Program Assistants
Role of the Program Assistant (PAs)
Program Assistants are an important component to any successful CanSkate program. The role of the Program Assistant (PA) varies depending upon the needs and dynamics of a club. However, all duties involve assisting Skate Canada coaches in the delivery of the program. PAs are on the ice to assist coaches during the lesson, to demonstrate the skills and to help supervise. PAs also lead groups from station to station. They provide the CanSkater with a familiar, friendly face and hope to spread the joy of skating by being a role model for the skaters.
Responsibilities
- Assist our coaches in delivering the program on‐ice and off‐ice
- Demonstrate skills and teaching progressions
- Supervise practice sessions
- Lead warm‐ups and cool‐downs under the direction of the Skate Canada coach
- Reinforce learned skills (follow‐up on coach instruction)
- Lead circuits, drills, group activities
- Distribute awards (stickers, badges, etc.)
- Take attendance
- Be a role model for young skaters
- Program Assistants are a very important part of our successful CanSkate program. The role of the PA varies depending on the unique needs and dynamics of the club
Criteria to become a PA
- PAs must be currently registered as a Skate Canada member
- Must be 12 years or older
- Must be Grade 7 and up
- Must have completed one full year of Starskate
- Must have passed minimum Star 1 Skills
- Must attend all training sessions
- PAs have good communication and demonstration skills
- They are reliable, punctual and responsible
- PAs commit for the whole skating season
- They are not paid and act as volunteers