SkateCanada has adopted new changes to its CanSkate programs for the 2014 season, but the local skating club won’t be seeing many differences on the ice.
The Flin Flon Skating Club started making its changes after SkateCanada announced a soft launch of the new system in 2012.
CanSkate coach Heather Powell says the changes being introduced full time for this season have already been implemented in the local program.
“We’ve always done bits and pieces here,” said the coach. “So, it’s pretty similar to the way I’ve always done it and it will be a smooth transition. The only real difference will come in the awards and incentives.”
In years past skaters would work towards receiving one badge by the end of the season. Now, SkateCanada has introduced a ribbon program.
Once a skater has obtained three ribbons throughout the season, they will be given a badge.
Changes
SkateCanada introduced changes to the CanSkate program in 2012 with a soft launch. The changes look at long-term athlete development and incorporate skills like hockey, figure skating, and speed skating.
“The result is a dynamic new program that prepares all skaters for virtually every ice sport,” read a media release submitted by SkateCanada.
Labels
The CanSkate program teaches those new to the sport how to move about the ice. The Pre-CanSkate program gives the basic instruction on how to stand, but Powell says it’s the CanSkate program when people become skaters.
Often times, she says, the CanSkate program gets labelled as either for young children or as figure skaters.
“It’s really just for anyone who wants to learn to skate,” said Powell. “A lot of the time parents feel that (children) who are seven and eight are too late to learn, but that’s a perfect age for them to start.”
While the majority of those taking the lessons are in elementary school ages, Powell says the program is open to all ages.
StarSkate
The Flin Flon Skating Club offers the StarSkate program for juniors and seniors as well as s synchronized skating program.
In the StarSkate programs, skaters advance through levels of figure skating to ready themselves for competition. The program will see changes this year, as well.
In the past, skaters would perform by themselves before judges. Now, SkateCanada has announced that skaters will share the ice during performances. As one skater performs for the judges, the remainder of the skaters will be on the ice – in a designated section – warming up.
Powell was able to see the change while at a coaching clinic, and says she’s excited about it.
“I think it will make it (less) nerve-wracking,” she said, eager to get the season going. “It’s a little noisier and there’s lots going on, so it’s easier on the performer.”
Powell says the change is an improvement and doesn’t see it being a hindrance to judges.
“It won’t distract them,” she said.
Coaching
Powell will return to the CanSkate program this year as well as the club’s synchronized skating program.
Joining Powell will be coaches Leah Snyder and Kristin Nowlin in the StarSkate programs.
“We’re really trying to draw in from the community to build our coaches (network),” said Powell.
As a long-time coach herself, Powell is encouraged with all the new faces of both coaches and skaters.
By adding new coaches to the programs, Powell says she is able to grow other programs.
“It’s really going to allow newer coaches and programs to expand,” she said.
The Flin Flon Skating Club season will get started on Sept. 29. Like many other clubs and organizations in the area, the club will be at the City of Flin Flon’s Registration Under One Roof next week.
