Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. EVENTS

Certified Ice Technician (CIT) Challenge Exam (Sunday, January 01, 2012)

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Certified Ice Technician (CIT) Challenge Exam

If you wish to write the challenge exam, please contact:

Sharon Dias, Administrative Assistant
Ontario Recreation Facilities Association
1 Concorde Gate, Suite 102
Toronto, Ontario M3C 3N6
tel: (416) 426-7299 fax: (416) 426-7385 email: admin@orfa.com

Professional Development Events 2012 (Sunday, January 01, 2012)

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

For over sixty years, the ORFA has been a leader in the recreation sector by providing specialized training and development opportunities for professionals who work in recreation facilities. Annually, over 2,000 individuals from around the province and beyond benefit from a variety of ORFA courses dealing with administration and management subjects, aquatic facility operations, buildings and grounds and refrigeration and ice. And, more recently, ORFA’s select group of training courses has been in even greater demand given the increasing legal responsibilities of facility owners and operators to ensure them and their employees have the qualified competencies as defined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The ORFA has collaborated with many skilled instructors and professional
organizations in designing and delivering this year’s selection of courses and events. In addition to the 57th Annual Professional Development Program, held at the University of Guelph, there is also an expanded list of regional training activities scheduled throughout the year…designed to bring more training closer to your home and workplace!
I encourage you to review this brochure and to register early to avoid disappointment. I am confident you will enjoy a first-class learning and networking experience.

Please review the Professional Development Events 2011 and register early to avoid disappointment and enjoy a first-class learning and networking experience.

57th Annual Professional Development Program
Online information and registration

Regional Training Courses 2011
Online information and registration

Professional Development EVENTS 2011
PDF   I  DIGITAL   I   Registration Form

Legal Awareness I - Supervising in a Recreation Environment (GT/RTC) (Monday, May 28, 2012)

Mon, 28 May 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Legal Awareness I - Supervising in a Recreation Environment
Monday, May 28 and Tuesday, May 29

Petawawa Civic Centre
16 Civic Centre Rd
Petawawa, ON K8H 3H5

The basic requirement of OHSA remains unchanged; only "competent persons" are allowed to take care and control of a work place or supervise other persons at work. In order for a worker to meet the legal obligation of competency they must:

be qualified because of their knowledge, training and experience to organize the work and supervise safe performance;
be familiar with the Act, Regulations, Policies and Procedures that apply to the work;
have knowledge of any potential or actual danger or hazard to health and safety in the workplace.

The Occupiers’ Liability Act puts a similar legal obligation on us to provide safe environments for our customers.

This course is designed to raise the participant’s level of awareness of the legislation, regulations, codes, standards and best practices that govern our workplaces and our facilities. Emphasis is placed on the potential outcomes and impacts of failing to comply and the role of frontline staff in the partnership that is workplace and facility safety, a partnership that includes administration right through to part-time students.

Not knowing is not a defence in the event that there is an incident or injury in our workplaces or facilities.

The course includes an introduction to the 30 plus legislative obligations while identifying some of the 100 plus codes and regulations that guide our operations. Emphasis will be placed on how employees can protect themselves and their organization from liability related to the Occupiers’ Liability Act and OHSA. Examples of failures and best practices will illuminate the importance of due diligence and caring supported by documentation.

Who should attend?
All full and part time employees working in recreation facilities..

Instructor: Greg Wright, Manager of Community Services, Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands

Legal Awareness II - Managing in a Recreation Environment (GT/RTC) (Wednesday, May 30, 2012)

Wed, 30 May 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Legal Awareness II - Managing in a Recreation Environment
Wednesday, May 30 to Friday, June 1

Petawawa Civic Centre
16 Civic Centre Rd
Petawawa, ON K8H 3H5

This course will build on the participants’ acquired legal and risk awareness and how to apply this knowledge in their work place.

The course will challenge participants to develop and utilize hazard and risk assessment to identify their risk of liability to loss either to workers through injury or illness, users of our facilities and the owner’s assets either financial or human. We will share and discuss the application of some of the many ORFA’s guidelines and best practices to assist with compliance.

The ORFA works closely with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and initiatives such as the WorkWell auditing program will be part of the program. Additional partnerships such as insurance and risk managers like Frank Cowan Co. and the Ontario Ministry of Labour will provide up to date information and their challenges and concerns for claims, prosecutions, "blitz programs" and work safe Ontario initiatives.

Who should attend?

Recreation practitioners who play any role in maintaining a safe work and play environment on behalf of their employer.
Any employee who wishes to work to meet their legal requirement to be or become a supervisor under OHSA.
Past participants of legal awareness courses and seasoned practitioners who seek a refresher to stay current with the ever changing environment

Instructor: Greg Wright, Manager of Community Services, Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands

Essentials of Swimming Pool Operations (RTC) (Monday, June 04, 2012)

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Essentials of Swimming Pool Operations
Monday, June 4 to Wednesday, June 6

Ajax Community Centre (Captain’s Room)
75 Centennial Rd, Ajax, ON L1S 4S4

This course is in response to frequent requests from our members, and others involved in aquatic facility operations, to provide a concise, professional development opportunity encompassing the essentials of operating a public swimming pool in Ontario.

This course does not certify participants in the operation of aquatic facilities. However, it will provide critical information on what is recognized to be necessary knowledge for practitioners and employers to operate their aquatic facility safely, efficiently, effectively and in full compliance with applicable legislation. It will also provide a solid base for those who wish to continue their professional development in the aquatics field.

Topics include:

Pool construction and design
Legislation affecting aquatic facilities
Pool circulation and filtration
Water treatment, disinfection and testing
Microbiology and infection control
Safety of staff and public
Legal awareness and risk management

This course is taught using a combination of classroom-based study and some hands-on training. Participants are expected to be able to return to their workplace and utilize the skills and knowledge they have learned in the course.

Basic Refrigeration (RTC) (Monday, June 04, 2012)

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Basic Refrigeration
Monday, June 4 to Thursday, June 7

General Motors Centre
99 Athol Street East, Oshawa, ON L1H 1J8

A time-tested course, Basic Refrigeration has been delivered to recreation facility personnel for over four decades and has become an industry-recognized minimum competency for practitioners working in a recreation-related refrigeration plant.

Participants will learn the fundamentals of the theory and principles of refrigeration and the importance this plays in the creation of a quality ice surface. While not mandatory, participants are encouraged to gain some knowledge of a working refrigeration system prior to attendance. It is recommended that prior to attending this course participants ask their refrigeration plant operator, or other qualified facility individual, for a guided tour and orientation of the refrigeration plant. This review should explore: key pieces of equipment; safety devices; log book use; responses to emergencies and evacuation plans; types and amounts of refrigerants; storage; and personal protective equipment for all noxious gases and/or refrigerants stored on site.

Topics include:

Principles of Refrigeration
Refrigeration Equipment Identification & Function
Refrigeration Controls, Accessories and Safety Devices
Refrigeration System Operation & Maintenance

Aquatic Facility Operations - Beyond the Basics (RTC) (Thursday, June 07, 2012)

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Aquatic Facility Operations - Beyond the Basics
Thursday, June 7 and Friday, June 8

Ajax Community Centre (Captain’s Room)
75 Centennial Rd, Ajax, ON L1S 4S4

Designed for the operator who has completed the Essentials of Swimming Pool Operations course, or similar course, and who has practical, on-the-job experience, this course will provide participants with an advanced study of aquatic facility operations. It will further investigate the components of the circulation system, types of filtration, comparisons of efficiency and maintenance requirements, filter area, flow rates, and how these specifications result in selection for the application. Also, the course will explore circulation pump design, pump curves and how pump selection is determined. Water heaters will also be examined.

Water treatment and disinfection will involve a hands-on component of testing, analysis and application of the Saturation Index as a case study. Chlorination disinfection and safety will be discussed in depth along with consideration of alternative disinfecting methods, including ozone and ultra violet, and how current legislation impacts their application.

Seasonal operations, and the special requirements for outdoor facilities, will be covered, including best practices for winterizing and re-opening the facility. Also, indoor air quality concerns, challenges and best practices will be examined and discussed.

This course is taught using a combination of classroom-based study and some hands-on training. Participants are expected to be able to return to their workplace and utilize the skills and knowledge they have learned in the course.

Ice Making and Painting Technologies (RTC) (Monday, June 11, 2012)

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Ice Making and Painting Technologies
Monday, June 11 to Thursday, June 14

Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex
249 Sherk Street, Leamington, ON N8H 4X7

Prerequisites: Participants should have completed the Basic Refrigeration course or the Advanced Refrigeration Facility Operator course and have one year, hands-on, artificial ice experience.

Creating a durable sheet of ice requires a clear understanding by the ice technician of the ice making environment. This environment will include such variables as basic scientific principles surrounding air, water, paint and refrigeration and may or may not be within the operator’s control. Building on the theory gained in the refrigeration classes, this course will enhance the participants’ knowledge, while increasing their operational effectiveness through a clear understanding of proven ice installation principles and techniques. Further, participants will learn basic standard facility operation practices and have hands-on exposure to various proven on-ice applications.

Some practical on-ice demonstrations will occur, with limited opportunity for each participant to take part. All students should come prepared to spend up to seven hours on the ice. Clothing and CSA-approved footwear should be selected and worn to suit a cold, wet work environment.

Topics include:

History of ice making and painting
Humidity – principles and equipment
Water – understanding and controlling Total Dissolved Solids
Refrigerated floors – constructed options, limitations and preparation
Dasher board systems – types, best installation practices, safety
Painting and Logos – painting ice white, lines and logos vs. paper, vinyl and other materials
Specialty Ice Surfaces - Hockey, Curling, Speed Skating, Broomball, Ringette, Figure Skating, Sledge Hockey and Public Skating
Ice Energy Management

Class B Examination Preparation Course (RTC) (Monday, June 11, 2012)

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) Refrigeration Operator - CLASS B Examination Preparation Course
Monday, June 11 to Friday, Friday June 22

CANLAN ICE SPORTS - ETOBICOKE
1120 Martin Grove Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 4W1

The ORFA, in partnership with CIMCO Refrigeration, offers a 10-day TSSA Refrigeration Operator - Class B Examination Preparation course. Although not mandatory, it is recommended that a practitioner who does not function solely in a refrigeration environment, or who has not received any other formal training in refrigeration technologies, complete the requirements for the RPOT designation prior to attending this 10-day Refrigeration Operator - Class B Examination Preparation course

Ice Making and Painting Technologies (RTC) (Monday, June 25, 2012)

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Ice Making and Painting Technologies
Monday, June 25 to Thursday, June 28

Pete Palangio Arena
603 Wallace Road, North Bay

Prerequisites: Participants should have completed the Basic Refrigeration course or the Advanced Refrigeration Facility Operator course and have one year, hands-on, artificial ice experience.

Creating a durable sheet of ice requires a clear understanding by the ice technician of the ice making environment. This environment will include such variables as basic scientific principles surrounding air, water, paint and refrigeration and may or may not be within the operator’s control. Building on the theory gained in the refrigeration classes, this course will enhance the participants’ knowledge, while increasing their operational effectiveness through a clear understanding of proven ice installation principles and techniques. Further, participants will learn basic standard facility operation practices and have hands-on exposure to various proven on-ice applications.

Some practical on-ice demonstrations will occur, with limited opportunity for each participant to take part. All students should come prepared to spend up to seven hours on the ice. Clothing and CSA-approved footwear should be selected and worn to suit a cold, wet work environment.

Topics include:

History of ice making and painting
Humidity – principles and equipment
Water – understanding and controlling Total Dissolved Solids
Refrigerated floors – constructed options, limitations and preparation
Dasher board systems – types, best installation practices, safety
Painting and Logos – painting ice white, lines and logos vs. paper, vinyl and other materials
Specialty Ice Surfaces - Hockey, Curling, Speed Skating, Broomball, Ringette, Figure Skating, Sledge Hockey and Public Skating
Ice Energy Management

Legal Awareness I - Supervising in a Recreation Environment (GT/RTC) (Monday, July 09, 2012)

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Legal Awareness I - Supervising in a Recreation Environment
Monday, July 9 and Tuesday, July 10

Barrie Molson Centre
555 Bayview Dr
Barrie, ON

The basic requirement of OHSA remains unchanged; only "competent persons" are allowed to take care and control of a work place or supervise other persons at work. In order for a worker to meet the legal obligation of competency they must:

be qualified because of their knowledge, training and experience to organize the work and supervise safe performance;
be familiar with the Act, Regulations, Policies and Procedures that apply to the work;
have knowledge of any potential or actual danger or hazard to health and safety in the workplace.

Legal Awareness II - Managing in a Recreation Environment (GT/RTC) (Wednesday, July 11, 2012)

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Legal Awareness II - Managing in a Recreation Environment
Wednesday, July 11 to Friday, July 13

Barrie Molson Centre
555 Bayview Dr
Barrie, ON

This course will build on the participants’ acquired legal and risk awareness and how to apply this knowledge in their work place.

The course will challenge participants to develop and utilize hazard and risk assessment to identify their risk of liability to loss either to workers through injury or illness, users of our facilities and the owner’s assets either financial or human. We will share and discuss the application of some of the many ORFA’s guidelines and best practices to assist with compliance.

The ORFA works closely with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and initiatives such as the WorkWell auditing program will be part of the program. Additional partnerships such as insurance and risk managers like Frank Cowan Co. and the Ontario Ministry of Labour will provide up to date information and their challenges and concerns for claims, prosecutions, "blitz programs" and work safe Ontario initiatives.

Who should attend?

Recreation practitioners who play any role in maintaining a safe work and play environment on behalf of their employer.
Any employee who wishes to work to meet their legal requirement to be or become a supervisor under OHSA.
Past participants of legal awareness courses and seasoned practitioners who seek a refresher to stay current with the ever changing environment

Instructor: Greg Wright, Manager of Community Services, Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands

Basic Refrigeration (GT/RTC) (Monday, August 13, 2012)

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Basic Refrigeration
Monday, August 13 to Thursday, August 16

qplex
20 Randy Jones Way
PO Box 21085
Quispamsis, NB E2E 4Z4

Principles of Refrigeration
Refrigeration Equipment Identification & Function
Refrigeration Controls, Accessories and Safety Devices
Refrigeration System Operation & Maintenance

Ice Maintenance and Equipment Operations (GT/RTC) (Monday, August 13, 2012)

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Ice Maintenance and Equipment Operations
Monday, August 13 to Thursday, August 16

Galt Arena
98 Shade St.
Cambridge, ON

Prerequisites: Participants should have completed a) Basic Refrigeration or the Advanced Refrigeration Facility Operator course; b) and the Ice Making and Painting Technologies course; and c) have two years of practical artificial ice knowledge with some ice resurfacer operational experience or a Safe Ice Resurfacer Operator permit.

In this course, participants will learn skills to create exceptional ice, troubleshoot poor ice conditions, perform ice maintenance, and operate and maintain equipment while ensuring a safe physical setting. There will be some limited opportunity for each participant to take part in the on-ice demonstrations. All participants should come prepared to spend up to seven hours on, or near, the ice surface.

This course is not designed to make a worker a completely competent ice resurfacer driver. It has been created to demonstrate industry best practices with regard to the operation and care of a vital and expensive piece of ice maintenance equipment. The ice resurfacer is a complicated piece of heavy equipment that requires a concise understanding of how it works, what adjustments must be maintained and what ongoing regular maintenance must be conducted by the operator to ensure it provides trouble-free operation. Ongoing workplace specific training must take place once the participant completes this training course.

The ORFA works closely with both Zamboni and Resurfice Corporation in providing the most up-to-date operational information to participants during this course.

Please note that appropriate clothing and CSA-approved footwear must be worn to suit a cold and wet work environment.
Topics include:

Daily facility physical maintenance through both policy and procedure
Ice maintenance, up-keep and equipment
Troubleshooting
Air quality
Facility changeovers
Fossil fuel safety
Edger use and safety
Ice resurfacer operations and maintenance

Safe Ice Resurfacer Operator SIRO (RTC) (Saturday, August 25, 2012)

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Safe Ice Resurfacer Operator SIRO
Saturday, August 25, 2012

Appleby Ice Centre
1201 Appleby Line
Burlington, ON L7L 5H9

Instructor: Terry Piche, RRFA, CIT

The Safe Ice Resurfacer Operator awareness workshop is an introduction or refresher to ice resurfacer operations. Health and Safety laws require that employers provide annual training to all workers on all chemicals and equipment that are present in the workplace. This workshop utilizes the on-site ice resurfacer, as it takes the worker through the necessary pre-flood, flood, daily and weekly maintenance inspection activities.

Ultimately, the ice resurfacer manufacturers owner's manual will guide each workplace however; the SIRO workshop is an accumulation of known incidents involving an ice resurfacer that have resulted in worker injury while reviewing proven “industry best practices” in hopes of avoiding future accidents. The workshop reinforces the benefit of a “log book” to maintain the ice resurfacer in top form. This important tool will not only help reduce the potential for down time, it will also create a permanent record of maintenance and upkeep activities to help guide replacement or major overhauls of the unit.

Workers conducting a quick inspection of their equipment, while knowing what to look for as potential problem areas prior to moving the ice resurfacer can avoid 99% of all equipment failures on the ice. Remember, that as soon as the wheels cross the threshold onto the ice, the operator in control is now responsible for all incidents related to the equipments operation or failure. If your current employees arrive at work and “get on it and drive” this workshop is for them.

Topics include:

History of the IR
Occupational Health & Safety- Stop Work
IR Operational Safety Activities
Sample Policy Statement
Sample Operating Procedures Guidelines
Fuel Types- Gasoline-Propane-Natural Gas
Escaping Gas Detection - Fire Extinguisher use
Air Quality
Circle Checking Activities
Mounting/Dismounting-Moving the IR-Fall Arrest
Water systems
Scheduled Operational Maintenance Activities
Final written test

Essentials of Swimming Pool Operations (RTC) (Monday, August 27, 2012)

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Essentials of Swimming Pool Operations
Monday, August 27 to Wednesday, August 29

Magna Centre
Mulock Dr, Newmarket, ON L3Y 9C1

Pool construction and design
Legislation affecting aquatic facilities
Pool circulation and filtration
Water treatment, disinfection and testing
Microbiology and infection control
Safety of staff and public
Legal awareness and risk management

Ice Making and Painting Technologies (RTC) (Monday, August 27, 2012)

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Ice Making and Painting Technologies
Monday, August 27 to Thursday, August 30

Magna Centre
800 Mulock Dr, Newmarket, ON L3Y 9C1

Prerequisites: Participants should have completed the Basic Refrigeration course or the Advanced Refrigeration Facility Operator course and have one year, hands-on, artificial ice experience.

Creating a durable sheet of ice requires a clear understanding by the ice technician of the ice making environment. This environment will include such variables as basic scientific principles surrounding air, water, paint and refrigeration and may or may not be within the operator’s control. Building on the theory gained in the refrigeration classes, this course will enhance the participants’ knowledge, while increasing their operational effectiveness through a clear understanding of proven ice installation principles and techniques. Further, participants will learn basic standard facility operation practices and have hands-on exposure to various proven on-ice applications.

Some practical on-ice demonstrations will occur, with limited opportunity for each participant to take part. All students should come prepared to spend up to seven hours on the ice. Clothing and CSA-approved footwear should be selected and worn to suit a cold, wet work environment.

Topics include:

History of ice making and painting
Humidity – principles and equipment
Water – understanding and controlling Total Dissolved Solids
Refrigerated floors – constructed options, limitations and preparation
Dasher board systems – types, best installation practices, safety
Painting and Logos – painting ice white, lines and logos vs. paper, vinyl and other materials
Specialty Ice Surfaces - Hockey, Curling, Speed Skating, Broomball, Ringette, Figure Skating, Sledge Hockey and Public Skating
Ice Energy Management

Basic Refrigeration (GT/RTC) (Monday, August 27, 2012)

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Basic Refrigeration
Monday, August 27 to Thursday, August 30

Howick Community Centre
45088 Harriston Rd
Gorrie, ON N0G 1X0

Principles of Refrigeration
Refrigeration Equipment Identification & Function
Refrigeration Controls, Accessories and Safety Devices
Refrigeration System Operation & Maintenance

Basic Refrigeration (GT/RTC) (Monday, August 27, 2012)

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Basic Refrigeration
Monday, August 27 to Thursday, August 30

McIntyre Arena
85 McIntyre Rd.
Timmins, ON P4N 8R8

Principles of Refrigeration
Refrigeration Equipment Identification & Function
Refrigeration Controls, Accessories and Safety Devices
Refrigeration System Operation & Maintenance

Aquatic Facility Operations - Beyond the Basics (RTC) (Thursday, August 30, 2012)

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Aquatic Facility Operations - Beyond the Basics
Thursday, August 30 to Friday, August 31

Magna Centre
Mulock Dr, Newmarket, ON L3Y 9C1

Designed for the operator who has completed the Essentials of Swimming Pool Operations course, or similar course, and who has practical, on-the-job experience, this course will provide participants with an advanced study of aquatic facility operations. It will further investigate the components of the circulation system, types of filtration, comparisons of efficiency and maintenance requirements, filter area, flow rates, and how these specifications result in selection for the application. Also, the course will explore circulation pump design, pump curves and how pump selection is determined. Water heaters will also be examined.

Water treatment and disinfection will involve a hands-on component of testing, analysis and application of the Saturation Index as a case study. Chlorination disinfection and safety will be discussed in depth along with consideration of alternative disinfecting methods, including ozone and ultra violet, and how current legislation impacts their application.

Seasonal operations, and the special requirements for outdoor facilities, will be covered, including best practices for winterizing and re-opening the facility. Also, indoor air quality concerns, challenges and best practices will be examined and discussed.

This course is taught using a combination of classroom-based study and some hands-on training. Participants are expected to be able to return to their workplace and utilize the skills and knowledge they have learned in the course.

Basic Refrigeration (RTC) (Monday, September 10, 2012)

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Basic Refrigeration
Monday, September 10 to Thursday, September 13

Magna Centre
800 Mulock Dr, Newmarket, ON L3Y 9C1

Principles of Refrigeration
Refrigeration Equipment Identification & Function
Refrigeration Controls, Accessories and Safety Devices
Refrigeration System Operation & Maintenance

Certified Ice Technician (CIT) Recertification Course - Online (Monday, October 01, 2012)

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Certified Ice Technician (CIT) Recertification Course - Online
Monday, October 1 to Friday, October 19

To register for the online course please visit:

www.orfa.com/citonline

For More Information
Please contact:

Sharon Dias, Administrative Assistant
Ontario Recreation Facilities Association
1 Concorde Gate, Suite 102, Toronto, Ontario M3C 3N6
tel: (416) 426-7299 fax: (416) 426-7385 email: admin@orfa.com

Ice Maintenance and Equipment Operations (RTC) (Monday, October 01, 2012)

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Ice Maintenance and Equipment Operations
Monday, October 1 to Thursday, October 4

Thornhill Community Centre
7755 Bayview Ave. Thornhill, ON L3T 4P1

Daily facility physical maintenance through both policy and procedure
Ice maintenance, up-keep and equipment
Troubleshooting
Air quality
Facility changeovers
Fossil fuel safety
Edger use and safety
Ice resurfacer operations and maintenance

Aquatic Program Administration (RTC) (Monday, October 15, 2012)

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Aquatic Program Administration
Monday, October 15 to Wednesday, October 17

This Canadian Red Cross course will take your aquatic management skills to a new level. With the increasing demands from your patrons and regulatory sectors, it is important that the aquatic manager of today has a clear understanding of current situations and trends. We will use group work, role play and brainstorming to raise your awareness of your role in the facility. Keeping your community informed plays a key role in meeting your vision and offering programs with set standards and ensuring successful outcomes to meet community needs. During this course, we will focus on key components of an excellent aquatic program administrator: people, self, organization, customers and tasks.

Topics include:

Risk Management

Staff and Staff Risks and Prevention
Evaluation and Auditing Tools
In Service Training Obligations
Policy Manual and Standards of Practice
Aquatic legislation – Health Protection and Promotion Act,
TSSA
Occupational Workplace requirements

Knowing your community

Development, distribution and analysis of needs assessment, feasibility studies
Who is your target audience (demographics)
Knowing your business partners
Knowing your facility

Program Planning

Purpose of your facility
Programming Mix
Access and Space Requirements
Facility Flow
Staffing for the program
Special events, user groups, rentals, quiet time

Staffing

Growing your Staff
Recruitment
What do they expect for Recognition
Training Requirements and Scheduling
Staff Retention
Staff Relations
Succession Planning

Marketing and Advertising

Service Marketing (7 P’s)
SWOT Analysis
Ansoff Matrix model
Market Segmentation and promotional mix
Evaluation of strategies – what’s most effective

Customer Service

Building Customer-Centred programs/services/facility
Customer Relation Management
Impact on your facility
10 Steps to Invest in your customers

Certified Ice Technician (CIT) Recertification Course - Classroom-based (Monday, December 03, 2012)

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Certified Ice Technician (CIT) Recertification Course - Classroom-based

Monday, December 3 to Tuesday, December 4

TRISAN CENTRE - 25 Dillane Dr, Schomberg, ON

Background
The Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (ORFA) introduced the Certified Ice Technician (CIT) professional designation in 1997. This NHL-recognized credential was designed to acknowledge the academic excellence and specialized expertise of individuals who work in artificial ice operations. Overwhelmingly, the CIT designation has been the most sought-after of all the ORFA professional designations. Today, close to 70% of arenas, ice and refrigeration job postings specifically state the preference to recruiting those individuals who hold the CIT professional designation.

Since 1997, over 800 individuals have been awarded the CIT designation. More recently, there has been discussion and reflection, based on industry needs and legal counsel, that to ensure these individuals remain current in industry best practices and knowledge, that a recertification program be designed and implemented.

Recertification
Recertification is a very common self-regulation approach taken by many professional associations seeking to ensure its members represent the most qualified individuals within a particular industry-sector or profession.

Recertification will help CITs update their skills and knowledge on the latest ice and refrigeration technologies and techniques, and on current industry information and legal requirements to ensure safe, effective and efficient ice facilities operations. It also assists the employer to meet the Occupational Health and Safety Act’s requirement to ensure the workplace has competent workers. Recertification will further enhance the integrity, value and validity of the CIT professional within the recreation facility industry and among the sport and recreation sector, government agencies and the broader public sector.

The guiding principles for CIT recertification are to ensure the process is appropriate, accessible, attainable and
affordable for all CITs.

Effective January 1, 2010, CITs will be required to recertify every five years. This new requirement is retroactive to January 1, 1997 and includes all CIT recipients from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2009. Individuals will recertify according to the following schedule:

CIT Certification Year	CIT Recertification Year
1997-2001	2010
2002-2004	2011
2005-2007	2012
2008	2013
2009	2014
2010	2015
Etc.	Etc.

The CIT Recertification Process

The ORFA will contact the recertifying CIT members in the month of December in the year prior to their recertification year. For example, CITs who obtained their professional designation in 2011 will be required to recertify in 2016; the ORFA will contact them in December 2015 and provide them with recertification information for the following year.
The CIT member has three options to recertify:

Option 1: Write the ORFA CIT Challenge Exam
This classroom-based, two hour exam will be scheduled throughout the year at selected regional locations around the province.

To assist the challenge exam participants, the ORFA has prepared a syllabus of subject matter topics (available at www.orfa.com/citsyllabus) that the participants should review prior to writing the exam. As well, the exam writers will be encouraged to obtain the latest version of ORFA’s Refrigeration Manual: Ice Rink Applications (2007) as well as ORFA’s training manuals in Ice Making and Painting Technologies and Ice Maintenance and Equipment Operations.

The exam will contain questions comparable to the exams in the original three courses (Basic Refrigeration; Ice Making and Painting Technologies; Ice Maintenance and Equipment Operations).

If the member fails the CIT Challenge Exam, he/she will have the option to rewrite the CIT Challenge Exam, at the same fee, or register to participate in the CIT Recertification Course (classroom or online) and complete that final exam. If the member once again fails the exam in either scenario, then he/she will be required to re-take the three CIT certification courses: Basic Refrigeration, Ice Making and Painting Technologies and Ice Maintenance and Equipment Operations.

Option 2: Take the ORFA CIT Recertification Course (classroom-based)
This course will provide a comprehensive review of information contained in the original three courses (Basic Refrigeration; Ice Making and Painting Technologies; Ice Maintenance and Equipment Operations) as well as highlight updated best practices. The course will be taught over a two-day period and includes a final exam. The course will be scheduled throughout the year at regional locations around the province.

If the member fails the CIT Recertification Course (classroom-based), he/she will have the option to re-take the CIT Recertification Course (classroom or online), at the same fee, and re-write the exam or choose to write the CIT Challenge Exam. If the member once again fails the exam in either scenario, then he/she will be required to re-take the three CIT certification courses: Basic Refrigeration, Ice Making and Painting Technologies and Ice Maintenance and Equipment Operations.

Option 3: Take the ORFA CIT Recertification Course (online)
This course, developed in partnership with the Office of Open Learning, University of Guelph, will mirror the information presented in the classroom-based course and include a final exam. The course will be three weeks long and will be facilitated online by an ORFA content expert.

If the member fails the CIT Recertification Course (online), he/she will have the option to re-take the CIT Recertification Course (classroom or online), at the same fee, and re-write the exam or choose to write the CIT Challenge Exam. If the member once again fails the exam in either scenario, then he/she will be required to re-take the three CIT certification courses: Basic Refrigeration, Ice Making and Painting Technologies and Ice Maintenance and Equipment Operations.

Recertification Course/Exam Content
The information used to create the CIT Challenge Exam and presented in the CIT Recertification Course (classroom-based and online) will address the subject matter at the same level of intensity and scrutiny as the information presented in the original three courses. As such, the recertification information will:

Review current theory, advanced principles and best practices
Present the latest in technologies, techniques, tools
Review legal liabilities and responsibilities
Test to measure the skills and knowledge to work competently as an ice technician professional.

Non-recertification
5 Years – CIT Recertification All ORFA members who hold the CIT professional designation are required to recertify every five years. They have until December 31st of the fifth year to accomplish recertification through successful completion of the recertification course (online or classroom-based) or the challenge exam. If so desired, members may recertify earlier than every 5 years. Individual or grandfathered group membership must be maintained in order to retain use of the CIT professional designation.

5 Years plus 6 months – CIT Suspended Individuals who do not recertify by December 31st in their recertifying year will have their CIT credential temporarily suspended for up to six (6) months following the December 31st deadline. Those who wish to recertify during this six month period may do so by successfully completing the recertification course (online or classroom-based) or the challenge exam. A $50.00 administration fee will be applicable in addition to the recertification course/exam fees. During the six month suspension period, individual or grandfathered group membership must be maintained.

5 Years plus 6 months plus a day – CIT Revoked CIT holders who do not recertify by the end of the six month suspension period will be notified that their CIT has been revoked. They will lose the right to use the professional designation. Those who have had their designation revoked and wish to regain the professional designation must reapply for the designation under the current ORFA application rules. Also, they will be required to successfully complete the recertification course (online or classroom-based) or by writing the challenge exam. Individual membership will be required of all those reapplying under a revoked status. This applies to those who were previously covered under the grandfathered group membership. A $75.00 administration fee will be applicable in addition to the recertification course/exam fees.

For More Information
Please contact:

Sharon Dias, Administrative Assistant
Ontario Recreation Facilities Association
1 Concorde Gate, Suite 102, Toronto, Ontario M3C 3N6
tel: (416) 426-7299 fax: (416) 426-7385 email: admin@orfa.com