Registration

Skaters are only registered for a program once payment has been received. Registrations will not be accepted at the arena at the start of a program. Only registered skaters are permitted to participate in the programs. Registration fees include a non-refundable Skate Canada membership fee of $58.65, valid from September 1 to August 31.

Skating Equipment

CSA approved helmets with facemask and single blade skates are mandatory for skaters up to and including CanSkate stage 5. Skaters 10 years and older in the Learn to Skate/CanSkate program do not require a facemask. All power programs require a CSA approved helmet with facemask. No bicycle or ski helmets are permitted.

Skating equipment is the responsibility of the skater and is not provided by Skaters First. Waterproof mittens, pants and jackets are recommended dress in layers (no scarves).

Pro-rating

Within 2 weeks of the start date and if space is available you may join a program late. A pro-rated adjustment will be applied.

Refunds

ALL PROGRAMS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE Our policy is that refunds are NOT permitted after the first class except for medical reasons accompanied by a medical certificate. Fees refunded will be pro-rated. All processed medical refunds or credits will be subject to a $30.00 administration fee. Cancellations within 1 week prior to the start of any program will be subject to a $35.00 administration fee. Skate Canada Fees are non-refundable.

No Makeup Classes

Due to maximum skater restrictions on the ice, and to ensure safety, all skaters are only permitted to skate during their regularly scheduled class time. There are no refunds or make up classes for any Covid related absences.

Cancellations

Skaters First will do its best to inform all skaters/parents by email of any unscheduled and unforeseen changes that may arise, however, we cannot assume responsibility for those circumstances which are outside of our prior knowledge or ability to control.

Bad Weather

If the arena is open, all programs will be held. You may call the arena to confirm or check the banner on our homepage.

Payment

Visa or MasterCard accepted AND e-TRANSFER (Payment by email)

Programs Cancelled by Skaters First

All programs are subject to enrollment and if cancelled by Skaters First a full refund will be given.

Skate Canada Fee

Any skater participating in a skating school or skating club sanctioned by Skate Canada, must pay the Skate Canada Membership Fee of $58.65. This is an annual fee effective during the skating season which runs from September 1st - August 31st. This MUST be paid during registration of the first program of the season.

Happy Face Stickers

These designate the group your child will be in, however the Happy Face Colours do not designate a specific skating level.

The Happy Faces are placed around the ice area in alphabetical order and the number used is dependent on registration for that specific session. If your child was in Green Happy Face group for Session A and progressed to a higher level, they maybe placed in the Green group again for Session B or perhaps in the Blue group, this all depends on how many skaters are registered for the session. The Happy Faces are not used in the Hockey Power Skating.

Ratio

The ratio for Learn to Skate/CanSkate will be 5:1. If there are 6 in a group an assistant coach will be present.

New To Skating

If your child is NEW to skating, it is highly recommended that you bring them to watch a class. Not all 3 or 4 year olds are ready to be on the ice without their parents. By watching a class, this may help to alleviate any first day anxieties. If your child is hesitant about joining in without a parent you may want to wait a few months and try again.

Special Needs Skaters

If your child has any Special needs, please let us know at the time of registration. Any information that you can share with us, will help us to make your child's lessons enjoyable and safe.

Liability Waiver

Coaches/Program Assistants will not be held liable for any accident or loss, however caused, and Skaters First/Mad Dawg members agree to release the said skating schools, its Coaches/Program assistants, proprietors from any and all liability, claims and damages which may arise as a result of, or by reason of, accident or loss for the 2023-2024 season.

CODE OF CONDUCT

as directed by Skate Canada - October, 2008

Skate Canada is committed to ensuring that all skaters have the opportunity to participate in a safe and welcoming environment that is encouraging and promotes their overall development. Parents have an enormous influence on skaters' experiences in the sport. The quality of a skater's experience is determined by their relationships with parents and the manner in which parents conduct themselves in the Skate Canada environment. In this code “parents” shall refer to “parents and guardians”. This code applies to all parents who are members of Skate Canada or have children who are members of Skate Canada. Parents shall abide by this code at all times while participating in any Skate Canada club or school, competition, or activity.

  • All parents are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner consistent with the values of fair play, integrity, open communication and mutual respect.
  • Parents shall always model positive and responsible behaviour and communicate with their son/daughter that they expect them to do the same. Parents will assume the major responsibility for their son/daughter's on ice conduct and attitude.
  • Parents shall at all times treat all individuals and property with dignity, courtesy and respect, including but not limited to skaters, coaches, officials, volunteers, other parents, and all other individuals that are part of the club, skating school, Section or Skate Canada.
  • Parents shall refrain from any behaviour, or comments, which are profane, insulting, harassing, sexist, racist, abusive, disrespectful or otherwise offensive without hostility or violence.
  • Parents shall emphasize the importance of values like sportsmanship, respect, cooperation, competition and teamwork to their son/daughter offering praise for competing fairly, participation and skill development.
  • Parents shall model and encourage their son/daughter to maintain a healthy balance between skating and life. (i.e., school, other activities, social life, etc.)
  • Parents shall model and encourage balanced, healthy food choices and subscribing to an active and healthy lifestyle.
  • Parents shall set high, but reasonable expectations for their son/daughter's participation in skating focusing on development and enjoyment for the child. October, 2008
  • Parents shall instill confidence in their son/daughter's ability and skill development, always avoiding comparisons with other skaters.
  • Parents shall celebrate the acquisition of skills and goals achieved by their son/daughter.
  • Parents, along with the professional coach and the athlete, shall be considered members of a team whose main concern is the child's overall progress and development. Parents shall respect that the professional coach is responsible and empowered for the on-ice and off-ice development of the athlete. A parent's role shall be to take a healthy interest in their child's progress and development and be responsible for the child's nutrition, rest, adherence to off-ice training regimen set by the coach or other fitness professional, overall health, life-balance, and moral and emotional support.
  • Parents shall ensure their son/daughter wears proper skating clothing and equipment.
  • Parents shall never provide alcohol or drugs to minors in a Skate Canada environment.
  • Parents shall never provide or advocate the use of performance enhancing drugs or substances.
  • Parents shall avoid any conduct, which brings their club, skating school, Section or Skate Canada, into disrepute, including but not limited to abusive use of alcohol, non-medical use of drugs and gambling.
  • Parents shall openly support and uphold this code of conduct policy and take action and steps to ensure other parents follow and uphold this code of conduct policy.
  • Parents shall adhere to the policies, procedures, rules, standards, and ethics of Skate Canada at all times.