ITEM
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SPECIFICATIONS
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Helmet
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Protective
headgear must be worn by all participants. For younger
skaters in
Novice or Development, a hockey helmet, rollerblading helmet, or bike
helmet can be used. For skaters in the Competitive program,
however, specifically designed speed skating helmets meeting the ASTM
standard must be used. SSC and ISU rules state that these
helmets
must be worn in all SSC or ISU sanctioned meets. These are
relatively expensive ($50-75), but they provide great protection and
one size fits all. This means that if you purchase one when
your
child is young, it will grow with them as long as they look after
it. LAS and Louis Garneau both offer acceptable helmets.
They can be ordered over the Internet or occasionally group
purchases are arranged.
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Eye protection
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It is
strongly recommended that Novice skaters wear face protection in the
form of a mask. This is not possible with helmets other than
hockey helmets. Once skaters are in a group with long blades,
it
is strongly recommended that skaters wear eye protection in the form of
goggles certified for raquetball sports (available at most sports
stores). Any eyewear worn by skaters must be held on the head
with a strap. These are required to compete in Quebec, according to Quebec rules.
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Knee pads
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Knee
pads are required for all skaters. Soft volleyball-style knee
pads or speed skating knee pads are preferred. Skaters in Novice can
wear roller blading knee pads but the hard casing gets in the way as
skaters progress.
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Shin pads
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Shin
pads are obligatory. Hard plastic soccer shin pads available
at
any sports store or Canadian Tire are acceptable. They should
be
worn under the clothes. Do not purchase soft shin pads or
shin
pads with the hard plastic in strips. Hockey shin pads do not
work.
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Cut resistant gloves
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Cut
resistant gloves must be worn. Padded ski gloves (for younger skaters),
leather gloves, or kevlar speed skating gloves are
acceptable.
Kevlar lined leather gloves are the best. Wool, cotton or
nylon
are not acceptable. Leather gloves can be purchased at stores
like Mark's Work Warehouse or special speed skating gloves
can be
purchased through the Internet or regional dealers.
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Bib style neck guard
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Bib
style neck guards are required. A neck protector will keep
the
neck are protected when falling. They must be cut resistant,
made
of ballistic nylon, and must cover the neck and upper chest
area.
They can be purchased at any sports store selling hockey equipment.
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Elbow pads
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Elbow
pads are strongly recommended for the Novice speed skating program ---
these skaters tend to fall on their elbows. Hockey or
rollerblading elbow pads are both fine. Older skaters do not
need
them.
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Clothing
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For
Novice skaters, warm, stretchy clothing is best. Nylon wind
pants
will help keep skaters dry. Skaters in the Development
program
should wear stretchy clothing such as a track suit or sweat
pants. Long sleeves are always mandatory. Wind
suits in the
Development program tend to be too warm for skaters and catch too much
wind. In the Competitive program, skaters generally wear some
form of lycra or spandex skin suit and a long sleeved t-shirt in
practices. Full skin suits are worn in competition.
If you
are wondering what is best to wear, watch or talk to some of the older
skaters. Frequently, second-hand skin suits can be purchased
or
else a group will order skin suits together from one of the
manufacturers in Canada.
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Skates
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For
the Novice program and the first level Development program, hockey
skates are acceptable. As skaters move up in the program,
they
must move to long blades or they will fall behind the other skaters and
not be able to participate fully. The decision to move to
long
blades is usually made at the instigation of the child. If
you
want to move to long blades, please discuss it with your
coach.
You may purchase your own skates or skates are available to rent from
the club.
If you are interested in purchasing long track skates or blades,
discuss this with your coach.
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