STARSkate
STARSkate
STARSkate at Skate Oakville is the foundation of our figure skating programs, offering athletes the opportunity to develop their skills in a supportive and challenging environment. Participants have access to both group lessons, taught by our club coaches and private lessons, where they can hire a professional coach for individual instruction. This combination allows athletes to improve at their own pace while receiving expert guidance. Whether your child is aiming to compete, join a synchro team, or simply reach their personal best, Skate Oakville’s STARSkate program provides the structure, coaching, and support they need to succeed.
Program Details
PreSTAR - Passed CanSkate Stage 5
Skaters passed CanSkate stage 5 are eligible to take one STAR A group session in addition to their CanSkate session. This will help with the transition from CanSkate to STARskate. Skaters must wear figure skates and a helmet.
STAR A - Passed CanSkate Stage 6
The STAR A program is for skaters that have completed Stage 6 in the Canskate program. STAR A sessions are offered as freeskate or group. Sessions with group lessons will focus on development in all figure skating disciplines, including singles, pairs, dance, and synchronized skating. STAR A skaters are encouraged to start working with a private coach on an Open, or a STAR A freekskate session in addition to their STAR A Group. Working with a private coach allows skaters to progress through the Skate Canada test system or continue development in other disciplines. To progress to STAR B, skaters need a private coach in STAR A to pass them through the Skate Canada test system. Skaters interested in private coaching should email the Skate Oakville office at office@skateoakville.ca. Skaters must be registered in one STAR A group session to be eligible for a STAR A open session. Skate Oakville recommends one group session and one open session per week. Skaters in this program must wear figure skates.
STAR B - 3 to 7 points, must include STAR 2 Skills
The STAR B program is for skaters who have completed the STAR 2 Skills evaluation and have 3 to 7 points in the Skate Oakville test system. STAR B sessions are 50 minutes of freeskating. Skaters in the STAR B program must have a private coach to progress through the Skate Canada test system or continue development in other disciplines.
To be eligible to skate in our STAR programs, skaters must have a Skate Oakville coach.
STAR B with Groups
STAR B group sessions include a 30-minute group session with a 50-minute freeskate session. Group lessons will include development and continual instruction with our Skate Oakville team of professional coaches in all disciplines, including skills, freeskate and dance. Skaters in the STAR B program must have a private coach to progress through the Skate Canada test system or continue development in other disciplines.
STAR C - 8 to 19 points, must include STAR 3 Skills
The STAR C program is for skaters who have completed the STAR 3 Skills evaluation and have 8 - 19 points in the Skate Oakville test system. STAR C sessions are 50 minutes of freeskating. Skaters in the STAR C program must have a private coach to progress through the Skate Canada test system or continue development in other disciplines.
To be eligible to skate in our STAR programs, skaters must have a Skate Oakville coach.
STAR C with Groups
STAR C group sessions include a 30-minute group session with a 50-minute freeskate session. Group lessons will include development and continual instruction with our Skate Oakville team of professional coaches in all disciplines, including skills, freeskate and dance. Skaters in the STAR B program must have a private coach to progress through the Skate Canada test system or continue development in other disciplines.
To be eligible to skate in our STAR programs, skaters must have a Skate Oakville coach.
STAR D 20+ points
The STAR D program is for skaters that have completed 20+ points in the Skate Oakville test system. STAR D sessions are 50 minutes of freeskating. Skaters in the STAR D program must have a private coach to progress through the Skate Canada test system or continue development in other disciplines.
To be eligible to skate in our STAR programs, skaters must have a Skate Oakville coach.
Open
Open sessions are for all skaters registered in STAR A or above. Open sessions are 50 minutes of freeskating.
Adult/Teen Intro to STARSkate
This program is for skaters aged 15+ that have completed Stage 6 in the CanSkate program and are interested in pursuing figure skating. Skaters will continue with the development of the basic skating skills, but will start to learn and explore more figure skating elements such as various techniques and introduction for jumps and spins and more intricate figure skating skills.
Adult Open
This sessions is for Adult figure skaters looking to further develop skating skills as well as adult competitive skaters. This session includes a 15 minute group warm up and 15 minute group cool down. Skaters have 50 minutes of individual practice time or may arrange lessons with a private coach. Skaters must be passed a minimum Stage 6 and have proficient skating skills.
Fees, Payments and Missed Classes Policies
Fees
Competitive fees are based on the length of the session, how many weeks the session runs, and whether or not any coaching is included on the session, or if off ice training is included in the package.
Mandatory Membership Fees
- The Skate Canada (SC) Fee of $63 is only charged once per year (Sep 1 to Aug 31) and pays for your SC membership and insurance. We forward this fee on to SC on your behalf. The SC Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- The Skate Oakville membership fee of $40 is only charged once per year (Sep 1 to Aug 31) and entitles you to skating on Skate Oakville sessions.
Payments
Full payment of mandatory membership fees is required at time of registration. Session fees may be split into monthly installments. Installment option is available for Spring/Summer as well.
Refunds
- Refund requests must be done by email to the Skate Oakville office (office@skateoakville.ca). We do not accept changes or withdrawals in person or over the phone.
- The $63 Skate Canada fees are non-refundable for any reason.
- The $40 Skate Oakville fee is not refundable after the start of the season.
Missed Classes
We use the same policy for missed classes as the Town of Oakville. "Participants are to attend all classes as scheduled for the program in which they are registered. In the event that a participant is unable to attend a scheduled class(es), make-up classes, refunds, or credits for the missed class(es) will not be provided."
Figure Skating FAQ
Do I need skating experience to register for the STARSkate/Figure Skating program?
Yes, skaters must have passed Stage 6 of the CanSkate program to participate in the STARSkate program.
If your skater has passed Stage 6 at a different club, please provide our office with a copy of the report card so we can update your account accordingly.
What equipment do I need to be in the STARSkate/Figure Skating program?
Skaters in the STARSkate program are required to wear figure skates. Hockey skates are not suitable for this program. Athletic clothing, skating skirts, and simple skating dresses can be worn by skaters during practice ice. Hooded sweatshirts are not recommended as they can obstruct the view of your skater. Skaters passed Stage 5 of CanSkate are no longer required to wear a helmet while on the ice.
How does the format differ from CanSkate?
Sessions that are listed with "Groups" offer group coaching. These sessions will be 50-minutes of group lesson time only.
Open sessions are available for skaters who wish to work with a private coach. These sessions are 50-minutes of ice time only, coaching is not included.
Do I need a private coach?
Not at first, but eventually, you will need a private coach. Some skaters prefer to be in the program for a little bit to see which coach they connect best with before hiring someone. Some skaters will have lessons set up right away. Your skater will need a private coach to track their progress and to determine when your skater is ready to move on to the next level. There are no report cards and level tracking in the STARSkate program, so skaters will need a private coach to help direct their progress. Progress is determined by assessments, administered by the coach and further on, by testing in front of judges on Assessment Days.
Visit Our Coaches page for information on the coaching staff.
How do I get a private coach?
If you already have a coach in mind, you can contact them directly to inquire about their availability. If you don't know any of our coaches, sign up for the session you would like and inform our office (office@skateoakville.ca) that you are looking for a coach. We will contact you with a list of the coaches who are available during your session time. It may take some time to connect you with a coach, but we will do our best to find you someone, as soon as we can. Alternatively, after the sessions have begun, you may visit the office and ask for a list of coaches with availability for your session.
Visit Our Coaches page for information on the coaching staff.
Which coach should I choose?
Our office staff is more than happy to provide you with a list of coaches who are available for your skater's session, but this decision is best made by you and your skater. We always recommend you meet with the coaches you are considering before hiring them and ask them any questions you may have during this meeting.
How do I pay the coach, and how much is it?
The agreement is between you and the coach. Most coaches bill their skaters on a monthly basis, and you make payment directly to them.
Coaches are independent contractors, and their fees are based on qualifications and experience. Please speak to the coach directly before agreeing to work with them to find out their coaching fees.
How many times per week do I need to skate?
Skaters in STARSkate A are required to skate at least once per week. This is the minimum, although the more you skate, the faster you tend to progress. For skaters in STARSkate B, C, and D, it is recommended that they skate a minimum of two sessions per week. In order for skaters to participate in our Assessment days, they must be registered and skate on at least 2 sessions per week.
How do I move up to the next level?
Skaters move up to the next level by completing STARSkate assessments and acquiring Skate Oakville Points. Points are awarded based on completed STARSkate assessments. Your coach will guide you through the assessment process and let you know when you are ready to be assessed. Feel free to speak to your skater's coach outside of their on ice time if you would like to know more about your skater's progress and the assessment process.
How do I know when my skater is ready to be assessed?
Your coach will let you know when your skater is ready to be assessed, and they will let you know which STAR Assessment you need to purchase online.
How long does it take for a skater to move through the STAR levels?
There is no specific time limit on how long a skater will spend at each level as every skater learns and progresses at their own pace. Skaters are required to pass a certain amount of tests, which may include specific tests, in order to move to higher STAR sessions.
Do you offer make-up classes if I miss a session?
No. We use the same policy for missed classes as the Town of Oakville. "Participants are to attend all classes as scheduled for the program in which they are registered. In the event that a participant is unable to attend a scheduled class(es), make-up classes, refunds, or credits for the missed class(es) will not be provided."
I have questions about my skater's progress. Who should I talk to?
Any questions regarding your skater's progress should be directed to your skater's coach. Feel free to speak to your skater's coach outside of their on ice time or send them an email if you would like to know more about your skater's progress.
Already a STARSkater?
Schedules, important dates and registration details are available on our Member Information page. Don't forget to bookmark the page to stay up to date and ensure you don't miss any news or updates!