FAQ

Skate Canada governs the sport of figure skating and are the largest skating instruction organization in the country. NCCP-certified coaches deliver learn-to-skate and skill development programs that enable athletes of all ages, ambitions, and abilities to find their footing on the ice.

Yes. Our coaching staff are certified through Skate Canada. Every skater in our club has their own Skate Canada number, allowing them to compete throughout the country.

CanSkate- all programs require skaters to have a CSA-approved helmet and pair of skates (hockey or figure skates).

Power skating – requires a skaters attend in all their hockey gear, including their CSA-approved helmet, hockey skates and stick.

Figure skating – requires a proper pair of figure skates. A CSA-approved helmet is encouraged for skaters starting the PreStar program while they are beginning their skills while working towards skating without a helmet. Any figure skater looking to compete will not be able to wear a helmet.

Generally skates (figure and hockey) should be sharpened every 10-20 hours of ice time. However, a shorter time may be needed if your skater feels the edges slipping while stopping/crossovers, difficulty with grip for jumps or any signs of visible damage to the blade.

CanSkate 1 – With skates on, is your child is able to walk with skate guards at home and can the go from sitting on the floor to standing? If you answered yes to both then they are ready to skate! This program focuses on the fundamentals of skating from balance/posture to movement and stopping.

CanSkate 2 – If your child is able to get up on their own, skate independently forward/backwards, stop and balance with some speed and limited falling, then this is the place for you. This program focuses on enhancing the fluidity of their basics while focusing on edgework, turns and additional advanced maneuvers.

PreStar skate is a transitional program designed for skaters who have completed the upper CanSkate levels and are interested in figure skating. Skaters will begin to learn the fundamental skills like jumping, spins and turns while fine tuning the basics learned in CanSkate.

StarSkate is figure skating led by our NCCP-certified coaches. Successful PreStar skaters will be moved into this program.

Star levels 1-5 lay the groundwork and introduce skaters to the essentials of figure skating.

Star 6- Gold continues to push their skills to the next level while adding advanced figure skating elements.

StarSkaters will be required to complete an evaluation when coaching staff feel they are ready to move up to the next level. Skate Canada charges a fee for this test and it is added to the skater’s personal profile.

Please inform our coaching staff at the start of the season so that they can monitor your skater.

Every skater is unique in their learning and timelines as to when they are ready. Our coaches will provide you with feedback when they feel your skater will be successful on the majority of their Star level elements.

Competitions are organized by local skating clubs and sanctioned under Skate Ontario and Skate Canada.

Star 1 – How well the skater performs the skills against the expected standard.

Star 2/3– Individual elements plus presentation/skating skills are assessed to a standard in a routine performance.

Star4+ – Individual elements plus presentation/skating skills are assessed to a standard in a routine performance that are ranked.

Show case – designed by skaters and/or coaches that focus on the skater’s ability to entertain an audience through the use of theatrics and artistic abilities. Programs may tell a story, create a mood, or have an obvious theme. Costumes and props are permitted within restrictions.

Creative Improv – Programs are designed by the skater with minimal preparation. This is a test of the skater’s ability to quickly interpret a given piece of music and entertain the audience. There is no coaching permitted at these events.

Ice Dance – Programs are performed solo or in pairs. Skate Canada series 8 music will be used for all pattern dance events.

Costs for registration vary depending on the venue. Star 1-4 events typically range from $65-90 per event. Star 5+ and Juvenile events typically range from $165-208 per event. Pre-Novice through Senior events are typically priced at $208 per program, while pairs and dance events range from $229-243 per event.

Additionally, your coach’s time will also need to be covered for events, warm-ups and ice-side support. This fee is between $50-150 to attend the events.

Yes. Please reach out to our coaching staff, and we would be happy to assist your skater reach their dreams.

Each season our coaching staff will select a handful of events that they plan to attend. This will be communicated through our email, website and bulleting board inside the arena.

Each skater will need their Skate Canada Number to register for events. (Our club keeps this on file should you have misplaced it)

All skaters will be notified by the Penetanguishene Skating club of the Skate Ontario Competition Survey. It is a questionnaire to determine the number of people interested in competition/location (It does NOT mean you have signed up for a competition). We encourage all skaters showing interest in competition to complete the Skate Ontario Competition Survey.

Live registration dates are listed for each competition. You will need to complete these applications and receive a written confirmation. Please notify our coaching staff once you have received the written confirmation.

The venue location will post a list of events being held in addition to names of registrants a few weeks prior to the competition date.

Skates, skate guards, competition clothing, warm-up clothing for stretching, running shoes, water bottle, snacks, hair supplies, and your music back up if required.

A light meal or snack with carbohydrates and protein about 1-2 hours prior to your event.

At least 60-90 minutes before your scheduled event. Coaches may request additional time for warm-up prior to the event.

Check-in as soon as you arrive at the venue.

No. Every venue will have an area leading to the changerooms that are designated for skaters and coaching staff only. Outside of this zone, you will be able to accompany your skater throughout the rest of the vene.

Should your skater need assistance with tying of skates, our coaching staff will be able to help them or skaters can come back to the main area for your assistance.

Usually 4-6 minutes, depending on the event.

Certified judges evaluate the performance using the StarSkate judging system.

Star 1-5 are evaluated against a standard – Gold, Silver, Bronze or Retry are used for individual elements, while the higher levels are judged using grade of execution.

Star 1 – Requires basic elements in isolation (ie. Single Salchow, Sintgle Toe Loop etc)

Star 2 & 3 – Required 5 jumps, 2 spins, and sequence elements evaluated against a standard

Star 4+ – Introduces more complex elements, such as double jumps, flying spins, and combination spins.

Get up safely and continue skating if you are not physically hurt. One mistake does not determine your entire performance.

No. Only the appropriate competition officials handle judging questions.

Medal presentations depend on the event, but many competitions also recognize all the participants.

Results are usually posted at the arena and often online. Exact timing/location to view the results can be obtained at check-in time.

Cool down, thank your coach, and enjoy the experience while cheering on other skaters.

To do your best, have fun and keep improving each time you compete.