StarSkate FAQ
Registration
I would like to register my child for figure skating lessons, what programs do you offer?
Our STARSkate program is for skaters who have completed Stage 6 of CanSkate.
- Star 1 to 5 StarSkate is open to skaters who are working on Star 1 to Star 5 assessments.
- Star 5 to Gold StarSkate is open to skaters who are working on Star 5 and higher assessments
How do I register my child for skating lessons?
Registration is available on-line on this website Here
Having challenges? Email us at info@rideauskating.ca and we will be happy to help you with registration.
How often should by skater be skating?
For skaters to see regular progress we recommend skating at least two days per week at the STAR 1 and STAR 2 level with increased frequency as your skater progresses.
Does every child have to pay the Skate Canada Membership Fee or is it one fee per family?
The Skate Canada membership and Safe Sport Fee must be paid for every skater registered with the Rideau Skating Club on annual basis. The membership runs September 1 to August 31 of each year.
The membership and safe sport fee provides insurance for each member providing our club and skaters a safe environment in which we can enjoy skating. If you move away from the Rideau Skating Club, you can register in any Skate Canada club in your new city and start at the badge level you left off at!
Are coaching costs included?
Not all coaching costs are included. Please read the session description at the time of registration carefully to see what coaching costs are included on that session. All StarSkaters under the age of 18 are required to have a Skate Canada Coach. Please contact our coaching team at skatecoachingteam@gmail.com for more information on coaching costs and structure.
Late Registrations
We accept late registrations for any of our sessions if space permits. Please feel free to register for a session where space is available. Our prices automatically pro-rate each week.
Refunds
Not all children feel comfortable on the ice right away. It may take a few sessions before your child settles in to skating.
If you find your child is still not happy after a few sessions, please talk to your coach and ask their advice. Our full refund policy can be found in our Member Policies
Medical Reasons
Credits or refunds are issued when a medical certificate can be provided by the parent.
Due to the size of our program, we are not able to provide make-up classes or refunds for sessions missed due to illness or vacation.
Program Changes and Missed Classes
Participants are to attend all classes as scheduled for the program in which they are registered. Skaters may replace a missed session up to a maximum of three (3) times in a given season. Skaters must confirm a replacement session with their coach prior to skating
A parent/skater may request, free of charge, two (2) program change in a season. Subsequent changes will be subjected to an administrative fee
Coach requested changes are not subject to the change fee.
Equipment and preparing for the first day
Does my child need a helmet?
No! Your child has mastered Stage 5 of CanSkate, so they are no longer required to wear a helmet. We do recommend the use of soft helmets and headbands for concussion protection.
What kind of skates should I buy?
Equipment is important to the success of your skater. Finding the right pair of skates for their foot shape, skating level and height/weight is extremely important for their progression to continue. We recommend visiting a figure skate specialist such as Figure 8/Hockey One on Industrial Avenue in Ottawa or BSharp on Strandherd Avenue in Ottawa.
Once you have secured figure skates, we recommend getting them sharpened by a figure skate sharpening specialist such as Figure 8, BSharp or Racers Edge Brockville.
What should my child wear to skating lessons?
Athletic clothing, skating skirts, leggings and/or simple skating dresses can be worn by skaters during practice ice. Hooded sweatshirts are not recommended as they can affect the skater’s balance and obstruct their view.
On The Session
What can we expect at skating lessons?
Skating lessons are a fun and exciting challenge for young children. Our Skate Canada Certified Professional Coaches are fun and enthusiastic individuals who are committed to providing quality skating programs for our members. Our coaching team will use a combination of group, semi-private and private lessons to help guide your skater through the various figure skating disciplines including skills, dance, freeskate and synchronized skating.
How do I know how my child is progressing?
Skaters move to the next level of STARSkate by completing STARSkate assessments. Your skaters' coach will guide you through the assessment process and let you know when they are ready to be assessed. Feel free to speak to your skaters' coach outside of their on ice time if you would like to know more about your skaters progress and the assessment process.
How are assessments completed?
For the STAR 1 to 5 levels, the assessments are done by the coach during a regular session time.
Your coach will notify you that your skater is ready for an assessment. The assessment must be purchased prior to assessment being conducted. Assessments are purchased online Here
Once the agreed upon date/time is established, the coach will conduct the assessment during a regular training session. Your skater will be provided with the assessment results at the completion of the assessment.
For STAR 6 to Gold levels, the assessments are done by an external assessor on a designated club assessment day.
STAR 6 to Gold Skating Skills and artistics may be assessed on a regular skating session by an assessor-coach.