Most department stores and sporting goods stores sell skating equipment ranging in price and quality.
Do not purchase plastic skates. Skates must lace up and support the skaters ankles in an upright position.
Sharpen skates as soon as they are purchased.
Re-sharpen skates after approximately 20-30 hours of skating and use a good skate sharpening company. see Useful Links section below for professional skate sharpening locations
More frequent sharpening may be required if the skater walks on concrete, rubber or carpeted surfaces without guards, if the blades are not wiped dry, or if there are severe nicks and rough surfaces on the edges of the blade.
The bottom pick should not be removed. The toe pick on the blades is essential for proper balance.
Always wear protective skate guards when walking off ice.
Dry the blades and sole plate completely with a cloth after each use. Always remove guards before storing skates.
Unlace skates sufficiently before removing them so that the back of the boot will not break down or rip. Allow boots to air dry after each use.
Skates - Figure skates are preferred but not mandatory. Hockey skates may be worn in the STAR 1-5 program. Skaters at this level should be in a sturdy boot with a quality blade. Sharpening should be performed by a trained professional.
On-ice attire - Skaters should wear athletic clothing on the ice in layers. Clothes should be form fitting or close to it, to allow coaches to see the body line for proper execution of technique. Baggy, loose fitting attire is not acceptable. Gloves should be worn versus mittens, if the temperature permits, to allow for more articulation of the hands and fingers.
Off-ice attire - All skaters should be in appropriate active wear for the off-ice class they will be attending. Appropriate footwear must be worn as per the class they will be attending i.e. ballet shoes for ballet class, running shoes for fitness class etc.
STAR 1 & 2: Regular practice attire acceptable.
STAR 2 – 5: Performance attire required.
Gloves and jackets may be worn for warm-up, but should be removed for the assessment (if temperature permits). Hair should be neat and pulled back away from the face. Skates and laces should be clean and tidy.
The STARSkate program consists of figure skating skills in four areas – Skating Skills, Ice Dance, Free Skate and Interpretive. Each area is divided into the following levels:
Primary Level Tests
Intermediate Level Tests
Senior Level Tests
Skaters have the opportunity to take Skate Canada Tests through a nationally standardized testing system. Badges for successful completion of levels are available for order at an additional charge. Please contact RHFSC office if you would like to order any STARSkate badges.
Upon successful completion of Gold level, skaters will receive a Gold pin from RHFSC.
Arrangements are made by speaking directly with any of our professional coaches. Fees vary by coach and all payments are made directly to them. We encourage you to contact them to find out more.
Coaches contact information and biographies are available at Our Coaches page
Once a skater is in the Skate Canada STARSkate Program, there are several options. Skaters may choose to remain in the STARSkate Program to hone learned skills and and take optional tests at organized test sessions. Skaters may also choose to enter competitions while still trying Skate Canada tests. Other skaters may feel that they have progressed to a point where they may wish to enter the Skate Canada CompetitiveSkate Program or become involved in synchronized skating, evaluating or judging, or participate as an adult or varsity member.
IMPORTANT NOTICE on RHFSC Return-to-Skating Plan for COVID-19, PLEASE READ
All important information is contained in the RHFSC Parents/ Skaters Handbook
Here are some highlights of the RHFSC Club policies:
All you need are skates, a CSA-approved hockey helmet, long pants, mittens and a warm sweater or jacket. Dress in layers – it will get warm!
See Parents/ Skaters Handbook - Page 9 for more information.
For Pre - CanSkate, CanSkate, Pre-Novice and Beginner Adult, all skaters must wear their name tag when entering the ice for identification. Name tags are located in the foyer of the entrance to the rink.
If your name tag is not available or is incorrect, please speak to the supervisor on session immediately. Name tags will be removed before skaters exit the ice.
Parents or legal guardians are neither required nor permitted on the ice during skating sessions. However, parents or legal guardians of skaters under the age of 12 MUST remain in the arena at all times during the sessions.
We encourage all spectators (including parents) to watch the skaters from the stands. Standing at the glass or at the entrance to the ice can distract the skaters and impede other skaters from entering the ice.
A complete series of balance, control and agility skills will be taught in six stages of learning that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating as well as general recreational skating. CanSkate uses nationally-tested and proven curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing a solid foundation of basic skills at a quicker pace.
Skaters enrolled in Pre-CanSkate and CanSkate will received report cards at the end of fall, winter and spring seasons. No report card will be provided for the summer season.
Skaters are awarded ribbons upon successful completion of a set of CanSkate skills and will receive badges upon successful completion of a CanSkate level.
Private Lesson Ticket Ice (PLTI) provides more ice time for practice and is a great opportunity for private lessons with a staff coach. Skaters must be in a lesson with their private coach at all times.
More information on PLTI is available at Private Lesson Ticket Ice Program page.
Or sign up for PLTI at Private Lesson Ticket Ice Registration page.
Arrangements are made by speaking directly with any of our professional coaches. Fees vary by coach and all payments are made directly to them. We encourage you to contact them to find out more.
Coaches contact information and biographies are available at Our Coaches page.
Skate Canada launched a new STAR 1 to 5 program in 2017. Here are some useful resources and links about this program:
Skate Canada launched a new STAR 6 to Gold program in September 2019. Here are some useful resources and links about this program:
Town of Richmond Hill Inclement Weather Hotline at 905-771- 5487
14 Essex Ave. Unit #28, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z1
905-889-3276
109 Doncaster Avenue, Markham, ON, L3T 1L6
416-225-1377
Off ice programs
Flexafit - sport specific off-ice training
33 Villiers Street, Suite 202, Toronto, ON, M5A 1A9
416-554-9456
| Office Address: | (CLOSED) 43 Church St. S Richmond Hill, ON L4C 1W1 |
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| Mailing Address: | PO Box 32226 10620 Yonge Street (Oxford Plaza) Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3C8 |
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| Phone: | Will be back online, email only for now | |
| Email: | administrator@rhfsc.on.ca | |
| RHFSC Office operating hours | ||
| Office is CLOSED at Elgin Barrow Arena | ||
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| Sat | ||
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Office is closed on Sunday and holidays.
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