PRINCE ALBERT SKATING CLUB HANDBOOK

Revised September 2016

                     

Table of Contents

Welcome…………………………………………………………………………………………………..…2
Club History………………………………………………………………………………………………….2
Board of Directors…………………………………………………………………………………………..2
Coaches……………………………………………………………………………………………………..3
Club Goals…………………………………………………………………………………………………..4
Programs……………………………………………………………………………………………………4
Testing………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
Competition…………………………………………………………………………………………………6
Competition Stream………………………………………………………………………………………..7
Equipment…………………………………………………………………………………………………..8
Ice Show…………………………………………………………………………………………………..10
Club Rules and Expectations……………………………………………………………………………10

Club Contact Information
Box 703 Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
S6V 5S2   
paskatingclub@gmail.com

Welcome
Welcome to the Prince Albert Skating Club.  Our club has been active since the early 1960’s.  In that time we have helped hundreds of children learn to skate, grow in self-confidence, and enjoy a team environment, all under the professional and experienced direction of an amazing Coaching Team.  

It is our hope that the following handbook will offer you the information you need as you and your child become more involved with the PASC.  If at any time you have any questions please do not hesitate to speak with one of our Coaches or any member of the PASC Board.

History
The Prince Albert Skating Club is a member of Skate Canada and follows the programs, training guidelines, and rules of this National Not-For-Profit Organization.  On their website you will read that Skate Canada is “the oldest and largest figure skating organization in the world and is recognized by the Government of Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) as the governing body for the sport of figure skating in Canada.  However, we go far beyond figure skating.  As the largest learn-to-skate teaching organization in Canada, we are dedicated to creating a nation of skaters both recreationally and competitively.”

PASC is proud to be a part of this program and is dedicated to living up to their standards.  For more information on Skate Canada please see their website at www.skatecanada.ca

Board of Directors
PASC is served by a Volunteer Board of Directors.  They meet monthly to ensure the club is being run effectively.  The Board is responsible for all registrations, scheduling, hiring of coaches, maintaining association with Skate Canada, maintaining relationships with the city regarding ice rental and rink issues, fundraising, testing, the yearend ice show, and so much more.

2016-17 PASC Board of Directors

Position	Name	Contact Information	
President	Roberta Sinclair	roberta_sinclair@hotmail.com 	
Vice-President	Kyla Lewis	Km_lewis@outlook.com 	
Secretary 	Anne Basso	anneanddarcy@skyvelocity.ca 	
Treasurer	Mandy Burns	mandythorimbert@hotmail.com 	
Registrar	Heather Straff	heatherstraf1@shaw.ca 	
Advertising	Jodie Tait	taiter75@hotmail.com 	
Ice Show Chair	Michelle Thomas	c.thomas@sasktel.net 	
Test Chair	Marlene Lewis, Sanet Kapp	
sanet@sasktel.net	
Bingo Chair	Sylvain Deschenes, Marlene Lewis	
jpsdeschenes@icloud.com	
Communications 	Nora Vedress	Norab1@hotmail.com 	

Coaches 
PASC offers a unique coaching experience.  We currently employ six professional coaches who work together to enhance our skating program.  Each one has taken extensive training and offers specific areas of expertise.  This enables us to create well-rounded skaters who benefit from a wide range of experience.  We also have ___ assistant coaches/program assistants??  who supplement the can skate and Jr Star skating programs.
 
Coaching Ethics and Code of Conduct
Skate Canada maintains an “Ethics and Code of Conduct” for all its registered coaches.  This can be found on the Skate Canada Website.  In addition to this code our clubs coaches affirm the “Rules of a Coach”:
-	Be honest
-	Operate your business in a professional manner.
-	Establish personal standards in Dress, Life style, Ethics, and Morals
-	Accept the responsibility of your role and realize the affects you have on your children. 
“a teacher or coach affects eternity.  He [or she] can never tell where his [or her] influence stops” ~Henri Adams
-	Learn every day of your life, know more-tomorrow than you know today.
-	Know your strengths.
-	Know your weaknesses and fill void or weak areas.
-	Realize that there are teachers, coaches and managers.  You may not be all three.  The end result is not the tests passed or the competitions won, but rather the quality of your work in helping the skater become more prepared for the next challenge in skating, but more important in life.
-	Love children.

Name	Coaching Level	Area of Focus	Contact Information	
Frank Fazio		Power Skating	frank.fazio@sasktel.net 	
Shiela Fazio			shefazio@gmail.com 	
Carla Jenkins			dcjenkins.home@shaw.ca 	
Carla Matheson			cpm_26@hotmail.com 	
				
Keilie Miller				

Coaching Fees
Coaching fees for Canskate and Advanced Canskate programs are included in your registration.
Coaching fees for all Star Skaters will be applied in addition to Registration Costs.  
Coaches will invoice parents on a regular basis.  
Payments may be dropped off at the Club Office located at the JG Stuart Arena, by email transfer, or on line at

Club Goals
1.	Promote skating in our community.
2.	Give all skaters equal opportunity to meet individual goals.
3.	Encourage good sportsmanship and club spirit for skaters and parents.
4.	Promote full body fitness and healthy living choices
5.	Keep ice costs to a minimum.
6.	Utilize ice surface economically.
7.	Encourage interest in the Advanced Canskate, Starskate and Competitive Skating programs.
8.	Others??

Programs
PASC offers a variety of programs to meet your personal skating goals.  From learn to skate lessons to competitive figure skating levels.  We work hard to adapt and grow in order to cover all aspects of life on the ice.
 
Canskate
CanSkate is a learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skating skill development.  A complete series of balance, control and agility skills are 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.
Figure or Hockey Skates are appropriate.

Advanced Canskate
Advanced Canskate builds on skills learned at the can skate level.  In this program focus is placed on Figure Skating skills while in a group setting.  Figure Skates are required for Advanced Can.

Power Skating
Power Skating is a program designed especially for hockey players to improve their hockey skill set.
Skaters must be able to skate the length of the ice forward and the width of the ice backwards.  If the instructor feels this cannot be attained, skaters will be asked to take part in the Can Skate program or pre-power program before registering in Power Skating.

Three different levels are offered.  Each group has a limit on the number of participants and all skaters are required to wear full hockey gear.

Starskate: Skills, Tests, Achievement, Recognition 
This group of skaters is divided into Junior, Intermediate and Senior Star Skaters.  
At this level skaters experience a combination of private, semi-private and group lessons which focus on four basic areas that are tested once the skater is prepared.

1.	Skills: Skating skills exercises consists of edges, turns and field movements.  

2.	Free Skate: All free skate tests consist of 2 parts – 14 elements in isolation and a program to music.  
Each part is marked separately and if the skate is unsuccessful in one part of the test, he/she only needs to re-try the unsuccessful segment.

3.	Dance: Each level has specific dances that the skater must learn.  A partner is needed for these tests.  At Junior and Intermediate levels the Coach may be hired to serve as partner. Senior Skaters… Amateurs taking a dance test may be partnered either by another amateur or a professional.  A professional dance partner will charge a fee to the skater for each dance test.

Dances:
Preliminary – Dutch Waltz, Canasta Tango, Baby Blues
Junior Bronze– Fiesta Tango and Willow Waltz, Swing Dance
Senior Bronze– Ten Fox, Fourteen Step, European Waltz 
Junior Silver – American Waltz, Harris Tango and Keats Fox Trot
Senior Silver – Paso Doble, Star Light, Blues and Kilian
Gold – Viennese Waltz, Westminster Waltz, Argentine Tango, Quickstep, Silver Samba
Diamond-Ravensburger Waltz, Tango Romantica, Yankee Polka, Rhumba, Austrian Waltz, Golden Waltz 

4.	Interpretive: Interpretive Skating is a form of skating in which emphasis is placed on the skaters’ ability to use their skills to interpret music rather than on their technical ability.  Components of an interpretive program consist of theme, design, dynamics, gestures, style and composition.  
The four levels of Interpretive Tests:
 	 i. Introductory
  ii. Bronze
 iii. Silver 
 iv. Gold

Testing
Test Days are held two or three times a year and are hosted by PASC.  During test days, skaters perform the requirements for the test(s) they are trying and are evaluated on their performance based on a scale of Excellent, Good, Satisfactory or Needs Improvement.  

An Evaluator advises each skater as to whether their skating was up to the set standards or not.  If it was, the skater may begin working on the next test.  If the test needs improvement, the skater must wait twenty‐six days before re‐trying the test.

Our Coaches will decide when your skater is ready to be “put up” for a test.  The goal is for a successful test and so your Coach might “scratch” a planned test if he/she feels the skater is not ready.

What to Expect on Test Day
-	A test fee is charged for each test taken.  This money is sent to Skate Canada.  
-	Fees must be paid prior to taking the test. 
-	Your Coach will be responsible to arrange for a dance partner for your skater.  
Find out how much the partner charges and bring the money to test day – someone will collect your envelope and give it to the partner.
-	If a skater from another club takes a test with PASC, that skater shall be charged an additional $15 per test.
-	Test envelopes will be distributed –please complete them, enclose the fees and return promptly to the Test Chair.
-	A Test Schedule will be posted on the Bulletin Board at the Stuart Arena one week prior to the test day.
-	Appearance is important – be sure to polish skates, wash laces, and have hair up out of the face. 
-	Dress for a female test skater includes, a skating dress or skirt with beige tights.  
-	Dress for a male skater is a pair of skating pants with a neat shirt, sweater or uni-tard 
-	Be at the rink a minimum of one half hour prior to your scheduled test time.  
-	Report to the Ice Captain when you arrive.
-	Good sportsmanship is to be exhibited at all times during a test day.  
-	Remember – a skater does not “fail” a test – he/she simply does not meet all the necessary requirements.  Retests will be arranged.  
-	The Ice Captain will inform the skater when to go on the ice for warm up.
-	Hand in your free skate CD to the “Music Person” when you arrive at the rink and be sure to collect it when your test is finished.
-	The Test Chairperson will distribute Test Sheets results as they are available. (Remember, they have to be recorded first, so please be patient).

Low test days consists of the following test levels: Preliminary, Junior Bronze and Senior Bronze

High test days consists of the following test levels: Junior Silver, Senior Silver and Gold

Competitions
Star Skaters have the opportunity to take part in 2 provincial competitions each year.  This is a wonderful experience for the Skaters where they may enjoy a competitive environment, encourage one another, and meet many other dedicated figure skaters.
 
Regionals
This competition is for skaters/clubs in our region.  Regions have been determined by Skate Canada Saskatchewan.  This is a fun competition that most of our star skaters attend.  

Jean Norman
An open free skate and dance competition called The Jean Norman Competition is held each Spring in Saskatchewan.  Skaters level 2 and higher may enter single free skate, dance, pairs, free skating events, or interpretative events.  Skaters compete in groups according to their skating level starting with Introductory events up to Gold free skate.  This is an energetic competition with many skaters taking part.

Competition Check List
1.	Ensure competition entry forms are entered before deadline date.
2.	Bring two copies of music, one marked “Master”.
3.	Make sure skates and laces are presentable.   
4.	Sharpen skates one week before competition. 
5.	Costume   Beige tights only (not worn over skates). 
6.	Hair must be worn neat and tidy (braid or bun, off face, must not catch on costume). 
7.	Pack 
a.	extra tights/socks. 
b.	Clear nail polish for emergency runs. 
c.	Band aids
d.	Warm clothes to wear over costume between events
e.	Hair spray, elastics, 

Competition Day
1.	Arrive a minimum of 1 hour before the start of your event. 
2.	Be prepared for an early start.  Competition events are permitted to start 1 hour early regardless of whether all skaters are present. 
3.	Be prepared for a late start.  Sometimes things run behind schedule so bring something to do in case the competition is late. 
4.	When you first arrive go to the registration area, hand in your music. (Remember to pick up your music after the event before you leave for the day).
5.	Find your Club Dressing Room 
6.	Let the ice captain know your there (the ice captain is the person with the clipboard).
7.	Check the starting order and where you are in the order. 
8.	Find your coach.
9.	Do some off ice warm up in a quiet place 
10.	Makeup can be worn but is not necessary 
11.	Results are posted within an hour of skating times. Check the results area. 
12.	Bring a camera for the awards presentations. Never use a flash in the rink as it is extremely dangerous for the skaters. 
13.	Always remember – placing first, second or third is not the measure of a great skater, a personal best is

Coaches Role at Competition

Our Coaches offer strong support and encouragement during competition.  For Junior and Intermediate levels they will be on the ice with your skater.    

The club pays the expenses of one or two coaches for each competition our skaters attend. This includes mileage, accommodations and meals as outlined in their contract.

Parents are responsible for individual coaching fees while your child is on the ice. 

The club will not pay for any coaching expenses for out of province competitions. 

Competitive Skating Stream
For skaters whose skill has developed significantly and who have a deep desire to compete several competitions are held during the year for Skate Canada skaters who are interested in the Competitive Skating Stream.

Sectional Championships
This competition is held in mid-November.  Events include singles, pairs or dance.  The levels are Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Pre-Novice, Novice, Junior and Senior.  Pre-Novice, Novice and Junior events who place top 4 maybe selected to represent the section at a Skate Canada Challenge Competition. Success there means Novice and Junior Skaters would go on to Junior Nationals.

Equipment

Figure Skates 
There are many options and price ranges when buying skates.  To help keep costs low consider seeking used skates.  If you are considering new skates think about your budget and let the fitter know what price you are comfortable with.
 
Skates can be purchased at places like Canadian Tire however once skaters reach a more competitive level it would be wise to go to an experienced figure skate fitter—one who will sell you equipment that is appropriate for your skater’s strength, technical level, and ability. 
In addition to this finding the appropriate boot and blade combination is one of the most important aspects of getting a new pair of skates, and is worth spending time with an experienced skate fitter. 

Keep in mind that getting the right fitting takes some time so prepare to spend at least one or two hours at the store depending on the level of skating and boot you are needing.  Having a boot that is properly fitted will reduce the skater’s chances of injury.  
If a boot is designed to be heat‐moulded take the time to do so.  It will always give a better fit after moulding than if it is not heat‐moulded.  

Consider bringing your old skates as a used pair of skates can tell the fitter about the strength of the skater, whether the skates have been tied properly during use, and many other things that help the fitter determine what boot the skater should be moving into. 

Bring the socks/tights that you usually skate in; this is important in getting an accurate fit. 

Stores:
Bike Universe 
122 ‐ 20th Street West, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan www.bikeuniverse.net   
bikeuniverse@sasktel.net  Ph. 306‐244‐0200 

Source for Sports

Genes

Used Figure Skates 
Some skaters opt for used skates but you need to be cautious that the blade is not so warn that cannot be sharpened anymore.   Used boots will need punching out in the ankle area for a comfortable fit.  Properly done, punching is a precise adjustment that takes some time.

Russ Prosko (Ph. 306‐384‐0341) has extensive experience in used and new figure skates and molding them and sharpening new and used figure skates.

Breaking in New and Used Figure Skates 
Most skate brands use a technology that allows the boot to flex and bend in the ankle area while still being tied tightly for support.  No matter the quality of boot the skater will need to physically break in the skates.  To help with this have your skater walk around in the skates at home and do squats while the skates are properly tied. 

Taking Care of your Skates
Boots and blades can be expensive so be sure to take good care of them.  
-	Skates should never be left outside in a vehicle as the change in weather can expand and shrink the skates causing the skates to lose their shape. 
-	Skate guards must be worn whenever the skater is walking on any surface other than ice. Blades will be severely damaged by walking on concrete or wooden floors. 
-	Be sure to dry the blades and boots soles before putting guards on.   
-	Hard guards must be removed and soft blade soakers put on when the skates are put away. 
-	Cold blades get wet from condensation and should have blade soakers put over the blade

How to Lace Skates 
For both hockey and figure skates there are some things to know. 
-	Before putting the foot in the skate, make sure the socks or tights are comfortably loose around the toes. If they are pulled tight at the toes, it will restrict toe movement and may make your skater uncomfortable.
-	Loosen the laces before putting on the boot, so the foot will go in easily without pulling the socks or tights out of line. 
-	Be sure that socks are not folded over or creased anywhere.  Folds in the sock could create a pinch point and possibly a blister. 
-	Never wrap extra lace around the ankle; this can cause damage to the skater’s Achilles tendon.

Lacing Hockey Skates 
Hockey skates are very stiff and hard, so the laces need to be tight right from the bottom to the very top.  Once you have the skate laced tight right to the top, tie the laces in a bow.  Be sure that the bow loops are quite short (2 inches or less).  If loops are too long, the skater can catch their other skate in the loop and fall.  

Lacing Figure Skates
Figure skaters are built differently than hockey skates and they need to be laced differently than hockey skates.   The lacing should be firm from toe to ankle, but not too tight.  
From the ankle up keep laces a bit more tight but instead of running the lace under the hook and pulling it upward, run the lace above the hook and pull downward and around. This helps to keep the laces from loosening during the class. 

Lace the bottom two sets of hooks firmly, then lace more loosely toward the top. You should be able to fit two fingers between the top of the tongue and the ankle this is necessary in a figure skate so that the child’s ankles and knees can bend properly.  Tie the laces in a bow.  Make the bow loops quite short to avoid them catching on their other skate.

Clothing
Canskaters: long pants/ski pants, mitts, sweater or jacket.  Helmets must be worn until level 6 badge is achieved.
Power Skaters: full hockey equipment is expected
Star Skaters: skating dresses/pants and shirts or leggings/pants, under armour, sweater, jacket, mitts.  It is always wise to dress in layers as skaters will get warm while on the ice.

Ice Show
At the end of the season the PASC will put on an end of year Ice Show.  All skaters from Preschool to Senior Star skaters are invited to take part in this program.  

The Ice Show Chair person is responsible for organizing the program but many volunteers are needed to make the show a success.  

Club Expectations
It is our expectation that all those involved with our club will adhere to certain behaviors.  This applies to the Club, Coaches, Skaters, and Parents.  The goal is that each person will have a positive and encouraging environment where they might challenge themselves, stay fit, and come to appreciate this amazing sport.

Skaters
1.	Be honest.
2.	Realize that some people were born with extra talent but remember, talent is still ranked 4th on the list of qualities of a champion.
a.	GUTS – TO BE ABLE TO DO IT WHEN YOU HAVE TO
b.	DESIRE – TO WANT TO DO IT
c.	ATTITUDE – TO BE ABLE TO WORK WITH PEOPLE TO DO IT
d.	TALENT – GOD GIVEN (WITH SOME HELP FROM YOUR PARENTS.
3.	You get out of something what you put into it.
4.	Each test or competition is only a rung up the ladder of success.  When you reach the top the joy is not in being there but the realization of how much effort you put forth in order to get there.
5.	Know your strength’s.
6.	Know your weaknesses and do something about them.
7.	Be committed to being an athlete.
8.	Make a point to learn something every day of your life.
9.	Keep your mind open.  Stay away from people who try to close it.
10.	Stick to the task.

Parents
1.	Love your child for what he/she is.
2.	Be realistic about their ability.
3.	Be realistic about their strong areas.
4.	Be realistic about their weak areas.
5.	Don’t live your desires through your child.
6.	Understand that their skating career will have peaks and valleys.
7.	To fail a test does not mean the child is a failure.
8.	Measure success by their development as a person not as a skater.
9.	Communicate with the coach.  Make sure you ask questions and understand the total involvement and commitment.
10.	Be a person your child can be proud of.
11.	Understand that Rink Gossip can only be harmful to you, your child and your Training Centre.
12.	In consultation with your child and your coaching staff, set realistic goals.
13.	Be supportive of your Training Centre and their team.
14.	Offer help in weak areas rather than criticize.
15.	The tests passed, the medals won will soon be forgotten, but the impression you leave will be there for a lifetime.  Remember – we never get a second chance to make a good impression.

Board
1.	Be honest.
2.	Operate your business in a professional manner.
3.	Establish personal standards:
a.	Dress
b.	Life Style
c.	Ethics
d.	Moral
4.	Accept the responsibility of your role and realize the effect you have on children.
5.	Learn every day of your life, know more tomorrow than you know today.
6.	Know your strengths.
7.	Know your weaknesses and fill void or weak areas.
8.	Base all decisions on logic not personal opinions.
9.	The end result is not the tests passed, or the competitions won, but rather the quality of your work in helping the skater become more prepared for the next challenge in skating, but more important in life.
10.	LOVE CHILDREN!

PASC Rules

1.	Fees must be paid prior to the commencement of the skating session 
2.	If a skater leaves the club on his own accord before thirty days are up then their money will be refunded after thirty days no money will be refunded.  No money will be reimbursed unless the skater is injured or has moved.  A letter must be written to the Executive at Box 703 to receive the reimbursement.
3.	If a skater leaves the club and has money in a bursary account, it will remain there for two skating seasons.  If the skater does not return after this length of time, the money is put in the general fund.
4.	Proper skating attire should be worn by all skaters:
a. Blue jeans & bulky snowsuits are not permited – they prohibit movement.
b. Mitts/gloves are a necessity.	
c. No scarves  
5.	No eating or chewing gum while on the ice.
6.	Coaches and amateur coaches are in charge of all skaters while on the ice.
7.	Parents who wish to discuss their child’s progress with the coach must make an appointment.  Please do not interrupt class time.
8.	If there you have a concern about a program assistant, please talk to a Coach or the Canskate Director.  
9.	If you have any concerns, comments, or suggestions please direct them to the PASC Board Member in charge of that area.  If you wish this concern to be discussed by the enitre Executive meeting, please put it in writing and direct it to the President. 
10.	Music for programs is chosen by the Coach.
11.	f a skater is not on the ice at starting time (for unnecessary reasons), they will be warned and then the parent will be contacted.
12.	If the skater is not on the ice 10 minutes after skating starts (for unnecessary reasons), they will not be allowed on the ice for the complete session.  A phone call will be made to the parents concerning this.  If a skater is late because of parents, it is the parents responsibility to let the coach know this. (working, bus appointments, etc.)
13.	If too much time is wasted on the ice socializing, skaters will be told to leave the ice.  Skaters are there to skate and develop good work habits.
14.	The dressing rooms must be kept clean.
15.	Skaters are allowed to leave the ice to use the washrooms or warm up if necessary but skaters should not be on and off the ice constantly and must ask a coach.
16.	Test skater may make up a missed skating session on any other option time, but it must be done in the same week.  The coach must be notified.
17.	Pre-school and Canskaters MUST wear a helmet.