Connecting Our Community Through Skating
Q: At what age can my child start skating with the club?
A: Children may begin skating with the club at age 3. Earlier enrollment may be considered with approval from the CanSkate Program Director and would be contingent on the child’s upcoming birthday and readiness to participate.
Q: My child has never skated before. Where do I start?
A: Children who are new to skating should begin in our PreCanSkate program. PreCanSkate is designed for beginner skaters who are learning to balance, move, stop and become comfortable on the ice. Once your child has developed the required introductory skills, they can progress into CanSkate.
Q: What program should I register my child for?
A: The appropriate program depends on your child’s age, current skating ability and goals. PreCanSkate is designed for new skaters, CanSkate develops fundamental skating skills, Intro to Figure Skating provides a bridge into figure skating, and STARSkate is for skaters who are ready to pursue figure skating more seriously. PowerSkate is available for hockey and ringette skaters looking to improve their skating skills. If you are unsure which program is appropriate, please contact the Program Director for assistance.
Q: Does my child need their own skates and helmet, or are rentals available?
A: All skaters must provide their own CSA-approved hockey helmet, when required, and well-fitted skates. Rentals are not provided by the club. Properly fitted equipment is essential for both safety and skill development.
Q: What kind of helmet is required for beginners, and until what stage is it mandatory?
A: A CSA-approved hockey helmet is required for all skaters who have not yet passed CanSkate Stage 5. Helmets must be worn during all on-ice sessions until this requirement has been met.
Q: Should my child wear hockey skates or figure skates?
A: Both hockey and figure skates are suitable for beginner skaters. The most important factors are proper fit, good ankle support and a quality blade. Skaters who are interested in pursuing figure skating should transition to properly fitted figure skates as they progress. Plastic buckle skates and adjustable skates are generally not recommended, as they may not provide the support needed for proper skill development.
Q: Where should I buy my child’s skates?
A: Skates should be purchased from a reputable sporting goods retailer or specialized skating store where your child can be properly fitted. For skaters pursuing figure skating, we strongly recommend visiting a specialized figure skating retailer as they progress. Properly fitted boots and blades can make a significant difference in comfort, safety and skill development.
Q: Do new skates need to be sharpened before they are used?
A: Yes. New skates should be professionally sharpened before being used on the ice. Skate blades are generally not ready for skating directly out of the box and require an appropriate sharpening to create the edges needed for balance, pushing, turning and stopping. Skates should also be sharpened periodically throughout the season.
Q: What should my child wear for skating?
A: PreCanSkate and CanSkate participants should wear warm, comfortable layers that allow them to move freely. Mittens or gloves, splash or snow pants and a warm sweater or jacket are recommended. Clothing should not be excessively bulky or restrict movement.
Figure skaters should wear fitted athletic clothing that allows coaches to clearly see body position and alignment. Leggings, athletic pants, skating dresses or skirts and fitted athletic tops are appropriate. Jeans, baggy pants and hooded sweatshirts should not be worn during figure skating sessions. Long hair should be tied back.
Q: Can parents come on the ice with their child?
A: No. Parents and guardians are not permitted on the ice during club programming. Our programs are led by Skate Canada coaches and supported by trained Program Assistants where applicable. Children participating in PreCanSkate also participate independently without a parent or guardian on the ice.
Q: How many times per week should my child skate to progress quickly?
A: Skating at least two times per week is recommended for steady progress, especially for skaters who want to advance through the CanSkate stages or transition into figure skating. Additional ice time will help your child build confidence and develop skills more quickly.
Q: What happens if my child misses a class?
A: The East Gwillimbury Skating Club does not offer make-up classes for missed sessions.
Q: How does my child move to the next level?
A: Skaters progress based on skill development rather than age or the amount of time they have spent in a program. Coaches continuously evaluate skaters throughout the season and introduce more advanced skills as they become ready. When a skater demonstrates readiness to move into another program, the Program Director will determine the appropriate placement in consultation with the coaching team.
Q: Can my child switch programs mid-season if they progress faster than expected?
A: Yes. Program changes can be made if your child demonstrates readiness for the next level, provided that space is available. Progression decisions will be made by the Program Director in consultation with the coaching team.
Q: How do CanSkate ribbons and badges work?
A: CanSkate is divided into six stages, with skills organized into three fundamental areas: Balance, Control and Agility. Skaters work toward ribbons in each of these areas as they develop the required skills. Once the requirements for a stage have been completed, the skater earns the corresponding Stage Badge. Skaters progress at their own pace and continue working toward new skills and stages throughout the season.
Q: How do I know when my child is ready to start figure skating?
A: If your child enjoys skating and is showing an interest in learning figure skating skills such as edges, spins and jumps, they may be ready to explore our figure skating pathway. EGSC’s Intro to Figure Skating program is designed specifically to help CanSkaters begin that transition while continuing to develop their fundamental skating skills. If you are unsure whether your child is ready, the Program Director can help determine the most appropriate next step.
Q: What is the difference between Intro to Figure Skating and STARSkate?
A: Intro to Figure Skating is a transitional program for CanSkaters who are interested in figure skating. It introduces figure skating-specific skills while skaters continue developing the fundamental skills required through CanSkate.
STARSkate is Skate Canada’s figure skating development program. Skaters work on Skills, Freeskate, Ice Dance and Artistic skating while progressing through nationally standardized assessments. Intro to Figure Skating provides the bridge between learning to skate and entering the STARSkate program.
Q: Are private lessons available, and how do I arrange them?
A: Private lessons during club ice time are only available to Intermediate B and Senior skaters. Parents can speak directly with coaches to arrange scheduling and lesson fees. The STARSkate Program Director can assist in connecting families with Skate Canada coaches who match the skater’s needs and goals.
Q: Are private lessons included in STARSkate registration fees?
A: No. Private and semi-private lessons are not included in STARSkate registration fees. Private lessons are arranged directly with the individual coach, and coaching fees are paid separately to that coach. Group instruction provided as part of the skater’s registered STARSkate session is included in the program fee.
Q: What is the Skate Canada membership fee?
A: All skaters participating in club programs are required to be registered with Skate Canada. The annual Skate Canada membership fee provides membership with Skate Canada and Skate Ontario and includes applicable Safe Sport and injury benefit fees. Membership is valid from September 1 to August 31 each year and is generally paid only once per skating year, even if a skater registers for multiple club programs.
The applicable Skate Canada membership fee will be shown during registration.
Q: What qualifications do the coaches have?
A: All coaches are trained through Skate Canada’s National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and maintain the qualifications required for their coaching roles. They bring professional expertise, experience and a supportive approach to ensure each skater’s development and enjoyment. In addition, all EGSC coaches are trained in first aid.
Q: What is the club’s refund policy?
A: There will be NO REFUNDS except for medical reasons or extraordinary circumstances approved by the EGSC Executive. All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to the EGSC Executive. An administration fee of $50 will be subtracted from all refunds. Please allow approximately 3 weeks for review & processing from time of request.
Q: What happens if a skating session is cancelled?
A: Skating sessions will only be cancelled if the Town closes the facility. If a session is cancelled, the club will make every effort to schedule an additional session if replacement ice time can be acquired. However, make-up sessions are not guaranteed.
Q: Can we register after the skating season has already started?
A: Registration may be available after a program has started, provided that space remains available.
Q: Can my child transfer to EGSC from another Skate Canada club?
A: Yes. Skaters transferring from another Skate Canada club are welcome at EGSC. Your child’s existing Skate Canada number and skating records remain associated with them, so they do not need to start over when changing clubs. All outstanding fees owed to the skater’s previous club and its coaches must be paid in full prior to transferring to EGSC. STARSkaters are encouraged to contact the STARSkate Program Director before registering so their current level can be reviewed and the appropriate EGSC program can be recommended.
Q: Can my child skate at more than one Skate Canada club?
A: Yes. Skaters may participate at more than one Skate Canada club. However, each skater has one designated Home Organization for the Skate Canada registration year. STARSkaters who train at multiple clubs are encouraged to keep their Base Coach and coaching team informed so that training, assessments and competition planning can be properly coordinated.