Welcome to NCSC and our Learn-to-skate program.

We have many dedicated volunteers & coaches to help you along the way.

On day one, we recommend you come about 20 minutes early to get skates and equipment on. Find your skaters name tag and line up to go onto the ice.

Some skaters are returning and know the drill, so they will automatically head off to the centre circle to start warm up.

New skaters will be directed where to go, and given support to get there.

Once warm up is finished, skaters are divided into several groupings each lead by a NCSC coach and marked with a coloured sticker.

Lessons will begin, and skaters will start to be assessed by the coaches. It is at this time the skater may be moved to another group based on their skill ability. The group will stay with this coach for the remained of the first day.

Week 2 of lessons, skaters will head to the centre circle to do warm-up and then divide into their coloured groups. Coaches will begin assessments again, and may choose to move skaters to another coloured group. During this week, the skaters will start to rotate through all the different focus areas of CanSkate.

Week 3 - most skaters will be in their proper groupings and lessons will commence after warm up. From this week on, skaters will rotate through the different focus areas of CanSkate, and will only change groups when they have completed the required skills and are ready to move up to the next level.

1. Lace-up figure skates or Lace-up hockey skates. While the plastic ones are ‘cute’ they don’t offer any ankle support to help your child learn to skate.

2. CSA approved hockey helmet is Mandatory. Face cage is optional. Skaters who do not show up with the proper type of helmet, or broken helmets will not be allowed to enter the ice for lessons.

3. Layers - a pair of jogging pants with splash pants over top. a t-shirt with a hoodie and vest. Skaters work hard on the ice, and layers will help them keep cool.

4. Ski mittens - coated mittens that do not soak up the water are best. Skaters can get wet from the ice, and skating with cold fingers is not enjoyable.

We are only an email away, if you have any questions about equipment. We understand that proper equipment is expensive, but it will make a huge difference in your child’s skating experience.

Best option - a sport-specific skating store. Experts who are trained in skate and helmet fittings are there to help get your skater set up for success.

Alternative option - Online Marketplaces. Most equipment is still in really good shape, and a fraction of the price. Do your research before you buy, as there are no warranties or return policies. Public meeting spots are the best option when purchasing used equipment.

As always, if you have any questions, we are just an email away!

While the exact dates may vary, we can provide you with a rough estimate of when you should see registration open for the next season:

Fall/Winter registration will open in August.

Winter registration will open in mid-December, if spaces are available.

Spring registration will open in March.

Summer registration (STARSKATE only) will open in mid-June.

Only in PreCan & Parent do we allow parents/helpers to be on the ice. We find that in most cases, skaters learn quicker and pay more attention to the lesson when parents are watching from the sidelines. Anyone who enters our ice, must be registered with Skate Canada. Additional fees apply.

YES!

Anyone who is registered for PreCan, PreCan & Parent, CanSkate, CanSkate Power, StarGroup and Teen/Adult is required to wear a helmet.

We also encourage you to do your helmet up properly, as children mimic what they see. If you don’t do your chin strap up properly, they won’t want to either!

A skater can remove their helmet once they have attained a private lesson coach, and that coach has instructed them that they can remove the helmet.

If skaters show up without a helmet, they will not be allowed to enter the ice.

A helmet is a mandatory piece of equipment, just like skates. It is your responsibility to make sure your skaters helmet is with them, and in proper working order.

Skaters are not allowed on the ice without a helmet, or with a broken helmet.

If the straps of the helmet are too loose, there is a possibility of the helmet moving, or coming off during a fall, and not providing any protection to the skater.

It is very important to do up any and all straps so the helmet will not come off in case of a fall.

NCSC volunteer bond is $250 per StarSkate family.

The Niagara Centre Skating Club (NCSC) relies heavily on the time and effort of volunteers to ensure the success of its programs, events, and operations. In order to encourage active participation and fairly distribute responsibilities among all members.

All families registering a skater in StarSkate are required to submit a $250 volunteer bond per skating season.

The $250 volunteer bond must be submitted at the time of registration via cheque (post-dated to April 1 of the current season) or they can sign a ‘promise to pay’ document that states if the family does not fulfil the volunteer commitment, NCSC will charge them $250 at the end of the main Fall/Winter season (April 1). If the promise to pay is not paid, the skater will be put into bad standings with Skate Canada and will not be able to register or participate in any competitions, or assessment days until this amount has been paid.

If the volunteer requirement is not fulfilled, the bond will be cashed on or after April 1 of the season.

Members who fulfill the requirements will have their cheque returned or authorization voided.

To satisfy the bond, families must complete a minimum of 10 volunteer hours OR participate in designated club activities/events, including but not limited to:

• Ice show or performance day volunteering

• Dressing room supervisors

• Fundraising event participation

• Test day assistance

• Competition or event set-up and take-down

• CanSkate off-ice liaison.

The club will maintain a list of eligible volunteer opportunities and make every effort to notify families of upcoming events requiring support.

Families are responsible for signing in and out at each event to have hours recorded.

A volunteer coordinator will maintain records of completed hours.

Families may inquire at any time about their current volunteer status.

Exceptions

• Families experiencing exceptional circumstances may apply for an exemption. These requests will be considered by the Board of Directors on a case-by-case basis.

If a family does not fulfill the volunteer requirement and does not communicate with the club about special circumstances, the $250 bond will be non-refundable.

No. NCSC does not allow make up sessions. Our dates are set at the beginning of the season, with advance notice for scheduling.

If there is room on another day of the same level, you are able to change to that day for the rest of the season. This change is only allowed once per season.

It may result in addition fees depending on the length of ice time, and the group offerings of the session.

Our programs are intended for skaters age 3 and up. Please use the chart below to see when your skater can start:

Fall - Must be 3 by June 30, of current year

Winter - Must be 3 by September 30 of current year.

Spring - Must be 3 by December 31 of current year.

Funding is available through Jumpstart, Pelham Cares and ProKids. Please visit their websites for information and application process. 

Pelham lessons:

Meridian Community Centre - Duliban rink. 100 Meridian Way, Fonthill, ON

Welland lessons:

Jack Ballantyne Memorial Arena. 501 King St. Welland, ON.

MAILING ADDRESS:

P.O. Box 595 Welland L3B 5R3

Coaches will assess skaters on a weekly basis. When skaters have completed the required skills, the coach will submit a request to the CanSkate Coordinator.

The CanSkate coordinator will contact the skaters parent, letting them know the details about the next level.

Sometimes it is a change of groups within the CanSkate program, sometimes it is moving from CanSkate to StarGroup or CanSkate Power and sometimes it requires the changing of a day or time. There may be fees involved, but this will all be explained in the email.

Skaters who are registered for Learn-to-Skate or StarSkate programs are eligible to take private lessons.

Private lesson fees are NOT included in your seasonal payment fees and are paid directly to the coach you hire.

A list of coaches is available in the club office, on our website (under coaches) or by emailing niagaracentreskatingclub@gmail.com

Coaches set their own fees and schedules.

Private lessons take place on StarSkate ice time only. If skater is not registered for the session in which the lesson takes place, they may only enter the ice when the lesson begins, and must exit the ice immediately after.