Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy skates/equipment for my child?
For skaters seeking quality equipment and expert advice, we recommend the following stores:
College Source for Sports: 63 Charing Cross St Unit 2, Brantford, ON N3R 2H4
Ice & Nice: 2445 Glenwood School Dr, Burlington, ON L7R 3R9
The Figure Skating Boutique: 109 Doncaster Ave, Thornhill, ON L3T 1L6
Moir’s Skate Shop: 22665 Komoka Rd, Komoka, ON N0L 1R0
My schedule has changed. Can I get a refund if the program has already started?
No, we cannot offer a refund if the program has already started. For details on our refund policy, please refer to the Brant Figure Skating Club’s refund policy on our website or contact us directly for further assistance.
What is a base coach and why do I need one?
A base coach in figure skating is a private coach who specializes in both foundational and advanced skills, crucial for a skater’s development. They focus on core elements such as posture, balance, and basic moves, while also providing guidance on more advanced techniques and maneuvers.
In addition to their focus on technical fundamentals, a base coach offers personalized support tailored to the skater’s needs. They provide recommendations on which training sessions to attend and which competitions to enter, helping to customize the skater’s development path. This individualized approach ensures that skaters receive targeted assistance for both foundational and advanced skills, optimizing their performance and progression in the sport.
You can find a base coach by contacting one of the coaches on our Coaches page.
How do I know which program to sign up for?
When deciding which program to sign up for, it's essential to consider your specific needs and goals as a skater. If you're a beginner, you'll want to register for either Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate, depending on your age. Pre-CanSkate is designed for younger beginners, while CanSkate is ideal for slightly older children who are just starting out.
For all other figure skating programs, it's best to contact your base coach, who can guide you based on your skill level and objectives.
If you're a hockey player looking to improve your skating skills, the PowerSkate program would be the most suitable option.
When does registration usually open?
Registration typically opens based on a variety of factors, including when the city provides the ice contract to the club and the availability of ice within the city. The Brant Figure Skating Club (BFSC) aims to have the schedule available anywhere from a month to two weeks before the sessions begin. This timeline allows for adjustments based on the final details of ice availability.
How many different registration periods are there?
In total there are 5 registration periods: Fall, Early Winter, Late Winter, Spring, Summer. In the future, we will offering a registration period that covers both Fall and Early Winter.
My child is done with Learn to Skate. What do they sign up for now?
If your child feels ready to move on from Learn to Skate, the next step depends on their future goals. If they have passed CanSkate Level 4 and are interested in pursuing hockey, they can sign up for PowerSkating. If figure skating is their goal, they can continue progressing toward the Future Stars program with the guidance of one of our coaches.
What is Flashing Blades? How can my child be a part of it?
Flashing Blades is a prestigious skating carnival in Brant County, offering children the opportunity to demonstrate the skills they have developed throughout the season. This event is highly anticipated and serves as a showcase for our skaters' achievements. Participation in Flashing Blades is often included in many of our registration packages; we encourage you to review your package details to confirm whether registration for this event is included. If it is not part of your current package, additional registration options may be available to ensure your child can take part in this esteemed event. To find out more about Flashing Blades click here.
How are fees determined?
Fees are determined based on several factors, including the city's ice contracts, the estimated number of registrants based on historical data, and Skate Canada fees. These elements contribute to the overall cost structure to ensure the program's sustainability and quality. For more detailed information, please contact us.
When does the multi-session discount get applied to my fees?
The multi-session discount is applicable to regional, provincial, and national sessions. The discount is applied when a skater is registered for 5 or more sessions a week.
Do I have to volunteer with the club? Can my child volunteer on my behalf?
Yes, volunteering is a requirement for families with a skater at the STAR level or higher to avoid the additional $250 fee. Each family is expected to contribute a minimum of four volunteer hours. There are numerous ways to fulfill this obligation, and any family member, including your child, may volunteer on the family's behalf. For more information on volunteer opportunities, please refer to the available options here. To find out more about our volunteer policy click here. To find out some ways you can volunteer with the Brant Figure Skating Club click here.
Where can I get the skates sharpened? How often do they need to be sharpened?
For skate sharpening, beginner skaters can visit College Source for Sports. Competitive skaters may prefer to use Paul, who is located in Burlington. Additionally, Paul Fisher comes to the Brant Sports Complex off of Powerline Rd. once a month, allowing for convenient coordination if you wish to arrange sharpening during his visits. It is generally advisable to have skates sharpened after every 20-25 hours of ice time, though this may vary based on usage and ice conditions. Regular sharpening is essential for optimal performance and safety on the ice. For further guidance, you may also consult your child's coach.
How do I know if skates are too small?
A good way to check whether skates are too small is to remove the sole of the skate and stand on it. If the toes are going over the sole of the skate, the skate is likely too small. Please be sure to double check with a coach to determine whether skates are sized correctly. It is always best to get skates sized initially by professional at a figure skating/hockey store. Here is a great site to help you check the size of your skates.
Are there fundraising opportunities to offset skating fees?
Yes, the Brant Figure Skating Club (BFSC) is actively exploring and working on various fundraising opportunities to help offset skating fees, help fund workshops, and buy new equipment. We are committed to providing options that can assist families with managing the costs associated with skating. Check out our Upcoming Events page for any upcoming fundraising opportunities.
How can my child become a programming assistant (PA)?
Becoming a programming assistant is an esteemed opportunity, earned through demonstrated skill and merit. Selected by our coaches, these assistants are recognized for their technical expertise and commitment to excellence at their star level. If your child is interested in this role, please contact us, and the coaches will be happy to assess their potential.
When does my child need a figure skating costume and where does my child get one?
Your child will need a figure skating costume for performances, competitions, or events where they are showcasing their routines. The timing for when a costume is needed will depend on the event schedule.
Costumes can be purchased or ordered from specialized skating shops, online retailers, or local costume suppliers. Our club also offers secondhand costumes for sale. For Flashing Blades, some costumes will be provided, while others will need to be purchased. Additionally, some coaches like to sketch costumes to help with design and fit. Be sure to check with your child's coach for specific requirements and recommendations regarding costumes.
What items are necessary for competition days?
For competition days, it's essential to be well-prepared with the necessary items. You can find a comprehensive checklist of what is needed for competition days here. This checklist will help ensure that you have everything required for a smooth and successful competition experience.