New to STARSkate

Our STARSkate program operates in a different format from our CanSkate program. In STARSkate, skaters work with one of our professional coaches, and work individually.

How to join SMSC’s STARSkate program

Step 1:	Choose a coach Each skater who registers for a STARSkate session must also have selected a coach for private lessons. For more details on how to choose a coach, please see our STARSkate Coaches page. Your coach will recommend the number of private lessons they will offer your skater each week. These private lesson fees are not included in session registration fees, and are paid to the coach directly on a regular basis. As a rule of thumb most coaches will recommend two private lessons a week. Note -- a private lesson is usually 15 minutes long.
Step 2:	Register for your STARSkate sessions Your skater’s coach will recommend the number of sessions your skater should register for. All members who are new to our STARSkate program must register for at least ONE (1) Pre-Star Group session per week, in addition to another Pre-Star session. STARSkaters at our club are required to skate a minumum of TWO sessions per week.
Step 3:	Be sure your skater has beginner figure skates To be successful in our STARSkate program, your skater will need a pair of new or used beginner figure skates. These skates are different than the basic white skates sold in sporting good stores; they have a specialized blade and toe pick, and a proper figure skate will have ample support for jumps. Your skater will not be able to learn the necessary skating skills, spins and jumps in regular white skates. Beginner figure skates are available at several figure skating stores in the area or used at one of our Skate and Dress Sales. Your coach can give you more information about where to shop and what to look for when purchasing your skates.

When can a skater move up to STARSkate?

Skaters can move up to STARskate (Pre-Star) from CanSkate in January (after the Fall session) or after the Winter session (early April). Before joining a Pre-Star STARSkate session, please arrange to find a coach (for more information, see our STARSkate Coaches Information here and confirm there is space available. Arrangements for a January move have to be made prior to the winter break.

STARSkate Coaches

When registering for a STARSkate session, skaters must select a coach for their private lessons. This applies to Pre-Star through Gold.

SMFSC coaches are self-employed professionals who are contracted by the Club to provide coaching. They set their own schedules and fees and are responsible for arranging lessons directly with their skaters.

A skater's main coach will generally provide instruction in all three STARSkate disciplines: Freeskate, Skills and Dance. As skaters progress, their coach may recommend working with a specialist in areas such as dance, choreography or interpretive skating.

All SMFSC coaches are Skate Canada certified and maintain the required coaching, First Aid and insurance requirements. Coaches also participate in ongoing professional development through Skate Canada.

Coaching Fees

STARSkate registration fees cover the Club's session and ice costs. Private and semi-private coaching lessons are separate and are paid directly to the coach.

Coaches set their own lesson fees and billing schedules. Coaching fees are generally billed monthly during the fall and winter season and are expected to be paid promptly. Outstanding coaching fees may affect a skater's membership in good standing and their eligibility to register for certain Club activities, including competitions and test days.

Finding a Coach

Choosing the right coach is an important part of your skater's STARSkate experience. Coaches have different teaching styles, philosophies and expectations, so we encourage parents and skaters to consider what will best suit the skater's personality, learning style and goals.

Before selecting a coach, we recommend discussing:

Your skater's goals and aspirations
The coach's teaching approach and expectations
Recommended lesson frequency
The coach's availability for the sessions you wish to register for
Lesson fees and billing arrangements

Not all coaches are available for every session, so please confirm your coach's availability before registering.

Once you have selected a coach, maintaining open communication about your skater's goals and progress throughout the season will help ensure a successful coaching relationship.

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