Dear Parents:
We have speed skaters from the National Team, to those training to go to National and World level Championships. The fastest skaters on the ice may be moving at 30 miles per hour. Safety is the top priority.
Speed sessions are the only place our regular skaters can train on the ice. The 1.5 hours of ice time is shared between skaters who train at high intensity and those who are just learning the sport.
Beginners are welcome, but they must be able to skate unassisted, follow instructions, and pay attention to what is going on around them. The person who manages the session with determine when each group gets to use the track. Skaters who are waiting their turn will be able to practice in the center ice area.
The highly-structured skating sessions are not a fun place for kids who have difficulty to follow instructions.
To help ensure the safety of all skaters, the doors to the ice surface must remain CLOSED during the entire ice session. Skaters are NOT allowed to stand at the wall or cross the track without the permission of the person who is running the workout.
Basic coaching is provided at no cost to help newcomers to join our sport, but the coaches are skaters, and are primarily there to get a workout.
Skaters must be on speed skates. NCSA has a limited supply of skates to rent.
SPEED SESSION RULES – PARENTS, PLEASE REVIEW:
DOORS MUST REMAIN CLOSED during the speed sessions.
Skaters are not allowed to enter the track, cross the track, go to the wall, except with the permission of the head coach. Any time a door is opened, the open door jamb creates an extreme hazard and the speed session must be stopped.
Skaters may not stand along the wall.
Therefore, parents, if you want to speak to your child, get the attention of one of the adults on the ice. DO NOT open the rink door. Do not call your child to the side wall!
Skaters must be prepared to stay on the ice the entire time during the 1.5 hour skating session. PLEASE, make sure your child has their water bottle, jacket, gloves, etc. before getting on the ice. Make sure their skates are laced properly and they have used the bathroom before getting on the ice.
Safety pads must all be set up before the skating starts. Skaters are expected to assist with pad set-up and removal. 
IF YOUR CHILD IS UNDER 9 YEARS OLD:
Speed sessions are very intimidating. They are not recommended for children under 9. The love of “going fast” with their friends at a public skating session is not the same as being in a serious training environment designed for adults and teens. So please be certain your child is mature enough.
PRIVATE COACHING? No private coaches are allowed at the speed sessions. Very comprehensive basic speed skating lessons are provided during the “off season,” from about April through August.
During the off season, we focus on basic technique and strength. As the season progresses, through the summer, the speed sessions shift emphasis to faster laps and workouts for speed and endurance. Lessons are NOT geared for people with no skating ability.
Skaters who want to compete at a high level may consider getting into programs offered at the National training facilities.
NCSA adheres to the recommendations of the US Olympic Committee Youth Development Model that athletes under the age of 13 limit sport-specific training.
The US Olympic Committee encourages young athletes to participate in many different activities, and it is detrimental to their physical and emotional development to focus solely on one activity at too young an age.
