Get to know the US Figure Skating Association (USFSA)
If your skater is in the Polar Express Learn-to-Skate program, then your association with USFSA has already begun. USFSA is the national governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States and a member of the International Skating Union (ISU), the international federation for figure skating and the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC).
USFSA is charged with the development of the sport on all levels in the United States, including developing athletes and officials, sanctioning events and exhibitions, and establishing the rules and guidelines by which the sport is governed.
Gain a deeper understanding
A great place to start with understanding the structure of USFSA is to visit their website and review the information under the “SKATE” tab. USFSA website: www.usfigureskating.org
Find a coach
Finding a coach for your skater will feel like a daunting task. First you’ll want to determine your level of commitment from both your skater’s perspective and from the financial side. (For example, you may decide to do a semi-private or group lesson vs. private lessons to start.) This will give you a basis of what you’re looking for as you take your time to review coaches’ resumés and conduct interviews. The best gauge for deciding on a coach is your skater and how well you believe they will work together. Understanding a coach’s resumé will at first seem like you’re reading another language.
Here are some important things to know:
- All coaches must be accredited and compliant with the USFSA, which includes a background screening, SafeSport training and liability insurance
- A coach must complete four Continuing Education Requirements (CER) to be eligible to coach at test sessions, non-qualifying competitions and qualifying competitions
- Learning about the USFS Program Development structure and competitive pipeline will give you a greater understanding of the coach’s experience.
There are many parent resources on the PSA’s site to help you find a coach that is right for your skater.
To view resumés of the coaches that work with Janesville Figure Skating Club, CLICK HERE
Get the right equipment
Your skater will be able to learn a lot better in quality figure skates. As an alternative to rushing out to buy new skates, you can do a long-term rental program. Here are two options in the Madison area that you can rent skates:
Crossovers pro skate shop located in the Madison Ice Arena — CrossoversProShop.com
Sun City Cyclery & Skates in Sun Prairie — SunCityCyclery.com
There are some other places that you may be able to find used skates, such as resales and online.
For new skates, your best bet is to visit pro shops in the bigger cities such as Milwaukee and Chicago. Many of our members buy skates from Rainbo Sports in Northbrook, IL (www.shoprainbo.com) and some at 815 Skate Shop in the Carlson Ice Arena, Rockford.
Ice Time
Once you make the commitment to take figure skating to the next level, your skater will need more ice time known as “Freestyle” or “Free Skate”. The Janesville Ice arena schedules three to four sessions a week of freestyle ice for $13 per session. The calendar for the ice arena can be found via a link on our website under the “Freestyle” tab.
For new and young skaters, the rink currently allows the use of the ice for $5 for a half hour. Ask your coach or a club member for more information regarding this special rate.
Ice Etiquette
There are certain ice patterns that are generally followed to help keep skaters safe as they practice. Skaters below the skating level of Basic 4 are not allowed to use Freestyle Ice unless their coach is on the ice for safety reasons. Your skater’s coach will help teach on how to best utilize the ice for practice.
Code of Conduct
Like any other sport, it is important that we teach our skater’s good sportsmanship and respect. Posted to the bulletin board in the warming room and our website is a list of the Skater’s Code of Conduct. Likewise, we as parents need to set a good example. You’ll also find the Parent’s Code of Conduct posted.
SkateSafe Program
USFSA has made the safety of skaters one of its highest priorities. Coaches and club board members are required to complete the SafeSport Program every year. More information can be found at www.usfigureskating.org/skatesafe
Ready for Competition
As a skater with the learn-to-skate program, your child is already eligible to compete at Compete USA (basic skills) competitions. Your coach will help you decide when your skater is ready for competition and guide you through the process of signing up and preparing for it.
Join Our Club
JFSC is a member club of USFSA, that helps manage the structure of USFSA at the local level. The leading benefit for joining the club is community — great friendships are made for both skaters and parents. Other leading benefits are being a part of our Annual “Spice On Ice” holiday show and group events.
We welcome new members anytime, however the “right” time is different for everyone. The membership year runs from July 1 of
the current year to June 30 of the following year. We offer a reduced, introductory rate for new members. Your family may be
ready to join the club as soon as you start competing and before the skate show, or you may decide to wait until the next
membership year begins. If you haven’t joined the club by time you’re done with basic skills, then you will want to join the club to continue your progression with test sessions and competing.
We do require club members to participate in two to three fundraisers a year and volunteer at our hosted events. Fundraising supports “Spice On Ice”, test sessions, club activities, etc.
Learn about all the benefits of joining by clicking here.
View the membership costs by clicking here.