Adult Programming
Can you put me on an adult softball team?
No. We can take your name and number and share it with the managers. If they need players we will encourage them to call you.
What fields are used for Men’s Softball?
Men’s softball games are played at Mercer I, Mercer II and Byron I and Shaker II.
What is the difference between Aerobic Dancing and Jazzercise?
Aerobic Dancing is progressive, learning new steps from class to class.
Jazzercise is the same routine for a certain number of weeks.
Where is the Cleveland Potter’s Co-op?
The Co-op is located at 3175 Kensington Road in Cleveland Heights.
Where should I park for a class at the High School?
Please park in front of the building on the east side and enter through the main entrance.
Camps
Are scholarships available?
Yes, a limited number of scholarships is available. Call 216-491-1290.
At sports camps, what is the makeup of staff?
Staff may consist of both adults college students and teens. Teens are always under adult supervision.
Can my child be with a friend in Teens Learning to Connect?
Yes. Campers are divided into groups of six for the community service portion of the day.
For sports camps, what happens in the event of rain?
Where gyms are available, classes will be held inside.
How are campers in Teens Learning to Connect transported from site to site?
Campers ride in a rental van driven by adult counselors approved by the City of Shaker Heights.
If we go on vacation during one of the sessions, can my child attend for a week during the next session?
Yes, with permission from the Camps Coordinator or Recreation Supervisor.
Is the Teens Learning to Connect camp comprised mostly of boys or girls?
Camp enrollment averages about 50% of each gender.
Is there an additional charge for camp field trips?
No, the fees include all field trips.
Is there an emergency phone number at camp?
Yes. You will receive notification of the number.
Is there busing for Fencing Camp and Camp Invention?
No.
Is there refrigeration on site?
No
What experience do Learning to Connect counselors bring to the program?
The TLC coordinator directs TLC with enough counselors to maintain a 1:6 staff:camper ratio. The staff supports the philosophy and mission of TLC. Two days of training include a tour of the service sites; team building techniques and trouble-shooting exercises.
What is a typical day like at Teens Learning to Connect?
9:30-11:30 AM: groups of six perform community service; 12:00-1:00 PM: lunch at the Middle School with all campers followed by time for reflection; 2:00 PM: all campers participate in team games and preparation for fund-raising activities.
What is the typical ratio of staff to child at most camps?
Usually one to twelve.
Will there be any field trips?
Campers have at least one field trip per session. Occasionally a field trip in one of the other programs will be offered and announced by staff.
Will there be early or late camp staff available?
All children should report to camp on time and be picked up promptly.
Early Childhood, Youth & Teen Programs
Are age requirements enforced?
Yes, especially for pre-school classes. If a child is close in age, call the program coordinator to discuss the issue.
Are playgrounds supervised?
Yes. Playground staff maintains a safe and secure environment in an unstructured atmosphere. It is not intended to serve as babysitting or childcare. An adult must accompany children under eight years of age.
Are uniforms paid through class fees?
Yes, except for self-defense classes, where uniform fees are paid to the instructor.
Can non-registered siblings attend classes?
No.
How do I find out what team my child is on?
Rosters are posted at Thornton Park for Tiny T-ball, T-ball and Parent Pitch Leagues. Rosters will be also posted on the website for all leagues.
How much time will my child spend playing ball in T-Ball and Parent Pitch programs?
There is one hour of play plus half-an-hour to an hour of practice.
How will my child get a jersey? If it does not fit can I get another one?
Jerseys are handed out to coaches to distribute. If a larger or smaller size is available, jerseys can be exchanged.
In general, are parent/child early childhood classes very structured?
No.
In parent/child classes, does one fee cover both parent & child?
Yes, unless otherwise noted.
Is more than one birthday party held on a Sunday at Woodbury pool?
No.
Must a participant attend all three days of Tae Kwon Do per week?
No. However, attendance all three days is encouraged. The head instructor would prefer that students attend at least two days per week. The more consistent the instruction, the greater opportunity for advancement in the skill.
Must children have previous experience before attending a class?
No, unless otherwise noted in the class description.
What equipment is needed for lacrosse?
All lacrosse questions should be directed to James Garrett at 216-491-2599.
What equipment will my child need?
Sport-related equipment and clothing requirements are included in course descriptions. If unsure, contact James Garrett at (216) 491-2599.
What time does staff arrive?
Staff arrives 15 minutes before class begins and stays 15 minutes after.
Whom do I call with questions about teen tennis?
Youth tennis program questions may be directed to James Garrett at 216-491-2599.
Will the game of soccer actually be played in parent/soccer?
No. The class consists of skills and games.
General
Are class refunds available?
For information about refunds, click here.
How can I become an instructor?
Call either 216-491-1350 or 216-491-3204 to express your interest. An instructor’s inquiry form will be mailed to you. Once returned, it will be reviewed for consideration.
How can I find out about classes being offered?
Brochures are mailed in Shaker Life magazines to all Shaker residents. You may also pick one up at either of the libraries, Thornton Park or the Community Building, or download/view from this website.
May I have the instructor’s phone number?
It is City policy not to release instructor telephone numbers. However, we will ask the instructor to contact you if you provide us with your name and number.
Must the entire fee be paid at registration?
Yes.
What if the class I’m looking for is not offered?
You may submit a written suggestion to the Community Life Department. Suggestions are always welcome!
What is the registration deadline?
The deadline is two days before a class begins, unless otherwise noted in the brochure.
Why are classes cancelled?
Classes are cancelled if the number of registrations does not meet class size requirements.
Will the class fee be pro-rated if I join late?
No. It is our policy not to pro-rate fees.
Hockey
Does my child need to know how to skate?
Yes, beginners are required to at least pass the Snowplow 3 level in our "Learn to Skate" program. Erin Schopf is our Learn to Skate Director, she can answer all your learn to skate questions.
How do you join Shaker Yough Hockey Association?
Forms are available at Thornton Park, on the website at www.shakerhockey.com or by calling the Shaker Hockey office at 216-491-2581.
How long is the season?
The hockey season runs from the end of August through March for the Travel program. The Mighty Mites program runs from the first weekend after Labor Day until the end of February.
How many games and on-ice practices do we get in a season?
Each age level is guaranteed the following during a hockey season:
Initiation Program (Tot Hockey) - 1 practice per week.
Mighty Mites - 1 practice per week.
Mites - 2-3 practices per week.
Squirts - 2-3 practices per week.
PeeWees - 2-3 practices per week.
Bantams - 2-4 practices per week.
How many times a week do we skate?
Typically house league teams skate two times per week. Initially, both sessions are a practice. It then goes to two practices and one game per week.
As always, each is provided with the names and numbers of their teammates, or level coordinator. Questions and problems not handled by your coach should be referred to the Shaker Youth Hockey Coordinator.
How old do you need to be to start hockey?
We start the Mighty Mite children at about 4 years old, although I don't believe SYHA has turned anyone away who really wanted to do it. At that age, you can expect a very short attention span. Don't worry about it, it's part of being young! Beyond that age, anyone can play hockey. Some children are intimidated if they start after the age of 12. There is just so much to learn, but it CAN be done.
I missed the registration date. Can my child still play?
We try to avoid turning away any child. If openings are available at your child's level, we will place him/her on a team.
Is hockey dangerous?
I think of it this way. It is a contact sport; things can happen in any contact sport. However, hockey players wear more protective equipment than in most other contact sports. The risk of a child blowing out their knee seems higher on a football field than on ice. It is as controlled an environment as there is in any contact sport. Hockey kids are NOT more violent than kids in other children's sports. This isn't the NHL and they don't fight. Contact is not allowed prior to the Peewee level (age 11 & 12). Then checking is allowed, but NO FIGHTING!
Is hockey good exercise?
Studies have actually shown that it's one of the best of any team sport. Where else can you put a 6 year old in a freezing environment and they come off the ice sweaty? Studies have actually shown that kids who play hockey stayed in better shape as adults than any other team sport!
My child cannot make tryouts, what should I do?
If your child is unable to attend tryouts please let the Hockey Coordinator know, they will help make arrangements for a different time.
My child played for SYHA last season. Do I need to fill out the forms (register) again?
Yes, every player needs to register prior to each hockey season. This is a requirement of USA Hockey who oversees our league and provides insurance for all the skaters.
Myth: Hockey is too expensive.
Youth hockey is more expensive than other sports. Part of the reason is that ice rinks cost more to maintain than wooden courts or grass fields. But you're also getting a lot more sport for your money. Hockey season runs much longer than others - about eight months, from tryouts in August to the Cleveland Suburban Hockey League playoffs in March. Youth baseball, basketball and soccer seasons typically run half that long, or less.
As for equipment, there are cost-saving options. Websites like HockeyGiant.com and HockeyMonkey.com update their clearance pages frequently and year-round. Play It Again Sports (6290 Mayfield Rd., Mayfield Heights) carries used gear, much of it in good or like-new condition. Trades and donations among hockey families are very common. The Shaker Youth Hockey equipment room helps provide equipment for beginning players who might otherwise not be able to play.
Fees include ice time, season public skating pass, coaches' fees, coaching education, USA Hockey liability insurance.
Myth: It's a boy's game.
Not true at all! Girls have become more and more frequent on boys teams than ever before. Shaker Heights also offers the girls only program Sugar & Spice during the spring for girls ages 5-15.
Myth: Kids who haven't been skating since they learned to walk can't excel.
Fact: The importance of ice skating to hockey does set it apart from other sports. But anyone can learn to skate, and for most kids advancement will be rapid with regular practice. Shaker Heights offers affordable skating classes for all ages (which include practice ice times), Tot Hockey classes, private lessons and public skates.
Myth: Practice and game times are inconvenient.
Fact is Shaker Heights is able to keep practice times reasonable, and the youngest kids get the best ice times. No team starts practice earlier than 7 AM on a weekend or later than 9:30 PM on a weeknight. Away games can sometime start later due to other ice arenas schedule.
The travel teams may have occasional early morning weekend games in places like Rocky River or Strongsville. In those cases, yes, you'll be leaving the house before sunrise. But at scheduling time, coaches try hard to keep those cases to a minimum. (Cleveland Suburban Hockey League is made mostly of Cuyahoga County teams.)
Myth: The game is rough and injuries are common.
Fact is this perception probably stems from the dramatic hits and fights that are common in pro hockey (and over-represented in sports news highlights). Body-checking is not allowed until the PeeWee level (ages 11-12). Fighting is forbidden at all levels. Kids will fall, sometimes hard, but pads are amazingly effective at absorbing impacts. Injuries are rare.
Should we start now or wait for next session?
Again, mostly a personal decision. Hockey for some is a way to keep their child active through the winter months, in which case they should start right away. If they are active in other fall sports, you may want to wait and start after the holidays. These two sessions provide flexibility for families who are unwilling or unable to commit to such a long season. The Travel program requires a full season commitment.
What are the age groups for youth hockey season 2009-2010?
Initiation Program (IP) - This program is for any age just learning to skate. It is typically broken into two age groups.
Tot Hockey - Born in 2005/2006, 4 & 5 years old.
Mighty Mite - Born in 2004 and 2005 with Snowplow 3 experience.
Mite C - Born in 2003/2004.
The Mite C program is coached by volunteer coaches who have had their backgrounds checked by the City of Shaker Heights and USA Hockey. Bob Shenk is the main contact for the Mite C Team (6 & 7 years old).
Mites - Born in 2001/2002, 7 & 8 years old.
Squirts - Born in 1999/2000, 9 & 10 years old.
PeeWees - Born in 1997/1998, 11 & 12 years old.
Bantams - Born in 1995/1996, 13 & 14 years old.
What equipment do I need?
From top down: Helmet with facemask, mouth guard (Squirts and up, over 9 years of age), shoulder pads/chest protector, elbow pads, gloves, hip pads or padded hockey pants, protective cup, shin guards, hockey skates and stick. Optional: neck guard. It is recommended that all protective equipment be designed specifically for ice hockey. Behind the Mask in Phoenix area is a great resource. You can also try Play It Again Sports for second-hand equipment.
When are our ice times?
Mighty Mites, Mite Cs and Mites usually skate weekend mornings. Most teams will have one or two weekday practices and one or two weekend games. Most teams are on the ice at least 3 times per week.
When are tryouts?
Tryouts are typically held in late August.
When is pre-registration?
Open registration will be held in late April to late May. Dates will be posted on our website as it becomes available.
Who will answer my questions during the season?
If you have questions and/or problems not handled by your coach, please contact Shaker Youth Hockey Coordinator. A list of all Shaker Youth Hockey board members is listed on the website. You may contact Shaker Youth Hockey on the web or by calling 216-491-2581.
Will there be fundraising opportunities?
We will be organizing fundraisers. One option is bringing back the skate-a-thon. Skaters collect pledges and have a great time skating. Half the proceeds go to the organization and you keep the other half. Speak with a board member if you are interested in spearheading these efforts.
Horseshoe Lake
Are alcoholic beverages permitted in the park?
No.
Are there grills for cooking?
Yes.
Is there a baseball diamond at Horseshoe Lake?
No.
Learn-to-Skate
Do I keep my nametag?
Yes, please wear your nametag for the full 6 weeks. This helps our instructors learn your names.
How do I determine which level is appropriate?
Level is important. Age separates Snowplows (six and under) and Basic (over six) levels. All children will be evaluated on the first day. Those who have never taken lessons would normally start in Snowplow 1 or Basic 1.
How do I know how my child is skating?
If at anytime you have concerns about your child's class placement, please talk to the instructor after class or call the Program Coordinator, Erin M. Schopf at 216-295-3461. At the end of the 6 weeks your child will be evaluated and you will know if he/she is moving up to the next level.
I am interested in learning more about competitive skating for my child. How do I go about it?
Erin M. Schopf will be conducting a parent education meeting on September 23rd at 5:30 pm.
I would like private lessons for my child. How do I go about getting them?
It is very cost effective to take advantage of one of our group classes. If you would like your child to receive extra practice with a private coach, please contact Erin M. Schopf and a recommendation will be made.
My child is interested in hockey. How do I sign him up?
First and foremost, your child needs to learn to skate. SYHA Mighty Mites has a prerequisite of passing the Snowplow Sam 3 level offered in our LTS program. Once they have completed SPS 3 please contact SYHA Youth Program Coordinator, Caleb Wyse at 216-491-2581.
What do I do after I arrive to class?
Please stand under your corresponding sign in the arena. Each class is called out individually at the big door on the left of the arena.
What time should I arrive to class?
Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the beginning of class.
When are open skates?
An arena schedule is located near the front office.
When can my child receive private lessons?
On any open skate session. Please note that in addition to paying the coach directly for their service you are responsible for paying the open skate rate: residents $4; nonresidents$5.50.
Will my child have the same teacher or be moved to a different class on the first day?
We look at class size and ability on the first day. There is a possibility that your child may be moved due to enrollment or skill set. If you have any concerns please contact Erin M. Schopf at 216-295-3461.
Learn-to-Swim
Are classes held in the rain?
Yes.
Are swim instructors certified?
Yes, by Ellis & Associates/National Safety Council.
Can my three-year-old be in the Journey series?
No.
How do I know what level my child is in?
On the first day instructors will test the child and place him/her according to skill level. If child participated previous year, bring the skill card at registration.
If I register for the parent/child class, can my nanny attend with my child?
Yes.
If we are on vacation for a week, can we make up the lessons?
Yes. Contact the Head Lifeguard and make the necessary arrangements.
School Age Childcare
Does School Age Childcare offer drop-in rates?
No, the program does not offer a drop-in option.
How do I sign up my child(ren) for the program?
Registration is at Thornton Park. First time enrollment must be in person.
Is tutoring offered?
No, we are not an extension of the school day, but we do provide quiet time for homework.
What activities are offered for the children?
Activities are based on a club curriculum in which children select from a variety of sports, crafts, homework time, dance, music, social and leisure activities.
What if I am late picking up my child?
There is a late fee of $5 per any 15-minute increment after 6:30 PM.
What if my family schedule changes?
Please complete a “change of schedule” form. Without this change form, parents will be billed based on the original schedule.
Who runs the program?
The City’s Community Life Department staffs the program and the Shaker Schools provide the space.
Shaker Community Building
How can I get information about meetings/events taking place at the Community Building?
Call the reception desk at 216-491-1360.
Is the Community Building available for private parties?
No. It may only be used by Shaker organizations, with priority given to City functions.
Why isn't coffee available in the Community Building?
Sorry! There aren't enough people purchasing coffee to support the program.
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