ElevateON Components
Core Component: The Club Coach Model
At the heart of ElevateON is the Club Coach Model, which brings coaches together to work as a unified team rather than as individuals (independent contractors) operating in isolation. By encouraging collaboration, shared responsibility, and aligned approaches to teaching and planning, the model helps create a welcoming, supportive environment for athletes and families. ElevateON is intentionally designed as a complete, integrated approach rather than a collection of stand-alone initiatives. While clubs may enter at different points based on readiness, the components are interconnected and are intended to be implemented together over time. As coaching teams become more connected and consistent, the member organization naturally strengthens its role as the hub of the rink—building a strong, positive culture where coaches feel supported, athletes feel a sense of belonging, and programs are delivered with greater clarity and care.
Elevating the Athlete Experience
ElevateON helps member organizations provide athlete-centred programming by supporting clear development pathways, strong foundational skills, consistency across coaches and programs, and transparent communication for families.
Athletes benefit from a predictable, supportive environment that builds confidence and long-term engagement, helping to reduce dropout and improve long-term athlete development.
Governance and Organizational Sustainability
Sport organizations require strong governance. ElevateON works in tandem with Skate Ontario’s Organizational Excellence program to support board-related duties. This ensures boards and administrators receive guidance on strategic leadership, aligned operations, financial clarity, and client-focused processes. Together, ElevateON and the Organizational Excellence program equip member organizations with the tools and oversight required to implement the Club Coach Model successfully, strengthen governance, and sustain long-term sustainability and growth.
Implementation: Training and Mentoring
ElevateON will provide training, workshops, and mentoring to prepare member organizations for the transition to a Club Coach Model. Training includes (among other topics as selected by the coaching community):
- Learnings and insights from the Club Mod Pilot and Club Coach Survey
- Off-ice program design and delivery
- Group lesson planning and execution
- Budget creation and Yearly Training Plan (YTP) development
- Goal setting and operational planning
Mentoring Readiness Criteria
Member organizations must apply to participate in the Mentoring Modules and demonstrate foundational preparedness, including:
- Submission of a Yearly Training Plan (YTP) for participating coaches
- A budget that reflects the ability to transition to the Club Coach Model
- A strategic plan outlining the timing of the transition
- Coaching hiring and employment policies in place
- A qualified board committed to supporting the change
- Demonstrated ability to meet Skate Canada’s Club & Skating School
Operating Requirements
- Demonstrated ability to meet Skate Ontario’s Member
Accountability requirements.
Together, these requirements ensure that participating organizations are operationally ready, financially prepared, and strategically aligned to implement the Club Coach Model in a sustainable and well-governed manner.
Phased Implementation Approach
The first 17 months of ElevateON focus on building awareness, preparing member organizations, and establishing the ElevateON brand. Key milestones include:
- Offering workshops on adoption
- Building a groundswell to transition from independent contractors to the Club Coach Model
- Mentoring those Coach Teams that are prepared to take the next step in developing a Club Coach Model
This phased approach ensures organizations are fully prepared, committed, and capable of implementing a modernized, sustainable coaching and program delivery model.
Shared Vision
ElevateON empowers member organizations to deliver consistent, high-quality skating experiences, foster collaborative coaching teams, and create welcoming environments that position the organization as the hub of the rink. By committing to this initiative, member organizations support sustainable coaching careers, clear and accessible development pathways for athletes, and high-quality, consistent programming across the province, while strengthening a positive sense of community for athletes and families.
ElevateON ensures participants benefit from a predictable, supportive, and inclusive environment. Together, we are strengthening the future of skating in Ontario and helping member organizations build communities that can thrive over the long term.
Off-Ice Evolution Athlete Development
Get ready to take your training to the next level. The ElevateON Off-Ice Series, giving skaters the physical tools (power, agility, and core stability) needed to excel on the ice.
Planning
Build your schedule for the upcoming season to maximize athlete development.
- The Gold Standard: Achieving a 1:1 ratio of on-ice training to off-ice athlete development at every practice.
- The Launch Pad: Starting strong with two dedicated sessions per week.
- The Environment: Utilizing gym spaces, rink-side layouts, and outdoor sessions.
Virtual Training Series
Don’t wait for the ice to melt to start improving.
- Spring Sessions: Stay tuned for registration links for Spring Coach Sessions
- Proven Systems: Learn the program refined during the successful Club Mod Pilot.
Coach Conference & Strategy
We are presenting the Off Ice Program at the Coach Conference in May
- Expert Insights: Register for the Coach Conference featuring a lead Strength and Conditioning Coach with their PhD in Sport.
- Dive into the “why” behind the program
The Performance Manual
The blueprint for success is almost here.
- The official program manual will be available shortly!
