Important Information for CanSkate1, CanSkate2 & A Session Skaters for the Start of the Season
2011/2012 Winter Season - September 6, 2011 to March 30, 2012
2011/2012 Winter Info Available as of - Mid July 2011
On-Line/Mail-In Registration for Returning Members - August 8, 2011 @ 7 pm
On-Line/In-Person Registration for New Members - September 12, 2011 @ 5 pm
CanSkate/A Start Dates - October 2 & 6, 2011
Last Sunday CanSkate/A Day - March 18, 2012
Last Thursday CanSkate/A Day - March 22, 2012
Last Day of Regular Skating for Winter Season - March 30, 2012
Ice Show - April 27 & 28, 2012
Spring 2011 - April 30 to June 2, 2012
Download CanSkate1, CanSkate2, A Letter (will be posted in mid-July 2011-should be read by all CanSkate1, CanSkate2 & A Sessions skaters - new & returning)
Download Learn to Skate Flyer-posted July 2011
WELCOME to the East York Skating Club. My name is Sharon Reardon and I am the CanSkate1, CanSkate2 & A Session Coordinator. I am responsible for organizing the CanSkate1, CanSkate2 and A Sessions. I am proud to introduce you to our Team:
- CanSkate1, CanSkate2, A Session Coordinator – Sharon Reardon
- Club Administrator/PA Supervisor & Coordinator – Diane Fukushima
- Professional Coaching Staff – please see page 17 of the Brochure
The CanSkate1 & CanSkate2 Sessions: These sessions are based on the CanSkate Program of Skate Canada. It is a series of badges. A badge sheet is available in the Club Office and is posted beside the CanSkate Bulletin Board across from Dressing Room 4. Skating techniques are taught from the basic level to the more advanced level. The CanSkate program is your first step toward more specific figure skating techniques (which become more of a focus on the A & B Sessions).
A Session: is a continuation of the CanSkate Program and will introduce the skaters to the StarSkate (Test Stream) Program of Skate Canada. In order to help with the transition to the higher level sessions where there is much less group instruction. A Session skaters will receive more independent practice time (10 minutes) and be introduced to a Dance Session, which will be the last 5 minutes of the session. During dance session the Preliminary Dances will be played. The group lessons given will involve more figure skating specific elements (jumps, spins, skating skills, dance). See pages 8-9 for explanations regarding Skate Canada programs.
Group Lessons: All skaters will be put into groups according to their age &/or badge level. These groups are colour coded for easy identification. There will be a sign on the bulletin board by the dressing rooms indicating which group each skater is in. CHECK THE BULLETIN BOARD BEFORE GOING ON THE ICE. Once assigned to a group the skater will have a coloured string tied to their skate which will match their group. Skaters will spend most of their time in these groups.
Professional Coaches & Program Assistants (PA): Within their group lessons, the skaters will spend time with a Professional Coach and PA. Each PA attends an instructional seminar at the start of the season. Please do not speak to the PA concerning skater progress or coaching. If you have any questions regarding the coaching or groups please feel free to speak with myself (Sharon Reardon) or with the Professional Coach after the session.
Session Structure: Below outlines the session structure for the CanSkate1, CanSkate2 and the A Sessions:
CanSkate1 & CanSkate2 Sessions:
15 min Warm-up (Professional)
25 min Group (Professional)
5 min Cool-Down (Professional & PA)
A Session:
15 min Stroking (Professional)
30 min Group (Professional)
10 min Independent Practice Time
5 min Cool-Down/Dance Session
Equipment & Skating Attire (IMPORTANT HELMET UPDATE FOR ALL SKATERS NOT PASSED STAGE 5 BADGE): As of July 1, 2011 CSA Approved Helmets are now MANDATORY for all skaters not passed their Stage 5 badge (regardless of age). Information regarding equipment is outlined on page 14. In order to ensure comfort & safety, skaters should where warm clothing AND mittens. Clothing should not be too tights or restrict movement. On the link below is a more detailed page of information regarding equipment, sharpening etc...
Download Equipment & Skate Sharpening Info for CanSkate/A Skaters
Assessment & Achievement of Badges: The Professional Coach will assess skaters on a daily basis. When they have achieved a badge, the Coach will issue a badge slip. This slip will be given to the CanSkate Coordinators assistant at ice level where the skater will be given the badge. The prices are as follows:
- CanSkate Badges (stages): FREE this is included in your session fees
- A Badges (primary level): $3.00 per badge
Passing a badge does not necessarily mean changing groups. Skaters will be notified if they will be changing groups.
PRIVATE COACHING: Private lessons with a Professional Coach is strongly recommended, especially if your skater plans to progress in the sport. A skater can only progress passed the A Session with private lessons. Many skaters will begin private lessons right away. Please see page 16 for a detailed explanation of coaching and page 17 for a list of EYSC’s Professional Coaches.
MOVING UP SESSIONS: Once a skater has passed a badge or a test that would qualify them for the next session, the skater has the option to move up provided there is room in the session above. The following are the deadlines for moving up:
Moving from CanSkate1 to CanSkate2 OR CanSkate2 to A Session:
Skaters may only move up until December 31st.
Moving from the A Session to B Session:
Skaters may move up until after the OCTOBER test day.
In order for a skater to move from A to the B Session they must have passed the stage 7 badge and must be recommended for promotion by their private coach. In order to be eligible for promotion to B session the skater must be taking PRIVATE LESSONS WITH A PROFESSIONAL COACH. The private coach must then submit the skaters name to the club Administrator.
B SESSION STRUCTURE: Even though more independent work is required, skaters will receive 1 group lesson/session along with the 1 stroking group/week by a Professional Coach. The B Session Coordinator is Karen Bates and all inquiries/questions should be directed to the Coordinator.
SECURITY & SAFETY: Due to the large number of skaters and parents during CanSkate1, CanSkate2 and A Sessions, the following rules will apply:
- Skaters must change in the dressing rooms, not in the lobby or seats. Dressing room assignments are posted on the CanSkate bulletin board.
- The stairs in the lobby are the only way to access the dressing rooms.
- Parents/spectators are not permitted in the player’s benches, penalty boxes, or areas where skaters enter and exit the ice surface.
- Skaters enter and exit the ice from the South or East doors only. Which entrance is used will depend on dressing room assignments.
- Only skaters are permitted in the areas accessing the ice surface. Parents must stay behind the doors entering the ice surface before/after sessions.
- Skaters will not be permitted to leave the ice during their session without permission or without an adult.
***MOST IMPORTANT:***
7. THE CLUB IS NOT A DAYCARE. Therefore, all skaters must be accompanied to the arena by a parent or guardian and they must be in attendance for the skaters’ entire session (especially Canskate & A).
Adherence to these rules is necessary for the safety of the skaters and the successful operation of our programs. We appreciate your cooperation. Above all I would like to wish everyone a productive and enjoyable season.
Sharon Reardon,
CanSkate & A Session Coordinator