MCMASTER FIGURE SKATING DEVELOPMENT
General
What is the expected commitment level for this club?
We understand that school gets busy or people have other things going on in their lives so we don’t expect or mandate that you attend every session. The commitment is whatever you make it. That said, you pay for the program regardless of how many sessions you attend that term.
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*For the synchro team, more consistent attendance is expected as this team is working towards competing, and missing skaters at practices slows down progress and changes the feel of elements.
Is there a limit on the number of skaters that can join our club?
No! We are proud to say our team has been growing exponentially over the last couple years including doubling in size for the 2022-2023 season! We welcomed 70 skaters this year, with our biggest year having around 100!
Can NON-McMaster skaters join?
Unfortunately no. While we are a registered skating school with Skate Canada, since we are affiliated with the McMaster University we can only take McMaster students. However, we are able to accommodate a small number of alumni and faculty members, so if you are a McMaster graduate or staff member, reach out to see how you can get involved in the team!
Where/when can I get my skates sharpened?
There are unfortunately no figure skate sharpeners in Hamilton, but occasionally, one of our skaters will volunteer to take everyone's skates to a nearby sharpener. Information about this will be sent in the team group chat when it occurs. For individual sharpeners, you can find ones in your hometown or team members can message Amy for the information of sharpeners in Burlington and Mississauga.
What's the difference between us and Varsity?
Varsity takes a limited number of skaters (around 23) across specified levels in order to compete in specific events against other Universities. They don’t have different programs for different levels in the way we do and they are unable to take beginners or skaters with no experience. They require a larger commitment than we do as their team competes at competitions throughout the school year.
What is the difference between a trial and a tryout?
We started calling these trial sessions instead of tryout sessions a few years ago to really help get our message across that our team has a place for everyone. Tryouts often imply a competitive atmosphere where people are being cut from a team and that's not what we’re there to do. Our trial sessions are NOT there to test people or cut people. They are there to give people an idea of what the sessions will look like and make sure everyone gets placed on the sessions best suited to them.
Am I still able to join if I’m on co-op/placement?
Yes! We’ve had skaters in the past continue skating with us while on co-op or placement! As long as you’re still a registered student with the University you’re good to join!
Programs
I haven't skated in a couple years - can I still join?
Yes absolutely! There is a place for everyone of all levels on this team! Even if you’re not at the same level you once were, we can help you figure out which session is right for you at our trial sessions! More information on those is included in the Trials tab!
How do you look into getting coaching?
Each session has certified coaches and AL2S and FSA are supplemented with qualified team members. AL2S is entirely group lessons, and skaters on the freeskate sessions have the option to participate in group lessons each week. The costs of coaching are included in the session fees, so lessons are not an additional cost. If you have specific goals, talk to the captains at trials or the first week of sessions and we can help connect you with our coaches who will be on the ice for your session(s)! You can discuss your goals with them including if you want to compete or try tests and they can help you work towards those!
Can I switch programs partway through the semester?
​While the answer is likely no, due to the aforementioned equal numbers and the program fees being different between each session, some exceptions may be made. Reach out to the captains if this becomes a concern of yours.
How do I know which program/level is right for me?
The requirements for our programs are listed on the Programs tab. You also have trial sessions to help figure that out and you’re welcome to talk to the captains at that time if you’re still unsure!
What happens if I'm borderline level wise between two sessions?
The registration form asks about this and asks you to detail your skating ability. Based on these responses, we will tell you which trial session to attend. We will take a look at your skating at trials and afterwards, inform you of which session to register for. Please note that the levels given in the programs information are approximate and may change. This is becuase we try to keep an equal number of people on each session for safety reasons. The dividing line is also not strictly based on tests, but actual ability. Some people may not have tested for several years but continued to build skills, or may have lost skills after a few years off. So, you may end up on a session that was not originally advertised as your exact test level.
What if I have no previous synchronized skating experience?
Come to trials and give it a shot anyways! Most of our skaters had never done synchro before joining our team! We learn as a team and our coach makes sure to teach us the basics to help us master these skills!
Competitions
Is competing at freeskate competitions or taking more tests mandatory?
No, these are not mandatory. We encourage skaters to further their skating if they choose by offering the opportunity to try tests or attend adult competitions. This is entirely up to the individual if they wish to pursue these.
How often does the synchro team compete?
Last year in the 2023-2024 season we competed at 1 competition in February, and also particiapted in another club's showcase in March. We usually aim to compete at 1-2 competitions depending on where and when they are.
When would we have to decide if we want to compete?
Registration for competitions often happens a couple weeks/months in advance. We generally do our best to keep an eye on registrations and let our skaters know when they happen.
Can I register for the winter semester only and then pay half the price?
For Freeskate A and C, Skills, or Adult learn to skate, yes you have the option to register for 1 term instead of 2. The costs of each program per term are listed under our Costs tab!
Do I have to pay the base fee for both terms?
No, the base fee is only paid once as it covers administrative fees for an individual.
Can I register for 1 term only for synchro and pay half the price?
For synchronized skating we do require a two term commitment as this team builds a program based on the skaters we have and competes that throughout the school year.
Costs
Volunteers
How do carpool drivers' payments work? Do I pay them each drive?
No, you don’t pay them at each drive. The transportation fee gets added into your final program fees that you pay. Transportation costs are outlined in the Costs tab.
As a volunteer, am I paid based on the amount of sessions I volunteer on, or one lump sum?
We keep track of how many programs you volunteer for and how many of those sessions you end up attending. We use that to figure out how much money comes off your fees. It's directly proportional to the amount of sessions you show up to. Estimates of how much money you can get off your fees for volunteering are outlined in the Costs tab.
As a driver, am I paid based on the amount I drive, or one lump sum?
We keep track of how many days you drive and how many trips you make - as occasionally people have to make more than one trip - and use that to figure out how much money comes off your fees. It's directly proportional to the amount of trips you do. Estimates of how much money you can get off your fees for driving are outlined in the Costs tab.