Port Coquitlam Skating Club Policies

REGISTRATION: 

Registration priority will be given to Port Coquitlam Skating Club members who are in good standing.  The Director of Skating (in consultation with the club coaches and the board of directors) will set session qualifications, and limits based on Skate Canada regulations for insurance and safety.  Once the registration deadline is passed, skaters are considered on a first come, first serve basis according to registration priority policies. 

PAYMENT OF SKATING FEES:

The  Port Coquitlam Skating Club accepts Visa or MasterCard through the online registration program for the payment of fees. Skaters with outstanding fees will not be permitted on the ice until fees are paid. ​It is the member’s responsibility to ensure their account is in good standing.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE​:

Depending on the length of a program, skaters may have the option of paying by installments. Payment schedule options are shown during the registration process.

WITHDRAWAL OF PROGRAMS:

The Port Coquitlam Skating Club has a “No Refund” policy and reserves the right to change or cancel sessions (for various reasons including safety hazards due to inclement weather, city equipment failure, and/or city decision of facility closure). Notification will be sent to the email listed.  The club itself is responsible solely for any inquiry, and is not the responsibility of the City of Port Coquitlam. Please direct all questions directly to the club contacts on the website.

*Exceptions due to extreme circumstances (injury), will be considered through the Port Coquitlam Skating Club Board of Directors.  Requests for refunds for medical reasons must be submitted in writing to the Port Coquitlam Skating Club Board of Directors and must be accompanied by a  doctor's note to be considered.  The skater must have missed a minimum of 14 consecutive registered days to be considered.  Refunds will not be considered for skaters who miss only some of their registered sessions or use drop in ice.  If a refund is approved, it will be returned as a credit for future registrations.  A doctor's note (medical certification) will be required for injuries.

There are no refunds or reimbursements once a season begins. Skaters may withdraw prior to season start date forfeiting a $25 administration fee.

BUY-ONs:

Buy-Ons will be permitted on Junior, Intermediate, Senior, Open, Adult/Teen, and Dance ice sessions when space is available.

Buy-On ice time is available for purchase for STARSkate, and Competitive level skaters at a cost of $16.00 per hour.  Skaters purchase Buy-On ice time through EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) using:

Email:  pocofsc@gmail.com          (e-transfer must include:  Skater's Name, Coach's Name, & Date of Buy-On)

PAYMENT MUST BE MADE PRIOR TO SKATERS STEPPING ONTO THE ICE. 

Skaters who have outstanding fees will not be permitted to skate until fees are paid in full.

Priority will be given to Port Coquitlam Skating Club members.  Out of club coaches are permitted with prior approval from the Director of Skating.  Out of club skaters must show Director of Skating proof of their Skate Canada Registration.

ICE CREDITS:

Skaters who receive ice credits from the Port Coquitlam Skating Club must use their ice credits while they are a registered member of the Port Coquitlam Skating Club.  If a skater registers with another club (changes their club membership through Skate Canada to another club), said skater forfeits all of their Port Coquitlam Skating Club ice credits.  Ice credits are non-transferable.

In order to comply with Skate Canada BC/YT Section Program Assistant Recognition Guidelines, and BC Labour Laws, Program Assistant ice credits/gifts cannot be exchanged for cash value at any time.

PRIVACY POLICY:

We adhere to the Skate Canada Privacy Policies:

Skate Canada Privacy Policy

VOLUNTEER HOURS:

A “Volunteer Commitment” is required from every family of our Shining Stars Academy, Star Academy, STARSkate, and Competitive Podium Pathway skaters.  We are a non-profit society, and we require members to help with the smooth running of this club.  If two hours of volunteer service to the club is completed, the $40.00 volunteer fee will become a credit on your account, redeemable for future registrations.  CANSkaters and Teen/Adult session skaters are exempt from this requirement. 

SKATE CANADA HELMET POLICY:

All CANSkate, Shining Stars Academy, Star Academy, Hockey/Ringette Skating Skills Development, and Adult CANSkate participants (up to and including Stage 5) must wear a CSA (Canadian Standards Association) approved hockey helmet while on the ice.  Clubs and skating schools must ensure this policy is enforced during all skating activities including competitions, carnival days, or any other special on ice activities throughout the season for this level of skater.  Clubs and skating schools may choose to expand the use of CSA approved hockey helmets in their club as they see necessary.

This policy is a minimum standard.

SKATING ATTIRE:

CANSkate:

1. figure skates or hockey skates
2. CSA Approved hockey helmet
3. warm gloves or mittens
4. warm clothing that allows for movement and provides some protection from falls

SHINING STARS ACADEMY & STAR ACADEMY:

1. good quality figure skates (with guards for walking off the ice)
2. CSA  Approved hockey helmet
3. gloves
4. warm clothing that allows for movement  (no jeans, snow pants or bulky jackets)

JUNIOR, INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR LEVELS:

1. Good quality figure skates (with guards for walking off the ice) are required at this level to help with proper ankle support for the more advanced skating elements performed at this level.
2. Hair should be tied back off of your face.  Bobby pins may be used, if securely fastened (crossed) in hair when on the ice.
3. gloves
4. proper athletic/skating attire for exercising and physical activity

• Loose fitting clothing and street wear are not permitted on Junior, Intermediate, and Senior freeskate training sessions. 
• Hoodies (garments with hoods) are not permitted for sessions on-ice or off-ice.

OFF-ICE CLASSES:

1. running shoes
2. yoga mat
3. water bottle

PORT COQUITLAM SKATING CLUB ETIQUETTE:

SKATER'S AGREEMENT & ETIQUETTE:

Skate Canada has an expectation that our skaters, parents, coaches and club members will participate in our sport in a courteous manner, within the spirit of fun and goodwill.  Athletes should always represent the club and themselves in an appropriate and positive manner.  This is also the Port Coquitlam Skating Club’s view and commitment in providing a safe and enjoyable atmosphere to all members.

ICE ETIQUETTE:

Safety is of the most importance to avoid collisions, and near misses.  It is a must that skaters remain attentive and respectful to all ice participants. Be courteous and aware of all skaters on the ice, and know that all skaters have the right to use the whole ice surface.

Right of way is given to:

1. Soloist with music
2. Lesson with coach (including harness lesson)
3. Oncoming skater watches spinning skater

Practice good safety:

• Skate with your head up and your eyes open.
• If you fall, please get up immediately.
• Skaters going backward without looking are being careless.
• No standing around, or talking in groups on the ice or beside the boards, as this is hazardous, and is disruptive to the skaters training on the ice
• All on-ice training sessions should be preceded by a structured off-ice warm-up conducted in one of the prescribed warm-up areas within the facility
• If you are looking at your parent(s) in the stands, you are not attentive to your on-ice surroundings
• A parent or other responsible person should remain at the rink with their skater.

MANNERS:

• Temper tantrums (ie.:  stamping/kicking the ice or the boards) will not be tolerated, and skaters disrespecting this rule will face temporary removal from the ice area.
• No profanity on or off the ice, or within the vicinity of the rink
• No electronic equipment, gum, food, beverages on/at ice side (other than water)
• Ask permission from your coach if you wish to leave the ice.

SPECTATORS:

A responsible person MUST remain with each skater while they are on the ice (especially the CANSkate, Shining Stars Academy, Star Academy, and Junior levels).  In order to respect our skaters, we ask that parents ensure any siblings or friends at the rink refrain from distracting activities in the stands.  Parents and spectators are not permitted to participate or interrupt on-ice or off-ice sessions, or lessons.  Coaching from the boards or stands is not permitted by parents or spectators.  Two way radio or electronic communication between skaters and parents/spectators, while skaters are on the ice or in off-ice classes is strictly prohibited.  Parents and spectators must not enter the off-ice rooms during class.  No videotaping is allowed without permission from the Director of Skating.

COACHING:

Coaching fees are included in the registration cost of the following programs:  CANSkate Learn-to-Skate, Shining Stars Academy, Star Academy, Off-Ice Training, and Enrichment.  Private or Semi-Private lessons (on freeskate sessions) at the Junior, Intermediate, Senior, and Teen/Adult levels, are not include in the registration cost; and are billed directly from the coach to the skater.  Skaters in our Club Programs, including STARSkate, are coached by our coaching team.  A managing coach will be assigned when a skater enters the Competitive (Podium Pathway) stream, or begins competing at the Sectional level.

SKATE CANADA PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT:

Parent Code of Conduct