Program Assistants (PA):
A program assistant is essentially a dedicated volunteer who supports the smooth running of skating sessions. They are currently a registered Skate Canada member. They are trained by a certified CanSkate coach and are typically current or former skaters who have demonstrated basic skating proficiency. Their role is not to coach or deliver full lessons but to supplement the coach’s efforts by taking care of the many logistical and supportive tasks that help keep the session organized, safe, and fun.
Some of the key responsibilities include:
|
Roles |
Description |
|---|---|
| Support Warm-Ups and Cool-Downs | They often lead or assist with the exercises that get skaters ready for the main activities as well as help wind down at the session’s end. |
| Setting Up and Taking Down Circuits | This involves tasks like arranging equipment (such as pylons and colored signs) in designated spots for circuits or rotations, ensuring that the session’s flow is maintained smoothly. Additionally, set up a "fast track" area |
| Facilitating Group Activities | Program assistants help manage group rotations, lead circuits, and demonstrate basic skating skills to ensure that all skaters understand what to do during each drill. |
| Administrative Tasks | They may take attendance, time certain drills (like speed skills), monitor safety protocols, and assist in maintaining a secure environment on the ice. |
| Providing Encouragement and Support | Offer continuous, genuine praise to skaters, maintain a positive demeanor by smiling often, and infuse sessions with high-energy enthusiasm. |
| Assist Any Skater Who Needs Help | Ensure that every skater, regardless of skill level, receives the help they need. |
| Conduct | Why |
| No Personal Skating Practice | Focus your energy on supporting the session rather than engaging in personal practice, ensuring that you remain fully available to assist and guide. |
| Lower Yourself to Eye Level with Young Skaters | Engage with skaters by lowering your body—this helps build trust and makes your guidance more relatable, ensuring that even the youngest skaters feel connected and supported. |
| Know the Names of Your Skaters | Taking a moment to learn and use each skater's name shows that you care personally about their experience. This simple act strengthens the connection between you and the skaters and fosters a more inclusive atmosphere. |
| Always Check in with Your Coach | Regularly communicate with the coach to ensure that you’re aligned with session goals, aware of any adjustments, and ready to address specific needs as they arise. |
| Use an Enthusiastic and Polite Tone of Voice | Your tone sets the tone for the entire session—maintaining enthusiasm and politeness encourages a positive, respectful, and energetic learning environment. |
| Keep an Eye on Your Surroundings | Vigilance is key to ensuring safety on ice. Always be aware of what's happening around you so you can quickly address any concerns or hazards. |
| Always Encourage, Praise, and Smile | Consistently offering encouragement and praise—through enthusiastic affirmations like "Great job!", "Awesome!", or high fives—creates a fun and affirming session environment that motivates skaters to push their limits. |
| PA Qualities |
| Patient |
| Good communicator and demonstrator |
| Enthusiastic |
| Team player and a good role model |
| Responsible |
| Punctual |
| Prepared and organized |
| Able to lead groups, encourage skaters, and offer praise |
| Able to keep Skaters Moving while having fun |
Additionally, program assistants need to participate in mandatory training sessions each season to stay updated on any changes in program protocols and safety measures.
This role is very hands-on and integral to creating a positive and effective learning environment, benefiting both the young skaters and the coaching team alike.
Gaining experience as a CanSkate program assistant is more than just a way to give back to your skating community—it’s a golden opportunity to develop a spectrum of transferable skills that employers and future ventures value highly.
