Welcome to the 2019-2020 season!
ESSA offers 4 distinct youth programs (FUNdamentals, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced) for children ages 3-17. Each of these programs has both short track and long track training.
Intermediate and Advanced programs are full year registrations (Sep- Mar).
FUNdamentals and Novice programs are either full year (Oct – Mar) of half year (Oct – Dec OR Jan – Mar).
ESSA has 3 training seasons (Preseason, Short Track Season, Long Track Season). These seasons are used to identify training times only. You do not register for a season.
ESSA also offers adult long track programming that runs roughly Dec-Mar dependent on outdoor ice conditions. There is one program for new(er) skaters and one program for experienced speed skaters.
The tabs below provide a description of each program, as well as the training time for each season, and a description of program fees.
2019-2020 Programs
Returning athletes will receive an email by August 7th, indicating which program you should register for this season.
New athletes (8 and under) should register for the FUNdamentals program.
New athletes (9 and over) should register for Novice 1.
Athletes 11 and over transitioning from another skating sport (hockey, ringette, figure skating) should contact the program coordinator (programcoordinator@edmontonspeedskating.ca) to determine the most appropriate program.
Athlete assessment is ongoing throughout the season and skaters may advance through one or more programs as the season progresses.
All group assignments and changes are subject to coach approval and may account for group dynamics and/or further technical factors not outlined in the table below.
| Program | Description | Quantitative Standard | Qualitative Standard (including all criteria of preceding groups) | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUNdamentals | Program focuses on the development of skating skills and basic speed skating technique. Games and fun races are are used to develop and reinforce speed and skill. 1-2 sessions per week. | Skaters age 8 and under that have not been promoted to Novice Stage 1 | Skaters should be able to stand up themselves after falling, and push themselves forward unassisted on skates. | Competition is not necessary at this level. Skaters will participate in intra-club fun meets during some regular practice times. Skaters are welcome to participate in local or regional events. |
| Novice Stage 1 | Program focuses on the development of skating skills and basic speed skating technique. Games and fun races are are used to develop and reinforce speed and skill. 2 sessions per week (1 session shared with FUNdamentals, 1 session shared with Novice Stage 2). | Athletes ages 9 years and older (or athletes 8 and under that have been promoted to this group). | Athlete can skate 400m independently. | Skaters will participate in intra-club events during some practices. Skaters are strongly encouraged to participate in ESSA's two hosted events (1 short track, 1 long track). Skaters may choose to compete in regional events. |
| Novice Stage 2 | Continued refinement of speed skating skills including work on flexibility and endurance through games. 2 sessions per week (1 session shared with Novice Stage 1, and one session shared with Intermediate Stage 1) | Athlete consistently skates entire corner with crossovers Athlete skates in basic position for at least 400m | Skaters will participate in intra-club events during some practices. Skaters are strongly encouraged to participate in ESSA's two hosted events (1 short track, 1 long track). Skaters may choose to compete in regional events. |
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| Intermediate Stage 1 | Program focus remains on skill development but athletes are introduced to competition and relays. 3 sessions per week (1 session shared with Novice Stage 2, 2 sessions shared with Intermediate Stage 2) | 55.0 seconds (400m) | Applicable for new athletes transferring from other skating sports (hockey, ringette, figure skating). Athlete pushes to the side consistently Athlete can glide in recovery position between the blue lines (15.24m) Athlete is capable of a standing start | Skaters are strongly encouraged to participate in ESSA's two hosted events (1 short track, 1 long track). Skaters are encouraged to participate in at least 2 other regional events in either discipline. |
| Intermediate Stage 2 | Program focus remains on skill development Athletes continue to develop competition skills and improve endurance. 3 sessions per week (2 sessions shared with Intermediate Stage 1, 1 session shared with Advanced - T2T) | Athlete is capable of weight transfer Athlete skates using speed track consistently Athlete gives and receives correct relay exchanges consistently Athlete skates in an ideal basic position consistently | Skaters are strongly encouraged to participate in ESSA's two hosted events (1 short track, 1 long track). Skaters are encouraged to participate in at least 2 other regional events in either discipline. |
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| Advanced - T2T | Athletes primarily aged 11-14 that compete mostly on the 100m track. Program introduces and refines advanced skating techniques. Skaters train in both long and short track events. 4 sessions per week (1 session shared with Intermediate Stage 2, 3 sessions shared with Advanced Junion/Senior). | 49.0 seconds (400m) | Athlete skates with weight transfer consistently Athlete can hold position gliding on one foot (straights7*) Athlete can maintain an ideal basic position for 1500m | Skaters are strongly encouraged to participate in ESSA's two hosted events (1 short track, 1 long track). Skaters should consult their coach on other regional and national level events that may be appropriate. |
| Advanced - Junior/Senior | Junior and Senior level athletes that are committed to training and competing learn advanced skating techniques, and improving racing strategies and tactics. 4-5 sessions per week (3 sessions shared with Advanced - T2T) | Skaters should consult with their coach for applicable competitions. | ||
| Adult Long Track 1 | New or less experienced adults looking for an introduction to speed skating. 2 sessions per week. | Competition is not expected but skaters are welcome to compete in ESSA's annual long track event. | ||
| Adult Long Track 2 | Experienced adults looking to refine their skills. 2 sessions per week. | Skaters are encouraged to compete in ESSA's annual long track event. Other regional, national, and international events may also be available. |
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| Oval Affiliate | Skaters training at the Oval Program in Calgary that require a club for competition. Note that Affiliate members that have historically skated with ESSA are eligible for funding for certain out of province events. |
*Straights7 is a drill progression in the AASSA 2014 handbook
Preseason Training Details
Preseason runs September 3 - 29 and is included for all Intermediate and Advanced registrants.
| Training Group | Sunday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Stage 1 | 20:00 - 21:00 Clareview Arena A | 18:15 - 19:15 Clareview Arena A | 06:15 - 07:30 Clareview Arena (Optional) |
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| Intermediate Stage 2 | 20:00 - 21:00 Clareview Arena A | 18:15 - 19:15 Clareview Arena A | 06:15 - 07:30 Clareview Arena (Optional) |
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| Advanced T2T | 18:00 - 19:30 Clareview Arena A | 21:15 - 22:15 Clareview Arena A | 18:15 - 19:30 Clareview Arena A | 19:15 - 20:15 Clareview Arena A | 06:15 - 07:30 Clareview Arena (Optional) |
| Advanced Junior/Senior | 18:00 - 19:30 Clareview Arena A | 21:15 - 22:15 Clareview Arena A | 18:15 - 19:30 Clareview Arena A | 19:15 - 20:15 Clareview Arena A | 06:15 - 07:30 Clareview Arena (Optional) |
Short Track Season Training Details
Short track season runs October 1 - November 29, and February 18 - March 20.
*No Training Oct 6, Nov 10
| Training Group | Sunday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUNdamentals | 17:30 - 18:30 Kinsmen Arena A | 18:15 - 19:15 Clareview Arena A | |||
| Novice Stage 1 | 19:15 - 20:15 Kinsmen Arena A | 18:15 - 19:15 Clareview Arena A | |||
| Novice Stage 2 | 19:15 - 20:15 Kinsmen Arena A | 18:30 - 19:30 Kinsmen Arena A | |||
| Intermediate Stage 1 | 20:15 - 21:15 Kinsmen Arena A | 18:30 - 19:30 Kinsmen Arena A | 19:15 - 20:15 Clareview Arena A | 06:15 - 07:30 Clareview Arena (Optional) |
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| Intermediate Stage 2 | 20:15 - 21:15 Kinsmen Arena A | 20:00 - 21:00 Clareview Arena A | 19:15 - 20:15 Clareview Arena A | 06:15 - 07:30 Clareview Arena (Optional) |
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| Advanced T2T | 18:00 - 19:30 Clareview Arena A | 20:00 - 21:00 Clareview Arena A | 18:15 - 19:30 Clareview Arena A | 20:30 - 21:30 Clareview Arena A | 06:15 - 07:30 Clareview Arena (Optional) |
| Advanced Junior/Senior | 18:00 - 19:30 Clareview Arena A | 21:15 - 22:15 Clareview Arena A | 18:15 - 19:30 Clareview Arena A | 20:30 - 21:30 Clareview Arena A | 06:15 - 07:30 Clareview Arena (Optional) |
Long Track Season Training Details
Long track season runs December 1 - Feb 16.
*No Indoor Training Dec 22 - Jan 3.
**Revised Outdoor Schedule Dec 23 - Jan 3 TBD
| Training Group | Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUNdamentals | 18:00 - 19:00 Victoria Park Oval | 18:00 - 19:00 Victoria Park Oval | ||||
| Novice Stage 1 | 19:15 - 20:15 Kinsmen Arena A | 18:00 - 19:00 Victoria Park Oval | 18:00 - 19:00 Victoria Park Oval | |||
| Novice Stage 2 | 19:15 - 20:15 Kinsmen Arena A | 18:00 - 19:00 Victoria Park Oval | 18:00 - 19:00 Victoria Park Oval | |||
| Intermediate Stage 1 | 20:15 - 21:15 Kinsmen Arena A | 19:00 - 20:30 Victoria Park Oval | 18:00 - 19:00 Victoria Park Oval (LT) | 19:00 - 20:30 Victoria Park Oval | 06:15 -07:30 Clareview Arena A (Optional) |
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| Intermediate Stage 2 | 20:15 - 21:15 Kinsmen Arena A | 19:00 - 20:30 Victoria Park Oval | 18:00 - 19:00 Victoria Park Oval (LT) | 19:00 - 20:30 Victoria Park Oval | 06:15 -07:30 Clareview Arena A (Optional) |
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| Advanced T2T | 18:00 - 19:30 Clareview Arena A | 18:00 - 19:00 Victoria Park Oval | 19:00 - 20:30 Victoria Park Oval | 18:00 - 19:00 Victoria Park Oval (LT) -OR- 18:15 - 19:30 Clareview Arena A (ST) | 19:00 - 20:30 Victoria Park Oval (LT) -OR- 18:15 - 20:15 Clareview Arena A (ST) | 06:15 -07:30 Clareview Arena A (Optional) |
| Advanced Junior/Senior | 18:00 - 19:30 Clareview Arena A | 18:00 - 19:00 Victoria Park Oval | 19:00 - 20:30 Victoria Park Oval | 18:00 - 19:00 Victoria Park Oval (LT) -OR- 18:15 - 19:30 Clareview Arena A (ST) | 19:00 - 20:30 Victoria Park Oval (LT) -OR- 18:15 - 20:15 Clareview Arena A (ST) | 06:15 -07:30 Clareview Arena A (Optional) |
| Adult 1 Long Track | 20:00 - 21:00 Victoria Park Oval | 20:00 - 21:00 Victoria Park Oval | ||||
| Adult 2 Long Track | 20:00 - 21:00 Victoria Park Oval | 20:00 - 21:00 Victoria Park Oval |
2019-2020 Fees
*Note that first half skaters pay only the difference between the half season and full season fee when registering for the second half.
**Need financial assistance? Please refer to our KidSport policy.
***See our Refund policy with respect to registration fees.
| Training Group | Registration Half Season (Oct - Dec) or (Jan - Mar) | Registration Full Season | Skate Rentals |
|---|---|---|---|
| FUNdamentals | $175 - twice per week $125 - once per week | $300 - twice per week $200 - once per week | $100 full season short track $50 - half season short track |
| Novice Stage 1 | $220 | $390 | $100 full season short track $50 - half season short track |
| Novice Stage 2 | $220 | $390 | $100 full season short track $50 - half season short track |
| Intermediate Stage 1 | N/A | $750 | $150 full season short track |
| Intermediate Stage 2 | N/A | $750 | $150 full season short track $250 full season short track & long track $125 long track only |
| Advanced T2T | N/A | $1050 | $150 full season short track $250 full season short track & long track $125 long track only |
| Advanced Junior/Senior | N/A | $1050 | $150 full season short track $250 full season short track & long track $125 long track only |
| Adult 1 Long Track | N/A | $275 | $75 |
| Adult 2 Long Track | N/A | $275 | $75 |
| Oval Affiliate (with travel reimbursement) | N/A | $500 | |
| Oval Affiliate (no travel reimbursement) | N/A | $200 |