CanSkate... Skate Canada's Learn To Skate Program

3 WO Coaches Selected

Three Western Ontario Section Coaches were selected to attend Skate Canada's 2010 Best of the Best CanSkate program toreceive special instruction in fundamental areas of the CanSkate program. They will bring information back to share with coaching colleagues at their clubs. More info...

Best of the Best CanSkate Coach Program Toolkit Available!

Please note the “Best of the Best CanSkate Coach Program Toolkit” is now available on Skate Canada's Members Only website. This document may be accessed from the main menu under “Coaching” as well as “Clubs and Skating Schools”.

This toolkit can be used as a resource for new and existing coaches teaching the CanSkate program. A wealth of practical tools ready to be used will assist them in organizing a fun-filled CanSkate session.

The CanSkate Program - it ALL Starts Here!

• Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program has been developed by experts to teach the fundamentals of skating in a progressive and sequential manner.
• CanSkate is a program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skills development.
• This is a grassroots development skating program that could lead your skater to be the best at whatever area requiring excellent skating skills they choose… be it figure skating, power skating, hockey, ringette, speed skating, etc.
• Call the Western Ontario Section Skating Club nearest you today!

What It Looks Like On the Ice

• Instruction given by Skate Canada NCCP Certified Professional Coaches
• Professional Coaches are assisted by trained Program Assistants
• 1:10 Professional Coach / Program Assistant to Skater ratio
• Most important aspects of delivery are
  1. 90% continuous movement, minimal standing around, no waiting to take turns to practice skills, use entire ice surface more than once to promote speed and basic skating development
  2. Skaters learn a variety of skills and are kept challenged. Coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, music and a wide variety of activities that create a fun environment and promote learning
  3. Skaters progress through the program at their own rate
• Four parts to a CanSkate session
  1. Warm-up
  2. Group lesson
  3. Group activity
  4. Cool down
• Communication
  Also very important in maintaining customer satisfaction is the ongoing communication with parents about the programs, the objectives and expectations. Parents are looking for value and professionalism, e.g. yearly plans, monthly newsletters and weekly posters.

Retaining Existing CanSkate Members

• Offer shorter skating season for CanSkate
  • 10 or 12 week session - October - December and/or January - March
• Offer options
  • e.g. one day/week OR two days/week
  • Customize the program every year to suit the needs of the customers
  • Educate parents that more ice time helps speed the development of the skating skills
• Rates
  • Reduce rates for preschoolers
  • Family plan
  • 2 for 1 by a specified date
  • Bring a new member and share the initial fee
  • Eliminate fundraising for CanSkaters
  • Keep costs reasonable
• Partner with local hockey association:
  • Beginner hockey (suggest that the hockey skaters pass at least 3 stages)
  • Promote CanPowerSkate
• Offer an advanced program that will shorten the length of time in CanSkate and give the skater incentive to stay, e.g.
  • WOCAP - Western Ontario CanSkate Accelerated Program (more info to follow)

Recruiting New CanSkate Members

Advertize

• Participate in community program "registration" nights
• Approach schools regarding offering learn to skate in Phys. Ed. and suggest that a coach will come in for those sessions
• Hand out brochures outlining programs offered to DayCares, Play School, local schools

Partner with Hockey

• Focus on developing the CanPowerSkate program
• Encourage the idea that it is better to take CanSkate prior to CanPowerSkate
• Promote use of hockey players (male and/or female) to work as Program Assistants
• Use testimonials from local hockey players that came out of your CanSkate program, i.e. NHL/Junior A hockey players

Offer CanSkate Sessions

• Moms/Dads & Tot program in the afternoon or morning when ice costs may be less
• Offer CanSkate sessions in the off-season school (Spring, Summer or Fall)
• Adult Learn-to-Skate and/or Power skating sessions
• 'Bring a Friend' day

Communication

• Public awareness - "Blow Your Own Horn"
• Promote activities to all club members, no matter what level
• Club website
• Monthy information session held during the sessions with Club Executive and Adminstrator/Professional coach available to answer questions and hand out newsletters