AFSC Skater & Parent Handbook 2007

Table of Contents

(Pages 1-2)

Welcome to the AFSC and USFS Page 3-4

US Figure Skating Parents Code of Conduct Page 5-6

AFSC Board Members Page 7

Ice Time and Ice Monitors Page 8

Membership Registration Form Front & Back Page 9-10

Fee Descriptions Page 11

Equipment Page 12

Breaking in New Skates and Page 13

Where to Shop for Skates and Where to Have Skates Sharpened

Class Sessions

Class Sessions, Coaches/Student Coaches Page 14

Basic Skills Level, Freeskate Program, Levels in Skating Page 15

LO Power, HI Power, Edge Class, Moves-In-The Field,

Figures, Off Ice Class, Weight Training Page 16

Private Ice Lessons, Skating Levels and US Test Sessions Page 17-18

Hiring a Coach or Student Coach Page 19

AFSC Student Coaches Guidelines and Recommendations Page 20

Private Ice--Ice Time Sessions, Buy-Ons and Punch Cards Page 21

AFSC Rules of the Ice Page 22-23

Locker Room Policy Page 24

How To Earn A Skating Letter Through

District 206’s Independent Provider Program Page 25

Events of the AFSC Skating Year

Fund Raisers Page 26

Holiday Exhibition Page 27

Spring Show-Ice Revue Page 28

Guidelines for AFSC Spring Show Solos and/or Features Page 29

Battle of the Blades and Annual Meeting/Banquet Page 30

Family Involvement

Volunteer Information Participation Page 31-32

Merchandise and First Aid and Defibrillator Page 33

Newsletters, Calendars, Cancellations Page 34

Other Competitions, Costume & Skate Exchange

Welcome to the AFSC and USFS

The Alexandria Figure Skating Club’s (AFSC) Board of Directors would like to welcome you to the current skating season. We hope you will enjoy your skating experience with us this year, and you find encouragement, fun and rewards while participating and performing the sport of figure skating. When you register yourself or your child for skating lessons with us, both you and your child become members of our skating club.

For years figure skating has been one of American’s most popular recreational sports. There is something almost magical about gliding over an icy surface on ice-skates. We love to skate, and we love to watch our children skate.

Over the past several years, competitive amateur figure skating has quickly begun to advance as a very popular spectator sport. Competitors such as Michelle Kwan and Sasha Cohen capture our attention with their discipline and success. People the world over have a love affair with watching figure skaters perform magnificent feats on the ice with seemingly little effort.

It is our desire as a figure skating club to make this a magical experience for our skaters. We want to help them realize their dreams and achieve their goals, whatever they may be.

The AFSC Mission Statement: The goal of the Alexandria Figure Skating Club is to provide professional instruction in the art of figure skating to all ages and to promote figure skating as a life long recreational sport.

The main purpose of the Alexandria Figure Skating Club is to provide lessons in skating skills to use for figure skating, hockey, or recreation. Even though we have “Alexandria” in our name, our members include skaters from other nearby towns such as Sauk Centre, Glenwood, Osakis, Parkers Prairie, Lowry, Garfield, Fergus Falls, Wahpeton and other towns.

The AFSC was established in the fall of 1979 as a basic skills organization, in order to promote amateur figure skating in the Alexandria area. We are a non-profit organization run by a board of volunteers. In 1994, our club was granted membership in the United States Figure Skating (USFS). USFS is the national organization that sets the testing and competition standards for the sport of figure skating in the United States. USFS is comprised of member clubs, such as the Alexandria Figure Skating Club, collegiate clubs, school-affiliated clubs and individual members. USFS sets the standards for teaching the correct skating methods to beginning skaters. They have developed a Basic Skills teaching program that is used throughout the United States.

The USFS Basic Skills Program is what Alexandria Figure Skating Club teaches. The program consists of Basic Skills Levels 1-8 and Freeskate 1-6. We have group lessons in most of these levels. The AFSC teaches these lessons at the Runestone Community Center (RCC) in either the west or east rinks.

There is a mandatory Club fee to join as a Basic Skills (all levels) skater. (See “Fees Description” for more details.) This fee will be sent to USFS for third-party accidental insurance. Your child is required to be covered by this insurance in order to skate on the ice during the AFSC hours.

If your skater is Basic 5 and above and taking private ice lessons, the AFSC requires USFS membership fees. See “Fee Descriptions” for more details.

Figure skating is a very individual sport, but a team effort can be used to achieve the skater’s goals. Your team consists of the skater, the coach, the parents and the club. Each member of the team is important to the development of the skater and each other.

Parents should provide guidance and support. Unlike other athletic endeavors where the main relationship is between the coach and the athlete, skating requires the parents to play a significant role. Some of the reasons for this are the monetary aspect, commuting to and from the rink, bolstering flagging spirits and helping to promote the sport.

The coach is responsible for providing expert instruction, planning ways to achieve short term and long term goals and providing the skater with guidance in all phases of the sport. The coach should be the skater’s teacher, guide and friend. Class assistants are not instructors, but are there to help and demonstrate in some classes. They must be respected also.

The skater must have the desire to learn and excel, show respect to the coach and others, and accept advice and criticism in a sportsman-like manner. The skater should also acknowledge and appreciate the contributions made by his or her parents, both physically and monetarily, and show support for the club by displaying courteous conduct as a representative of the club.

The main purpose of the club is to improve, advance and encourage the instruction, training, competition and development of capabilities of the individual in all forms of figure skating. Some of the ways these purposes are achieved are by providing ice time for purchase by the skater, providing training equipment, informing skaters of what is happening in the skating club and world, setting standards for coaches and administering the rules of courtesy and safety for all skaters.

This club is a volunteer organization and is run by a volunteer board of directors composed of interested parents and skaters. Volunteers monitor the skating sessions, produce shows, assist with tests and competitions, and support the club in general. WITHOUT VOLUNTEERS, THE CLUB WOULD CEASE TO EXIST. PLEASE VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME WHEN ASKED! Thank You!

US Figure Skating Parents Code of Conduct

Codes of Conduct give everyone a guide of what is expected of us if we are part of an organization, participating in a sport, or as spectators at our child’s events.

Preamble: The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, trustworthiness and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character” (Arizona Sports Summit Accord)

1. I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all skaters, coaches and officials at every practice session, competition and test session.

2. I will place the emotional and physical well being of my child ahead of my personal desire to win.

3. I will encourage my child to skate in a safe and healthy environment.

4. I will inform my child’s coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.

5. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the results of a competitive event.

6. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or blame my child’s teammates for placement in a competition.

7. I will do my best to make skating fun and will remember that my child participates in sports for his/her own enjoyment and satisfaction, not mine.

8. I will ask my child to treat other skaters, coaches, fans, and officials with respect, regardless of race, creed, color, sexual orientation or ability.

9. I will applaud a good effort in both victory and defeat, emphasizing the positive accomplishments and learning from the mistakes.

10. I will teach my child to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

11. I will be a positive role model for my child and other skaters.

12. I will demand a figure skating environment for my child that is free of drug or alcohol abuse and agree that I will not provide to a third party, any drug proscribed by applicable federal, state, or municipal law.

13. I will not assist or condone any competing athlete’s use of a drug banned by the International Olympic Committee, International Skating Union, United States Olympic Committee, or US Figure Skating, or, in case of athletes, use such drugs or refuse to submit to properly conducted drug test administered by one of these organizations.

14. I will not provide alcohol to, or condone the use of alcohol by minors, abuse alcohol in the presence of athlete members, or at US Figure Skating activities or, in the case of athletes, consume alcoholic beverages while a minor.

15. I will encourage my child’s coach to continue their education and training through programs offered by US Figure Skating, the Professional Skaters Association and other accredited organizations.

16. I will respect my child’s coach and refrain from coaching my child or other skaters during competitions and practices because it may conflict with the coach’s plan or strategies.

17. I will respect the decisions of officials and their authority during the competitions and test sessions and teach my child to do likewise.

18. I will show appreciation and recognize the importance of volunteers and club officials.

19. I will study the rules of US Figure Skating and teach my child accordingly so that we have an understanding and appreciation of the rules of competition and membership.

20. I will support all the opponents in my child’s competition and respect the rights of all skaters to participate.

AFSC Board Members

The AFSC is a volunteer club governed by an elected Board of Directors. The Board of Directors manages the AFSC club rules, events, shows and other business throughout the year. The board meets once a month in the evening of the second Tuesday at the RCC in the warming area above the east rink. This is subject to change. The board meetings are open to all club members who wish to visit.

We do, however, need more board members, and if you are interested in joining the board, there are positions available. These positions are open to men or women 18 years of age or older who enroll and pay the USFS registration fee. A Board of Director term is two years, but no director shall serve more than three consecutive terms (6 years). Officers, president, vice president, secretary and treasurer are elected at the annual meeting (May) of the Board of Directors.

The AFSC requires a minimum of seven board members with a maximum of 15 members.

AFSC Board Policy and Procedures

The AFSC does have an AFSC Employee/Member Conduct Policy and AFSC Student Behavior Discipline Policy, AFSC Complaint Form, AFSC Injury Report Form, AFSC Board Procedures, Articles of Corporation and by-laws.

Job Description of AFSC Board Members

1. Be a member of the USFS and AFSC.

2. Attend all board and committee meetings. Notify president if unable to attend.

3. Help to formulate policies and enforce them.

4. To be accountable for club expenditures and fund and tax reporting. Help in setting up budgets and approving them.

5. Regularly examine club programs to insure that they are in agreement with the objectives of the club.

6. Volunteer for committee work or assignments and keep the president informed of ongoing developments between board meetings.

7. Participate in recruitment and public relations for AFSC during their term. This does involve helping with registration evenings.

8. Project a positive attitude about AFSC at all times.

9. Help select and appoint a club president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.

10. Continually look for fundraising activities.

11. Abide by the AFSC Employee/Member Policies.

12. Employ and determine the compensation of whatever staff is deemed necessary for the successful operation of the Club.

13. Give, at least once a year, a full and complete report of all activities at the annual meeting. This report shall be available for review by all members of the Club.

Ice Time

The AFSC is charged by the City of Alexandria per hour for ice time. This rate increases periodically to keep up with the cost of running the rink. The average amount that the AFSC is charged for one month is $1,500 to $4,000 depending on the quantity of ice time we have scheduled.

Ice time is the major expense to the Club. That is why we look for ways to generate income to pay for this ice. Some ways are having fundraisers throughout the year. See Fund Raisers. This is where we need every family’s participation in volunteer points to help make this Club successful. See “VIP” page for more information.

Please help the AFSC keep your ice fees down by volunteering your time and effort with all our activities.

Ice Monitors

Ice Monitors are volunteers who agree to monitor all private ice activity during AFSC ice-time. They are also responsible for checking skaters entering and exiting the ice and receiving money for buy-ons or punch cards. They are in charge at all times.

Ice monitors much have read the AFSC Rules of the Ice and agree to administer the rules while skaters are on the ice.

The ice monitoring three ring binder is stored in the holder on the AFSC door. Ice monitors place an “X” in the appropriate box for all pre-purchased ice on the top half of the sheet. They enter their name at the bottom of the sheet as ice monitor so that if the office has any questions about the skaters on the ice, the AFSC has someone to contact. Ice monitors also record on the bottom all other skaters on the ice. Enter the time they entered the ice and exit the ice.

Alexandria Figure Skating Club

US Figure Skating Membership Registration

USFS Year-Year Season (July 1, Year to June 30, Year)

BASIC SKILLS Year-Year Season (Sept. 1, Year-August 30, Year)

Coach/Bd. Mbr./Skater’s Last Name First Name Birthdate Age Gender

__________________________________________________________________________________

Address (Indicate if new) City State Zip Code

__________________________________________________________________________________

E-Mail Address Tele # Township (if not in CITY limits)

__________________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name/Other Other Address (mail delivery too?) Other Tele#

__________________________________________________________________________________

Medical Doctor Tele # Dentist Tele #

__________________________________________________________________________________

Allergies or Medical Conditions the AFSC should be made aware of.

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION - (for private skaters only)

___________________________________________________________________________________

Home Club USFSA # or NEW List Contracted Coach

___________________________________________________________________________________

List Current Levels of US Figure Skating Tests You Have Passed or Basic Skills Level

List Fee

Choose your Membership Status and Total Fees: AFSC Home Club Member $?? _______

2nd Home Club Member $?? _______

Associate Member Fee $?? _______

Class Coaches and Assistants (Mandatory Fee) $?? _______

(Skater only) USER FEE (if not in city limits) $?? _______

TOTAL ALL FEES (paid only once per season) $__________

Payment: Check #___________ or CASH__________ Receipt _________

I hereby give permission for the above-named skater to skate at the Runestone Community Center as a member of the AFSC and waive any claims or damages, injuries, or loss of personal property incurred by the participant while taking part in the activities referred to on the registration forms. I hereby release and hold harmless the AFSC coaches and volunteers for injury occurring during lessons, practice, or exhibitions. The undersigned also agrees to be responsible and pay promptly for all group lessons, private lessons, and ice contracts contracted by the skater/adult in order to remain in good standing as a member of the AFSC. The Club has permission to call for medical assistance in case of emergency. I also understand that photographs may be taken of skaters and used in newsletters, scrapbooks, or for club promotions.

________ I have read all enclosed policies with my skater.

________ I will participate in fundraisers or opt to buy-out for $100.

________ I have a copy of the current Parent and Student Handbook and reviewed this with my skater.

(Please X)

_________________________________________ ________________________

Signature of Parent/Guardian/Adult Skater Date

PAYMENTS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER SESSION (Year-Year)

TOTAL DUE: ___________PAYMENT___________PAYMENT_____________

Check # or Cash _________ Check # or Cash____________

PUNCH CARDS: #_____________ #______________ #______________

Check or Cash Check or Cash Check or Cash

BUY-ONS DUE: ________________ PAYMENT_____________ Check or Cash____________

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER SESSION (Year-Year)

TOTAL DUE: ___________PAYMENT___________PAYMENT_____________

Check # or Cash _________ Check # or Cash________

PUNCH CARDS: #_____________ #_______________ #________________

Check or Cash Check or Cash Check or Cash

BUY-ONS DUE: ________________ PAYMENT _____________ Check or Cash_____________

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY SESSION (Year-Year)

TOTAL DUE: ___________PAYMENT___________PAYMENT_____________

Check # or Cash _________ Check # or Cash_____________

PUNCH CARDS: #_____________ #_______________ #_________________

Check or Cash Check or Cash Check or Cash

BUY-ONS DUE: ________________ PAYMENT _____________ Check or Cash_____________

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MARCH/APRIL SESSION (Year-Year)

TOTAL DUE: ___________PAYMENT___________PAYMENT_____________

Check # or Cash __________ Check # or Cash______________

PUNCH CARDS: #_____________ #_______________ #_________________

Check or Cash Check or Cash Check or Cash

BUY-ONS DUE: ________________ PAYMENT _____________ Check or Cash_____________

SUMMER ICE SESSION (Year-Year)

TOTAL DUE: ___________PAYMENT___________PAYMENT_____________

Check # or Cash _________ Check # or Cash____________

PUNCH CARDS: #_____________ #______________ #______________

Check or Cash Check or Cash Check or Cash

BUY-ONS DUE: ________________ PAYMENT_____________ Check or Cash___________

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EXHIBITIONS:

CHRISTMAS - TOTAL DUE_______Payment ________ Check # or Cash________

ICE REVUE - TOTAL DUE_______Deposit_______Balance DUE: ____________

Check#/Cash ________ Check #/Cash________

Basic Skills Competition TOTAL DUE_______Payment________ Check # or Cash_______

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FUNDRAISING PARTICIPATION

Income Brought In: _________________ ___________________ ________________

List Fundraiser: _________________ ___________________ ________________

Merchandise Purchased (list item, $ amt., PD - check # or cash) or Other Payments

AFSC Fees Descriptions

BASIC SKILLS SKATERS--Basic Skills Membership Fee: This fee is charged by US Figure Skating for membership in the Basic Skills program. It also covers your skater with third-party liability insurance. You receive a membership card and a skills assessment book. If you are a previous member, you will not receive a new book unless US Figure Skating makes changes to the book. Basic skills members are considered to be any skater that does not take private lessons.

City of Alexandria RCC User Fee (applies to Basic Skills and USFS Members): This fee is charged by the City of Alexandria to those skaters who do not live in the “City Limits” of Alexandria. City taxes are used to run and maintain the Runestone Community Center, and therefore, it is felt that “non-city” users don’t pay taxes for the use of the rink; thus, a “user fee” for “non-city” users is charged to compensate. Even though your address is Alexandria, if you live in a township, you are considered a “non-city” user. Any skater who lives in a different town must also pay this fee.

US FIGURE SKATING (USFS) MEMBERS: This is what is called the AFSC Home Club Member Fee. This fee is mandatory for all private skaters who are taking private lessons. The majority of this fee goes directly to USFS for membership. It includes third-party liability insurance. You will receive a membership card directly from USFS. Your membership allows you to compete at sanctioned competitions and test at official USFS testing sites for your Pre-Preliminary through senior tests. You also receive the “US Skating” magazine on a monthly basis keeping you up-to-date on your favorite skaters, rules and regulations, competition results, etc. It also gives you many leads on equipment, skate wear, camps, and other information. This is a must-have magazine! The balance of the fee helps to cover paper and mailing costs to keep you up-to-date as an AFSC member.

Second Home Club Member Fee: This fee is the same as the Home Club Member Fee, but is for the family with more than one skater. Your first skater is the first fee, your second & third, etc., are all second members, including board members. Second club members receive all the same benefits, except being mailed a magazine. One magazine is mailed per family.

Associate Member Fee: An Associate Member is a "Home Club" member of another USFS Club, but is supplementing their skating through our club by utilizing our ice time and/or coaches. They will receive benefits from their "Home Club". Benefits received through the AFSC include participation in our ice shows and exhibitions. Costs to use the ice and participate in official tests with the AFSC will be the same as our own "Home Club" member.

Rulebook/Directory Fee: This is optional, but is a must for the USFS member, including coaches! It contains all the rules, regulations, test requirements, competition requirements, and other important information. A separate directory of all contact people and registered clubs is included.

Binder: This is optional, but it holds the rulebook pages nicely, as they come unbound. The separate directory (listed above) is already bound.

NSF Fee: If your personal check arrives back at the AFSC bank for Non-Sufficient Funds, you will be charged a NSF fee of $25 per check written.

Equipment

NO two bladed skates are acceptable on the ice, RCC Rule. Keep in mind that the RCC rink’s temperature is usually a comfortable 50 degrees. We recommend that skaters wear warm coats, hats, and mittens. Helmets are optional. Some coaches feel that it is better for your skater not to wear blue jeans if at all possible. Blue jeans tend to get cold and stay cold especially if they get damp. They prefer skaters to wear knit/cotton stretch pants to stay warm and have better flexibility.

Skates: The most important equipment you as a skater can purchase is your skates. We cannot over emphasize the importance of purchasing good quality skates, for they will either help a skater progress or severely hinder their progress. It is important to purchase skates made of LEATHER if at all possible. The AFSC recommends that you purchase the appropriate skate for the skater’s skill level. Beginners should avoid the more expensive, stiffer skates meant for higher-level skaters, and higher-level skaters should avoid skates with boots or blades meant for beginners.

Fitting Tip: Skates must fit properly! Skates that are uncomfortable or are too big will become a frustration to the skater. Many people quit skating before they really give it a chance because “It hurts my feet/ankles.” This is a sign of an improper fit!

Your feet should not move around inside your boots, especially the heel. Your heel should be as far back into the boot as possible and should feel snug. Another important factor is support. Skates that lack adequate support can’t hold you up; you wind up using a lot of your muscle power just to stay upright. Keep trying on skates until you find a pair that fits. Be aware that your skate size is not always the same as your shoe size. Usually the skate size is smaller than their regular shoe size. The boots should feel snug but your toes shouldn’t be pinched. The closer the fit, the more control you will have. You should be able to place a pencil behind the heel for a proper fit! Wear the socks you intend to wear when fitting a skate.

Lacing Tips: How skates look when they are laced up can offer a clue as to how well they fit. Tap your heel back into the boot as far as possible. Pull the tongue completely up (giving it a gentle pull) and try to secure it straight up and down then tuck it beside your foot. Starting with the second or third set of laces from the bottom, begin to pull the laces tightly, one pair at a time, so the boot closes well over the front of your foot. It is important not to let the laces slip. The laces should be snug through the ankle area and the bottom two sets of hooks. The top two can be a little bit looser to allow for some flexibility. If extra lace remains, try to cross it over the hooks neatly. Do not wind the extra lace around the skates if possible. If your skate hurts or doesn’t feel right, spend time relacing and adjusting.

Guards and Soakers: You will need plastic guards for your skates to use when walking to and from the ice. You should keep the guards on the blades until right before you get on the ice. If you do not use guards when walking with skates on, the dirt from the floor will make your blades dull. DO NOT walk on the cement, as this will damage your blades very quickly. When you are done skating, you should dry off the blades with a cloth or towel. You can use “soakers” to store your skates. Soakers are cloth guards that fit over the blades when you are done skating. Using the cloth guards instead of plastic guards when you take your skates off and put them away prevents the blade from rusting and losing its edge. It is VERY IMPORTANT to keep your blades maintained and sharpened. See “Where to have Skates Sharpened” for more information.

Practice Dresses: Some skaters in upper level classes wear “practice dresses.” These are skating dresses and skating tights purchased specifically for practices and lessons. Skaters typically wear sweaters, sweatshirts or jackets as an outer layer to skating dresses.

Breaking in New Skates

There are a few proven methods that help break new skates into skater’s feet.

1. Have the skater put on the skates. A parent turns on a blow dryer on hot heat and blows the hot heat on the skate until the skater can feel the warm from the blow dryer. Then tends to soften up the leather in the boot to the skater foot. Repeat as often as needed.

2. Have the skater put on hot wet socks into the skate boots and wear for a half hour. This tends to soften up the leather in the boot to the skater foot. Repeat as often as needed.

Where to Shop for Skates

And Where to Have Skates Sharpened

We have two locations in the town of Alexandria in which to purchase skates and sharpening.

Edge Specialties

Owner: Brad Anderson Telephone 320-762-2757 or Cell at 320-815-3338

600 Apache Lane SE, Alexandria, MN 56308

Brad’s shop is at his residence. Call for an appointment. Edge Specialties orders the skates you select and will help you with a proper fit. Skates are available for beginners to the competitive skater. Brad specializes in blade selection, mounting and maintenance of your skate blades. Edge Specialties manufactures the Pro Filer hand-sharpening tool for figure skates and hockey skates. Edge Specialties also has figure skating apparel and accessories available by special order. His price for sharpening most blades is a minimal fee.

Cowing Robards Telephone 320-763-3351

514 Broadway Street, Alexandria, MN 56308

Cowing Robards carries the Reidel brand skate for the Basic Skills level skater. They have in stock skate guards and skate laces. They also carry used skates.

Class Sessions

The AFSC provides basic skills and freeskate class lessons for three quarters of the year. One session is in October and November, the second session is in January and February and the third session is in June and July. This can give your skater plenty of opportunity to learn the skills to excel to the next level.

Class dates and times change from session to session and is directed and assigned by board members.

On Time: The skater is expected to be dressed and on the ice at the scheduled lesson time. Please be at the warm-up area of ice five (5) minutes before your lesson to avoid wasted time in finding your instructor. But please do not go to class until the designated time.

Class size is about 10-12 students per instructor. Classes consist of a half hour lesson with 15-minute practice time for all the class skaters. This is when your skater can practice what they have learned. If there is only one child in a class, that child will receive a 15-minute private lesson instead.

If your skater isn’t progressing as well as you wish, we do have private ice available. See “Private Ice” for more details.

**Note to Parents** There are no street shoes allowed on the ice at any time. There may be gravel or other debris on your shoes that may cause a skater to trip and fall. RCC rule.

And

Skaters under the age of seven must have a parent or guardian present at the arena while he/she is skating.

Each skater has a varying physical, psychological and skill level. The physical make-up of a skater can affect how he/she is able to perform. A very young skater who is not physically mature lacks coordination and muscular strength for the jumps involved in the Freeskate levels of the basic sills program. Likewise older skaters may not be flexible and may need more time to master the difficult moves. Psychological difference (mental maturity, motivation and emotional state) is unique to each skater. These differences will have an effect on the student’s learning rate. Regard for these differences is taken into consideration by the coaching staff, as each skater will respond differently to every situation.

Refund

A refund check is allowed on the class session fee only, if the skater has skated once or less. However, there will be a $5 administrative cost for doing such a refund that will be deducted from the check.

Testing Day

Testing days are the last day of the class session. At that point skaters are tested on all the required elements (skills) they have learned in that class level. They will either receive a Certificate of Completion or an Improvement Award.

Coaches/Student Coaches

Coaches for each class are certified coaches or student coaches that have been trained to coach your skater.

Coaches are available to talk to you about your skater’s progress after the lessons are over. We ask that you do not interrupt a lesson given by a coach because we want to make sure that each skater is given the proper time allotted to be coached. Please visit with the coach after the lesson is over, if you have any concerns.

Skaters are given a record book with stickers and patches upon completion of each level. However if a skater demonstrates the ability to advance prior to the formal evaluation, the skater will be moved to the appropriate level during the session with the coach’s approval.

If you feel that your child has learned all the elements or skills in the current level and you wish the coach would test your child to see if they could pass, you are welcome to discuss this with the coach and ask them to test your skater. If your skater passes a level in the middle of a class session, they can be transferred to the next level of skating, which will be a new class.

The AFSC Board asks that you don’t wait at the door to the ice rink. This distracts the skater from the coach. We wish that you would stay and watch your skater from the bleachers.

Basic Skills Level

AFSC skaters normally begin to skate in a group lesson environment called Basic Skills classes. These classes are a way to learn the basics of skating, whether your skater’s interest is in competitive figure skating, recreational skating, or hockey. There are eight levels in the Basic Skills Program. Skaters are tested at the completion of each skating session, eight weeks, and move to the next level when they are able to perform each of the required elements of their current level. Tests are administered by USFS certified coaches and skaters receive certificates of completion upon passing each level.

When a skater has passed all eight Basic Skills levels, they continue instruction in the AFSC Freeskate Program.

Freeskate Program

There are six levels in the Freeskate Program. Skaters are tested at the completion of each skating session and moved to the next level when they are able to perform each of the required elements of their current level. Tests are administered by USFS certified coaches and skaters receive certificates of completion upon passing each level.

They may continue to advance their ice skating skills under the continued instruction of a private coach. Skaters who advance to this level are usually involved in USFS sanctioned competitive testing sessions and competitions with other skaters at their level. “See Test Sessions” under the “Private Ice Sessions.”

Levels in Skating