Program Assistants (PAs) are a very valuable part of the Skate Kingston Learn to Skate program. PAs are individuals who have been trained to assist in the delivery of the PreCanSkate and CanSkate programs.
The role of the Program Assistant (PA) varies depending on the unique needs and dynamics of our club.
In order to best serve our skaters, Program Assistants attend a specialized training program and work alongside our professional coaches to assist in delivering quality programs as mandated by Skate Canada. We are very fortunate to have a dedicated and enthusiastic group of Program Assistants who volunteer their time and act as exceptional role models for our younger skaters.
Program Assistants from Skate Kingston are registered Skate Canada members and include:
- Current club skaters
- Former skaters
- Skaters from other sports (hockey, ringette, speed skating)
Duties of a Program Assistant
- Assist the Skate Canada coach in delivering the program on‐ice and off‐ice,
- Demonstrate skills and teaching progressions,
- Supervise practice sessions,
- Assist coaches with warm-up and cool-down,
- 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.
Do you meet the criteria to become a Program Assistant?
- Must be currently registered as a Skate Canada member,
- Skate Kingston skaters have priority if the number of PAs are limited on a session,
- Over the age of 12, but we can train younger volunteers at our discretion,
- Must have the ability to demonstrate basic skating skills (a complete preliminary test passed),
- Attends all training sessions,
- Are good communicators and demonstrators,
- Are reliable, punctual and responsible,
- Are committed for whole Fall/Winter or Spring session,
- Are not paid, as volunteers. They receive a credit @ $5/hour that can be used towards their own skating registration or high school volunteer hours,
- Credits will not be held over. They must be used up by Fall registration or they will expire.
Please contact Skatekingstoninfo@gmail.com , for any inquiries regarding credits or school volunteer hours.
Please contact our CanSkate Director for any information regarding becoming a Program Assistant.
Tonya Van De Ven tonyavandeven@gmail.com
