Jr. Academy Information Packet

Junior Academy

Welcome to Jr. Academy!!! The Nicola Valley Figure Skating Club is excited to include the Junior Academy program. Junior Academy, an introductory to Learn how to Figure skate program, it is designed to assist the skater to transition and bridge from CanSkate to the Skate Canada STARskate Program. (Jr. STAR/STAR 1) Our Junior Academy program, is taught by a NCCP Certified Professional Coach in 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. Skills & elements from the Stage 4/5/6 program of Canskate are featured and learnt during this session.

It is recommended that all Junior Academy 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.

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

Skaters are chosen to join our Junior Academy program from CanSkate based on their skating skills, level/Stage achievement & recommendation from our Head Coach. Parents do not decide this placement. Assessed at Stage 3 Badge of CanSkate to move up. Jr. Academy will continue to work on the rest of their Stage Badges (4/5/6) before moving onto our Jr. STAR program. 

Disciplines of Skating

At the Junior Academy 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 Jr. STAR & STARskate.

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: (Jr. Academy will not be participating in this time frame, beginning season)

·         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 Academy and higher should discuss boot and blade options with their Coach. Skates are now bought at Dealers/stores specializing in figure skating. Coach Diana can put you in touch with a reliable Dealer & Sharpener.

•      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.

•      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 touques.

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, even if it makes you late. Less likely chance of missing anything at the beginning of a session while the group is warming up. 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 & 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.