Course Calendar/List
To view courses as a list or search for a specific courses, please log into your membership portal. Click on Education and choose either Course Calendar or Course List. Or Click Here. Click on the Events tab, then choose Events Calendar. You will then see a List View link in the upper right corner of the calendar and a the Search option to the side.
Course/Event Sponsors
Courses
Arena
This course consists of both classroom instruction and practical sessions, regarding the making, marking, painting and maintenance of artificial ice surfaces. Students will also be introduced to basic refrigeration theory. Participants are encouraged to bring warm clothing as time will be spent on the ice surface. AARFP also recommends students wear a CSA approved hockey helmet for on-ice components. Successful candidates will receive the Arena Operator Level 1 Certificate.
Course/Event Cost: $467.25 (Plus GST)
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This intensive course covers advanced instruction in refrigeration theory, ice plant operations, maintenance and troubleshooting, facility operations, and safety. Participants must bring a highlighter and calculator. Successful candidates will receive the Arena Operator Level 2 Certificate. (Prerequisite: Arena Operator Level 1).
Course/Event Cost: $735.00 (Plus GST)
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This course is ideal for the frontline, grass roots arena operator who is looking to upgrade their skills in ice facility operations. The following areas will be covered in this course: changing the blade and levelling, preventative maintenance on the resurfacer, safety concerns, proper shaving techniques, proper flooding techniques, proper use of an edger, hand edging, line repairs, board repairs, changing glass, and janitorial concerns. Participants are encouraged to bring warm clothing and a CSA approved hockey helmet for on-ice sessions. Successful candidates will receive the Arena Maintenance Certificate.
Course/Event Cost: $304.50 (Plus GST)
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This course is offered to participants that want to know the best methods for putting in a sheet of natural ice. Instruction will include a hands-on component, if possible, but it will depend on weather conditions. Students should dress warmly for this course, and AARFP encourages students to wear a CSA approved hockey helmet for on-ice sessions.
NOTE: Natural Ice Making courses in Lake Louise will have students along with the instructor installing all lines, circles, creases, etc. Successful candidates will receive a Natural Ice Making Certificate.
Course/Event Cost: $304.50 (Plus GST)
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The Assistant Curling Ice Technician course is a one-day workshop perfect for volunteers and assistants working under the guidance of a certified Curling Ice Technician. At the completion of this in-person workshop, students are given TRAINED Assistant Curling Ice Technician status. Participants can expect to learn about adhering to Safety Guidelines, scraping, pebbling, nipping, opening and closing procedures, basic troubleshooting and more!
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The Curling Ice Technician program is intended for individuals who are looking for a career in ice making and need to learn the skills of installing, maintaining and removing ice in a curling facility for league and/or bonspiel play. At the completion of this course, students are to receive “Curling Ice Technician – Trained” status. The length of the program varies depending on if a full install is required or if the ice is already installed.
NOTE: Prerequisite (one of the following):
- “Trained” Assistant Curling Ice Technician Program
- World Curling Federation – Introduction to Ice Maintenance (Online)
- 12 Months working at a Curling facility under the supervision of a Certified Curling Ice Technician.
- Former Level 1 Ice Technician Course
- Former Facility Operator Assistant Course (Ontario)
To receive “Curling Ice Technician – Certified” status click here to view next steps.
Course/Event Cost: $467.25 (Plus GST)
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Parks and Sport Fields
This two-day long course will enable the participants to be involved with hands-on and in class components. It will focus on parks and sport fields, grass types and turf management, irrigation, ball diamond construction, ball diamond specialty maintenance, weed and pest control. Community gardens, equipment maintenance, public relations and safety will also be reviewed. AARFP suggests that students wear suitable, outdoor clothing, as time will be spent outdoors measuring and marking out ball diamonds along with other facility tours. Successful candidates will receive a Parks and Sport Fields Operator Level 1 Certificate.
Course/Event Cost: $467.25 (Plus GST)
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This two-day course includes hands-on and in class components. Content includes plant beds and hanging baskets, soil tests, landscaping, composting, vandalism, pruning and tree planting, trails, campgrounds, by-laws and project management, skateboard parks and dog parks. Students should wear suitable clothing, as time will be spent outdoors doing group work and facility tours. Successful candidates will receive the Parks and Sport Fields Operator Level 2 Certificate. (Prerequisite: Parks and Sport Fields Level 1).
Course/Event Cost: $467.25 (Plus GST)
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Properly laid out and constructed ball fields are paramount to the game. Whether it is a regulation ball field or for recreational type of play, proper construction is crucial. Knowing the basics prior to construction is necessary before you can build your own field. The following course is designed to help set up a field from a relatively level, open area of ground to its completion. Whether you are going to build a ball diamond from scratch or are getting involved later in the process, you’ll find this course valuable. Successful candidates will receive the Ball Diamond Construction Certificate.
Course/Event Cost: $304.50 (Plus GST)
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Building Maintenance
This two-day course covers these areas of facility operation; preventive maintenance, life cycle planning, thermodynamics, HVAC / boiler operation and mechanical maintenance, basic carpentry, painting, basic electricity, plumbing, and facility safety. Participants will receive the Building Maintenance Level 1 Certificate.
Course/Event Cost: $467.25 (Plus GST)
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This is the second part to the popular Level 1 program. You will learn about a facility’s building envelope, facility layout, energy management, control systems, pumps, belts, lubrication and electric motors, fire suppression, and working alone. Successful candidates will receive the Building Maintenance Level 2 Certificate. (Prerequisite: Building Maintenance Level I)
Course/Event Cost: $467.25 (Plus GST)
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The first thing your customers notice about your facility is its appearance. This course will take students through the basics of proper custodial maintenance and the importance of a clean facility. Emphasis will be on proper product usage and safety. New products will be discussed as well as tips and tricks of the trade. Successful candidates will receive a Custodial Care Certificate.
Course/Event Cost: $304.50 (Plus GST)
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Aquatics
This workshop provides a rigorous in-class and hands-on experience for those involved in swimming pool operations. Topics include water circulation/filtration, basic chlorine and saltwater chemistry, water balance, pool diseases and water testing. This course has been updated to meet Alberta Health and Wellness Standards. Participants should also bring a calculator for class and exam. Successful candidates will receive the Swimming Pool Operator Level 1 Certificate.
Course is available both in-class and online.
Course/Event Cost: $467.25 (Plus GST)
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This course builds on the material presented at the Swimming Pool Operator Level I Course. Participants will learn to deal with more complex problems as swimming pool operators. Topics include water clarity, air quality, health of swimming pool water, diseases, pools and spas, oxidation reduction potential/controllers, circulation, specialty chemicals, energy management, steam rooms and saunas, risk management, custodial management, and lifecycle and preventive maintenance. You will be required to complete a group project, and a take-home final exam. NOTE: After Class and Evening work will be required!! Successful candidates will receive a Swimming Pool Operator Level 2 Certificate. (Prerequisite: Swimming Pool Operator Level 1 or equivalent).
Course/Event Cost: $735.00 (Plus GST)
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Leadership, Policies, & Risk Management
This program is designed to assist communities and community groups in developing a policy and procedure manual for all types of facilities. Designed to be a one-day course, participants will learn how to start the policy and procedure manual, what should be included, and how to keep it current. Some areas that will be covered are facility regulations, administrative procedures, financial and staff management as well as emergency procedures, programming, and scheduling. Successful candidates will receive a Developing a Policy and Procedure Manual Certificate.
Course/Event Cost: $304.50 (Plus GST)
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This three-day course is designed to give practical ideas and skills for those in leadership roles. The focus will be on how to become a better team leader. Participants will learn the aspects of effective leadership including managing yourself, work, and situations. Participants will also learn tips to deal effectively with people and handle negative situations. Successful candidates will receive a Leadership Skills Certificate. Course is available both in-class and online.
Course/Event Cost: $551.25 (Plus GST)
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This one-day course is designed to assist operators in the basic preparation and implementation of a lifecycle document and to better understand the importance of a solid risk management program for their facilities. Successful candidates will receive the Lifecycle/Risk Management Certificate.
Course/Event Cost: $304.50 (Plus GST)
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Recreation Facility Management Certificate (AARFP/RDP)
The Recreation Facility Management Certificate program was developed in partnership between Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and Alberta Association of Recreation Facility Personnel (AARFP), in order to deliver technical and management skills specific to the recreation industry to current and aspiring supervisors and managers.
Alberta Recreation Facility Personnel (AARFP) and Alberta Municipal Health and Safety Association (AMHSA) have partnered to offer four educational certification opportunities and technical skills related to the operation of recreation facilities. The four distinct certification programs include: Arena Safety Operator, Aquatics Safety Operator, Building Maintenance Safety Operator, and Parks and Sport Fields Safety Operator.
If you are interested in applying for one of these certificate programs, please email safety@amhsa.net.
An educational program for employees working in a recreational setting to further their education and obtain practical experience in the recreational field.
Looking to train your staff in a cost-effective manner? Send us a proposal to host a course in your community. Each year we choose communities around the province to host a course and in exchange, you will receive on free registration for the course you are hosting!
The RFP trains over a thousand people each year. We’re good at it. It’s what we do and who we are. We run courses focused on leading and operating arenas, pools, parks, and facilities. If you want a unique way to highlight your product, course sponsorship is for you!
Canada-Alberta Job Grant
AARFP Courses qualify! While the eligibility criteria states a minimum of a 24 hour course is required for the training, RFP has assurance that our members can combine the AARFP regular 16 hour courses to equal that 24 hours, and therefore, their employers will still qualify for this grant. Check out all details at: https://www.alberta.ca/canada-alberta-job-grant.aspx (Unfortunately, this grant is not available to municipalities.)