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Frequently asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Dr Pepper StarCenter Ice Skating Programs
Q. What is the StarCenter class curriculum?
A. Our skating schools curriculum is based on the Ice Skating Institute test structure. The ISI provides levels for recreational and competitive skating. Your skater’s curriculum is provided on the back of their class name badge. Around the 3rd week of classes, skaters will receive stickers from their instructors for the maneuvers that they have mastered. This will allow the parent and the skater to see class progression during the semester. All maneuvers must be completed in order to progress to the next class.
Q. What is the Class Name Badge?
A. After registering for classes, you will receive a class name badge (treat this badge like cash). It is very important that your child wears the name badge to every class. Not only is used for “testing”, it also helps instructors make sure that your skater is in the correct class. In the event that you lose your name badge, you will be asked to buy a replacement badge at the front desk for $10.00.
Q. Are StarCenter Instructors Certified?
A. All of our skating instructors are nationally trained and certified by the Ice Skating Institute, Professional Skaters Association and United States Figure Skating Association.
Q. How do the age levels work?
A. The age’s listed for each class is a “guideline”. If a skater’s skill level out ways his age, they can be in that class. We have several 4 year olds in a Hockey 1 class. On the reverse side, some 5 year olds may not be quite ready for PreAlpha; they may be more suited for an Ice Tots class.
Q. Will my skater be moved if they are too advanced for the class?
A. Absolutely, the first (two) weeks of class are often spent evaluating students and making sure they are in the correct class. We do not hold skaters back when they are ready to move into a higher skill level class.
Q. What is the difference between Hockey and Figure Skates?
A. Figure skates (regular skates) have a straighter blade with a flat end on the heel and toe picks on the front. Hockey skates have a more rounded (rockered) blade; the front and the back ends are both rounded. Many young children find it easier to march and get the feel of the ice using skates with toe picks. Hockey skates on children first learning with balance problems may cause the child to fall forwards or backwards.
Q. Should a Pre Alpha class skater wear Hockey or Figure skates?
A. We like to re-name figure skates as “regular” skates. If your child is just learning to ice skate because it is fun, have them wear regular skates. If your child is interested in playing hockey one day, start them out in Hockey skates. Exception: Some children my not be ready for hockey skates yet, they may need to start out in “regular” skates and after some success on the ice before changing to hockey skates.
Q. What kind of skates should my Ice Tot 1 wear?
A. Tots should start out in regular skates (figure). Most children at age 3 or 4 do not have a great sense of balance. The regular skates will give them a chance to master balancing on the ice without falling forward. They can start using hockey skates in Tots 2.
Q. Should I buy or rent my skates?
A. We recommend that you rent skates first. Our rental skates are top quality. In many of our locations are rental skates are better than some skates you can purchase. By the time your skater reaches Hockey 1 or Alpha, you should at that point consider buying skates. Once skaters reach Hockey 2 or Gamma level, they should have their own skates in order to see the most improvement in their skating skills. Class coaches and the staff in our StarStuff stores can assist you on recommending skates for purchase.
Q. Should my skaters wear a helmet?
A. Helmets are not required for beginner classes. However; we strongly recommend that your tots wear helmets (bicycle helmets are fine). Higher level hockey classes WILL require a USA Hockey certified helmet.
Q. What if my Tot won’t go on the ice?
A. Be patient. It is our recommendation that you bring your Tot to a public skate before enrolling them in lessons. Make sure it is something that your Tot really wants to do. Before signing up for skating classes, your tot must meet the age requirement, and we recommend that Tots have been enrolled in another group style class where they take direction from someone other than the parent. Re-assure them that you will be watching, but from the bleachers. The coach will take your tot and work with them on the ice. A screaming tot will be brought back off the ice. However; there are times when a tot is “not scared” they are just pushing the limits and need to stay out on the ice for the duration of the class. Our coaches have been teaching tots for a very long time, they can tell the difference between a tot that is sincerely upset from a tot that just needs to be encouraged to follow through with a commitment.
Q. How do I have a make up class?
A. (2) make up classes per semester are available for MOST classes. Not every class we offer has an available make-up class. You do not need to call ahead and reserve a make-up day and time. Simply come to any other class day and time that is listed in the brochure for your specific class. Make up classes MUST be completed before the end of the current semester.
Q. Should we come and practice?
A. Absolutely! With each paid skating semester, the skater receives free public session the day of their class. In addition, each skater receives free public sessions to come and practice on another day (they expire at the end of the semester). Remember if you only ice skate 30 minutes once a week, you will not see amazing improvement. If a child only swam for 30 minutes once a week, they wouldn’t be a very good swimmer either! They need practice outside of their group lesson...
Q. What is testing and certificate week?
A. Usually Class #7 is testing day. Each skater is tested on the curriculum listed on the back of their name badge. Stickers are applied during the semester when the skater has mastered that maneuver, starting around class #3. Each skater receives a certificate that recommends them for a class for the next semester. Some skaters will be recommended to re-take the same class. We test to the ISI (Ice skating Institute) standards. Skaters are not automatically moved into the next level, they must learn the appropriate skills. Please bring your certificate with you when registering for the next semester
Q. What is a private lesson? And when should I start taking them?
A. A private lesson is a skating lesson that is one on one between a coach and a skater. For beginner skaters, private lessons are taught on public sessions. Private lessons are taught in 15 minute increments. Our coaches are independent contractors and have an hourly rate. You arrange the day and time of your lessons directly with a coach and pay them personally. You pay the rink for the ice time (or use your free public session passes). Many skaters that are struggling at the beginning levels find it advantageous to take one or two private lessons to get that special one on one attention. . Group lesson skaters that are interested in pursuing ice skating (either figure or hockey) will start to supplement with private lessons once a week (starting at the Alpha or Hockey 1 level).
Q. Where can I find information about the skating semester on a regular basis?
A. There are Bulletin Boards in the lobby, Flyers in the bins in the rink lobby, and Informational flyers will be handed out in class.
Visit our website www.drpepperstarcenter.com. Skating school information is updated weekly. Include your email address on your registration form and you will receive email updates throughout the semester.
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