Red Deer Central Lions Speed Skating Club 

Red Deer  
Speed Skating                         


Learn to Fly On Ice!  

Skating Programs

The Long Term Participant/Athlete Development Model


Speed Skating Canada has recently revamped the competition and age class structure. These changes have been made as a result of the Long Term Participant/Athlete Development Model (LTPAD). Following the SSC, this Model:

  • is based on the sport participant’s developmental age and not their chronological age recognizing that children are not miniature adults and do not all develop at the same speed
  • acknowledges that everyone progresses through the stages of development and training objectives at their own rhythm
  • is athlete centered, coach driven, and supported by administrators, officials, and financial partners
  • is based on the Canadian Sport for Life model, a multi-sport model developed for all Canadians in all sports: http://canadiansportforlife.ca/
  • is intended to assist athletes, parents, coaches, officials, and sport administrators to make informed decisions about athlete development
  • allows for everyone to participate to the full extent of their abilities
  • recognizes competitions must be adapted to the stage of development of the participants

There are 9 stages in the SSC Model. The SSC has information on each stage: http://www.speedskating.ca/about/skater-development/the-ltpad-model

Skater Age Classes

All ages are calculated based on a skater's age as of July 1st of each year. 

In our Club, we organize skaters into Groups based on age and ability. Please register based on Groups and, if unsure, contact us and we will help you out!
Category
 Female Skater's Age
Male Skater's Age 
Group
Active Start (Cradle)
  0-6 Years
  0-6 Years
 Group 1
 FUNdamentals (FUND)
 6-8
 6-9
 Group 1
 Learning to Train (L2T)
 8-11
 9-12
 Group 1 / Group 2
 Training to Train (T2T)
 11-15
12-16 
 Group 2 / Group 3
 Learning to Compete (Junior B and Junior A)
 15-17
 16-18
 Group 3
 Training to Compete (Neo Senior A and B)
 17-21
 18-21
 Group 3

Skating Programs

Skaters in the above age ranges are grouped into three categories: Group 1 for younger skaters through Learning to Train, Group 2 for older skaters, and Group 3 for older skaters focusing on competition. The following table gives start times for each program and the general dates for Short Track and Long Track. Please note that these dates will be confirmed each year as we learn our starting ice date and, for Outdoor Long Track, are weather dependent. Changes will be communicated to Club Members by email. 

In our Club, we organize skaters into Groups based on age and ability. Please register based on whether you wish to skate 1 Night/Week or 2 Nights/Week and Coaches will place skaters based on their ability last year. New Skaters will start with Group 1 and will be evaluated and placed by the Coaches. Group 3 (3 Nights/Week) will be created as needed. 

Group and Location
Days and Times
 Date Range (Approximate)
Group 1 Short Track at the Kinex Arena
Tuesdays and Thursdays; 5:45pm to 6:45pm
October 1st to mid-December
Group 1 Long Track at Great Chief Park
Tuesdays and Thursdays; 5:45pm to 6:30pm
Mid-December to mid-Febrauary
Group 1 Short Track at the Kinex Arena
Tuesdays and Thursdays; 5:45pm to 6:45pm
Mid-February to late March  
Group 2 Short Track at the Kinex Arena
Tuesdays and Thursdays; 6:55pm to 8:15pm
October 1st to mid-December
Group 2 Long Track at Great Chief Park
Tuesdays and Thursdays; 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Mid-December to mid-Febrauary
Group 2 Short Track at the Kinex Arena
Tuesdays and Thursdays; 6:55pm to 8:15pm
Mid-February to late March  
Group 3 Short Track at the Kinex Arena
Tuesdays and Thursdays; 6:55 to 8:15pm
Wednesdays; 6:45pm to 8:00pm
October 1st to mid-December 
Group 3 Long Track at Great Chief Park
Tuesdays and Thursdays; 6:30 to 8:00pm
Wednesdays; 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Mid-December to mid-Febrauary 
Group 3 Short Track at the Kinex Arena
Tuesdays and Thursdays; 6:55 to 8:15pm
Wednesdays; 6:45pm to 8:00pm
Mid-February to late March