Below are some frequently asked questions from families in our PreCanSkate, CanSkate & Teen/Adult CanSkate programs.
If you don't see what you are looking for here, please send us an email to info@newhamburgskating.com and we would be happy to answer your questions.
Parents/guardians are not permitted on the ice due to insurance reasons. Our team of Professional Coaches and trained Program Assistants will be out on the ice assisting your skater.
We ask that you please watch your skater from outside the ice pad in the upper or lower lobby or inside the ice pad in the upper seating area. This allows our skaters to be completely attentive to their Coaches and the skills they are learning. If you skater requires your assistance during the session, one of our Program Assistants will wave you down to meet at one of the ice pad doors.
Yes, as per Skate Canada's Helmet Use Policy, all skaters working on STAGE 5 and below, MUST wear a CSA approved hockey helmet. These are the only helmets permitted to provide protection for the skater. Ski, bike, equestrian, and all other helmets are not allowed. A face cage is optional.
Our group ratio is 1:10 certified Coaches with additional Program Assistants to aid skaters.
Program Assistants (PAs) are individuals who have adequate skating skills and have been trained to assist our Coaches in the delivery of our learn to skate programs. They provide additional motivation, enthusiasm, fun and support to skaters. Program Assistants can be identified by their grey NHSC Program Assistant vest.
The ribbons and badges earned by the skaters represent the goals and accomplishments within the program. They consist of:
- Three Fundamental area ribbons for each stage (Balance, Control, Agility)
- Six stage badges
Skaters are awarded ribbons for each level that they go through in the program (Balance, Control and Agility). Once a skater has collected all the ribbons for that corresponding stage, they receive a badge.
Skater's will be assigned to a coloured group at the beginning of the session that aligns with their age and stage of development. Colours are assigned based on the level of skaters that register for each session. For example, your skater may be working on Stages 2-3 and be in the red group on Wednesday, but may be in the yellow group on Monday. Throughout the session, each skater's personal progress is continually monitored and their coloured sticker may change to encourage development at a faster rate. Skaters will be challenged in attempting higher elements while continuing to practice and develop previously passed elements.
No. There must be a parent/guardian present in the rink area for the entire duration of your skater's PreCanSkate and/or CanSkate session incase of injury or if your skater needs to use the washroom.