Program Assistant

What is a Program Assistant?

● The Program Assistant (PA) position was developed to provide a volunteer experience
for skaters to assist in the delivery of both the PreCanSkate and CanSkate programs
● A PA provides support and assistance to the CanSkate Coaches and motivation, enthusiasm, fun and support to the skaters.
● Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/Nunavut (Section) considers the role of PA to be that of a volunteer.

Program Assistant Requirements

● Must be at least 10 years old
● Have completed at least one Star 1 assessment
● Completed PA Training (held 2-3 times a season)

Program Assistant Advancement

● Junior PAs may advance to a Senior PA once they are 14 and have gained 3-4 years of experience as a PA. At the discretion of the CanSkate Coordinator, these PAs may be provided the opportunity to lead their own PreCanSkate and CanSkate groups, as needed.
● PAs are encouraged to take their CanSkate  Coaching course once they are eligible. The  CanSkate Coordinator will provide support and assist PAs, as needed if interested in pursuing coaching.

A Program Assistant’s role may include:

● Setting up of PreCanSkate, including games, circuits and drawing happy faces
● Setting up the Fast Track and the rest of the ice for CanSkate
● Assisting and leading circuits and activities
● Demonstrating proper execution of skating skills
● Providing assistance to skaters who need help
● Taking attendance
● Providing general assistance to the coaches on the session
● Providing encouragement and feedback to skaters
● Collecting name tags
● Watching for safety

Incentives

● PAs will receive credit for supporting the PreCanSkate and CanSkate programs.
- Junior PAs will receive $5.00 per hour, and Senior PAs $7.00 per hour.
- Credits will be uploaded to the PA’s Uplifter account three times a year; at the end of the fall, winter and spring session. 
- Credits can be used toward registration fees.

● PAs will be recognized for the outstanding contribution through: 
- Their name in the annual Ice Show program
- Recognized at the Year End Banquet
- Provided a F8SC sweater to wear while on the ice
● Upon request, PAs may be provided a letter of reference or volunteer acknowledgement
letter from the CanSkate Coordinator

Program Assistant Schedule

● The CanSkate Coordinators will request PA availability at the start of each CanSkate
session.

● The PA schedule will be shared 2 weeks ahead of the start of each CanSkate session and posted in the F8SC office.
- The PA schedule is subject to registration numbers and coach availability.
- There may be changes throughout the season based on skater progression, and how many PAs are needed.

● If a skater is unable to attend their scheduled PA shift, they are responsible for finding
their own sub.

Program Assistants should be:

● Helping nature
● Reliable
● Hardworking
● Enthusiastic
● Positive attitude
● Good communicators and demonstrators
● Enthusiastic
● Team players and good role models
● Responsible
● Punctual
● Patient