Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :: Streetsville Meadowvale Figure Skating Club

General FAQ

What programs does SMFSC offer?
We offer STARSkate, CanSkate, and Adult Skate programs. We do not offer CanPower (Hockey Skills) at this time.

Is your club only for figure skating?
STARSkate is a figure skating program. CanSkate and Adult Skate provide foundational skating development for all ice sports.

Parent Roles & Supervision

Can I drop my child off at the rink?
Yes. Parents may drop skaters off; however, we recommend that younger skaters are escorted into the rink.
For CanSkate programs, a parent or responsible adult must remain in the facility, preferably rink-side, in case assistance is needed.

Can parents go on the ice?
No. Only Skate Canada members are permitted on the ice for insurance and safety reasons.

Can parents coach from the viewing area?
No. For safety and instructional integrity, coaching or instruction from the stands or rink-side is not permitted. Skaters must remain focused on their coaches during sessions.

Skate Canada Fee

Do I need to pay the Skate Canada membership fee more than once per season?
No. The Skate Canada membership fee is an annual fee valid from September 1 to August 31, regardless of when you register.
This fee is required by Skate Canada and is not retained by the club. It is non-refundable.

Account Setup

I've never registered with SMFSC before. How do I create an account?
Click “Login” (top right). Select “First Time Registering with SMFSC” and follow the registration instructions.

Registration Access

Why do I need to complete registration quickly?
Program space is limited. A spot is only confirmed once payment is completed.

Why don’t I see a “Register” button for a session?
Registration opens at different times for different programs. If the button is missing, registration is not yet open.

Fees

What are the additional fees on my invoice?
Fees include an annual Skate Canada membership (valid Sep 1–Aug 31) and a club administration fee that varies depending on registration timing.

Registration & Checkout Issues (STARSkate only)

I can’t add programs to my cart or complete checkout (items highlighted in red). Why?
This applies to STARSkate registrations only. Eligibility and session requirements are based on your skater’s previous tests and achievements.

Please ensure you are logged into your existing account.

You can review eligibility here: My Account → My Participants → Select Skater → Achievements

If information is missing or incorrect, please email info@smfsc.ca before registration opens so we can update your profile.

Support

Who do I contact for help?
Email info@smfsc.ca. Response time is typically 48–72 hours.

Wait List

Is there a fee to join the waitlist?
No. Joining a waitlist is free of charge.

How do I join a waitlist?
If a class is full, the “Register” button will be replaced with a “Waitlist” option.

To join:

Click “Waitlist” on the desired session
Select the skater from your profile
Confirm placement

If a space becomes available, you will receive an email notification and will have a limited time to either:

Complete registration, or
Remove yourself from the waitlist

How will I know my waitlist position?
You can view your status at any time: My Account → My Waitlist

Does the waitlist carry forward?
No. Waitlists are session-specific and do not carry forward.

Withdrawals & Transfers

What is the refund deadline for programs?
Refund eligibility is based on the program’s published withdrawal deadline, which varies by session and season. Please refer to program details.

Can I withdraw after the deadline?
If you register after the withdrawal deadline, you may still withdraw up until the end of your first few scheduled classes, depending on the program.

How do I withdraw from a program?
All withdrawals must be submitted by email to info@smfsc.ca.

Please include:

Skater’s name
Program and skating day
Parent/guardian name
Address
Reason for withdrawal

Refunds are processed in accordance with SMFSC’s Terms & Operations.

How do I transfer to another class?
Class transfers are not automated. Please email info@smfsc.ca to request a change.
Transfers are subject to space availability and applicable administrative fees (where noted).

Can I switch classes temporarily and return?
No. Temporary movement between classes is not permitted. Permanent transfers may be considered if space allows, but skaters cannot move back and forth between sessions.

Are credits available after the withdrawal deadline?
No. Credits are not issued after the withdrawal deadline, except as outlined in SMFSC’s Terms & Operations (e.g., eligible medical withdrawals).

Equipment Requirements

What equipment is required?
All participants must provide their own equipment, including properly fitted skates and gloves.
CanSkate participants must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet until completion of Stage 5.

What kind of skates should skaters use?
CanSkate: figure, hockey, or recreational skates (properly fitted)
STARSkate: properly fitted figure skates for jumps, spins, and advanced skills

Are helmets required for CanSkate?
Yes. All CanSkate participants must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet until completion of Stage 5. Helmets must fit properly and are not available for borrowing.

Are molded skates recommended?
No. Molded skates are not recommended for instructional skating as they reduce control and may slow development. They are suitable for recreational public skating only.

CanSkate FAQ

Suitability of Program

Is CanSkate only for figure skating?
No. CanSkate builds strong fundamentals for all ice sports, including hockey and ringette.

Does my child need skating experience to join?
No. The program is designed for both new and developing skaters.

Can siblings or different levels skate in the same session?
Yes. All CanSkate levels run within the same session and skaters are grouped by ability.

What is the coach-to-skater ratio?
Typically 8–12 skaters per group with a professional coach and assistants.

Is CanSkate advanced enough for my child?
By completion, skaters develop forward/backward stroking, crosscuts, turns, stops, basic spins, and jumps.

What if my child is too advanced for CanSkate?
Skaters may be assessed for STARSkate. Based on evaluation, they may transition or receive a refund.

Do you offer power skating?
No. SMFSC does not offer power skating at this time.

Placement in CanSkate

How is my child placed if they have previous skating experience?
All new skaters begin in Stage 1 and are assessed by coaches for progression. Skaters transferring from another Skate Canada club are placed based on their previous club’s final level.

STARSkate FAQ

STARSkate Program & Placement

How is my child placed in STARSkate?
Placement is based on skill level, previous experience, tests, and coach assessment.

Can skaters register for only one session per week?
Skaters are generally expected to register for two on-ice sessions per week and receive priority during registration.
Requests for fewer sessions may be considered after the withdrawal period, subject to space and coach approval. A minimum of two sessions per week is required for testing and club participation.

Can I register at multiple Skate Canada clubs?
Yes, provided skaters:

Skate a minimum of two SMFSC sessions per week
Receive instruction from SMFSC coaches on SMFSC ice
Designate a home club
Follow Skate Canada testing rules and approvals

Coaches & Lessons

How do I know how many private lessons my child needs?
This should be discussed regularly with your child’s coach.

How do I change coaches?
Coach changes must follow proper etiquette and Skate Canada guidelines, including communication between coaches and should occur at natural breaks in the season where possible.

Who do I speak to about concerns with a coach?
Start with your coach directly. All coaches follow SMFSC’s Coaches’ Code of Conduct and will address concerns professionally.

Preparing for Your First Competition

If you are participating in a competition, your coach will let you know exactly what you need to bring. As a general guide, many STARSkaters pack the following:

What to Bring

Planned Program Sheet (if required)
Clean skates and skate guards
Competition outfit
Club jacket or warm-up attire (no hoodies)
Spare tights/socks
Water bottle and snacks
Hair accessories, bobby pins, hairspray, and make-up for touch-ups
Running shoes and skipping rope for warm-up
Music backup (if required by the competition)
Small skate repair kit (laces, tape, tissues, bandages, etc.)
Phone charger

Many skaters choose to arrive with hair and make-up already done and competition attire on. Be sure to discuss with your coach what works best for you.

Before the Event

Competition schedules are typically posted approximately one week before the event on the Skate Ontario website.

Please plan to arrive at least one hour before your scheduled event time and allow extra time for traffic, parking, and weather conditions.

When You Arrive

Check in with the competition registration desk
Find your coach and confirm warm-up plans
Keep skates and personal belongings with you at all times

Parents should be prepared to supervise belongings while skaters complete off-ice warm-ups.

Dressing Rooms

Parents are not permitted in dressing rooms at competitions. If assistance is needed with skates or equipment, skaters will come out to the designated area before taking the ice. Coaches will communicate where and when parents should be available.

Photos & Videos

Many competitions offer professional photography and video services. Purchasing before your event time may help reduce wait times later in the day.

Most Important…

Have fun, support your fellow SMFSC skaters, and enjoy the experience!

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