The Ottawa Pacers have three youth programs: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.  In any given year, the composition within each program may change depending on the ages, abilities, and number of registered skaters. 
The Pacers Coaching Team consider the following when deciding where to place a youth skater:

• The technical ability of the skater
• Their ability to meet the program expectations
• The speed of the skater (which relates to the safety of the skater and others)
• The age of the skater
• The social dynamics and peer group of the skater 
• The number of skaters in each group

​As with all decisions regarding placement to and progression through our speed skating programs, consideration is given to peer groups, friends, and social development, while also considering the needs for a safe group training environment and other group needs.  It is also important to understand that assigning skaters to or progressing skaters through programs before they have developed sufficient technical skills can impede the overall development of skaters and create unsafe situations.  Assignment to the various programs and progression is at the sole discretion of the Pacers Coaching Team.

Questions regarding assignment to various groups should be directed to the coach from the respective program.  The Pacers Coaching Team will gladly provide parents and skaters with feedback on their speed skating development and the respective coaches from each program will try to be available for a short period of time right after practices should you have any specific questions or are just looking to check-in with your coach. 

It is important to be aware that your child will receive quality coaching that is appropriate to their age and skill level no matter what program they are in.

Once the initial program groups are established, coaches prefer to move skaters in small groups rather than one at a time. This is less disruptive for the coaches and is more comfortable for the skaters. Skaters will be moved, if appropriate, only two times within the season.  Once at the start of the season and a second time at approximately the mid-point of the season.  Parents will be consulted prior to initiating any movement of a skater within the program stream.  ​

Beginner Program

This program is designed for individuals who have some skating experience, whether through other structured programs like CANSKATE, hockey, or figure skating or who have simply learned to skate on their own, and would now like to learn how to speed skate. 
The focus of our Beginner Program is on skill development, the A-B-C’s of physical literacy - Agility, Balance and Coordination. The intent is to build speed skating specific motor skills, strength, endurance, flexibility, and speed in a fun and relaxed environment while building confidence on the ice. Skaters will also have the opportunity, if they choose, to participate in Club Mini Meets, a fun, inviting and social way to get introduced to racing. Participation at sanctioned regional and provincial competitions appropriate to their age and skill level is also an option.

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Intermediate Program

This program is designed for individuals who have the necessary speed skating skills acquired through the Beginner Program or other skating programs and are ready to be introduced to intermediate level skills.
The Intermediate Program builds on the fundamental skills learned in the Beginner Program and introduces the more competitive aspects of speed skating, such as passing and tactics as well as introduction to relays. The program also teaches skaters more advanced speed skating theory and technique and is arguably the most important program in a skater’s overall development.  The skills learned in the Intermediate Program lay the foundation for increasing speed with control and confidence.  Skaters in the Intermediate Program must possess the desired level of maturity and are expected to: 

• skate with consistent crossovers through both corners
• demonstrate appropriate straight-away pushes
• know how to use and to skate on their inside and outside edges
• demonstrate competence completing skating drills while balanced on either skate
• skate consistently in the ‘basic’ position
• always demonstrate appropriate behaviour on the ice
• have a level of fitness and attention span that is appropriate for 90-minute training sessions with longer lap sets

It is typical for skaters to spend a number of years in the Intermediate Program before acquiring the technical mastery and developing the physical fitness necessary for progression.  Skaters will also have the opportunity, if they choose, to participate in Club Mini Meets, as well as sanctioned regional and provincial competitions appropriate to their skill level.

Advanced Program

This program is designed for athletes serious about their sport and who enjoy the extra workload associated with on-ice and off-ice training sessions. The focus will be on competitive training, race strategies and race conditioning with a full spectrum of on and off ice programs.
Skaters in this program must be interested in competition, committed to training, and have the technical skills, speed, and maturity to safely participate in practices. Training will focus on refining skills and performance foundation in preparation for competition at the Provincial level. Skaters in this group seek to qualify for Provincial and National Competitions.  Advanced Program skaters must possess the desired level of maturity (social, emotional, and physical) and are expected to:

• have a strong grasp of speed skating techniques including weight transfer, recovery stride and key stride elements 
• be familiar with aspects of relays
• understand and respect all aspects of track safety
• be able to skate safely and effectively in a group on the track
• have the stamina and level of fitness to undertake increased training volume
• be self-disciplined (e.g., perform their own warm-ups, post training stretching and cooldown, etc.)
• be committed to training including training above and beyond the Pacers on-ice practices
• be punctual and attend all practices
• always demonstrate appropriate behaviour on the ice
• be responsible for and maintain their own equipment

Progressing skaters through to the Advanced Program before they have developed sufficient technical skills can impede the overall development of skaters and create unsafe situations.  Given the higher speeds in the Advanced Program practices, safety is a major consideration.  It is, therefore, emphasized that skaters in this program have the technical skills, the speed, and the maturity to safely participate in the practices and enjoy the extra workload associated with these practices.  

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