Competition Information

In speed skating competitions are referred to as “meets” are held in different cities across Ontario during the skating season. The Hamilton Speed Skating Club hosts a meet during the year – typically on Family Day (Monday).

There are two types of competitions in Ontario for short track speed skating:

• Regional Series  – Skaters age 6 and up are grouped together according to their ability. Meets are usually one day in length. Ontario is divided into different regions and Hamilton Speed Skating Club is in the Western region.
  • The HSSC and GHSSC are allowed to skate in any race open to the Western Region
  • For more information about Regional meets – Regional Series
• Provincial Series  – In order to qualify for the Provincial series, skaters must reach a certain time standard and be invited by the Ontario Speed Skating Association to attend. Skaters age 11 and up are placed in groups according to age and gender. These meets are the qualifying meets for Provincial championships. Provincial series meets are two day events.
  • For more information about Provincial meets – Elite Series

For more information regarding competitions you can ask any returning parents/guardians and/or coaches.

Attending Your First Meet

Ahead of any meet a detailed agenda and information package will be distributed by the hosting club, including which group your skater is assigned to (e.g. Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.).  Please feel free to reach out to any returning parent in the club with your questions; if it is your first meet you will definitely have lots of questions and everyone in the club is here to help.

Plan to arrive at the arena in enough time to find parking, find your way into the facility, find our club’s change room, and change into skating gear.

We will all be housed in the same change room together (look for HAMILTON SPEED SKATING CLUB signs), so you will be able to leave your skating equipment and belongings there. When watching the races, often our club sits together so “experienced” parents/guardians can help “newer” folks figure out the schedule, timing for changing back into skates, etc.

There will be a warm-up for each group of skaters. Warm up is a chance for the kids to get out, see the new rink, and skate a few laps before racing starts. Warm-ups are not mandatory.

Packing for a Meet

It is strongly recommended that you pack an extra set of racing clothes for your skater(s). If they fall and the track is wet, they will be very wet. Just in case, throw an extra pair of underwear, socks, shirt, pants, and sweater into their bag. A hairdryer is also very helpful to dry clothing. If you do not have one, please ask one of the other parents (it is likely they have one).

You will need all of your regular speed skating safety equipment, as well as a yellow helmet cover. Skaters will be checked for all appropriate safety equipment and will not be able to skate if equipment is missing. Do not forget your speed skating helmet and your yellow helmet cover.

Kids usually graze throughout the day, so lots of smaller, healthy snack style foods are a good idea. Do not forget a water bottle.

Being in the arena all day can be cold. Dress in layers. Pack a hat and mitts. It is always easier to take clothing off , if you are too hot.

You may wish to adapt the Speed Skating Meet Packing list found here in both Word and PDF: Things to Pack-Speed Skating Meet – Word or Things to Pack-Speed Skating Meet – PDF.