Awards

The purpose of the Section CanSkate Athlete Award is to recognize skaters who have shown enthusiasm and dedication to the CanSkate program throughout the skating season. 

Criteria

• Must be enrolled in CanSkate for the current registration year
• Demonstrates a positive attitude
• Demonstrates an eagerness to learn and improve skills
• Is cooperative
• Participates fully

The purpose of the Section STAR Athlete Award is to recognize skaters who have demonstrated determination and commitment to the STAR program. Recipients of this award have displayed passion for the sport and have achieved success throughout the season, not only within the STAR assessment structure, but also with personal skill development and growth. 

Criteria

The winner of this award must not have registered or competed in a Podium Pathway (Pre-Novice or higher) category at a Sectional qualifying competition in the current skating season. The winner should also reflect the essence of the STAR program, including:

• Participation
• Achievement
• Personal success
• Displaying spirit and passion for the sport
• Striving for new goals
• Achieving balance within skating and in other areas of life
• Giving back to the sport by assisting at club level (program assistant, volunteering for club events, etc.)

Criteria

• An individual skater who is under the age of 16 as of July 1 of the current competitive season OR a pairs or ice dance team under the age of 18 as of July 1 of the current competitive season
• An individual, pairs, or ice dance team who exhibits spirit, dedication, determination or other favorable qualities
• A minimum pre-novice competitor with a top-ten finish at the Sectional level in the current competitive season
• A positive role model for other athletes
• An individual, pairs or ice dance team who combines off-ice and on-ice training in order to meet his/her/their competitive goals

The purpose of the Section Program Assistant Award is to recognize dedicated and passionate program assistants who continuously share Skate Canada’s vision with all participants of the program. This award is presented to individuals who are not only great assets to the coaching team on the ice, but also show their commitment off the ice by providing support and assistance to the club and its registrants. This award will be presented to one person in each of the ten sections who meets the following criteria:

Criteria

A currently active program assistant who:

• Has made a significant contribution to his/her/their club by having assisted skaters, coaches and/or the club executive with programming both on and off the ice
• Is an excellent role model/mentor who inspires others to embrace the joy of skating
• Displays a potential for a long-term commitment to the sport of figure skating in the community in a coaching or volunteer role

Criteria

Individuals who:

• Participates as an adaptive skater and/or Special Olympics skater.
• Demonstrates a passion for the sport.
• Contributes to a welcoming and positive skating environment.
• Strives for personal growth and new goals.
• Inspires the skating community.

The Section Adult Skater Award is to recognize Adult skaters who have demonstrated a commitment and passion for the sport. Recipients of this award have displayed passion for the sport and have achieved success throughout the season in relation to their personal skill development, growth, and goals.

Criteria

The winner of this award must:

• Be 18 years of age or older and must not have registered or competed in a Podium Pathway (Pre-Novice or higher) category at a Sectional qualifying competition in the current skating season.
• Reflect the essence of the Active for Life/Competitive for Life pathways:
• Active participation
• Personal success
• Displaying spirit and passion for the sport
• Striving for new goals
• Achieving balance within skating and in other areas of life
• Giving back to the sport
• Be an exemplary role model and inspiration for other volunteers, skaters, coaches, and officials.
• Show great interest in making the sport’s future direction better.

This award will be presented to one person in each of the ten sections. It will be given to a coach who has contributed to the coaching community through volunteer efforts at the club, region, section or national level. The focus of this award is on volunteer contributions made by coaches to the sport of skating.

Criteria

• A registered Skate Canada coach in good standing with a minimum NCCP status of CanSkate Coach Certified or Regional Coach (STAR) Certified
• An individual who contributes volunteer time in addition to professional coaching time at the club, region, section or national level
• A coach who inspires others to embrace the joy of skating
• A coach who has demonstrated commitment to the development of the sport of skating

Criteria

• A Skate Canada technical representative, evaluator, judge, referee, technical controller, technical specialist or data specialist who is currently registered with Skate Canada
• Active at the Section level or lower for at least five years
• Demonstrates a knowledge of Skate Canada rules, policies, philosophies and programs
• Is keen to share accurate information with other officials, athletes, coaches, parents/guardians and administrators with the interest/intent of developing figure skating and figure skaters in Canada
• An individual who has given quality service to the Section and the organization in general

This award will be presented to one person in each of the ten sections. The purpose of this award is to recognize an individual for his/her/their dedication and contribution to the discipline of synchronized skating in their section.

Criteria

• Active adult volunteer (including officials, event organizers, administrators and representatives, etc.) recognized for his/her/their contribution to synchronized skating
• Reflect the characteristics of Elizabeth Swan - dedication, perseverance, commitment, passion and spirit
• A strong desire and interest in promoting the sport of synchronized skating within and beyond the skating community
• An individual who is aware of, and supports, the development of all levels of synchronized skating
• An individual who has given at least 2 years to the discipline of synchronized skating in a volunteer capacity

Criteria

• Active and currently registered adult volunteer whose club and/or region efforts have produced specific, positive results in his/her/their section
• An individual whose contributions reflect passion for the sport and its participants
• An individual who is an exemplary role model for other volunteers, skaters and/or coaches
• Has a minimum of five years of volunteer work in the sport of skating
• Shows an awareness and interest in the future direction of the sport

Criteria

• Active and currently registered adult volunteer in good standing whose efforts have produced specific, positive results   
• An individual who volunteers at a club, section or national level and works in any capacity (e.g. board member, committee volunteer, event volunteer, etc.) 
• An individual who has gone above and beyond in their role to make a positive difference  
• An individual whose contributions reflect passion for the sport and its participants   
• An individual who is an exemplary role model for other volunteers, skaters and/or coaches   
• Has a minimum of ten years volunteer work in the sport of skating   
• Shows an awareness and interest in the future direction of the sport   
• Embodies and exemplifies Skate Canada values of safety, integrity, collaboration, excellence and innovation 

This award will be presented to one club or skating school in each Section that demonstrates exceptional performance, exemplifies Skate Canada values, meets or exceeds all program delivery standards, maintains or increases its registration, maintains or increases the number of assessments taken by registrants, demonstrates strong collaboration among its volunteers, coaches and administrators, employs innovative marketing and social media strategies and cultivates a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.

Criteria

Nominees must meet the minimum criteria defined below and must consent to their nomination.

• An active and operational, registered club or skating school in good standing 
• Demonstrates that it supports, and meets or exceeds all program delivery standards 
• Maintains or increases its number of registrants 
• Maintains or increases the number of assessments taken by registrants 
• Demonstrates strong collaboration among its volunteers, coaches, and administrators 
• Demonstrates effective and innovative marketing and social media strategies 
• Cultivates and maintains a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment
• Embodies and exemplifies Skate Canada values of safety, integrity, collaboration, excellence and innovation 
• Has complied with the Club and Skating School Operating Requirements and has not received a warning or been sanctioned for not following these requirements during the current or past skating season.

All clubs are encouraged to nominate an outstanding volunteer, coach, official or athlete. The Skate Saskatchewan Awards Committee will then select one (1) successful nominee to receive the Synchronized Skating Recognition Award presented at the Skate Saskatchewan Awards Gala held in conjunction with the Annual General Meeting.

NOMINATING CLUB is responsible for the selected recipient's Skate Saskatchewan Awards Gala Ticket. The recipient does not have to attend. 

This award will be presented at the Saskatchewan AGM Awards Luncheon. The purpose of the Skate Saskatchewan Competitive Coach Award of Excellence is to recognize the dedication and achievements of a coach in this category. The recipient will be selected for their unique advancement and outstanding contributions to our sport and the well-being of athletes participating in figure skating. This award is presented to a professional coach who has made a significant contribution to a team or athlete’s performance and achieved a significant milestone in the coach and athlete/team’s career during the past year.

The coach must meet the following criteria:

• An active professional coach in a Saskatchewan club, or working with Saskatchewan skaters, who is currently registered with Skate Canada and in good standing
• Minimum of NCCP Provincial Coach Certified
• Have coached in at least one competitive event at the section or national level (ex: Sectionals, Challenge, Canadian Championships), or at an international event in the competitive season in which the award is presented
• Moves beyond coaching as profession, and contributes to the development of skating globally through a professional or volunteer commitment (perhaps a committee member, learning facilitator, seminar leader, guest speaker, etc.)
• Is actively involved in sharing and obtaining accurate information with officials, athletes, coaches, parents and administrators with the interest/intent of developing figure skating and figure skaters in Saskatchewan
• Shows commitment to professional development through continued upgrading of qualifications and participation.

This award will be presented at the Saskatchewan AGM Award Luncheon. The purpose of the Skate Saskatchewan Club and Recreational Coach Award of Excellence is to recognize the dedication and achievements of the coach in this category. The recipient will be selected for their unique advancement and outstanding contributions to our sport and the well-being of athletes participating in skating.

The coach must meet the following criteria:

• An active professional coach in a Saskatchewan club, or working with Saskatchewan skaters, who is currently registered with Skate Canada and in good standing
• Minimum Certified CanSkate Coach

In addition, the coach must have a proven track record of coaching excellence in one or more program areas:

• CanSkate coach with a proven track record of teaching success at the learn-to-skate level. Priority given to coaches who have previously fully implemented the New CanSkate program, attend/host regional Fun Fests, and deliver high-quality programming
• STARSkate coach with a proven track record of reflecting the principles of the STARSkate program (personal success and achievement, participation, spirit and passion for the sport, attainment of goals particular to the athlete, and promoting balance within skating and other areas of life), who also provides opportunity to learn in a group format. Coaches who teach all disciplines, or specialize in disciplines, will be considered
• AdultSkate, SynchroSkate, or Adaptive skating coach with a proven track record of coaching excellence
• Moves beyond coaching as a profession and contributes to the development of skating globally through professional and/or volunteer commitment (perhaps a committee member at any level, Learning Facilitator, mentor coach, etc.)
• Inspires others to embrace the joy of skating, and works to facilitate harmonious relationships to promote all aspects of the sport of skating and Skate Canada-Saskatchewan (perhaps with arena boards, city programming, minor hockey associations, etc.)
• A coach who inspires others to embrace the joy of skating
• A coach who has shown commitment to professional development through continued upgrading of qualifications.
• Meets – and exceeds - the requirements of the Roles and Responsibilities of a Professional Club Coach, as outlined by Skate Canada:
  • To abide by the Skate Canada Coaches Code of Ethics and maintain up‐to‐date membership with Skate Canada as a Professional Coach.
  • To be an "expert" in coaching and figure skating.
  • To identify and address potential moral or ethical issue.
  • To be competent at guiding parents, preparing skaters, and club board members in skating and coaching related matters.
  • To be clear, respectful and honest when communicating to skaters, parents and executive members.
  • To communicate figure skating skills instructions and make coaching decisions effectively.
  • To work with a team of coaches and resource personnel to ensure that the skater receives the best training possible.
  • To assume leadership roles for other coaches when asked or needed.
  • To communicate clearly goals and objectives developed with your skaters, parents, and executive members prior to the skating session debut.
  • To be up‐to‐date with Skate Canada rules and rule amendments at all times.
  • To be responsible for upgrading your skills and knowledge in the sport of figure skating on a regular basis.
  • To develop lesson plans in order to improve your organizational and management skills
  • To analyze, identify errors and provide constructive feedback to the skaters, and parents.
  • To identify talented skaters with natural abilities through the use of criteria set in the Talent Identification and Development Plan in your club.
  • To organize and implement a fun, safe and enjoyable environment to all skaters.
  • To administrate first aid actions when needed.
  • To accept additional responsibilities in a professional manner.
  • To train, supervise, assess and evaluate Program Assistants.
  • To organize and lead parent information sessions.
  • To provide advice on skating matters ‐ e.g. equipment, progression to other programs and future opportunities.

The National Coach Award celebrates outstanding coaches who inspire and support skaters across Long-Term Development (LTD) stages of development within the Star and/or Podium pathways. This award recognizs exceptional dedication, excellence, and positive impact on skaters' growth, both on and off the ice. 

Eligible Candidates:

• Registered Skate Canada coaches in good standing
• An individual coach or a team of coaches
• SC coaches who are actively coaching in one or more LTD pathways:
• FUNdamental & STAR Pathway: CanSkate, StarSkate, PowerSkate
• Podium Pathway: Train to Train, Train to Compete, Train to Win stages in one or more skating disciplines (singles, pair skating, ice dance, synchronized skating
• Coaches with a minimum of an NCCP certification status in one of the following: 
• FUNdamental/Star pathway: CanSkate Coach Certified or higher
• Podium Pathway; Provincial Coach Certified or higher

Criteria: 

• Coaches that inspire skaters to achieve their best and strive for individual and/or team excellence.
• Coaches that contribute to growing our sport through various professional and volunteer involvement via regional, provincial, and/or national committees as NCCP coach developers, technical panel officials, seminar facilitators, and mentors, etc.
• Coaches that embrace change, innovation and the Active for Life philosophy.
• Coaches that have a human-first approach alongside the skater/athlete and provide holistic development support.
• Coaches that exemplify Skate Canada's values: safety, integrity, collaboration, excellence, and innovation.
• Star pathway coaches who demonstrate excellence in developing well-rounded skaters in learn-to-skate, learn-to-figure skate and/or learn-to-power skate programs and/or 
• Podium pathway coaches who have achieved success in domestic and/or international competitions, including ISU Grand Prix and championship events, as well as the Olympic Winter Games.

Recipients are chosen by a panel including the Skate Canada President, Chair of the Coaches Committee and Senior Manager of Coaching. Teams of up to two coaches may be nominated when appropriate. Skate Canada reserves the right not to present the award in any given year. 

Active officials (technical representatives, judges, referees, technical controllers, technical specialists and data specialists) at any level are eligible for this award. Nominations should be made by officials, coaches, team managers, or any member of the Skate Canada Board of Directors, Section Board of Directors, Section Judge/Evaluator Chairs or Section Data Specialist Chairs.

Criteria

Nominees must meet the minimum criteria defined below and must consent to their nomination.

• An official who is currently registered and in good standing with Skate Canada
• Officiated at a minimum of one event or assessment day in the current season at any level. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of Skate Canada programs philosophies, vision and mission
• An official who is keen to share accurate information with other officials, athletes, coaches, parents/guardians and coaches with the interest of developing skating in Canada
• An official who has given, and will continue to provide, quality service at the club, section, national and/or international level
• Embodies and exemplifies Skate Canada values of safety, integrity, collaboration, excellence and innovation

This award will be presented to one individual. The Skate Canada President, chair of the Officials Assignment and Promotion Committee, chair of the OJET Committee and Senior Manager Performance Excellence and Officials will select the winner. Skate Canada reserves the right to not present an award in any given year.