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CanSkate Frequently Asked Questions

Registration 

Is my child ready for CanSkate?

Skate Canada Fee

Fundraising and Volunteering

Equipment 

Parent Roles

Program Structure 

Financial Assistance

 

 

Registration 

I've never registered with WSC before. How do I create an account?

Click on "Login" in the top right corner of the webpage. The page will say "First Time Registering?”. Fill in the form and follow the instructions for registration.

Why do I need to complete my registration within a limited time period?

Registration spots for all of our programs are limited. To ensure that your spot is saved during the registration process and that all users have an equal opportunity to register for programs, you must confirm your registration with payment by either credit card or offline payment.

I have registered, but I also noticed additional fees added to my invoice. What are these fees?

There is an annual Skate Canada Membership fee, which is valid from September 1 to August 31, this is paid once a season. Additionally, there is an annual club administration fee of $10 when you register for a program throughout the year.

I am having troubles registering. Who can I contact for help?

Thank you again for your patience any inquiries regarding registration can be sent via email to whitewoodfsc@gmail.com and our member administrator will respond within 48 hours.

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Is my child ready for CanSkate? 

My child has no skating experience, can they join this program?

Absolutely! CanSkate is a learn to skate program for all ages. We take children as young as 2 years old, if your child can walk independently and can be away from you for 45 minutes they can join our program. Adults are encouraged to join as well!

My child is interested in hockey or ringette. Is this program geared only to figure skaters?

No. This program provides a solid skating foundation for all ice sports.

My children have very different levels of skating experience. Can they all register for the same session?

All 7 levels of CanSkate are taught on the same session, so family members with different skating abilities can sign up for the same session and will be placed in different groups.

What is the coach to skater Ratio?

Group sizes range from 5-10 skaters and are taught by a professional coach with one or more program assistants.

If I am sure that my skater is too advanced for the CanSkate level, what are his/her options with your club?

Skaters can be assessed by our coaches to see which program is appropriate for them. For hockey/ringette players that are too advanced for CanSkate can join the PowerSkate program. For figure skaters that are too advanced for CanSkate can join the Bridging Program.

Is there a power skating program at your club?

WSC offers PowerSkate during our annual Fall Skating School. Private PowerSkate sessions can be available dependant on coach availability.

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Skate Canada Fee: 

I paid a Skate Canada membership fee when my child joined the program. Will I have to pay it again?

The Skate Canada fee is an annual membership and is only valid from September 1 to August 31 of the following year, regardless of when you join the program. The fee is required by Skate Canada and is not retained by the club. This fee is non-refundable.

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Fundraising and Volunteering: 

Why do I need to do fundraising? 

Fundraising is an essential part of keeping our club running. In an effort to keep our registration fees low and affordable while also paying for costs associated with running skating programs, fundraising fills the gaps that registration fees don't cover. Fundraisers do have an option to 'buy-out' as we understand busy schedules don't always have time for extras.

What volunteering requirements to I need to do? 

WSC host events throughout the season. These events are performance opportunities for all our skaters, help with community involvement and some fundraising efforts. We asked each family to volunteer for at least one event but this year we are hosting a Regional Competition which will require assistance for all families. Volunteer opportunities will posted at least one month prior to the event.

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Equipment Requirements: 

Do I have to buy the skates and helmet?

All participants must provide their own equipment – CSA approved hockey helmet (for all new WSC members until completion of stage 5), skates (figure, hockey, or recreational), gloves. Keep an eye out for used gear on on-line garage sales but we do recommend buying a new helmet as these expire! Safety is the utmost importance and having properly fitting equipment will keep your skater safe.

Does my skater need a helmet if they can already skate?

Yes. For insurance purposes and safety considerations, all skaters must wear a helmet until the completion of CanSkate Stage 5. Check out the Skate Canada Helmet Policy for more information.

If I forget a helmet, are there helmets available that my skater can borrow?

No. All helmets must fit properly to provide adequate protection, WSC cannot provide helmets.

What type of skates should I buy?

Skates (hockey skates or figure skates with a toe pick) should be lace-up skates, fit properly, done up tightly enough to hold up the ankles, with little to no movement in the ankle. We do not recommend plastic skates with snaps, buckles or adjustable blades. To help break in new skates, try having your skater wear their skates (with skate guards on the blades) at home and practice sitting, standing or walking. 

Skate Care

Before your first session, ensure that the skates have been sharpened and fit appropriately. If you have figure skates, they must be sharpened by someone who knows how to properly sharpen figure skates (our coach Rhys sharpens figure and hockey skates!) Be sure to wear blade protectors or guards when not on the ice, the black mats have lots of tiny rocks that damage blades. Dry skate blades after every session and never store skates with blade guards or protectors on as the blades will rust if not properly dried, you can store with soft guards or "soakers". Beginner skaters should have their skates sharpened every 20-30 on-ice hours.

Tying Skates

Start by loosening the laces enough to easily slide the skaters foot into the boot. Begin tightening the crossed laces starting at the toes until snug, working up to the top of the skates. Hockey skates should be laced up to the top holes and tied. Figure skate laces can be crisscrossed and looped around each eyelet (tightening as you go) and tied. Laces should not be wrapped around the ankle of the skate. After skates are tied, ensure your skater's ankles are fully supported. You will know the ankles are supported when the skater stands naturally and the blade is upright and ankles aren't falling in.

What other equipment is required?

Gloves or mittens are a must in order to protect the skater's hands and keep them warm throughout the session. Skaters are encouraged to dress in warm clothing, but not in such a way that would restrict movement. Ensure that nothing is hanging down and touching/dragging on the ice. Avoid wearing pants that are too long. Our rink does get cold, wearing a jacket and pants that are water resistant will help your skater stay warm during the session.

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Parent Roles: 

Can I drop my child off for classes and leave the arena?

No. A parent or other responsible adult must be available in the building at all times.

Can I stand on the ice with my child if he/she is uncomfortable?

No. For insurance purposes, only Skate Canada members are allowed on the ice. If you have previous skating experience and would be interested in being a Program Assistant we would love to have you! Email whitewoodfsc@gmail.com for more information.

I see that WSC is a volunteer run club.  What can I do to help out?

We are always looking for new members to help out.  You can join our board of directors, be a CanSkate Coordinator, volunteer for our various events or help out with fundraising. If you are able to skate and want to become a Program Assistant we would love that too! (training and background check will be provided) We appreciate any and all help we can get!

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Stage 1? Stage 2? What does it all mean?: 

The CanSkate program is set up for skaters to progress through seven stages. Each stage is broken down into three developmental areas: Agility, Balance, Control. Once a skater has master one area they will receive a ribbon, upon collecting all three ribbons skaters receive a badge for completing that stage. 

  1. Pre-CanSkate: When a new skater enters the program the start in the Pre-CanSkate stage. This is for skaters who are stepping on the ice for the first time, at any age. If a skater has some skating experience but not in the CanSkate program they will be assessed using the Pre-CanSkate skills to assess which level they can be placed in.
  2. Stage 1: Once skaters pass Pre-CanSkate they begin their assessments with Stage 1 to 6. In Stage 1 skaters are starting to move more and gliding instead of walking across the ice. They will start learning the mechanics of stopping, skating backwards, and turning.
  3. Stage 2: In this stage skaters are introduced to new skating skills like sculling and push/glide sequence. Harder skills are introduced like one foot glide, two foot turns while moving, forward two foot jump and backward 2 foot sit glide.
  4. Stage 3: At the halfway point skaters are moving quicker with more balance and control, able to stop from higher speeds. At this stage skaters are introduce to the mechanics of "crosscuts" or "crossovers" these are an essential skill for any ice sport for generating speed quickly. All the forward skills skaters learned in the first two stages are learned backwards in this stage.
  5. Stage 4: In stage 4 we see skaters starting to lean towards what ice sport they would like to join/already have joined. Stage 4 is the minimum requirement for joining our Bridging program or for joining the PowerSkate program. Sport specific skills are introduced for both hockey/ringette, speed skating and figure skating. Skaters also have their first Speed drill, which requires them to skate as fast as they can from the goal line to the first blue line.
  6. Stage 5: Skaters are introduced to advanced skating skills including inside edges, one foot slalom, backward crosscuts, forward one foot turn and continuation of sport specific skills. Their second Speed Drill skating from the goal line to the second blue line. Once a skater has completed Stage 5 they are allowed to skate without a helmet, to the discretion of the parents.
  7. Stage 6: The final stage of CanSkate is an amalgamation of the skills skaters have learned so far. Skaters will be able to know the difference between inside and outside edges, power crosscuts, control and balance of one foot skills, with an introduction to advance skating skills like hockey starts, figure skating spins/jumps and one last Speed Drill that times how fast they can skate from one goal line to the other.

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Financial Assistance: 

We are a family in financial need but would like our child/children to participate in sport. What can we do?

We understand that some families need extra assistance to ensure their child/children are able to participate in sports. We offer payment plans upon request and families can also apply to KidSport, this organization helps families pay for registration costs. You can find more information about KidSport here.

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