PRACTICES & EXPECTATIONS

Groupings & Progress

Skaters are grouped by age and ability for different practice times each week. This grouping allows proper training programs for skaters and provides an environment where skaters of varying abilities can practice safely and effectively. 

Groupings will be determined by coaches and reviewed on an ongoing basis. Younger skaters may be moved between groups at the discretion of the coach in consultation with a parent. 

Mats: A Vital Safety Precaution

The sport of speed skating requires heavy duty plastic-covered mats to be placed around the rink to protect falling skaters from hitting the boards at high speeds. Putting up the mats before practice is an important safety precaution in every speed skating club: Mats prevent or reduce the severity of injuries. Practice does not begin until mats are in position on the ice.

Parents and skaters are responsible for helping set up and put away the mats. Parents can help at the beginning of the ice time to open the north gate, push the mats onto the ice, and position them in the corners of the rink. At the end of the practice, parents help pull the mats off the ice and store them. Again, those on the ice without skates must wear ice cleats on their shoes, all available from the club room. See the Mats on Ice page for exact layout details.

Ice Safety & Etiquette

  • Skaters should enter the ice from the second or end gate from the bench.
  • Do not begin lap skating until gates are closed, mats are in place and trolleys are off ice.
  • If late, please wait to be invited onto the ice by the coach.
  • Wait for the track to clear before opening the gate and getting on the ice
  • Always skate counter-clockwise unless instructed by coaches
  • During practice, only skaters, coaches and designated parent assistants are allowed on the ice.

Skater Expectations

We ask all skaters to:

  • Follow all club policies and rules, especially our code of conduct
  • Abide by the True Sport Principles and the club’s values
  • Be ready to listen and learn
  • Use appropriate language and behavior
  • Take care of their equipment.
  • Represent the club positively in all interactions

At practices:

  • All skaters are expected to arrive on time for the designated practice time wearing running shoes and appropriate clothing for off-ice warm up. If you must be absent or must arrive late, inform the coach in advance.
  • Help set up and take down the mats.
  • Be physically and psychologically ready for practice
  • Bring a full water bottle.
  • Wear all necessary safety equipment, or you will not be allowed on the ice.
  • Wear skate guards when walking in skates.
  • Do not walk on the tips of the skate blades. This puts stress on the blade, and weakens the blade’s attachment to the boots.
  • Dry blades immediately upon taking them off to prevent rusting and put them in soft guards (blade soakers) to dry fully and prevent nicks.

Parent Expectations

We ask all parents and guardians to:

  • Follow all club policies and rules, especially our code of conduct
  • Abide by the True Sport Principles and the club’s values
  • Use appropriate language and behavior.
  • Represent the club positively in all interactions.
  • Participate in our volunteer program. Sign up for volunteer roles when possible and fulfill your family’s 16h of volunteer hours by the end of the season.
  • Take care of equipment, especially ensuring that young skaters’ blades are kept sharp. Blades must be sharpened by hand.

At practices:

  • Help set up and take down the mats. 
  • Fill the water buckets for the Intermediate/Advanced/Masters ice session.
  • If you cannot stay on site for practice, designate another parent to be the on-site contact for your child if any issues arise. Please let the coaches and/or board know.

Please note: if you can skate, we encourage you to help with coaching. Speed skating is an extremely small sport and coaching support is critical for its survival. There are lots of large and small opportunities to help the coaching team and we encourage parent/guardian assistance during dryland and on-ice practices. Connect with our coaches to learn more.