Frequently Asked Questions

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. 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 the 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. Please it is encouraged for parents to purchase Black Skate attire online.

Off-ice attire – All skaters should be in black skate appropriate activewear for the off-ice class they will be attending. Appropriate footwear must be worn as per the class the scheduled class they will be attending.

Jump 1 & 2: Regular practice attire acceptable.

Jump 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.

The BlackSkate 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

• Skating Skills: Preliminary, Junior Bronze
• Free Skating: Preliminary, Junior Bronze
• Dance: Preliminary, Junior Bronze
• Interpretive: Introductory

Intermediate Level Tests

• Skating Skills: Senior Bronze, Junior Silver
• Free Skating: Senior Bronze, Junior Silver
• Dance: Senior Bronze, Junior Silver
• Interpretive: Bronze

Senior Level Tests

• Skating Skills: Senior Silver, Gold
• Free Skating: Senior Silver, Gold
• Dance: Senior Silver, Gold, Diamond
• Interpretive: Silver, Gold

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 BlackSkate 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.

Contact us for more information.

Once a skater is in registered as a BlackSkate Program, there are several options. Skaters may choose to remain in the BlackSkate Program to hone learned skills and take optional tests at organized test sessions. Skaters may also choose to enter competitions. Other skaters may feel that they have progressed to a point where they may wish to enter the Canadian Competitive Skate Program or become involved in synchronized skating, options are unlimited.

Here are some highlights of the BlackSkate Club policies:

• Membership in the BlackSkate Club is a privilege and will be revoked for inappropriate behavior on the part of parents or skaters.
• Membership is not transferable to another person.
• On-line payment through this website, personal cheque or cash is required at the time of registration. A $25 returned cheque fee will be charged to the author of any returned cheque regardless of circumstances.
• Fees will not be prorated for late registration.
• All refunds/credits will be reduced by $25 for each class run on the enrolled session regardless of attendance. 
• Any changes or cancellations to the registration will result in a $25 administrative fee when refunds are processed before or after the start of each season.
• Absolutely no refunds after the third week of the session except for medical reasons with a doctors note.
• Skate Canada fees are 100% non refundable.
• Skaters may only skate on the days for which they have registered.
• No allowance or make ups will be made for a skater who misses any class, OR classes cancelled due to Club Competition Day and/or Test Days OR classes cancelled due to closure(s) due to severe weather, unforeseen arena circumstances, etc.
• The Club reserves the right to limit the number of skaters in each session and to cancel or re-schedule any session due to low enrolment.
• Skaters under the age of 12 must have a parent or Guardian in the arena at all times during sessions.
• Guest skating for Novice and Senior skaters is not available due to COVID-19. Guest skating is permitted for BlackSkate members only.

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!

Contact us for more information.

For Pre – BlackSkate, BlackSkate, 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.

Skaters enrolled in all skate programs will receive report cards at the end of the fall, winter, and spring seasons. No report card will be provided for the summer season.

Private Lesson Arrangements provide additional 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 BlackSkate private lessons is available on our Program page. Or sign up for PLTI at the 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.

Program information will be available on September 1, 2022.

Program information will be available on September 1, 2022.

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. BlackSkate 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 Arrangements provide additional 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 BlackSkate private lessons is available on our Program page.

Arrangements are made by speaking directly with the coach. Fees vary by coach and all payments are made directly to the selected coach. We encourage you to contact the coach directly to arrange.

Coaches’ contact information is available by calling the program for private skate lesson inquiries.