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Jr. STARskate/STAR 1

Junior STAR/STAR 1

Welcome to Jr. STARskate!!! The Nicola Valley Figure Skating Club is excited to include the Junior STAR program. Junior STAR, an introductory to Learn how to Figure skate program, it is designed to assist the skater to transition and bridge from the Junior Academy/CanSkate Stages of 4, 5, 6 to the Skate Canada Jr. STARskate Program. (STAR 1) Our Junior STAR program, is taught by a NCCP Certified Professional Coach in a group format, introducing skaters to the foundations, and fundamentals of figure skating, and teaches skills for learning to train and practice for the sport. In addition to edges, turns, stops, spins and jumps, skaters learn warm-up drills both on ice and off. Skills, dance & elements from the STAR 1 program are featured and learnt during this session.

It is recommended that all Junior STAR skaters participate in both days of Group lessons provided for Optimum skill progression. While taught in the group format for the majority of the time skaters are now also given the opportunity to work and practice on skills independently, after their lesson time. Plus the opportunity to participate in STAR 1 competitions at Competitions that offer the event. Your Coach can put you in touch with any information on how to prepare, and register.

Parents need to become aware of budgeting and other related costs involved at this level. Other expenses such as, better quality/more supportive skates, blades & proper attire.

Skaters are chosen to join our Junior STAR program from Junior Academy based on Assessments and their skating skills, level/Stage achievement & recommendation from our Head Coach. Parents do not decide this placement. Assessed at Stage 5/6 Badge of Jr. Acad/CanSkate to move up. to Jr. STAR and will need to Pass at least 2 Assessments of either STAR 1 FreeSkate elements, Skating Skills or Dance at the STAR 1 Level in order to move up to STARskate, or STAR 2 level.

Disciplines of Skating

At the Junior STAR level skaters will be introduced to all Figure Skating skills related to become a well-rounded skater and athlete, and obtain the Fundamental basics needed later on.

1.    Freeskate: Skaters will learn how to jump, spin, and field moves.

2.    Skills: edges and circles done forwards and backwards with outside and inside edge, and turns. Introducing this to the skaters is VERY important and vital for them to be learning them once they eventually move up to STARskate.

3.    Dance: edges, balance, footwork timing and patterns

 

Skaters & other Groups to watch out for on your session…

Freeskate Sessions:

·         Soloists in a lesson have the right of way. (Wearing a High Visual Armband)

·         Soloists not in a lesson have second priority.

·         STARSkaters recieving a Semi- Private or Private Lesson also have the right of way & you   need to be mindful where you are skating.

·         Spins are to be practiced in the center except when skating a program or in a lesson, jump to the outer.

 

Dance/Skill Sessions:

·         Skaters in a lesson dancing to the music being played have the right of way.

·         Skaters dancing to the music being play have second priority.

·         Freeskating, spins and jumps are not permitted, during this alotted ice time.

 

Equipment

Junior STAR and higher should discuss boot and blade options with their Coach. Skates are now bought at Dealers/stores or consignment shops specializing in figure skating. Coach Diana can put you in touch with a reliable Dealer & Sharpener. Please Do NOT take your expensive blades to Canadian Tire or Home Hardware to be Sharpened there are many factors now to consider. Coach Diana can put you in touch with a Professional reliable skate sharpener specific to Figure Skates.

      Moisture must be wiped off the blade and boots after each session with a dry towel.

      After skating, boots must be allowed to air dry, do NOT leave guards on while storing, and take them out of their bag or open the bag to properly dry out, as to not get rust on your blades or create Mold in your boots.

      Sharpen skates regularly. Generally, skate sharpening is something that each individual will have to do from time to time.  It will always depend on a number of circumstances as when to get them done.  If your child is unsure...then please ask your Coach to check them prior to getting on the ice or after a session and can recommend a good, reliable Professional Sharpener.

      Proper Figure Skates with ankle support are a must. Laces should NOT be wrapped around the ankle. Keep lacing them up and down the skate until you are able to tie them for the last time.

      Skating clothes should not be baggy, slim fitting tights, yoga pants, or leggings, skating dresses, skirts, and sweaters or form fitting thicker jacket. Dress in warm layers, that can be taken off if you get hot. No hoodies.

      Hair should be tidy & up, not long and in the way. A small warm headband or a small warm hat that is easy to skate in, can be worn during the colder months. No bulky toques.

Ice Rules

      There shall be no goofing around, be focused to practice during your free time on the ice. Chit Chat needs to stay to a minimum. Have respect for all Coaches & other skaters, and when a Coach speaks to you, respectfully do as you are told. No backtalk, or lack of listening will be tolerated. Our Coaching time, and Ice times are precious, and cannot be wasted, and if severe you will be asked to leave the ice.

      You must have a parent come and take you off to go to the bathroom. Please let a Coach or know before you are allowed to leave the ice. This is for safety reasons, and in case of emergency.

      Should there be a accident while on the ice, please let the Coach attend to it first before a skater leaves the ice, or flag a Coach down before a skater is allowed to the leave the ice. Diana is First Aid trained to deal with the situation, first hand.

      Please make sure that you go to the washroom before coming on the ice. Please be on time!! Once the skaters are on the ice, they are not permitted to leave for safety reasons.

      While the skaters are on the ice, they are in capable hands and are now the Coaches responsibility. Please keep a watchful eye in case your skater is needing to get off for the washroom etc. We can't let them off without a parent being there for them during the session.

      Strongly encourage parents to enjoy sitting in the warm Mezzanine. This also prevents skaters from constantly calling on the parents, because they are not rink side. Keeps them working hard, and more focused if the skaters realize this. There shall be absolutely NO Parental COACHING from the Stands, sidelines, or rink side. Discreet acknowledgment of acquisition of your skater’s skills as to not disturb other during the session time.

      Water bottles are permitted at the ice surface. No pop or juice at rink side.

 

Respect for other Skaters, Parents, rink attendants & all Coaches.

Most important of all is to have Fun, & enjoy a Love for Skating.

 

 

Remember to please read & sign the attached Code of Ethics & Photo release form prior to stepping on the ice.

 


 

For more Information Please contact either:  

 

Nicola Valley Skating Club via email:

skatinginthevalley49@gmail.com

 

Or our Head Coach Diana Lorenz via email: professionalcoachdiana@gmail.com


 


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