CanSkate Frequently Asked Questions
Equipment Requirements:
Do I have to buy the skates and helmet or are they available for rent?
All participants must provide their own equipment. Required equipment includes skates (figure, hockey, or recreational) and helmets. We encourage face masks for anyone new to skating. And we prefer lace up skates.
Does my skater need a helmet if they can already skate?
Yes. For insurance purposes and safety considerations, all skaters must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet until the completion of stage 5.
If I forget a helmet, are there helmets available that my skater can borrow?
NO. Unfortunately we do not have any helmets available to borrow.
What else might we need?
Remember it is cold in the arena so your child will need mitts, ski pants, and layers of clothing. Winter jackets are not preferred.
Registration Information
I've never registered with ASFSC before. How do I create an account?
Click on the login button in the top right corner of the webpage. The right hand side of the page will say "First Time Registering with ASFSC?”. Fill in the form and follow the instructions for registration.
I registered with ASFSC before Aug 2014, using the old registration system. How do I register now?
You will need to create a new account. We are using a new registration system this year, and user names/passwords/skater information are different. You DO need to enter your Skate Canada number from your last session with us. If you have never completed online registration previously, you will be treated as a new member.
Why do I need to complete my registration within a limited time period?
Registration spots for all of our programs are limited. To ensure that your spot is saved during the registration process and that all users have an equal opportunity to register for programs, you must confirm your registration with payment by credit card.
I am having troubles registering. Who can I contact for help?
Thank you again for your patience as we transition to this new system. Any inquiries regarding registration can be sent via email to info@asfsconline.com and the office administrator will respond within 48 hours.
Suitability of the Program:
My child is interested in hockey or ringette. Is this program geared only to figure skaters?
No. This program provides a solid background for all ice sports, such as hockey, ringette, figure skating and speed skating.
Does my child have to have previous skating experience before signing up for the program?
No. This program is suitable for new skaters, as well as those with some experience.
My children have very different levels of skating experience. Can they all register for the same session?
All 6 levels of CanSkate are taught on the same session, so family members with different skating abilities can sign up for the same session and will be placed in different groups.
Is the CanSkate program sufficiently advanced for my skater’s skills?
By the time they complete CanSkate, skaters should have several skating skills, some of which are listed here: fast forward and backward perimeter stroking, forward and backward crosscuts, side stops with speed, turns, basic spins, and jumps.
If I am sure that my skater is too advanced for the CanSkate level, what are his/her options with your club?
Skaters who our coaches have assessed as being too advanced for the CanSkate program will have the option of either going up to the PreSTARSkate group program (figure skating) or STARskate private level. Further information about the STARSkate program can be found by going to the STARSKATE tab.
Is there a power skating program at your club?
ASFSC is currently exploring the option of offering programs inthe future. Please contact us at info@asfsconline.com to register your interest int his option.
Placement within the CanSkate Program:
My child has previous experience in another program. How will he/she be placed in the CanSkate program?
Our program levels do not correspond to recreational programming offered through city programs. All new CanSkate members are placed into PreCanSkate (a readiness for CanSkate program) and then assessed by our professional coaches, and moved to the appropriate level as needed.
A skater who comes from another Skate Canada club will be placed in the appropriate stage, based on the final standing at the other club.
Withdrawing from the program or transferring to another class:
What is the refund deadline for the Fall/Winter CanSkate session?
A refund will be issued for withdrawals after registration but before the first scheduled class begins, less a $40.00 administration fee.
What if my skater is registered in PreCanskate and is not ready to engage the program?
A refund will be given to parents of NEW PreCanSkate skaters (aged 3-5) if the refund request is received in writing within 2 weeks of the program start date.
* ALL withdrawals are subject to a $40 processing/administration fee.
How do I transfer to another CanSkate class?
There is no automated system to do that at this time. Please email info@asfsconline.com and request a class day change based on availability.
Can I move my child to a different class day for a couple of weeks due to a temporary conflict and then return to the original class day?
No. If there is space available, you can move your skater on a permanent basis, but you cannot move back and forth between class days.
Wait List:
If there are no spaces left in a class, do I have to pay to have my child’s name put on a waitlist?
No
How do I put my child’s name on the waitlist?
If a class if full, instead of a "Register" button beside the session, there will be a "Waitlist" button. When you should click that button, the site will allow you to add a child from your profile to the waitlist. Once a position has become available, you will be notified by email that a position is available. You can then log into the website and either register your child or remove them from the waitlist to allow the next person on the list to take their spot. Once the position is offered, there will be a limited time to complete the registration.
Can I find out where my child’s name is on the waitlist?
If you log into the website and click on "My Account" on the top right hand corner, you can then select "My Waitlist" from the submenu on the left hand side. This list will display each of the programs and children who are on the waitlist for each individual program along with their position on the list.
Private lessons:
Can my skater just sign up for private lessons without taking part in any group lessons?
No. We do not offer “private lesson only” CanSkate sessions, but group lesson members have an opportunity to take a private lessons (at extra cost) during the session.
Where can I get further information about private lessons?
Please contact the club registrar at : info@asfsconline.com for more information.
Parent Roles:
Can I drop my child off for classes and leave the arena?
No. A parent or other responsible adult must be available in the rink or in the lobby area during the class.
Can I stand on the ice with my child if he/she is uncomfortable?
No. For insurance purposes, only Skate Canada members are allowed on the ice.
What can I do to help my child's confidence on the ice?
We recommend putting your child's skates on at home and have them practice walking around on the carpet. Also have them practicing getting up from the floor and down on their hands and knees. These are just suggestions to make your skaters first experience with skating a positive one.
Missed Classes:
My skater has to miss one of his/her classes. Can she attend another class to make up for the missed class?
Members are assigned to specific groups on the day for which they registered and cannot attend a class on another day unless they make a permanent move to that class (only possible if there are spaces available).
If we have an extended vacation planned, can I register my child for only part of the lessons or get a refund for the lessons missed?
Participants who go away on extended vacations cannot make up the missed classes on another class day or receive a refund for missed classes. Parents who opt to register for only the latter part of a session must wait until that date to register and cannot request that a space be held for their child.
Child Tax Credit Receipt:
How do I get my tax receipt?
When you register, you will receive an invoice by email. This can be used for your records. Additionally, formal tax receipts will be available for printing from your member account by Feb 28 of each year. Log into the website using your email address and password, and select "My Account" in the top right corner of the webpage. On your member account home page, select “My Registrations” in the left sidebar, you will see a list of available receipts for each tax year. Press the magnifying glass next to each receipt to view details, and print. If you cannot access the receipts yourself, please email the office with the name of your skater, and we will email your receipt to the email address on file. Please note: The tax receipts will be issued in the name of the person who made the payment for each participant enrolled in the LSC programs. For information about the Childrens' Fitness Tax Credit, visit the Canada Revenue Agency's website.
I cannot find the tax receipt from my original registration. How can I get a new receipt?
You will be able to log into the system at any time and reprint a copy of the receipts.
Volunteering:
Am I required to volunteer?
Volunteering is not required by the Ardrossan Strathcona Figure Skating Club for this program. We will look for volunteers for our concerts/ice shows, so please watch for notices about these future events.
Terms and Conditions Refunds
CanSkate/PreCanSkate
ALL CLASSES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. ASFSC reserves the right to cancel programs due to insufficient registrations. There shall be no refund in the event that skating sessions are cancelled due to mechanical failure, tests, or other activities of the Club.
A CanSkate, or PreCanSkate skater who leaves the Club for any reason, other than medical, will be refunded as follows: up to 1 week prior to the first day of skating - 100% of all fees, less $35.65 Skate Canada Fee (non-refundable); and once a skater has begun lessons, fees or portions of fees will not be refunded, except for first-time CanSkate, or PreCanSkate skaters, whereby they shall have a two week probationary period to confirm registration. Withdrawal within the 2 week probationary period shall be eligible for a full refund, less a $40.00 administration fee. No refunds will apply if withdrawal occurs after the two week probationary period. NSF cheques are subject to a $30 admin fee.