Terms used:
Act
The Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act S.C. 2009, c.23 including the regulations made pursuant to the Act, and any statute or regulations that may be substituted, as amended from time to time.
Affiliation
Defines with which Section a Club or Skating School, a Registrant or a Coach has an association.
Axel
An edge jump with natural rotation that takes off from a forward outside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of rotations. Unlike other single jumps which are one rotation, a single Axel has one-and-a-half rotations.
Board
The board of Directors of Skate Canada.
Category
The name for each level of competition within a discipline. Examples of categories are STAR 1, STAR 2, Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Pre-Novice, etc.
Club
A not-for-profit organization that is operating for the general purpose of providing Skate Canada skating programs and is managed by a volunteer board of directors.
Clubs
A not-for-profit organization that is operating for the general purpose of providing Skate Canada skating programs and is managed by a volunteer board of directors.
Events
The name given to a group of skaters entered in a category. There may be one event per category or several events per category depending on the number of total entries. Each event is independent of the other events within the category.
Fall
Defined as a loss of control by a skater with the result that the majority of the skater's body weight is on the ice being supported by any other part of the body other than the blades. e.g. hand(s), knee(s), back, buttock(s) or any part of the arm.
Good Standing
The state or condition of a person who has paid all dues outstanding to Skate Canada, a Club, or a Skating School (as applicable) and whom the Board has not declared not to be in good standing and in the case of Members, a Member whose Membership has not been terminated pursuant to Article 3 hereof.
International Skating Union
The International Skating Union (ISU) is the exclusive international sport federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee administering the sports of Figure Skating and Speed Skating throughout the world. The ISU is composed of a number of national associations called ISU Members that administer ISU sports at the national level and recognize that all international matters are under the sole jurisdiction and control of the ISU.
Membership
That status of being in one of the classes as outlined in section 3.1 hereof.
Officer
The President and such other officers as the Board may determine by Ordinary Resolution.
Qualifying Events
A qualifying event is any competition or any event that qualifies skaters to the sectional championships and higher. These include, without limitation, Sectional Championships, Skate Canada Challenge, Synchronized Regional Championships, Canadian Figure Skating Championships and Canada Cup.
Registrant
Includes (i) an individual who is registered by a Club or Skating School with Skate Canada and who is subject to all applicable rules, regulations and policies of Skate Canada but who is not a Member; and (ii) an individual who is engaged in any activity provided, sponsored, supported, sanctioned or recognized by Skate Canada and registered directly with Skate Canada but who is not a Member.
Registration Year
September 1 to August 31 of any given year.
Section
An organization incorporated or organized in a particular province or territory (and in some cases, a combination thereof) strategically aligned with Skate Canada, that may receive funds from provincial or territorial Governmental Authorities and be subject to applicable sport recognition programs and transfer payment arrangements. Each Section is held to the governance and operating requirements of their respective province and / or territory(ies) and is responsible for skating in their respective jurisdictions.
Skate Canada Coach
A skating expert with the required National Coaching Certification Program qualifications to provide a remunerated service at Skate Canada sanctioned clubs and skating schools, both on- and off-ice. These individuals shall have registered, provided full payment and have met all professional coach registration requirements as set annually by Skate Canada.
Skating School
An organization other than a Club that is operating for the general purpose of providing Skate Canada skating programs.
Style
Characteristics of levels of step sequences in ice dance.
Welcome to Skate Canada's Coach Guide, where you can find pertinent information for Skate Canada Coaches.
National Coaching Certification Program
Skate Canada’s Long-Term Development (LTD) Coaching Tool
Access Skate Canada's Long-Term Development (LTD) Coaching Tool
CanSkate Coach
The NCCP CanSkate context prepares coaches to teach skating at the FUNdamental stage of development as well as deliver the CanSkate program. Coaches are introduced to biomechanics, skill analysis and quality delivery standards. CanSkate Coaches are eligible to coach at the CanSkate level only.
Access the NCCP CanSkate Coach Pathway
PowerSkate Coach
The NCCP PowerSkate context prepares coaches to enhance skating skill development at the Learn to Train stage of development for the sports of hockey and ringette. Coaches will also be trained to deliver the PowerSkate program. Biomechanics and skill analysis are further developed. Coaches in this context must wear hockey skates and gloves, and bring a hockey or ringette stick to the course.
Access the PowerSkate Coach Pathway
Regional Coach
The NCCP Regional Coach context prepares coaches to teach figure skating at the Learn to Train stage of development. Coaches will also be trained to deliver the STAR 1-5 program. Planning is introduced for lessons, sessions and training. Skill corrective exercises are emphasized through exploration of technique, biomechanics and training strategies. Regional Coaches are eligible to coach figure skating at all levels.
Access the NCCP Regional Coach Pathway
Provincial Coach
The NCCP Provincial Coach context prepares coaches to further train figure skaters at the Train to Train stage of development. Please note that this context is currently under revision and the pathway will be updated in 2021.
Access the NCCP Provincial Coach Pathway
National Coach
The NCCP National Coach context is designed for coaches working skaters at the Train to Compete through to the Learn/Live to Win stage of development. Emphasis is placed on strategy development and a well rounded coaching skill set.
Access the NCCP National Coach Pathway
Virtual Coaching
Virtual/on-line coaching is an acceptable means of training skaters in a safe and healthy delivery. Skate Canada supports virtual/on-line coaching provided it is delivered within the following guidelines.
Access the Virtual Coaching Guidelines
Section Course Administrators
Skate Canada Sections are responsible for scheduling NCCP courses. For more information on how to become a coach, contact your Section Course Administrator
British Columbia / Yukon - Haley Adams- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Alberta / NWT / Nunavut - Colleen Yavis - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Saskatchewan - Danielle Shaw - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Manitoba - Rosalyn Bauer - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ontario - Alec Pitocco - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Quebec - Diane Choquet - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
New Brunswick - Natasha Senechal Sirois - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Nova Scotia - Jill Knowles - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Prince Edward Island - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Newfoundland / Labrador - Lori Brett - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Provincial/Territorial Coaching Representatives
Alberta: Alberta Sport
British Columbia: viaSport BC
Manitoba: Sport Manitoba
New Brunswick: Coach NB
Newfoundland and Labrador: Sport Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia: Coach NS
Northwest Territories: Sport North Federation
Nunavut: Sport and Recreation Division Development Officer
Ontario: Coaching Association of Ontario
Prince Edward Island: Sport PEI
Quebec: Sports Quebec
Saskatchewan: Coaches Association of Saskatchewan
Yukon: Sport and Recreation
The Locker
The Locker is the Coaching Association of Canada’s Database which houses NCCP achievements for all coaches in over 60 National Sports. Every coach who has taken NCCP training has their own profile which is unique to their individual NCCP number. As a Skate Canada coach, it is important that you visit your Locker on to ensure proper status is captured. Through the Locker Profile, certified coaches can also track and manage their Maintenance of Certification (Professional Development points)
Accessing your Locker
- Go to Coaching Association of Canada website (coach.ca)
- Go to "The Locker" located top right-hand side
- To login: Enter either your NCCP # or your e-mail address
If you do not have your NCCP # you can access “Lookup my NCCP#”
If you have forgotten your password you can use “Forgot my password”
PLEASE NOTE: If there is an ATTENTION showing in your locker please contact CAC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to obtain access to your locker
Description of Headings in the Locker
- Details: This has all your personal information, please ensure that all information is correct and that you indicate that you wish to receive emails from the CAC. The CAC provides many Multi-Sport modules that you can take to obtain PD points.
- Certification:
- Transcripts: Outlines your NCCP achievements
- Maintenance: Outlines the dates of your Maintenance of Certification 3 year cycle as well as the points accumulated.
- Coach Developer: Outlines the pathway to become a Coach Developer. Skate Canada selects coach developers through an application process upon revision of an NCCP program or as needed by a Section.
- Self Report: Where you can self-report Professional Development activities for Maintenance of Certification
Maintenance of Certification
The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) and Skate Canada recognize the value of having certified NCCP coaches that are engaged in professional development programs which reinforce the values of lifelong learning and sharing among the coaching community. Skate Canada coaches with a NCCP certification are required to obtain professional development (PD) points on a three-year cycle in order to maintain their NCCP status and remain in-good standing with Skate Canada.
Access more information on Maintenance of Certification
Coach Registration and In Good Standing Requirements
Coaches are responsible for maintaining an in good standing status throughout the registration year while actively coaching in Skate Canada clubs or skating schools. Coaches who are not in good standing are not permitted to coach. Coaches are encouraged to utilize their coach dashboard through the Membership Site to monitor these requirements. The following requirements must remain up to date:
- Registered: full payment is required of all registration fees and insurance premiums as determined annually by Skate Canada.
- Valid first aid certificate
- Clear screening through Skate Canada's Back Check
- Have an NCCP status of CanSkate (or PowerSkate) In-training or higher
- NCCP certified coaches must maintain their status through Maintenance of Certification
- Completed Skate Canada's Code of Ethics training
- Valid Respect in Sport Activity Leader Training
Access the Coach Membership Procedure
Coach Assessor Information
STAR 1-5 Coach Assessor
Must have the following:
- An in good standing status, which can be verified through the Coach Eligibility tab on the Membership Site
- Regional Coach In Training or higher NCCP status
- STAR 1-5 Coach Assessor training and certificate
- Coach assessors must provide proof of course completion (certificate) to their Assessment Coordinator
NOTE: In STAR 1-5, coaches may choose to assess their own skaters or assign another coach to assess their skaters.
STAR 6-Gold Skills Coach Assessor
Must have the following:
- An in good standing status, which can be verified through the Coach Eligibility tab on the Membership Site
- Regional Coach Certified or higher NCCP status
- STAR 6-Gold Training: Introduction training and certificate
- STAR 6-Gold Training: Skills training and certificate
- Successfully apply and complete any additional Section requirements to receive the STAR 6-Gold Coach Assessor qualification.
- Clubs and schools must connect with their section to confirm qualifications
STAR 6-Gold Skills Coach Assessor Pathway
Coach Accreditation Policy
Access the Coach Accreditation Policy
Ethical Coaching Behaviour and Best Practices
The following resource provides coaches with a guide for expected professional and ethical behaviour in our sport. In skating, coaches will encounter relationships with many stakeholders including, but not limited to:
- Skaters
- Parent/guardians
- Club volunteers
- Coaches/officials
All Skate Canada coaches are responsible for establishing and maintaining ethical coaching behaviour.
Skate Canada Coach membership expectations
- Maintain a registered and “In good standing” status while actively coaching in Skate Canada clubs and skating schools.
- Refer to Coach Membership Procedure
Professionalism expected for Skate Canada Coaches
- Accurately represent the NCCP status, professional credentials, education and experience on a resume
- Adhere to the NCCP certification deadlines for CanSkate, Regional, and PowerSkate contexts
- Continually seek opportunities for further coach and professional development
- Support and promote Skate Canada, its programs and the sport of skating
- Dress in a neat, clean and professional manner
- Respect the position of other coaches, officials and volunteers
- Ensure all business is conducted and acquired in a professional manner
- Coaches must not directly or indirectly solicit athletes of another coach.
- Be familiar with and conduct oneself in accordance with ISU, Skate Canada, Section and club/school rules, policies, regulations and programs.
- Follow and abide by the Skate Canada Coach Accreditation for Qualifying Events Policy.
- Abide by the Minimum NCCP Status for Coaching
- Actively promote and uphold the “Rule of Two” and Responsible Coaching Movement as identified by the Coaching Association of Canada.
- Responsible for filing all business income to Canada Revenue Agency, annually.
Solicitation & Self Promotion
Coaches must not directly or indirectly solicit athletes of another coach.
Solicitation is defined as: the act of asking for or trying to obtain something from someone.
Direct Example: Coach A approaches the parents of Skater B and criticizes Coach B’s methods. Coach A offers to teach Skater B with the promise of better results.
Indirect Example: Coach A tells Parent A that he/she can help Skater B land their axel and that Coach B had terrible technique and coaching style. Parent A tells Parent B. The next day Skater B switches coaches and hires Coach A.
- Coaches may
- use promotional digital or printed material to advertise and promote their services, qualifications and experience.
- provide further information only when it is requested by an individual.
- Respond to parents/guardians/skaters who approach them and ask questions regarding their services, experience, qualifications, teaching methodology and coaching philosophy.
- Coaches may not
- Approach a parent/guardian/skater and offer their services and or provide their promotional material.
- Go against any procedures or regulations that a club/skating school has around skater recruitment.
Ethical expectations for various relationships
Coach and skater relationships
- Guide and assist skaters in determining realistic goals and objectives in the sport. Avoid making promises or giving guarantees to a skater/team regarding an assessment or competitive achievement.
- Always maintain the best interests of the skater/team. Place the emotional and physical wellbeing of the skater/team ahead of a personal desire to win.
- Respect the influence that a coach can have on a skater/team and never abuse this trust or position of power.
- Coaches must consider their protection in coach and skater relationships (Responsible Coaching Movement). Be mindful of social media connection and interaction outside of the arena.
Coach and parent/guardian relationships
- Establish a coaching contract or agreement with your skaters’ parent/guardian in writing.
- Clearly outline your available coaching services including fees (coaching, assessment, music, competitions, travel/mileage, etc.) and method of payment accepted prior to providing any services as agreed or contracted by the parent/guardian (preferably in written form)
- Work with the parent/guardian and provide information to allow them to make an informed decision about a realistic and affordable course of action for their skater’s development.
- Issue invoices in a professional manner:
- Consistent frequency (weekly, biweekly, monthly, etc.)
- Indicate number of lessons, nature of lessons and fee for each
- Maintain business records of all lessons, invoices and payments
- Establish an effective and agreeable way to communicate
- Ensure to have parent/guardian permission before posting pictures of skaters to social media (personal, club or business).
- Involve the parent/guardian in decisions pertaining to their skater’s development.
- If in a team coaching environment, ensure the parent/guardian is aware and agrees with lessons from all coaching colleagues within the team.
- Respect the fact that a parent/guardian has the right to contract a new coach as a result of a coaching change.
Coach and club/skating school relationships
- Establish and negotiate coaching contracts in good faith and adhere to their terms.
- Be accountable for creating and maintaining a positive and safe skating environment
- Deliver all Skate Canada programs in adherence to the Skate Canada Requirements and Delivery Standards
- Respect the fact that you are contracted by a club or skating school for a specific time period as outlined in your contract/agreement.
- Respect the fact that clubs or skating schools may allow coaches on their ice to conduct professional business as it relates to skater/team development.
- Clubs and skating schools are encouraged to establish a procedure or process for parent education around acquiring coach lessons, as well as a place for coaches to promote their philosophies and qualifications. Processes must be fair to all eligible coaches and must be approved by club/skating school. Some strategies include:
- Providing space on a bulletin board, website, flyer
- Holding a coach information session
- Allowing skaters to “try out” coaches (have a lesson with each coach)
Coach and other skating colleague relationships
- Create and maintain cooperative relationships with coaching colleagues for the purpose of ensuring a positive training environment for the skaters/teams
- Refrain from criticizing other coaches or officials (teaching methods, techniques, opinions, assessments etc).
- Respect the fact that a coach is responsible for the development of a skater/team from the moment that a parent/guardian contracts the services of that coach. Coaching dynamics may vary depending on the situation (base coach, discipline coaches, team of coaches). Only coaches involved should be in contact with the skater/team and parents/guardians.
- In “team coaching” situations all communication must be clear with precise guidelines or parameters for all coaching colleagues within the team.
- If a replacement coach is asked to work with a skater, the previously scheduled coach must outline a clear and precise lesson plan for the replacement coach to follow.
- Respect other coaches’ relationships with their skaters and parents/guardians
- If a coach acquires a skater as a result of a coaching change, the new coach must ensure that all outstanding payment is paid, or payment agreement is in place, to the previous coach(es) and or club(s) of that skater.
- Payment must be paid within reasonable satisfaction of the coach and or club.
- All payment should be paid prior to coaching a new skater.
Coaching Resources
Program Resources
Visit the following guides to assist in the delivery of Skate Canada programs.
Video Resources
Visit our Skating Development Video Library to explore skill standards, coach tutorials and more. Visit our eLearning site to explore workshops, seminars and other modules.
Performance Specialist
Background
Performance Specialists such as choreographers, non-skating dance coaches, non-skating lift coaches, acting coaches, etc. contribute positively to the development of performance skating skills. These specialists often provide services during Skate Canada programming without having an active registered status. In doing so, this poses a considerable risk for all involved and does not align with Skate Canada’s Safe Sport policy in having safe training environments in Clubs and Skating Schools across the country.
Objective
The purpose of the Performance Specialist registration is to recognize the important role these specialists play on a coaching team. To allow Performance Specialists services during Skate Canada programming ice, Clubs and Skating Schools need to ensure that Performance Specialists have a registered affiliation and in good standing status with Skate Canada.
Beginning with the 2023-2024 season, all Performance Specialists need a Skate Canada registered in good standing status prior to providing performance development services during on ice programming in Skate Canada Clubs and Skating Schools.
Definition
A Performance Specialist is an expert without a figure skating background who can contribute and enhance a skater’s performance. The services Performance Specialists provide are during on-ice Skate Canada programming. These individuals can be on the ice (in skates) or off the ice by the boards (i.e., player’s bench).
Individuals with a figure skating background will not be considered as Performance Specialists and are required to follow the NCCP Pathway.
Registration Requirements
- Apply to Skate Canada (details on next page). Upon receiving approval:
- Complete a screening with BackCheck every three years,
- Complete the Skate Canada Coaches Code of Ethics Training annually,
- Complete the Respect in Sport Activity Leader Training every three years,
- Pay an annual fee of $173.10 plus applicable taxes.
- $93.60 registration fee
- $5.00 Safe Sport fee
- $74.50 liability, accident, and weekly indemnity insurance fee
Application Process
Qualified candidates must complete the Performance Specialist Application. Once the application has been submitted, email Josée Bourdon, Skate Canada’s Senior Manager of Coaching at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and copy your Section to confirm that an application has been submitted.
Registration Process
Once an application and confirmation email are received, the verification process will begin. Successful applicants will be notified within 3-5 business days. Once an application is approved, the following will take place:
- A Skate Canada profile will be created in the SC database, and a registration number will be issued.
- An application confirmation email will be sent to the applicant and CC the Section.
- A virtual meeting to review various resources and the Performance Specialist dashboard will be scheduled.
- Following the meeting, the approved Performance Specialist will be able to access their individual PE dashboard.
- Verification of PS statuses will follow the same process as coaches through the Eligibility Tool on the Skate Canada membership site.
Terms and Conditions
The following terms and conditions must be followed:
- Performance Specialist registrations must be renewed annually.
- Registered Performance Specialists may only provide services during a training/Skate Canada programming session at a Club or Skating School.
- Performance Specialists will not obtain accreditation privileges for any Skate Canada sanctioned competitions/events. This also includes any club, regional, or provincial level competitions; including, all events as stipulated in the Skate Canada Coach Accreditation Policy.
- For safety purposes, Performance Specialists may only provide a service during Skate Canada programming when a registered Skate Canada Coach in good standing is present on the ice.
- When on-ice, the Performance Specialist must wear skates and the Skate Canada helmet policy must apply; unless the Performance Specialist can demonstrate skating skills that are above a CanSkate Stage 5 standard.
- Regardless of the service being provided to a Skate Canada registrant, the Rule of Two must always be applied.
- Registered Performance Specialists are non-voting individuals at Skate Canada Annual General Meetings.
- Individuals who exercise the role of a Skate Canada Coach are not considered Performance Specialist and do not fall within this category. To fulfill the role of a Skate Canada Coach, individuals must register in compliance with the Skate Canada Coach Registration Policy.
