Podium Pathway

WHERE GRAVITY IS JUST A SUGGESTION!

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ESPSC offers four sessions for Podium Pathway skaters to practice on. Skaters at this level are recommended to have five practice sessions a week (10 hours on ice) and may choose to do all four of ESPSC's sessions or select the best options while adding in additional days elsewhere. These practice recommendations align with Skate Canada and Sport Canada's Long-Term Development in Sport and Physical Activity Model (LTD). 

The Podium Pathway provides specialized programs for competitive skaters aiming to excel at the Provincial, National, and International levels. Designed for athletes in Singles, Pairs, and Ice Dance disciplines, these programs provide a clear progression and a structured environment aligned with Skate Canada's rules and standards.

Includes the Learn to Train stage of development to the Train to Win stage of development in the LTD.

Eligibility: Skaters competing in the Podium Pathway must meet the age and testing requirements specific to the level at which they are competing. This ensures athletes are properly prepared for their competitive category and can progress through the pathway in alignment with Skate Canada's standards.

• Pre-Juvenile: Skaters must be under 13 years old as of July 1 preceding the competition and have a minimum one STAR 5 Freeskate assessment.

• Juvenile: Skaters must be under 14 years old as of July 1 preceding the competition and have a minimum one STAR 5 Freeskate assessment.

• Pre-Novice: Skaters must not have reached the age of 16 as of July 1 preceding the competition and have a minimum full STAR 6 Freeskate assessment.

• Novice: Skaters must not have reached the age of 17 as of July 1 preceding the competition and have a minimum full Gold Freeskate test.

• Junior: Skaters must have reached the age of 19 as of July 1 preceding the competition and have a minimum full Gold Freeskate test.

• Senior: Must have reached the age of 13 before July 1 preceding the competition, but must have a minimum full Gold Freeskate test.

Program Details

• Location: East St. Paul Arena (Fall/Winter Session)

• Schedule: Five sessions per week, three 2-hour sessions, two 1.5-hour sessions

• Participation: Skaters can opt to attend all five sessions or select the best options in consultation with their coach

On-Ice Instruction: Skaters receive guidance from our NCCP-certified coaches covering various elements of figure skating, including:

• Ice Dance

• Skating Skills

• Free Skating (Jumping and Spinning)

Lessons:

• Group Lessons: Skaters will receive guidance from our NCCP-certified coaches in various elements of figure skating.

  • Private lessons are not to be taught on TEC, as all skaters have paid for and are expected to participate in the TEC class.

  • TEC: In the final 15 minutes of our STAR Skate session, all STAR 2+ Skaters come together to refine their skills with a focus on Turns, Edges, Conditioning, and Improv to elevate their skating performance.

    • Private lessons are not to be taught on TEC, as all skaters have paid for and are expected to participate in the TEC class. 

• Private Lessons: Skaters may arrange private or semi-private lessons with one of our coaches for more personalized training. Coaches have their own rates and availability. Please see our "

  Meet our Coaches" page for more information.

Testing and Progression: Skaters continue their STAR testing journey in this program, progressing through the STAR 4+ assessments in Freeskate, Dance, and Skills. This structured approach helps skaters build on their foundation and advance through the levels systematically. Please note that there is an assessment fee associated with these tests. For more information, visit our Fee Information Page.

Adaptive Skating:

Our STAR program is inclusive and welcoming to skaters of all abilities. We proudly support athletes with cognitive and physical disabilities or impairments who can participate in Special Olympics in either recreational or competitive skating. The program is designed to accommodate individual needs, ensuring every skater can develop their skills in a supportive environment. The STAR 1-5 programs are all open to adaptive skaters, with elements tailored to their unique needs. Our coaches are experienced in working with athletes of varying abilities, and we strive to create a positive and encouraging atmosphere for all participants. 

Through Adaptive Skating, athletes develop sports skills, social skills, and self-esteem to assist them in becoming involved members of the community. It promotes an active lifestyle and quality of life for persons with intellectual disabilities through participation in sports.

Adaptive Skating Competition:

Special Olympics Skating provides athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities to compete at invitational, interclub, and international competitions.

Competition Categories:

• SINGLES: Levels 1 - 6
• DANCE (Solo & Pattern Ice Dance): Levels 1 - 6
• Pairs FreeSkate: Level 1 - 3
• Adult Singles: Master 1/2 - 3/4

For detailed competition information, please refer to the Special Olympics Competition Page.

Fees:

• Ice Fees: Included in the program registration fee

• Coaching Fees: Sent separately to the skater by the coach. Fees are typically sent monthly unless negotiated otherwise. Coaching fees vary per coach. Please see our "Meet our Coaches" page to contact ESPSC's coaches about lesson availability.

• Assessment Fees: The STAR assessment fee is paid at the time of testing for every assessment. For those on STAR 6 - Gold assessments, assessment days are held separately from normal skating days and will include additional costs.

• Competition Fees: Skate Canada has a fee for each event (Programs, Elements, Improv, Team, etc.). Additionally, there is a coaching fee for the time spent with the skater at the event, which varies per coach. This fee can include charges for time, mileage, hotels, meals, etc., depending on what the coach charges for.

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For examples of equipment, how to wear it, and recommendations, refer to our Equipment Information playlist!

• Sharpening: Getting figure skates sharpened at a local figure skate-specific sharpener is recommended. Most retail sharpeners are not trained in the specifics of figure skate blades. Please discuss with your club coach for further details. The prices at the local sharpener recommended by club coaches are $15.

• When to Sharpen Skates: It is recommended to get skates sharpened approximately every 15-20 hours of skating.

For further information, consult our ESPSC STARSkate Handbook 2024

Podium Pathway Competition:

Podium Pathway competitions offer the ability to compete at Provincial, National, and International competitions.

• Singles: Pre-Juvenile - Senior
• Pairs: Pre-Juvenile - Senior
• Ice Dance: Pre-Juvenile - Senior

All events receive a ranked placement, with the top three receiving medals. 

For more information, visit the Podium Pathway Competition Page

COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS