These are basically the Frequently Asked Questions...
- Registration is open/ongoing... New students can jump in at almost any time (late in the winter there might be a time when Coach Chic feels new students may slow the rest of the class, or not be able to catch up).
- About player ages... A lot of new parents wonder about the proper ages for these programs, to which Coach Chic usually responds, "There probably really aren't any." In most instances it has a lot more to do with a youngster's personality. In other words, a daring 2 1/2-year old might do better than a 9-year old who won't let go of the boards. So again, it usually has a lot more to do with whether a child will come out onto the ice -- and just give things a try, versus there being a set age limit.
- What gear is needed for a Learn-to-skate student? Minimum requirements include a certified hockey helmet and face mask (no bicycle helmets, etc.), certified neck guard, quality skates, mittens or gloves, and a hockey stick.
- What gear is needed for a Learn-to-play student? Minimum requirements include a certified hockey helmet and face mask, certified neck guard, quality skates, hockey gloves, light protection for the elbows and knees, and a hockey stick.
- Why haven't you recommended typical hockey equipment -- like pants, shoulder pads, elbow pads and shin guards? These classes are all about "movement", and skaters aren't able to really move -- easily or fluidly -- if they're inhibited by heavy or bulky gear. So, students should dress as lightly as possible, and perhaps have their knees and elbows protected by inexpensive and light roller hockey or skateboard type pads. Sweatsuits might be appropriate for older students, while snowsuits prove suitable for younger ones. (Because Coach Chic's advanced high school, college and pro students mainly work on speed and smooth movements in his Skills Practices, they also train minus all the heavy gear.)
- Are there rules about attendance? No, not really. However, it should make sense that the more often one attends, the quicker he or she will progress. If Coach Chic had a recommendation, it would be for students to attend as many consecutive practices as possible in the beginning in order to get really comfortable with the atmosphere and the the basic drilling.
- Are parents allowed on the ice during these sessions? Up front, please understand that these clinics are a part of Coach Chic's work -- or a part of his living. So, while he likes the atmosphere to be relaxed and fun for his young students, safety and serious teaching are his real priorities. For these reasons, no older siblings are permitted on the ice (don't even ask), nor are visiting uncles, aunts, grandmothers, whatever. That said, a handful of "qualified" parents may assist Coach Chic after requesting such, and after completing a special release form.
- How is the first session different from others? On October 3rd, 2010 -- for our first session, ALL students will report for the 10:30am ice-time. During that session, Coach Chic will evaluate each student, and then assign him or her to the proper (Learn-to-skate or Learn-to-play) group. There's no science to this, and he expects to make a few mistakes (that will quickly be corrected in a future session). Mainly, there are two things required for a student to be placed in the more advanced group: 1) physically, the student must be able to move around well enough that Coach Chic believes he or she is capable of learning to skate backwards, stop and eventually puckhandle, and 2) Coach Chic must feel that a youngster is mature enough to understand Learn-to-play type instruction.
- What about late sign-ups? In reference to the last points, without exception, all first-time students must report to the earliest group for an evaluation.
- When will the classes be closed to registration? There's no telling when sign-ups will be closed. Every year is different, but the two most important factors are: 1) manageable class sizes, and 2) whether a given new student can actually jump-in and keep-up with a class.
- Why don't I see students in lines as I watch the above introductory video? Ah, Coach Chic wishes he could paste a Smiley here! For, while first-time observers might think parts of his classes look pretty chaotic, there's a method to The Old Coach's madness... First, young students don't like much structure. Secondly, Coach Chic isn't going to waste valuable teaching time waiting for kids to get into neat lines (only to tumble like a row of dominoes). Consequently, beginner skaters are subjected to very little structure, while the older group skates a pattern that includes great ice usage and lots of player movement. (If you get to watch that video again, notice that -- except for brief demonstration periods, all the kids are doing their exercises at the same time, rather than having to wait in line for their turn.)
- Okay, so what are Lockerroom SkateDrills about? Coach Chic actually developed this form of drilling a lot of years ago for his advanced students and players. However, seeing how productive they were, he soon adapted SkateDrills to his youngest students' needs. In essence, these are a way for players to rehearse skills that are sometimes difficult to do on the ice surface, but far easier to learn -- with full gear on -- on the rink's rubber mats. Beginner skaters will find it hugely helpful to practice getting up and down, falling, marching, jogging and jumping in this setting (and the youngsters who do these faithfully almost always pass those who arrive too late for these sessions). In like fashion, Learn-to-play students will find it easier to learn advanced movements -- like cross-overs and certain stride motions -- by first rehearsing them on the rink mats. So, don't miss a single SkateDrills session; they're often even more effective than the on-ice segment!
