There are often a lot of questions around how youth skaters are assigned to and move between the different groups. At the Pacers we have three youth groups: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced. In any given year the composition of the groups may change depending on the ages and abilities of the registered skaters.

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 group they are in.
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Once the initial 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 young  skaters. Skaters will be moved, if appropriate, at the start of the season, in late October and mid February. In rare cases, a solitary skater may be moved very early in the season.

When deciding where to place a skater the following five factors are considered:

1. The number of skaters in each group
2. The age of the skater
3. The technical ability of the skater
4. The speed of the skater
5. The social dynamics of the skaters

The coaches also use the following criteria:
Beginner to Intermediate

• Desired level of maturity.
• Recommendation from all Beginner coaches and approval by all Intermediate coaches.
• Consistent crossovers.
• Appropriate straight-away pushes.
• Know the difference between inside and outside edges.
• Stand on one foot.
• Consistent body position.
• Good fitness level for 90 minutes session and longer laps sets.
• Appropriate attention span for 90 minutes sessions.
• Demonstrate appropriate behaviour on the ice at all times.

Intermediate to Advanced

• Desired level of maturity.
• Recommendation from all Intermediate coaches and approval by all Advanced coaches.
• Commitment to training and self-directed.
• Self-discipline.
• Punctuality.
• Responsible for own equipment.
• Familiar with aspects of relays.
• Good stamina and fitness for increased training volume.
• Weight transfer, recovery stride and key stride elements.