Skater Development: Speed Skating Canada

The Long Term Participant/Athlete Development Model

Speed Skating Canada has recently revamped the competition and age class structure. These changes have been made as a result of the Long Term Participant/Athlete Development Model (LTPAD). Following the SSC, this Model:

• is based on the sport participant’s developmental age and not their chronological age recognizing that children are not miniature adults and do not all develop at the same speed
• acknowledges that everyone progresses through the stages of development and training objectives at their own rhythm
• is athlete centered, coach driven, and supported by administrators, officials, and financial partners
• is based on the Canadian Sport for Life model, a multi-sport model developed for all Canadians in all sports: http://canadiansportforlife.ca/
• is intended to assist athletes, parents, coaches, officials, and sport administrators to make informed decisions about athlete development
• allows for everyone to participate to the full extent of their abilities
• recognizes competitions must be adapted to the stage of development of the participants

There are 9 stages in the SSC Model. The SSC has information on each stage: http://www.speedskating.ca/about/skater-development/the-ltpad-model

Skater Age Classes

All ages are calculated based on a skater's age as of July 1st of each year.

In our Club, we organize skaters into Groups based on age and ability. Please register based on Groups and, if unsure, contact us and we will help you out!

Skating Programs

Skaters in the above age ranges are grouped into three categories: Group 1 for younger skaters through Learning to Train, Group 2 for older skaters, and Group 3 for older skaters focusing on competition. The following table gives start times for each program and the general dates for Short Track and Long Track. Please note that these dates will be confirmed each year as we learn our starting ice date and, for Outdoor Long Track, are weather dependent. Changes will be communicated to Club Members by email.

In our Club, we organize skaters into Groups based on age and ability. Please register based on whether you wish to skate 1 Night/Week or 2 Nights/Week and Coaches will place skaters based on their ability last year. New Skaters will start with Group 1 and will be evaluated and placed by the Coaches. Group 3 (3 Nights/Week) will be created as needed.