PARENT HANDBOOK
Vanderhoof Clippers Speed Skating Club
Membership Information/Orientation
Membership Information/Orientation
Information
Club communication is by email, supported by this website. Important information may be reposted on facebook but should not be used as a sole resource. Our club calendar posts regular practice dates as well as holidays, cancellations, local competitions and championships, as well as special events impacting the club. Skater groups with start times are posted in the resource center menu. Typically, skaters are tentatively placed in groups at the start of the year: please expect that changes may be made during the first few weeks of practice. You will be notified of any changes by email.
Club communication is by email, supported by this website. Important information may be reposted on facebook but should not be used as a sole resource. Our club calendar posts regular practice dates as well as holidays, cancellations, local competitions and championships, as well as special events impacting the club. Skater groups with start times are posted in the resource center menu. Typically, skaters are tentatively placed in groups at the start of the year: please expect that changes may be made during the first few weeks of practice. You will be notified of any changes by email.
Equipment
The following safety equipment must be worn by skaters whenever they are on the ice. Refer to "protective equipment" in the resource center to confirm current required equipment at meets. Any skater without complete equipment will not be allowed to skate.
The following safety equipment must be worn by skaters whenever they are on the ice. Refer to "protective equipment" in the resource center to confirm current required equipment at meets. Any skater without complete equipment will not be allowed to skate.
Helmet
Certified speed skating helmets are required for all skaters*. The helmet must fit securely and snugly underneath the chin and must offer good impact protection and clear visibility. Helmets from other sports are not designed for speed skating and must not be used on the ice. *Exception: new skaters who are just learning to skate wear hockey skates, and may wear hockey helmets.
Speed skating helmets are not available in local sports shops (they must be ordered online). Used helmets may be passed along from other club members. Check our resource center for several links for online shopping. Ask if the club has helmets for sale or will be placing an order, to take advantage of club discounts.
Neck Protector
Must be a full kevlar protector with the bib attached. Readily available where hockey equipment is sold.
Shin Guards
Shin guards suitable for soccer are acceptable. They should be made of hard plastic. They may need some changes if there is an ankle guard piece attached (this piece can't fit down into the skate).
Knee Pads
Must be puncture resistant. Knee pads are essential for practices and races. Volleyball & roller blade types are acceptable.
Long Sleeved Shirt
Long sleeves help protect the arms and also help skaters stay warm.
Gloves
Gloves must be cut resistant and water resistant. (Vinyl, nylon or leather are all good choices in the early stages.) More advanced skaters should be wearing speed skating gloves of leather or kevlar material. You can also use a kevlar glove under a regular glove. Order these online.
Eye Protection FUNdamental skaters & up (not required for Active Starts in practice)
All skaters, Active Starts included, must wear approved eye protection in competitions. Safety glasses must have a strap securing them to the head. Regulations require that lenses must be clear.
Kevlar Wrist Guards/Ankle Guards (FUNdamentals & up)
Kevlar wrist guards are recommended for those not wearing skin-suits with a kevlar cut suit beneath.
Kevlar ankle guards are a required part of safety equipment, for all age groups, at competitions. Speak to an equipment manager to purchase a pair.
Certified speed skating helmets are required for all skaters*. The helmet must fit securely and snugly underneath the chin and must offer good impact protection and clear visibility. Helmets from other sports are not designed for speed skating and must not be used on the ice. *Exception: new skaters who are just learning to skate wear hockey skates, and may wear hockey helmets.
Speed skating helmets are not available in local sports shops (they must be ordered online). Used helmets may be passed along from other club members. Check our resource center for several links for online shopping. Ask if the club has helmets for sale or will be placing an order, to take advantage of club discounts.
Neck Protector
Must be a full kevlar protector with the bib attached. Readily available where hockey equipment is sold.
Shin Guards
Shin guards suitable for soccer are acceptable. They should be made of hard plastic. They may need some changes if there is an ankle guard piece attached (this piece can't fit down into the skate).
Knee Pads
Must be puncture resistant. Knee pads are essential for practices and races. Volleyball & roller blade types are acceptable.
Long Sleeved Shirt
Long sleeves help protect the arms and also help skaters stay warm.
Gloves
Gloves must be cut resistant and water resistant. (Vinyl, nylon or leather are all good choices in the early stages.) More advanced skaters should be wearing speed skating gloves of leather or kevlar material. You can also use a kevlar glove under a regular glove. Order these online.
Eye Protection FUNdamental skaters & up (not required for Active Starts in practice)
All skaters, Active Starts included, must wear approved eye protection in competitions. Safety glasses must have a strap securing them to the head. Regulations require that lenses must be clear.
Kevlar Wrist Guards/Ankle Guards (FUNdamentals & up)
Kevlar wrist guards are recommended for those not wearing skin-suits with a kevlar cut suit beneath.
Kevlar ankle guards are a required part of safety equipment, for all age groups, at competitions. Speak to an equipment manager to purchase a pair.
Clothing
The clothing should:
The clothing should:
- Allow freedom of movement
- Conform to the body shape so as not to cause unnecessary wind resistance
- Provide necessary warmth
- Kevlar ankle covers or cut resistant clothing are required
Rental Short Track Speed Skating Boots and Blades
You'll be notified with date/time for a skate fitting prior to the start of each season.
When renting skates from the club*, you should be aware of the following:
*Beginning skaters (Active Start) wear hockey skates. Bring your own; these are not rented out by the club.
You'll be notified with date/time for a skate fitting prior to the start of each season.
When renting skates from the club*, you should be aware of the following:
- Skate blades must be dried after each use. (Carry a small towel in your skate bag.)
- Skates blades must not be stored with plastic guards. Blades will rust; store with soft guards or "socks" on.
- Plastic hard guards are to be worn when walking off the ice. Avoid stepping on the black mats without guards.
- Skates are hand-sharpened using a jig and sharpening stone. Ask for help learning how to do this! It's easier than you think!
- Skaters are responsible for the cost of replacing lost equipment.
- Skaters are responsible for the cost of repairing skates damaged beyond reasonable use.
- All skaters (or parents) must agree with and sign the rental agreement.
*Beginning skaters (Active Start) wear hockey skates. Bring your own; these are not rented out by the club.
Track Safety
Our coaches will respond to all unsafe practices or behavior to maintain a safe learning environment for everyone.
- No skaters are allowed on the ice until a coach is on the ice as well.
- Skaters must comply with coaches' direction.
- When practice is finished, skaters must leave the ice in a safe and orderly fashion.
- All skaters must be aware of other skaters at all times because of the sharp blades and fast speeds involved in the sport.
Our coaches will respond to all unsafe practices or behavior to maintain a safe learning environment for everyone.
- Skaters participating/skating in a manner deemed unsafe by coaches will be addressed.
- If unsafe skating continues, skaters will be directed to leave the ice for a time out. Coaches will communicate with parents, and steps to resolve the concern will be taken.
- Issues related to safety that cannot be resolved through the above process may result in loss of membership.
We are all volunteers
The success of our speed skating club relies on volunteers. ALL coaches, club executive members, and officials are volunteers! When parents sign their skaters up for speed skating they quickly become familiar with their supportive roles. Parents sharpen skates. Parents set up and take down safety mats and volunteer when the club puts on a meet. Parents officiate. Parents take coaching courses and run the drills out on the ice. Together we learn to speed skate while having a great time, making friends, staying active...and sometimes, sending athletes to podiums!
The success of our speed skating club relies on volunteers. ALL coaches, club executive members, and officials are volunteers! When parents sign their skaters up for speed skating they quickly become familiar with their supportive roles. Parents sharpen skates. Parents set up and take down safety mats and volunteer when the club puts on a meet. Parents officiate. Parents take coaching courses and run the drills out on the ice. Together we learn to speed skate while having a great time, making friends, staying active...and sometimes, sending athletes to podiums!
Speed Skating Meets
When we host a competition or club activity, it's all hands on board!
More than 50 volunteers are required to staff a regional meet:
Our club encourages participation in regional meets as well as (for more advanced skaters) provincial or national meets. We encourage ALL skaters to participate in meets hosted in Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, and Prince George. Meet dates are posted on the club calendar for your convenience. They can also be found on the BCSSA calendar.
When we host a competition or club activity, it's all hands on board!
More than 50 volunteers are required to staff a regional meet:
- Planning and paperwork
- Helping with registration and promotion
- Helping out as an official, first aid attendant, or volunteer
- Serving snacks/meals
- Preparing and providing food
- Set-up and tear-down: helping with mats, meet equipment, and supplies
Our club encourages participation in regional meets as well as (for more advanced skaters) provincial or national meets. We encourage ALL skaters to participate in meets hosted in Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, and Prince George. Meet dates are posted on the club calendar for your convenience. They can also be found on the BCSSA calendar.
