Coach Approval Required for Registration in Another Skate Canada Club’s Programming

To support ethical coaching relationships, uphold Skate Canada’s coach accreditation standards, and to provide consistent direction and coaching feedback which is in the best interests of the skater, Vancouver Skating Club does not permit Club members to register in other Skate Canada clubs’ programming without consultation with and consent from VSC coaching staff.

As a parent/guardian of a VSC skater, agree not to register your skater in any programs or ice sessions at another Skate Canada club or skating school without first obtaining permission from your skater’s primary coach or, if your skater has not been allocated a primary coach, the VSC Program Director.

Helmet & Skate Policy (No Rentals)

Mandatory for All PreCANSkate | CanSkate | Power Skating | Jumpstart Skaters

Vancouver Skating Club (VSC) is governed by Skate Canada.

As per Skate Canada’s helmet policy:

• All VSC PreCANSkate, CanSkate, Power Skating, Jumpstart skaters must wear a certified CSA-certified hockey helmet on the ice.
  (No other helmets are permitted. Bike, ski, snowboarding, or multi-sport helmets do not meet Skate Canada’s safety standards for skating.)
• Skaters who do not comply will be escorted off the ice by their coach until they have the proper helmet.

Important Reminders

• VSC does not provide helmet or skate rentals! You must bring your own skates and your own certified CSA hockey helmet to each session.
• Remember your gloves! Skaters must wear gloves to protect their hands.
• Provincial Health Orders will be implemented when/if required (e.g., mask-wearing on the ice).

Why Use Hockey Helmet?

PAYMENT, FEES, REFUNDS & MEDICAL CREDIT

Payment & Fees

• Online registration payments are accepted by credit card (Visa and MasterCard are preferred).
• Installment payment plans are available depend on the season and program type:
  • CanSkate, Pre-CanSkate, and Power Skating must be paid in full at the time of registration.
  • All other programs offer installments. Fall & Winter programs are divided into three installments. Spring & Summer programs are divided into two installments.
• If your credit card payment is declined, a $25.00 fee will be charged.
• No skater will be allowed on the ice until online registration and payment are received.
• Skate Canada Fees must be paid when registering for the first time during the Skate Canada membership year (September 1 to August 31) and are non-refundable.
• Non VSC Members: If you are not a current VSC club member, a 15% surcharge will be added to your invoice.
• Late Registration requires prior approval. Email Program Director at programdirector@vancouverskatingclub.ca.

Coaching Fees for Podium Pathway | CanFigure | STARSkate | Intensive

For these programs, group or private instruction during Freeskate, Open sessions, Skills, Drills, Dance or Spins is not included in online registration fees. These lessons are arranged directly with your coach and invoiced separately.

Designated CanFigure sessions (on and off ice) include coaching fees within the online registration.

If a CanFigure skater registers for any additional sessions that are not designated CanFigure sessions (for example, an Open session or extra Freeskate), coaching for those sessions will be billed separately by the coach.

Coaching fee payments must be made exactly as instructed on the individual coach’s invoice.

Coaching fee payments:

• Pay all coaching invoices directly to the coach upon receipt, following the instructions on the invoice.
• Provide a minimum of 24 hours’ notice to the Program Director by email at programdirector@vancouverskatingclub.ca if unable to attend a scheduled session.
• Failure to provide at least 24 hours’ notice may result in the full lesson fee being invoiced by the coach.

Changes to Sessions or Programs

• During Registration: Email vsc@vancouverskatingclub.ca while registration is open.
• After Registration Closes: Requests must be approved by the Program Director: programdirector@vancouverskatingclub.ca.
• $10 admin fee per session change, plus any additional ice fees.
• Temporary Changes: Buy-On fees may be paid instead. Approval required by email. No selling or trading sessions.
• Requests for additional sessions must be made in writing. Late entry or extras are prorated after November 1 or mid-season.

Refund Policy By Program

CanSkate & Power Skating

• Withdrawal more than 5 business days before start date: Full refund less Skate Canada Fee.
• Withdrawal less than 5 business days but at least 48 hours before second class: Refund less one class and Skate Canada Fee.
• After 48 hours prior to second class: No refunds or credits.
• Weekly/Summer Programs: No refunds or credits if cancelled within 5 business days before the program start date.
• All withdrawals must be emailed to vsc@vancouverskatingclub.ca.

CanFigure Program

• Withdrawal more than 5 business days before start date: Full refund less Skate Canada Fee.
• Withdrawal less than 5 business days but at least 48 hours before third class: Refund less two classes and Skate Canada Fee.
• After 48 hours prior to third class: No refunds or credits.
• All withdrawals must be emailed to vsc@vancouverskatingclub.ca.

Jumpstart, STARSkate, Podium Pathway, Intensive

• All program fees are non-refundable once registered.

Outstanding Fees & Insufficient Funds

• All outstanding fees must be cleared before the program start date. Skaters with unpaid fees will not be allowed on the ice.
• A $25.00 fee will be charged for each returned cheque or declined payment.

Questions or Requests

• For late registration approval, session changes after registration closes, or extra sessions, email Program Director: programdirector@vancouverskatingclub.ca
• For changes during registration or other questions / enquiries, email Administrator: vsc@vancouverskatingclub.ca

Ice Session Changes, Cancellations & Missed Sessions

Session Changes: VSC reserves the right to change, cancel, or reassign skaters to sessions when necessary.

Unforeseen Cancellations: The Club is not responsible for ice session cancellations that are outside of our control. This includes, but is not limited to, adverse weather conditions (as determined by the Club) or situations where the facility reclaims or cancels VSC’s ice time.

No Refunds or Credits: When cancellations occur for reasons beyond the Club’s control, refunds, credits, or make-up sessions will not be issued.

Replacement Ice: We will make reasonable efforts to provide replacement sessions whenever possible, but this cannot be guaranteed.

Missed Sessions: Make-up sessions are not available for classes missed by individual skaters for any reason.

PRE-SEASON CONCUSSION EDUCATION RESOURCE

Required Reading for All Skaters & Parents

Before registering each season, all skaters and their parents/guardians (if the skater is under the age of majority) must read the
👉PRE-SEASON CONCUSSION EDUCATION RESOURCE and confirm they understand it.

This resource covers:

• What a concussion is and how it can happen
• How to recognize possible signs and symptoms
• What to do if a concussion is suspected
• How to safely return to school and sport activities

Our Commitment
The Vancouver Skating Club (VSC) is committed to protecting the health and safety of every skater by following Skate Canada’s Concussion Protocol.
This policy applies to all skaters, parents/guardians, coaches, officials, event volunteers, and staff.
Knowing how to prevent, recognize, and manage concussions is essential for everyone in our community.

Acknowledgement Required
All families will be required to acknowledge they have read and understood the Pre-Season Concussion Education Resource when completing registration each season.

Helpful Links:

• How To Recognize a Concussion
• Concussion Pathway

Skate Canada Privacy Code

👉SKATE CANADA PRIVACY CODE

Changes have been made to the Skate Canada Privacy Code which now require skaters — or a parent/guardian if the skater is a minor — to sign this Notice of Collection. This Notice must be signed by all registrants to acknowledge and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of their personal information by Skate Canada and to confirm that they will acknowledge and agree to comply with the Skate Canada Privacy Code.

When a person registers with a club or skating school, they will also be registered with Skate Canada. This means that Skate Canada may collect, use, disclose, and maintain their confidential information for certain purposes described in the Privacy Code and as required to establish, register, administer, and maintain their relationship with Skate Canada. This applies to registrants, coaches, and anyone connected with their affiliation with a skating club or skating school. Their confidential information may also be exchanged with Skate Canada affiliates, which includes their local skating club or school, provincial association, or section.

Acknowledgement Required

All families will be required to acknowledge they have read, understood, and agree to comply with the Skate Canada Privacy Code as provided when completing registration each season.

Buy-On Sessions Only for Podium Pathway | StarSkate | CanFigure | Jumpstart Skaters

From time to time, skaters may choose to skate on a session for which they are not registered.

• Skaters must get approval from the Program Director or their coach before buying on to any session. Email your coach and/or Program Director at
  programdirector@vancouverskatingclub.ca.
• Once approved, Buy-Ons must be purchased and prepaid through your VSC Uplifter account.
• Do not place Buy-On money in envelopes or drop it in the VSC box at Canlan Sports.
• The purchase of partial sessions is not permitted.

Test & Assessment Information

Overview

Skaters progress through the Skate Canada STAR assessment program in four areas: Freeskate, Skills, Dance, and Artistic. Completing all test levels takes many years of training and dedication.

STAR 1 – 5 Assessments

• Completed by your skater’s coach during regular lesson ice.
• The coach will determine readiness and provide instructions on applying and paying for the assessment.

Club Tests (STAR 6 – Gold)

• Held on club ice during designated test sessions.
• Evaluated by a Skate Canada Evaluator (judge).
• Includes STAR 6 through Gold in Freeskate, Skills, Dance, and Artistic.
• Sessions must be approved by the BC Coast Region Test Committee and a judge must be available.
• Applications are submitted online through the BC Coast Region Test Registry once the coach confirms readiness.

Centralized Tests

• All STAR 6 – Gold assessments and Diamond Dance assessments.
• Hosted at designated rinks in the BC Coast Region.
• Evaluated by a Skate Canada Evaluator.
• Diamond Dance assessments must be completed at a Centralized Test Day.
• Applications must be submitted online through the BC Coast Region Test Registry.

Assessments at Competitions

• Some competitions allow STAR 6 – Gold Freeskate or Dance assessments during the event.
• Two panels of judges are present: one for competition and one for the assessment.
• This may require “skating up” and competing at a higher level than the skater’s current test standing.
• Details are outlined in the official competition announcement.

Results

• Assessment results are provided at the end of each test day.
• Coaches review marks and comments with skaters.
• Families should keep the official test paper for their records.
• The VSC Assessment Coordinator forwards all results to Skate Canada for their official record.

Assessment Enquiries

Clare Dean, VSC Assessment Coordinator
📧 vsc@vancouverskatingclub.ca 604.924.1134

Medical Credits

Credits are available for absences due to medical reasons or public health orders. For CanSkate & Power Skating only, refunds will be provided instead of credits, as spots for the next season cannot be guaranteed.

Eligibility:

• Miss at least 14 consecutive registered days (not including day of injury).
• Provide valid doctor’s note or public health directive.
• Submit by email within same season: vsc@vancouverskatingclub.ca
• Credits prorated after 14-day wait and receipt of documents.
• Applies to prepaid Buy-On rates too.
• All medical credit requests are subject to board approval before being finalized.

Doctor’s Note Requirements:

• Written by licensed physician.
• Include skater’s full name.
• State illness/injury (enough detail only).
• Specify rest period with dates if known.
• Signed and dated, with doctor’s name, address and contact.

Important: Medical credits are only calculated for the duration the skater is fully off the ice. If a skater returns to the ice, even for a minute or a second, the count ends and no further medical credit will be applied from that point forward, regardless of whether symptoms return or the skater is unable to continue. 

Skaters should only return once they are medically cleared. Once a skater returns to the ice, please email vsc@vancouverskatingclub.ca to confirm they have resumed activity so we can finalize the medical credit calculation and process.

Code of Conduct & Ice Etiquette

Respect On & Off the Ice

• Treat rink staff, coaches, judges, parents, visitors, and fellow skaters with courtesy and respect.
• Respect the rights and dignity of all participants, regardless of gender, ability, culture, or religion.
• Only registered Skate Canada members are permitted on the ice (except in a medical emergency).
• Skaters may not skate “up” or “down” without prior approval from the Skating Director.
• Private lessons must not be interrupted unless there is an emergency. Contact your coach separately for questions or meetings.
• Encourage others positively and report any unsafe or harmful conduct to a coach or parent.
• No food or gum on the ice. Plastic or aluminum water bottles are allowed at the boards (no glass bottles).
• Spectators (including parents) must remain in viewing areas and refrain from giving directions to skaters.
• Skaters not in a lesson must help patch the ice at the end of each session before leaving.
• Please review Skate Canada’s official Position Statement on Bullying.

Ice Etiquette

To ensure safety and respect during all sessions, the following right-of-way order applies:

1. Skater running their program with music.
2. Skater in a lesson with a coach.
3. Skater entering a jump or spin.

• Be alert and make an effort to yield to priority skaters, but you do not need to stop and leave the ice.
• All skaters, regardless of level, must be respectful and cautious when sharing the ice.

Prohibited Behaviour

• No profanity, abusive, or disruptive behaviour.
• No disrespect toward skaters, coaches, administrators, Board members, or arena staff.
• No prolonged sitting on the ice after a fall.
• No kicking, digging, or damaging the ice with skate blades.

Safe Skating Guidelines

• Keep moving at all times on the ice; do not linger in jump lanes.
• Look both ways before leaving the boards.
• Save socializing for before or after sessions, not during ice time.
• Arrive on time, warmed up and stretched, to help prevent injuries.
• All CanSkaters must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet.

VSC Scholarship Program

Overview

The Vancouver Skating Club proudly offers annual scholarships to recognize and support skaters who are graduating or who have recently graduated from high school.

Eligibility

• Must be a current or recent VSC skater.
• Open to Grade 12 students graduating this year or skaters who have completed high school within the past 12 months.

Details & Application

For full requirements, award information, and deadlines, please review the Scholarship Guidelines and submit the official Application Form.