Test Stream Programs

Special Juniors/Adv CanSkate The Special Junior program is a bridge between CanSkate and the Skate Canada test program (known as STARSkate). It is taught in a group, semi-private or private lesson format. The skaters are introduced to the three primary elements of figure skating: dance, skills and freeskate. This porgram is available to those who have passed Level 3 CanSkate, and who have a desire to further their Figure Skating skills.

Junior This level is for skaters who are in the STARSkate program, and have passed a Skate Canada test. Skaters are tested in skills, dance and freeskate. At this level skaters must register in Skills and/or Dance as well as Freeskate. Skaters in the Junior program are coached privately through contract with one of the Club's professional coaches. There are a number of competitions available to skaters at this level, generally within a short drive of Ottawa.

Intermediate This level is for skaters who have passed a minimum of 1/2 Junior Bronze Freeskate, or both Junior Bronze Skills & Dance. This level may compete at invitational and/or competitive stream competitions. Instruction is entirely private through contract between the skater's parents and one of the Club's professional coaches.

Senior This level is for skaters who have passed a minimum of 1/2 Senior Bronze Freeskate, or both Senior Bronze Skills & Dance. This level is for advanced skaters who compete at invitational and/or competitive stream competitions. Instruction is entirely private through contract between the skater's parents and one of the Club's professional coaches.

Training Ice and Guest Skating

 This is additional ice time, not on the regular schedule, is rented by the club, based on needs expressed by coaches in consultation with parents. Training ice is generally made available to the Club at a substantial discount in the early morning Monday-Friday. Parents will be invoiced for training ice time by the Club periodically throughout the year based on the number of skaters that used the ice surface. Similarly coaches can arrange for skaters to guest skate in regular schedule club sessions the skater is not registered in for the full year. This is arranged through the coach and a form must be completed. The club will invoice for guest skate sessions periodically throughout the year.

Skating Streams

Skate Canada organizes figure skating into two streams: STARSkate and Competitive.

Skaters start in the STARSkate program and can choose to participate in the Competitive stream once they have passed the Junior Bronze Freeskate test. The STARSkate stream offers the skater an opportunity to progress to more advanced skating tests, with the option to compete in regional skating events. Advancement thought the program is achieved by passing skating skill tests. The STARSkate program offers opportunities for skaters to develop basic skills in four areas: skating skills, freeskating, dance, and artistic/interpretive. The STARSkate program has the following levels:

· Preliminary

· Junior Bronze

· Senior Bronze

· Junior Silver

· Senior Silver

· Gold

STARSkate tests are conducted by a single evaluator using a scale of: needs improvement, satisfactory, good and excellent. Each test has its own specifications as to what must be performed. The Club arranges test days periodically throughout the year. Parents are invoiced by the Club for the costs of each test.

The Competitive stream is for skaters who wish to compete in Skate Canada qualifying events. Skaters may enter this competitive stream at any time, after passing the appropriate tests, and may switch back to the STARSkate stream at any time. However, skaters competing at certain qualifying events may not be able to compete in some STARSkate stream competitions. The competitive Freeskate levels are:

· Pre-Juvenile

· Juvenile

· Pre-Novice

· Novice

· Junior

· Senior

Competitive tests are judged by a panel of three individuals, and judges award two marks for each competitive test. Skaters must receive minimum marks in each category to pass.

Skating Equipment and Attire

Skates In general skates should be the same size as the child’s shoe. The boot should not be too big. Depending on the manufacturer, skates may be up to a full size different than the shoe size. Molded skates, with or without picks, are acceptable for new CanSkate participants. STARSkate participants are encouraged to skate in leather boots. The toe of the skate should be fitted to allow the skater to wiggle his or her toes when the boot is laced up. The heel of the foot should fit closely into the heel of the boot. To test this, unlace your child’s boot and put a pencil behind the back of the child’s foot when it is pushed firmly forward into the skate and is right down into the heel of the boot. The pencil should move easily with a bit of room, but not too much.

Skate Sharpening STARSkaters should have their skates sharpened after about 30 hours of skating. Skaters often know when their skates need sharpening, as do coaches. Figure skates should not be used on outdoor rinks or for skating on the canal. If they are used outdoors, ensure they are sharpened right after. The Club recommends that figure skates be sharpened only at Figure (8380 Industrial Ave)or Blades and Things (Corner of Slack and Merivale Rd)

Skate Guards Skate guards are an essential piece of equipment. Please teach your children not to walk on concrete floors without skate guards. Walking on rubber mats is acceptable, but should be avoided if possible as well. Skaters should put guards on right after leaving the ice, and remove them once the skates have been removed from the skaters' feet. Leaving guards on the skates will promote rust on the blade. Blades should be wiped dry after skates are removed from the skaters' feet.

Other Attire Skaters should be warm and comfortable and able to move easily on the ice. Typical attire includes warm leggings or jogging pants with a turtleneck and warm sweater. Mittens and/or gloves are essential. Only one pair of thin socks should be worn, as cushioning of thick socks often restricts circulation and makes the feet cold. Girls may want to wear skating dresses with appropriate tights and a jacket.

'Our Coaches

The Rideau Skating Club is very proud of our coaching staff. Provided below are short biographies on each of our coaches. More information is available on request to the coach, or to the Rideau Skating Club Executive.

ANDREW BESTWICK - Andrew has been coaching for 19 years and is Certified Level 3 and has finished 7 of the Level 4.He is a former British Champion and an International Gold medallist, and also competed in the World and European Championships. He has coached skaters at the Junior and Senior Divisional Championships. For the past 3 years Andrew was trained in the new Skate Canada Judging system and received his Junior Pairs, and Senior Singles and Dance. He is available to teach all areas of skating and partner the lower dances. All lessons are to be arranged through your base coach.

JAN CALNAN - Jan completed her BA studies in Psychology at Carleton University and is a fully Level II certified coach, with most of her Level III. She has passed her Senior Competitive Singles; Gold Freeskate, Figure, Dances; and level 1 Skills. She has 20 years of experience in recreational and competitive skating, has coached from Preliminary to Gold level skaters in all disciplines, and has coached competitive skaters up to Novice. Jan has attained a gold status in the new Skate Canada Continuing Education Program. Recently Jan returned to skating herself as an adult competitor, winning the 2005 and 2006 Skate Canada Adult Championships and the 2005 and 2006 ISU Adult International Competitions, the top adult international event.

MARIE-JOSÉE CLOUTIER - Marie-Josée has coached for 14 years, is certified Level Dance, has completed Level III General Subjects, Technical Dance, Singles and Theory and has provided Mentoring for Level I coaches. She also has her Level I Special Olympics and Level IV Task 6. She has completed her Silver Interpretive Dance, Gold Dances, Rhumba, Jr. Bronze Freeskate and Level III Competitive Skills. Seminars attended: Alexei Mishin, Jan Ullmark, Doug Leigh, Frank Carroll, Manon Perron, Yuka Sato, Jason Dungjen, Brian Orser, Josée Chouinard, Robert Tebby. Coaches Preliminary to Gold level in Freeskate and up to Diamond Dances, and had skaters compete at EOSIC, Sectionals and Eastern Challenge Competitions

KATRINA MILLARD-VANLUVEN - Katrina is NCCP Level II Certified and has her Level III Theory and Technical.  She has completed her Gold Skills, Jr Silver Free, and Gold Dances. As a skater she maintained a top five provincial standing each year. Katrina has eight years coaching experience and has taught skaters from the CanSkate to Pre-Novice level. She has had skaters qualify for the Trillium StarSkate (All-Ontario) Championship in both freeskate and dance, and her students have also been selected for the Eastern Ontario Section Youth Camp and Jump Start Team. Katrina has been a Coaching Evaluator for the NCCP Level 1 Course, in addition to being a mentor coach. She attends seminars conducted by international coaches with her skaters to provide them with exciting and motivating learning opportunities, and continues to develop her coaching qualifications and knowledge. Outside skating, Katrina has degrees in both Commerce and Arts, and is also a Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

DARRYL VANLUVEN - Darryl is NCCP Level III Certified. He is a former National Team Member at both the Junior and Senior levels, and has international competitive experience. He currently coaches competitive dancers from the Pre-Juvenile to Novice Level. Darryl has coached several skaters to Nationals, including the 2007 National Pre Novice Dance champions. He has also coached skaters on the Junior National Team, competing at international events. He is involved in Synchronized Skating and is interested in building a competitive Syncho program. Darryl has been a mentor coach, and also a Coaching Evaluator for the NCCP Level 1 Course. He has been coaching for 15 years and is available to teach dance and stroking, and partner from Preliminary to Diamond Dances. Lessons to be arranged through base coaches. 

Club Ice Rules and Code of Conduct

•   Coaches, Evaluators, Volunteers and skaters are to be treated with respect and courtesy at all times.

•   No horseplay will be tolerated on or off the ice.

•   Appropriate dress should be worn on the ice; no scarves, dangling jewellery, etc.

•   No gum or food of any kind is allowed on the ice.

•   Skaters who wish to rest or socialize should step off the ice.

•   Members who display inappropriate behaviour including the use of profane, abusive, disruptive, inappropriate or disrespectful language, gestures or actions will be sent off the ice. Repeat offenders will be reported to the Executive for appropriate action.

•   Freeskate is not permitted on dance or skills sessions.

•   During freeskate, skaters will warm up and practice spins in the centre of the ice and jumps at the ends.

•   The right of way on the ice will go to the skater whose music is being played and to skaters having a lesson, in that order of priority.

•   Only coaches are allowed to request music. The music players will go through a list of music for the skaters registered on a given session.

•   Only authorized persons and skaters may enter the ice surface.

•   Skaters representing the club, at competitions and functions, are expected to conduct themselves in an acceptable and responsible manner at all times on and off the ice.

•   Parents of skaters at all levels, not coaches, are responsible for their children while their children are on the ice. Each CanSkate participant must have a responsible adult present in the arena at all times.

•   Due to insurance requirements, only registered Skate Canada members are allowed on the ice, except in a medical emergency

•            Parents are to refrain from interrupting lessons.

Registration

Registration forms and brochures are made available on our website and at area arenas and libraries in August.  Returning Canskate members of the Club will receive a brochure and registration form in the mail during the summer. The club encourages all skaters to register by mail early to avoid disappointment in choosing skating sessions.

2007-2008 RSC Executive