents are expected to
contribute to the overall operation of the club in the following areas:
1. Registration Fees
Fees, as set by the club, are
payable upon registration.
2. Operation and Administration
Club operation is administered
by a club executive which is composed of parent volunteers. In
order for the smooth operation of the club and so that a small percentage of
parents will not be doing all of the work, all parents are expected to serve in
some area.
3. Fundraising
As with all clubs, the LDFSC
requires fundraising to help keep the skaters’ fees as low as possible.
Funds raised are used to offset the cost of ice rental, which is the club’s
largest expense. All programs offered by the LDFSC are subsidized by
fundraising, and since all members benefit, it is expected that all will
volunteer.
As figure skating is one of the
few amateur sports required to hire a professional coaching staff, the cost of
our program is considerably higher than many other sports. Consequently, our
club must work extremely hard at fundraising in order to meet our financial
obligations while keeping the cost of skating affordable. There are several
fundraising events planned for the season that we anticipate will be
successful.
LDFSC Rules and Expectations
·
Helmets are required to be worn by all CanSkate skaters.
·
Parents must stay off the ice and out of the hockey boxes unless instructed by a
coach.
·
Any question or concern, should be addressed to a board member, or be submitted
in writing to be discussed at an upcoming board meeting.
·
Etiquette: all skaters, coaches, and parents must be courteous and
conscientious when on and off the ice.
·
Skater’s must remain in good standing with the club (fees paid to date).
·
Private lessons: parents must arrange these with the coach of their
choice. The Club is not responsible for these sessions in any
way.
Responsibilities of the Club
·
Conduct a variety of figure skating programs at the skill and age levels
appropriate to the club’s membership.
·
Provide professional coaches to teach the programs offered in group and or
private lessons.
·
As required, Conduct Skate Canada tests in accordance with Skate Canada
regulations.
·
Conduct club business according to the club’s constitution and bylaws and the
rules of Skate Canada. The Club Code of Ethics can be found on the Skate Canada
website www.skatecanada.ca
·
Liaise with Skate Canada National Office.
·
Raise funds for club operations.
·
The LDFSC is not responsible
for lost articles or injury on or off the ice.
Responsibilities of the
Skater
·
Courtesy and respect for other skaters, coaches, parents, club volunteers, and
arena staff. Remember to say thank you!
·
Please be on time and prepared for group and private lessons.
·
Swearing, kicking or stomping the ice, or other disrespectful behaviour will not
be tolerated. Offending skaters will be asked to leave the ice
immediately. Parents of offending skaters will be notified.
·
If you need to speak to a coach, do so while they are off the ice. Do not
interrupt lessons.
·
Appropriate skating attire must be worn – No jeans!
·
No skater is to be on the ice at the same time as the zamboni.
·
Dressing rooms must be kept clean and orderly.
·
Use your ice time wisely, and have fun. Get to know the flow pattern for
jumps and spins, and remember that a skater doing a program has the right of
way.
·
24 hours notice is required if you are unable to make it to a scheduled private
lesson; if 24 hours notice is not given, you will be responsible for paying
Responsibilities of the Coaches
·
Coaches are responsible to the skaters – not only as athletes but as individuals
who are developing values and beliefs that will last a life time.
·
Coaches must respect another coaches teaching methods, techniques and/or
opinions.
·
LDFSC coaches have the authority to ‘discipline’ skaters. Disciplinary
action taken will be based upon the offense and behavioural history.
Verbal reprimand, request to sit out a portion of practice, suspension from all
activities for a period of time are all possible actions.
Private Lessons
Private lessons given by professional club coaches are available to all club members. 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 their students 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. Skaters purchase blocks of ice time from the club for these lessons. 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 test, goal setting and year planning and travel expenses. Lessons not
cancelled in advance may be subject to a charge. If for some reason the skater
wishes to change coaches, they must notify the current coach and bring their
account up to date. Student/Parent/Coach relationships are confidential and
therefore any concerns or problems should be discussed and resolved
privately. If a problem or concern cannot be resolved with the
coach, it should be addressed, in writing, to the Professional
Liaison.
Figure Skating Terminology – The Basics 101
Test/Competitive Stream: The interest is
in learning all the aspects of figure skating. The
skater will require private lessons during StarSkate 2&3 Programs
to complete the test requirements. As with any private lessons,
the skaters are responsible for hiring a professional
club coach of their own choice.
Testing is performed on the following categories:
Skills : Exercises
containing edges, turns, small jumps and field moves designed to teach fundamental
movements to skaters. The basic components of all disciplines
of figure skating are incorporated into the program. Skills
exercises are
skated to prescribed music.
Freeskate: The more athletic part of
figure skating where the skaters practice jumps, spins,
interconnecting footwork and field moves and choreographed programs
to music.
Dance: Ballroom dancing on ice. Skaters practice compulsory dance patterns to music.
Interpretive: Introduced to encourage
creativity and interpretation of music rather than technical difficulty.
Interpretive programs contain a variety of moves selected for their value in
enhancing the interpretation of music.
Pairs Skating: The skating in unison of two
people who perform movements in harmony. It includes lifts, throws and
side-by-side jumps and spins. It is often confused with ice dancing, however the
two disciplines are very different.
Competitive
Skating: Specific
requirements (age or test level) are a prerequisite to enter competitions.
Please consult your coach with specifics. At competitions there is a panel
of three to nine judges that assign the skater a mark based on the level of
performance – judges are volunteers!
Test Information
When a skater advances into the “test stream”, they wait for test days sanctioned by Skate
Canada. The LDFSC will coordinate one test date during the season. These skaters are tested in Skills,
Freeskate, Ice Dance, Interpretive, and Pairs. The skater is evaluated on a
scale of excellent, good, satisfactory or needs improvement and the results are given to the coach to share with individual
skaters and his or her parents.
Visit www.skatecanada.ca for more figure skating definitions.
Other Considerations
(adapted from the Don Kortes Figure Skater’s Handbook)
·
Balance: make sure there is balance in your skater’s life.
·
Support your coach: pay your bills and get your skater/s on the ice on time.
·
Learn about the sport so you can recognize elements and praise progress.
·
Watch your skater whenever possible – they need to know that you are
interested. Often skaters whose parents never watch in practice feel very
self conscious or pressured when their parents do show up to watch.
·
Be a good sport and model this behaviour.
·
Support your skater/s: provide praise when appropriate. Resist the urge to
compare your child against another - let them progress at their own level.
Keeping You Up To Date
Please remember to read the
parent/skater information board that is posted outside of the music room at the
arena. Also, remember to check your emails
regularly.