Frequently Asked Questions

Skating Groups

Group 1              Beginner Skaters (Cradles)

Group 2              Intermediate Skaters

Group 3              Advanced Skaters

Group 4            Older Skaters

Short Track Season Schedule-ENERPLEX

Group 1

Tuesday               5:00 - 5:45

Thursday              5:15 – 6:00

Group 2

Tuesday               5:00 - 6:00

Thursday              5:15 – 6:15

Group 3

Monday               7:00 - 8:00 pm LT

Tuesday              6:00 - 7:00 pm ST

Wednesday        6:30 – 7:30 am ST (switch to 7 to 8 PM/LT)

Thursday             6:15 – 7:15 pm ST

Sunday               5:00 - 6:00 pm dryland

Long Track Season Schedule - ENERPLEX

Group1

Schedule remains the same, continue skating short track

Group 2  - LT season start will be provided shortly         

Tuesday              5:00 - 6:00 pm

Thursday             5:15 – 6:15 pm

Group 3

Monday               7:00 - 8:00 pm LT

Tuesday              6:00 - 7:00 pm ST

Wednesday        6:30 – 7:30 am ST (switch to 7 to 8 PM/LT)

Thursday             6:15 – 7:15 pm ST

Sunday               5:00 - 6:00 pm dryland

Group 4

Wednesday        8:00 - 9:00 PM LT

Friday                  7:00 - 8:00 PM LT

Saturday             10:00 - 11:00 AM LT

Canadian Age Categories

A skater’s racing class is based on his or her age as of June 30 prior to the racing season. 

Example - A skater who turns 12 on June 12, 2007 will be in the Juvenile Age Category whereas a skater who turns 12 on July 2, 2007 will still be considered a Midget. 

PeeWee                            6 – 7

Bantam                              8 – 9

Midget                               10 – 11

Juvenile                            12 – 13

Junior                                 14 – 15

Intermediate                      16 – 17

Senior                                 18 & Over

Master I                               30 – 39

Master II                             40 – 49

Master III                             50 – 59

Master IV                            60 & Over

Time Standards ST - these are percentages of last years Canadian records in each age catagorie for determining whether a skater is ranked as a Provincial skater (2 distances where personal best time are less than 120% of the Canadian record), a Regional 1 skater (2 distances where personal best time are less than 140% of the Canadian record), or a Regional 2 skater (times over 140% of the Canadian record)

How do I find my skaters personal best times:

All BC skaters have their personal best times stored in databases for short track and long track that can be accessed by going to the the provincial associations website, under Communities of Practice (CoP) as follows:

http://www.speed-skating.bc.ca/Content/Community.asp

• The User Name is "fsjohn" and Password is "performance"and click the log-in button
• From the "Favorite Topics" list, choose the 2008 Camp, Competitions & Clinics
• Choose the Links/Resources option
• Scroll down the page to the folder titled "Skater Data Bases" and open by left clicking on folder
• You can then choose either the long track or short track data base folder to open
• the excel file with the date that it was last updated will be shown and can then be opened
• Go to the appropriate tab shown on the bottom of the screen for the age class and gender of the skater
• the skaters are listed by club and therefore scroll up to the lines with FSJ in the second column and you will find your skater
• The location where the personal best time was recorded is also shown on this sheet
• Please ensure that you have the current age class of the skater, as a skater may appear in more than one age class due to not being caught by the data base keeper

EQUIPMENT

Short Track (Indoor) Equipment Required

Helmet – A hard shell, CSA approved, hockey or cycling helmet is compulsory for all skaters.  Any opening or vent in the helmet should be of a size that a skate blade will not fit into it.

Neck Protector – A full protector (with bib) that covers the neck and upper chest, is cut-resistant and made of Kevlar.

Hand Protection – A pair of cut-resistant (vinyl, nylon or leather) mitts or gloves (motocross gloves).  No knitted mittens.

Knee Pads / Elbow Pads – Volleyball or rollerblade style.

Shin Guards – Soccer type.

Skates – Speed skates are recommended and are available for rent.  However, new skaters are welcome to use sharp hockey skates or figures skates with proper ankle support.  Skate guards are required.

Clothing – A skin suit is recommended but not necessary.  Clothing should allow freedom of movement – comfort and warmth is most important. 

Long Track (Outdoor) Equipment Required

Skaters may wear any of the required short track equipment if they desire, however, this equipment is not a requirement for long track.  Long track season takes place on an outdoor oval (only for one or two more seasons), so dressing for weather conditions is the most important.  Clothing should allow for freedom of movement but also provide warmth. 

Skaters usually dress in “layers” (underwear, skin suit, warm-up pants, long sleeve t-shirt, sweatshirt, wind-resistant jacket).  A toque, mitts or gloves and face protection are highly recommended.  A balaclava worn over the mouth will help to prevent cold air from harming the lungs.  Skate covers help to keep body warmth in and toes warm. 

Frequent rest and warm-up breaks take place inside the trailer beside the temporary oval at Bert Bowes Junior Secondary.  The trailer will be open to speed skaters during the long track season.  Of course, the safety of the skaters is always foremost, so inclement weather may result in the cancellation of a practice.  Cancellations will be determined by the coaches and posted on our web site with as much notice as possible

Information Station