Public Sessions

1. Q: Is it cold on the ice?
   A: It is a refreshing 50° in the summer months and between 40°-50° in the colder months. Our lobby and warm room temperatures vary from about 65°-75° depending on the time of year.
2. Q: What do we need to wear?
   A: We recommend a jacket or sweater, long pants, and long socks. Gloves are recommended for small children year round, and are recommended for everyone during the colder months.  
3. Q: Do we have to pay if we’re not skating?
   A: Only those who will be skating will need to pay. Spectators and parents are welcome, but loitering is not allowed.
4. Q: Is there anywhere warm for parents and spectators to sit?
   A: Yes! We have an upstairs viewing room called the Warm Room with tables and chairs for your convenience.
5. Q: Can we bring in our own food?
   A: We do not allow outside food or drinks during public sessions.
6. Q: We are celebrating a birthday and we are coming skating, can we bring in cake and presents?
   A: Booking a Birthday Party Package or Private Group with us is the only time we allow outside food and gifts.
7. Q: Where can we put our stuff while we’re skating?
   A: We have lockers available to rent for one time use. We have change machines available for quarters. 
8. Q: Do you allow younger skaters to skate for free?
   A: All skaters must pay for admission and skate rental (if needed).
9. Q: What’s your smallest and biggest size skate?
   A: We go down to an 8T and up to a men’s 14.
10. Q: May I go on the ice in my shoes?
    A: You must be wearing skates and have paid admission to enter the ice surface. During Broomball is the only times we allow regular shoes on the ice.
11. Q: Do you have walkers to help small children?
    A: Yes! Our EZ Skaters are available for rent.
12. Q: Is there a height requirement for walkers?
    A: Yes. EZ Skaters are designed for skaters 42” or less with skates on and can only be used by those eligible due to safety reasons and insurance requirements.
13. Q: Is there a charge for renting EZ Skaters?
    A: Yes, we do charge for EZ Skaters. They are available at the skate rental counter.
14. Q: Do you make exceptions for children with special needs to use EZ Skater walkers?
    A: Unfortunately, due to insurance and safety requirements, no exceptions for allowing children taller than 42” with skates on can be made for EZ Skater use
15. Q: We only skated for 5 minutes. Can we get a refund?
    A: Once a pass has been purchased, it is non-refundable.
16. Q: Can we request music?
    A: We currently have touch tunes available for your pleasure of selecting music.
17. Q: Can I carry my child while on the ice?
    A: Carrying children on the ice is not allowed.
18. Q: Do you have season passes?
    A: Yes we have annual skating passes. Please see our section on annual passes.
19. Q: Can we drop our older child/children off at Gateway?
    A: It is common for parents to drop their older children off at the facility.
20. Q: If I am dropping my children off, can I pay for them ahead of time?
    A: At this point in time we do not have that capability, but we are working towards this option.  
21. Q: How tight should ice skates be tightened?
    A: Ice skates need to be fairly tight and snug fitting to assure proper foot support.
22. Q: Can we wear skates to the corner store or outside?
    A: Skates are not allowed outside, on cement bleachers, or anywhere there is not protective rubber flooring or the ice surface itself.
23. Q: How old does one need to be to skate?
    A: That is based on shoe size and parent discretion.
24. Q: Do you honor expired coupons?
    A: Sorry, we do not accept expired coupons.
25. Q: Do you allow wheelchairs on the ice?
    A: Due to safety requirements for the person in the wheelchair and other skaters, we do not allow this during public sessions. Private arrangements may be made.   There is information about our adaptive sports program available on our site or you may contact the facility for details.
26. Q: Do you have a snack bar?
    A: Yes! Our snack bar is located in the Warm Room.
27. Q: When do you have the snack bar open?
    A: Our snack bar is open during busier public sessions. We do have vending machines available for use when it is not in operation.
28. Q: What do you serve at the snack bar?
    A: We offer sodas, cheesy nachos, candy, chips, cookies, coffee, tea, and hot cocoa at our snack bar.
29. Q: Do you have handicap access to the Warm Room/snack bar?
    A: Yes! We have an elevator available for handicap assistance. Ask a staff member to gain access to it.
30. Q: Do you have somebody on the ice at all times for assistance?
    A: Yes! One of our Ice Attendants is on the ice at all times.
31. Q: Do you have TVs to watch while my children skate?
    A: Yes! We have a large TV located in the Warm Room.
32. Q: Is there free Wi-Fi for customer use?
    A: Yes! Ask any staff member for the password.
33. Q: Do you have special holiday sessions?
    A: Yes! We have daily public sessions during holiday breaks, as well as on holidays themselves. The only holidays we are closed for are the 4th of July and Thanksgiving Day. Check our website for current hours.
34. Q: Can we use coupons during the last hour of public session?
    A: Last hour rates are already discounted and cannot be combined with coupons. Coupons may be saved and use during future visits, providing they are valid.
35. Q: Do you have special effect lighting?
    A: Yes! During our night sessions, we turn out the regular lights and turn on our special effects.
36. Q: Can a public session be extended so we get extra time if we show up late?
    A: Our public sessions cannot be extended.
37. Q: What if I don’t know how to skate?
    A: We offer skating lessons for all ages on Saturdays at 12:30pm and Wednesdays at 6:10pm. These are our Skating School times. Your first lesson is free!
38. Q: Do you have gift certificates?
    A: Yes! Gift certificates are available for purchase.
39. Q: Can we pay with a check?
    A: We only accept cash and credit cards during public sessions.
40. Q: What credit cards do you accept?
    A: We take Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
41. Q: Do I need ID to pay with a credit card?
    A: Yes. This is for your protection.
42. Q: Where can I find coupons?
    A: Enjoy the City, Z Best, Zoo Boo, and local schools are just a few places to get coupons.  
43. Q: Where can I stay up to date with events happening at the rink?
    A: You can always register for updates on this website,  or like us on Facebook.
44. Q: Can I wear my hockey gear to practice skating?
    A: Yes, but keep in mind that you must abide to public session safety rules. You may not take a stick or puck onto the ice during a public session.
45. Q: Are certain areas of the ice reserved for advanced skating during Public Sessions?
    A: The entire ice surface is available for all of the general public, with the exception of birthday party lessons.
46. Q: How long am I allowed to skate with the purchase of a Public Session admission?
    A: The purchase of a Public Session admission allows you to skate for the entire duration of the skating session for which that admission was purchased. Check our calendar for start and end times.
47. Q: Where do we pay for a Public Session pass?  A: Public Session passes are purchased at our skate counter, or at the cashier booth.

Birthday Parties

1. Q: What kind of foods can we bring in?
   A: Pizza, sandwiches, ice cream, cake, cupcakes, and fruit trays are all ok to bring to your party.
2. Q: What if my child has a food allergy?
   A: Please call the office directly to address this issue.
3. Q: Can we bring our own decorations?
   A: Absolutely! Just let the staff member you are booking your party with know in advance. Please keep in mind that we do not allow glitter, confetti, silly string, or balloons as décor.
4. Q: There will be guests (family members, siblings, etc.) that won’t be skating. Do they pay?
   A: Only those who will be skating will have to pay.
5. Q: When we are not in our party room, where are our belongings kept while we skate?
   A: Your belongings will be stored in a secure area.
6. Q: Can we reschedule our lesson if we miss it?
   A: We cannot guarantee a new lesson time if you miss yours. You may ask your party hostess and she can find out if your coach is still available.
7. Q: Is the birthday child included as one of the 10 guests in the party?
   A: Yes.
8. Q: What if there are more than 10 children in the party?
   A: You pay for a minimum of 10. Any additional guests are paid for the day of the party.
9. Q: What if I do not know how many guests will be at the party?
   A: You pay for a minimum of 10. Any additional guests are paid for the day of the party.
10. Q: Can I have the party room for longer than 1 hour?
    A: Due to clean up and set up times for upcoming parties, the room time is limited to 1 hour.
11. Q: Is one hour a long enough time in the party room?
    A: One hour is plenty of time to open gifts, eat food, sing Happy Birthday, and have cake and ice cream.
12. Q: May we continue to eat cake, pizza, etc. and open our gifts after we are out of our private room?
    A: Unfortunately there are no areas for this activity; all other areas are open to the general public and we do not allow parties to be conducted in these areas.
13. Q: Is there a place to store our food while we are skating?
    A: Yes, we have storage (both warm and cold) available for use before or after your party.
14. Q: I want to bring in an ice cream cake. Do you have a place to store it?
    A: Yes! We do have a freezer to store your ice cream cake. Keep in mind that our freezer measures 12.5” x 16”, so the cake, and container, cannot exceed this.
15. Q: Do you send out invitations?
    A: We do not have this as an option as we cannot guarantee delivery through the post office or e-mail.
16. Q: If we need to reschedule the entire party, may we do so and is there a charge?
    A: Yes, you may reschedule your party if needed. There is no fee to do this, but we ask for as much notice as possible.

Broomball

1. Q: Can we wear skates and play broomball?
   A: Broomball must be played wearing regular shoes.
2. Q: How many broomball sticks do you have?
   A: We have approximately 40 sticks. You are allowed to bring in your own if you are expecting a larger group. However, to keep it fun, we suggest not having more than 40 persons on the ice at one time. Many large groups play in a “tournament” style to keep the number of people on the ice at a fun level.   
3. Q: Can we book for more than one hour?
   A: Definitely! Discounts are available for groups booking longer than 1 hour.
4. Q: Can we play our own music?
   A: Absolutely. We have connections available to play your own music as well as internet capability.

Public Groups

1. Q: How many people are needed to be considered a Public Session group?
   A: You must have a minimum of 10 paying skaters to receive the Public Session group rate.
2. Q: What if we do not have a minimum of 10 when we arrive?
   A: You will still be required to pay for a minimum of 10 to get a Public Session group rate, or you have the option of paying individually at the regular rate. You may hold any extra admission stickers and give it to a late arriving member of your group. It must be used during the session for which it was purchased.
3. Q: Would a group participant with their own skates receive further discount?
   A: Group rates are based on the number of skaters; therefore each skater must pay the group rate, regardless of skate rental need.
4. Q: Do I need to call the facility and make any type of reservations for a Public Session group if 9 or less skaters are coming?
   A: Our Public Session group minimum starts at 10 skaters. It is not necessary to make advanced reservations for any number of skaters less than that.
5. Q: How long in advance do we need to book a Public Session group?
   A: We request at least one week’s notice for large Public Session groups to ensure adequate staffing. Smaller Public Session groups need only give 24 hours’ notice to ensure the best possible rate.
6. Q: Is it a requirement that I need to make advanced reservations to bring in a group during a public session?
   A: No, however drop-in or walk-in rates for public session groups are higher. We recommend reservations to obtain lower rates.
7. Q: What is the minimum number of skaters needed for a drop-in Public Session group?
   A: 10.
8. Q: Can we pay individually?
   A: All groups must be paid for in one single transaction. Please have your payment ready when you approach the counter to pay. We accept either cash or credit card only.
9. Q: Can we get a refund if we pay for too many passes?
   A: We do not give refunds for over purchased transactions.
10. Q: If somebody shows up late for a group, can they still get the group rate?
    A: Individuals cannot receive group rates.
11. Q: Do you take coupons in conjunction with group rates?
    A: Coupons may not be combined with group rates.
12. Q: Can we bring in outside food, drinks, or gifts?
    A: Outside food, drinks, and gifts are only allowed if a Birthday Party Package or Private Group was booked.
13. Q: May we conduct a birthday party while we skate as a group during public session?
    A: We are happy to have birthday celebrations here at Gateway Ice Center, however we do not allow outside food, drinks, gifts, or decorations unless our Birthday Party Package was purchased.  

Private Groups

1. Q: How long do we have to skate during a private group?
   A: Private groups are booked in 2 hour increments. Additional time may be reserved.
2. Q: How far in advance do we need to book a private group?
   A: We need at least 1 weeks’ notice for private bookings. Spaces are limited, so booking early is recommended to ensure your time. 
3. Q: We won’t have 40 people. Can we still book a private session?
   A: Yes! You will have to pay for a minimum of 40 skaters, but you are not required to have 40.
4. Q: Can we play our own music?
   A: We have connections available to play your own music, as well as internet capability.
5. Q: Does a private group have to follow the same rules for Public Skating?
   A: All skaters must abide by Gateway Ice Center’s safety rules.
6. Q: Can we bring in food and beverages?
   A: Yes! Outside food is allowed during a private booking.
7. Q: What is a Snow Day?
   A: A Snow Day is a private skating group for young children. We put a pile of snow out on the ice so the kids can play with it. We also offer hot cocoa and cookies during a Snow Day.
8. Q: What age group can we bring for a Snow Day?
   A: Snow Days can be booked for middle school aged children and under.
9. Q: Can the kids throw snowballs during a Snow Day?
   A: Yes! Snow Days are the only time that we allow snowballs to be thrown.
10. Q: Can we go on the ice in shoes during a private group?
    A: Shoes are not allowed on the ice during any ice skating session, public or private.
11. Q: Can we pay individually during a private group?
    A: The group must be paid for in a single transaction.
12. Q: Can we get the special effect lighting during our private session?
    A: Yes!
13. Q: Can we pay with a check?
    A: We do allow private groups to pay with a business check.

Sticktime

1. Q: What is Sticktime?
   A: Sticktime is a practice time for hockey players.
2. Q: What equipment do I need for Sticktime?
   A: A helmet, stick, gloves, skates, and your own puck are all required during Sticktime.
3. Q: Do you provide pucks for Sticktime?
   A: No.
4. Q: Can I rent equipment for Sticktime?
   A: Skates are available for rental, but you must provide all other equipment.
5. Q: I’m just learning to play hockey. Can I still come out to Sticktime?
   A: Yes! Sticktime is for all skill levels and is a great time to practice.
6. Q: Will we have access to the locker rooms?
   A: Yes, we will have locker rooms available for use.
7. Q: Are scrimmages allowed during Sticktime?
   A: No. Sticktime is for all participants to practice. Groups may not take over the ice for games.
8. Q: Are coaches allowed to “section off” large areas of the ice for private lessons?
   A: No. The entire ice surface is available to all skaters. However, we ask you to be courteous to those giving and receiving lessons.
9. Q: May I use orange or weighted pucks?
   A: No. These damage the boards.
10. Q: How do we pay for Sticktime?
    A: Sticktime is paid for at the skate counter on a drop-in basis. All participants must sign in.
11. Q: Can I pay for Sticktime after I skate?
    A: No, all skaters must pay before entering the ice surface.
12. Q: How many skaters can be on the ice?
    A: A maximum of 30 skaters can participate in Sticktime.

Freestyle

1. Q: What is freestyle?
   A: Freestyle is a practice time for those wanting to improve their skating techniques in a more private setting than a Public Session. These sessions are generally used by figure skaters.
2. Q: I’m from out of town; can I still skate at your freestyle sessions?
   A: Yes! We welcome any and all skaters looking to improve their skating techniques at our freestyle sessions.
3. Q: Can I play my own music?
   A: Yes! We have connections available to play your own music via CD or MP3 player.
4. Q: How do we pay for freestyle?
   A: Freestyle is paid for in the office with either the use of a prepaid voucher or on a drop-in basis. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards. The discounted freestyle voucher books of 10 can be purchased in the office as well.
5. Q: Do you give discounts to members of the Ice Skating Club of Fresno?
   A: Yes! ISCF members receive $5 off the drop in price and $70 off voucher booklets.

Pickup Hockey

1. Q: What is Pickup?
   A: Pickup is a semi organized scrimmage 90 minutes in length.
2. Q: What is the minimum amount of players needed to play?
   A: A minimum of 14 players (2 goalies included) is needed to play Pickup.
3. Q: Can we have more than 20 players to a game?
   A: To keep ice time fair, we limit Pickup to 20 players.
4. Q: Can we have more than 2 goalies?
   A: A maximum of 3 goalies can be used for a Pickup game.
5. Q: Can we drop in if we didn’t register?
   A: Yes, as long as there is sufficient room.

Skating School

1. Q: How early should I be for class?
   A: We recommend giving yourself at least 15 minutes to get your pass and get your skates on.
2. Q: What should we wear to skating school?
   A:  We recommend a jacket or sweater, long pants, long socks, and gloves. A helmet is also recommended for skating school beginners.  
3. Q: What do I need to do to “drop in” my first class?
   A: No pre-registration is required. All you need to do is approach our skate counter and tell the employee that you would like to take your first free lesson. Please note that this complimentary class is offered on a first come first serve basis. For the safety of the skaters, there is a limit to 5 new skaters per class. You will need to fill out an information card and will be given a pair of skates. Once you have your skates on, an instructor will direct you to your class.
4. Q: What happens if I am not one of the first 5 people trying to get into the free first class?
   A: If there are already 5 skaters signed up for the free class, you are still welcome to take a lesson, but will be charged the regular rate. If you wish to continue lessons, your next lesson will be considered your “first” free lesson. If you are expecting to have multiple skaters take our first free lesson, we ask that you call ahead so we may arrange for an additional instructor to allow more students to take the class.  
5. Q: What happens if I show up late?
   A: If it is your first time skating, we do not recommend attending the class if you arrive late since you will be missing some very important safety instruction. If you regularly take the class, you are welcome to go out and join your class, but please understand that classes will not be extended for late arrivals.
6. Q: We missed a class! Can we make it up?
   A: Yes, you may make up a missed class on the other day we offer lessons (either Wednesday or Saturday, depending on when you regularly attend). Registered students must make up their class during the semester that the class was missed. Passes cannot be extended past their expiration date.
7. Q: How do I register for Skating School?
   A: You may register for a full semester of Skating School in the front office.
8. Q: We don’t want to register for a whole semester. Can we still take the classes?
   A: Absolutely! Skaters are more than welcome to come in on a drop in basis. Keep in mind that rates are much higher per class, and public session is not included.
9. Q: Do you offer discounts for having multiple family members taking classes?
   A: Yes! We offer a 10% discount to the second skater for every 2 skaters in your family when registering. The maximum allowable discount for any student is 20%. This discount is not available to drop in students.
10. Q: How far in advance do we need to register for the semester?
    A: You do not need to register in advance, but we do offer an early registration discount of 10% if you register 15 days prior to the start of any semester. We will pro-rate the cost if you register after classes have already begun. We allow registrations up until the last 4 weeks of any semester if you take classes once a week, or the last 2 weeks in you take classes twice a week. Please note that the maximum allowable discount for any student is 20%.
11. Q: Do we get a discount if we are members of the Ice Skating Club of Fresno?
    A: Yes, ISCF members will receive a 10% discount off of a semester of skating school. This discount in not available to drop in students. The maximum allowable discount for any student is 20%.
12. Q: What ages can participate in Skating School?
    A: Skating School is for all ages! We have adult classes, as well as classes for children. Children must at least fit into a size 8T skate and for younger children it is important that they be strong walkers who can communicate with an instructor well.
13. Q: How do we move up to the next level of Skating School?
    A: Students are evaluated at the end of each semester in accordance with the USFS Basic Skills curriculum to determine if they have gained enough skill to advance to the next level of instruction.
14. Q: What happens after my child has passed the last level?
    A: We highly recommend moving to private lessons with one of our coaches to advance their skills and even do competitions. Private lessons can be taken at any time during a skater’s progression. For more information, please contact our skating director.

FUNdamentals of Youth Hockey

1. Q: What ages can participate in this program?
   A: The recommended age is 4 and up, with a maximum age of 16.
2. Q: What skills are needed to participate?
   A: No experience is necessary! The FUNdamentals of Youth Hockey Program is intended for children who have not participated in an organized hockey program before.
3. Q: When are the lessons?
   A: Mondays at 6:15-7:15pm
4. Q: Should we arrive early?
   A: Yes! It will take about 20 minutes to get properly fitted for skates and other equipment.
5. Q: Do we pay each time we come or can we register for multiple classes?
   A: Either option is available.
6. Q: Should my child know how to skate before taking hockey lessons?
   A: It is not necessary to know how to skate, but it is recommended. We suggest taking at least one semester of our Skating School (your first lesson is free!) to learn basic skating skills, then come out to the hockey lessons to learn skating skills needed to play.
7. Q: Can we take these lessons and Skating School concurrently?
   A: Absolutely! Taking part in both programs will help your child strengthen their skating skills. 

Youth InHouse Hockey

1. Q: What skills are needed to join the InHouse league?
   A: Players will need the basic hockey skills developed in the FUNdamentals program.
2. Q: What’s the difference between Inhouse and Travel?
   A: InHouse games are played only at Gateway Ice Center with limited jamboree travel games for mites (age 8 and under) and more extensive jamboree and high school league games for high school aged children (age 18 and under). Travel hockey is more competitive and participants are in a league with regularly scheduled games and tournament play, both in and out of Fresno.
3. Q: How long is an Inhouse season?
   A: Each season is between 8 and 9 weeks. Teams do not play on all major holidays.
4. Q: Can teams form their own organization or traveling team to compete?
   A: Under NORCAL and CAHA rules this is not allowed.
5. Q: When are practices?
   A: Practices take place one hour each week on weeknights. The day depends on the player’s age and the time of year.
6. Q: When and where are games? Who do we play?
   A: Inhouse teams play against one another here at Gateway Ice Center. They usually take place Saturday mornings, and occasionally Sunday mornings.
7. Q: Do we ever have to travel out of town to play?
   A: No, unless you are part of the Mite or High School Jamboree teams.
8. Q: What age groups are there?
   A: There are groups for all ages 5-18. Mites: Age 8 & under. Squirts: 10 & under. Peewee: 12 & under. Bantams age 14 & under. Midgets age 18 & under.
9. Q: What equipment do we need to provide?
   A: All gear must be provided to play on a team. We have some gear to loan temporarily, as well as skates available for rental.
10. Q: We’re going to be missing some games and practices.. do we still have to pay for them?
    A: We do not pro rate league play.
11. Q: Who coaches in the Inhouse program?
    A: Coaches in the Inhouse program are either parents, an interested adult hockey player, or in some cases ex professional players who are interested in coaching.
12. Q: How do I become a coach in the in house hockey program?
    A: If you wish to coach Inhouse you can apply to coach a team through a coaching application on this website.  They can be found under the hockey menus.
13. Q: When are coaches for Inhouse selected?
    A: Coaches for Inhouse can be selected at any time.
14. Q: What training is necessary to coach an Inhouse team?
    A: Coaches must: 
          1. Attend a USA Hockey coaching clinic. 
          2. Have a background check done by AXIOM. 
          3. Complete “Safesport” training
          4. Complete a USA Hockey “Age Specific” module related to the age level for which the
              coach is applying for.
15. Q: Do we get a discount at Public Sessions for being on a team?
    A: Yes! Current Junior Hockey players will receive a discount for wearing their jersey to a Public Session. They will be allowed to skate for $2.
16. Q: Can friends/family wear extra jerseys and receive the discount?
    A: No, this discount is only available for youth hockey players. 

Youth Travel Hockey

1. Q: What skills are needed to join a Travel team?
   A: The skills needed to join a travel team are good skating, stick handling, passing and shooting.  Players should be able to skate forward and backward and transition easily.  A good “heads up awareness” is also suggested.
2. Q: When do the teams practice?
   A: Teams typically practice twice a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.
3. Q: Does each team have the ice to themselves during practices?
   A: Practice sessions for travel teams usually consist of one “shared ice” session with another team and one “solo ice” session where it is only one team on the ice.
4. Q: How far do we have to travel?
   A: This league travels in Northern California; Santa Rosa and Tahoe being the furthest. Tournaments can be anywhere in the US depending on where the team wants to go.
5. Q: How often do we travel?
   A: This depends on the NORCAL league schedule and the team tournament schedule. There could be month long periods where no travel takes place.
6. Q: How long is the season?
   A: After tryouts in August, practices begin, followed by preseason games in September-October, and the regular season starts in October and ends in March. NORCAL playoffs are in late March. CAHA playoffs are in late March or early April. Teams do not play or practice on all major holidays.
7. Q: When are try-outs?
   A: Tryouts are usually in August.  NORCAL sets the try-out dates
8. Q: Does my child have to maintain a certain GPA to continue playing?
   A: That is a parental decision.
9. Q: Can my child play another sport while on a Travel team?
   A: Yes, as long as this is discussed and approved by the coach.
10. Q: Does the team travel on a bus?
    A: Occasionally a team will pool money together for a bus rental, usually for tournaments.
11. Q: Are we required to stay in the same hotel?
    A: No, but it is suggested for purposes of communication and team bonding.
12. Q: How do I become a coach in the in travel hockey program?
    A: If you wish to coach for a travel team you can apply to coach a team through a coaching application on this website.  They can be found under the hockey menus.
13. Q: When are Travel coaches selected?
    A: Travel coaches are selected in May.
14. Q: How are assistant Travel coaches selected?
    A: Assistant coaches are selected by the head coach.
15. Q: What training is necessary to coach a Travel team?
    A: Coaches must: 
          1. Attend a USA Hockey coaching clinic. 
          2. Have a background check done by AXIOM. 
          3. Complete “Safesport” training
          4. Complete a USA Hockey “Age Specific” module related to the age level for which the
              coach is applying for.
16. Q: What is an affiliate player
    A: An affiliate player is one who practices with a travel team to help develop their skills; however they pay a reduced rate as they do not play in most league games.  Affiliate players who play league games are billed for those games.
17. Q: When an affiliate player is selected to move up to having an active roster spot on a team can they be moved back to an affiliate player status
    A: No, once selected on a team, a player may not be moved back to affiliate player status.
18. Q: If a player is selected for an active roster spot at try-outs, can that player be moved to an affiliate player status during the course of a season.
    A: No, once selected on a team, a player may not be moved to affiliate player status.
19. Q: When a player is selected as either an active player or an affiliate player, can that player be suspended or removed from the team or program?
    A: Only in the event of a disciplinary action for violating rules of the organization, NORCAL, CAHA, USA Hockey or the law.
20. Q: What is NORCAL? 
    A: NORCAL is the local league governing body for youth hockey under the direction of CAHA and USA Hockey
21. Q: What is CAHA?
    A: CAHA is the California Amateur Hockey Association.  It is responsible for the governance of youth and adult hockey in California through USA Hockey.
22. Q: What is USA Hockey? 
    A: USA Hockey is the national governing body for youth and adult hockey.
23. Q: Are there other associations which deal with youth and adult hockey? 
    A: Yes but this facility does not have a working association with those organizations.
24. Q: Do we get a discount at Public Sessions for being on a team?
    A: Yes! Current Junior Hockey players will receive a discount for wearing their jersey to a Public Session. They will be allowed to skate for $2.
25. Q: Can friends/family wear extra jerseys and receive the discount?
    A: No, this discount is only available for youth hockey players. 

Adult Hockey

1. Q: Do you have an option for adults who are looking to learn how to play hockey?
   A: Beginners are more than welcome to come out to our adult practices and our Sticktimes to work on your skills.
2. Q: How many teams are needed to have a season?
   A: At least 4 teams are needed in a level to have a season. If the minimum is not met, those players will be put into a lower level.
3. Q: How long is a season?
   A: Seasons last 4 months. January-April. May-August. September-December.
4. Q: How many games do we play each season?
   A: Each team is guaranteed 14 games and 1 playoff game.
5. Q: Can I switch teams mid-season?
   A: Not usually. This would have to be discussed with the Adult Hockey Director.
6. Q: Do we have practice times available?
   A: Yes! We have organized practices, as well as Sticktimes, available. Please see the calendar for dates and times.
7. Q: How do I get started in Adult League?
   A: E-mail or call Jason Rivera at jrivera@gatewayicecenter.com or 559-276-7825
8. Q: If I miss a game, do I still have to pay for it?
   A: Yes!
9. Q: Will I be dropped from the team if I miss too many games?
   A: You will dropped if your dues are not paid.
10. Q: Can I act as a substitute for another team?
    A: Substitutes must be confirmed by the hockey director. You may not substitute if you are not on a team in the league.
11. Q: Can I pay game by game?
    A: No. Payment plans are available for league dues.