Racing for Development

PURPOSE:

  • The Racing for Development group is for skaters with intermediate speed skating skill who regularly attend formal competition and are interested in competing at national events immediately or within 1-2 years.

OBJECTIVES:

  • Develop skaters by teaching critical speed skating skill and literacy.
  • Develop skaters by fostering physical development.
  • Develop skaters by fostering competitive development.
  • Develop skaters by introducing sport science (nutrition, mental preparation, strength training).

STANDARDS:

Development Stage:
  • Training to Train (aged 11-15) or Learning to Compete (aged 15-18).
Objective:
  • To attend two or more formal competitions per season.
  • To attend a national age class championship within three seasons.
  • To train in pursuit of improved performance.
Performance:
  • No specific performance criteria, however:
    • A skater should be able to demonstrate fundamental speed skating skill and ice awareness.
    • A skater should have attended two or more formal competitions in the previous season.

PROGRAMMING:

  • Ten-month training season (June to March).
  • Up to four structured training sessions per week, including:
    • Short track skating session(s).
    • Long track skating session(s).
    • Inline skating session(s).
    • Dry land training session(s).
    • Strength training session(s).

EXPECTATIONS:

Commitment:
  • Develop and strive towards and achieving specific performance goals set with a DCSSC Coach.
  • Notify DCSSC coaches if unable to attend any training sessions.
Performance:
  • Achieve provincial and/or national standards for national age class competitions.
  • Participate in two to three other sports and activities through the year in addition to speed skating.
Attitude and Behaviour:
  • Display a positive attitude and maintain appropriate behaviour at all times and abide by applicable codes of conduct.
Equipment:
  • Own or rent equipment for long track and/or short track, and be able to perform basic maintenance.
  • Own or rent training and safety equipment to properly perform training activities as required.

BENEFITS:

  • Enhance speed skating skill.
  • Enhance speed skating competition.