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STARSkate

StarSkate is the RECREATIONAL pathway developed by Skate Canada. The StarSkate program offers opportunities for skaters to develop basic figure skating skills in four different disciplines with the option of taking Skate Canada Tests while earning awards and incentives designed for this group of skaters.

Figure skating skills are taught in group and or private lesson format in the following disciplines: Artistic, Ice Dance, Freeskate and Skating Skills which are grouped into levels: Star 1/2 and Star 3+.

StarSkate Program Structure

The structure of the StarSkate program differs from CanSkate and Junior Academy. Each level’s sessions are built according to the Long Term Athlete Development model provided by Skate Canada. This model was used to build a schedule featuring independent work time (freeskate) and both instructed on and off ice classes. In the Star Skate program structure, skaters will receive instruction primarily through private, semi-private and group lessons which are billed directly to the parent/guardian monthly by the coach(es). These lessons are given by our coaching team. It is suggested you discuss a comfortable lesson budget. Note – there is a minimum budget required and will depend on the number of sessions your skater participates in.

StarSkate or the “Star” program follows Skate Canada’s StarSkate test and competition program. PGFSC has incorporated this, along with LTAD principles into developing a broad spectrum figure skating program. Our Star program features the structure and guidance to develop skaters to their fullest potential, while also allowing skaters some freedom to learn independent work habits.

Lessons: The Star program incorporates group classes and dryland sessions which are built into your registration fees, and privately billed “freeskate” sessions where skaters will receive instruction either in group (3 or more skaters), semi-private (2 skaters) or private. PGFSC has a strong coaching team which all skaters will be rotated through. This ensures the opportunity for skaters to benefit from each coach’s strengths, abilities, coaching philosophies and caring attention! Each coach will bill you directly once per month for lessons given to your skater. If you need to set a budget, that is no problem, please discuss this with the Director of Skating. There is a minimum budget requirement for lessons per day skated. Lessons are a requirement for participation in the Star program.

Off Ice training is a vital part of the Star program curriculum. Skaters will train flexibility, learn and strengthen positions that they will use on the ice, perform exercises that will further develop their motor/movement skills and patterns. The off ice portion of the program is not optional so please be sure your skater attends.

Important Information

Clothing & Equipment

Skaters should be dressed in tight fitting, athletic clothing or skating dresses.
Bulky, baggy clothing, hooded jackets or sweatshirts, jeans, etc are not acceptable skating attire.
Coaches need to be able to see the skater’s body as they move to make corrections.
Hair and bangs should be tied back off of the face.
Skates should have strong ankle support, good toe picks and should be purchased through a proper skate shop like Koops Bike & Skate Shop or North Edge Ice Sports – both of which are located in Prince George. Please do not tie laces around the ankle.

Viewing the session: We invite parents to view the sessions from the bleachers. The arena staff has asked that parents refrain from viewing from the player’s benches/box. At this time parents/caregivers are not welcome to view off ice training sessions – the space does not allow for it and it can be very distracting for the instructor and skaters.

Behaviour: It is expected for all skaters to listen and follow instructions, participate in all activities and to adhere to all coaches and program assistants on the ice. If a skater is not doing this, they may be asked to leave the ice for the rest of the session.

Off Season Skating: PGFSC offers skating programs for the Star program in “Fall” September, “Winter” Oct-Mar, “Spring” April-May and “Summer” July/Aug. Each of these seasons has a different schedule – days, times and arenas are different – subject to the city ice allocation. PGFSC encourages participation in all seasons for the best possible development of your child’s skating and overall progress.

Competitions & Jamboree Events: Your skater is eligible to compete in figure skating competitions and jamboree events. Each participant in the Star program should be attending a minimum of 1 competition in the winter season.

Coaches: Please check out the "About us" tab for information on our current coaching team! The coaches should be treated with the utmost respect and their opinions/recommendations held in high regard.

Communication:

EMAIL is our main form of communication. Please keep an eye on your email for important information from the PGFSC or the coaches.
Website: www.pgfsc.ca
Facebook – search Prince George Figure Skating Club and like us
Instagram – @pgskating Find us and like us!
Bulletin Board & Handouts – we will send letters and notices home from time to time and then they will get posted on the bulletin board(s). Currently our bulletin board is set up just inside Kin 2 near the PGFSC office.