THE CROOKSTON FIGURE SKATING CLUB
SKATER & PARENT HANDBOOK
Table of Contents
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………..…………1
Letter to Parents and Skaters……………………………………………………..…2
Skating Professionals & Board Contacts………………………………………..3
Types of Figure Skating…………………………………………………………….4&5
USFSA Testing………………………………………………………………………………..6
Explanation of Fees………………………………………………………………………..7
Equipment………………………………………………………………………………..7&8
Forms of Communication………………………………………………………………9
Policies and Criteria…………………………………………………………10,11&12
Cancellations/Weather Announcements……………………………………..12
Parent/Skater Acknowledgement Form………………………………………13
Appendix……………………………………………………………………………………..14
Parents and Skaters
We would like to welcome you to the Crookston Figure Skating Club (CFSC). Even though we have “Crookston” in our name, our members include skaters from nearby towns such as Fertile, Fisher, Climax, Red Lake Falls, Thief River Falls, and Brooks.
We are a non-profit organization that is run by a board of volunteers. The Crookston Figure Skating Club is a member of the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA). USFSA is the national organization that sets the Basic Skills, testing and competitive standards and criteria for the sport of figure skating in the United States.
The CFSC strives to meet the needs of each skater.It is our goal to provide a skating environment that fosters both recreational and competitive skating and to promote skating as a lifelong sport. You must be taking part in class(es) through Park and Rec to be a member of the club and in order to participate in any of the club’s sanctioned events. The club also feels it is very important to improve, advance and encourage the instruction, training, competition and the development of capabilities of the individual in all forms of figure skating.
Just as the staff and board of the CFSC will to support all skaters, we ask that you as skaters AND parents work to be supportive, positive members of this organization. We will be following the USFS Safe Sport procedures and handbook. Any skater OR parent displaying an attitude or behavior detrimental to the well being of any skater, parent or the program will be asked to leave the program. We understand that you may not like or agree with some of the policies or procedures, but the rules will not change because of negativity.
This handbook will serve as the guide for parents and skaters to help them to understand the club, rules and expectations, the expected costs for the season, important dates, and to help in the selection of equipment. It will also provide you with contact information for the Crookston Figure Skating Club Director, Coaches, and Board Members.
PLEASE READ THROUGH THIS HANDBOOK WITH YOUR SKATER CAREFULLY SO THAT YOU BOTH WILL BE WELL INFORMED.
PLEASE KEEP IT HANDY SO YOU CAN USE IT AS A REFERENCE.
Our Skating Professionals
ERICA UTTERMARK-Director
218-289-1544
KATE COPPERUDDANIELLE LARSON
970-219-9174 218-280-8681
ANDREA LARIVIERELILLY MANKIE 218-289-2806 701-740-0602
EMILY MEYER
218-289-2784
The CFSC Board
218-289-5400
Janelle 218-289-4793
Kim 218-289-0072
Judy 218-281-7990
Neal 218-275-1000
Bill 218-289-2302
Kristin 218-281-5230 Bill Gillette 218-281-2579
Dave
The CFSC Board manages the club rules, events, shows, and other business through the year. They have the right to make changes as they see fit and will do so according to the by-laws in which they follow. They meet on a monthly basis.
TYPES OF FIGURE SKATING
BASIC SKILLS
A skater usually begins lesson in the group classes working on their Basic Skills. Basic Skills classes are a series of classes that are numbered 1-8 and follow the USFSA Basic Skills guidelines. As a member of the club, each skater will be given ONE Basic Skills Handbook that will explain what is necessary to learn and master in order to “test out” or “pass” a particular level before moving to the next badge/level in the series. The coaches will test the basic skills skaters periodically throughout the season.
It is very important that each skater bring their handbook with them on testing dates, so that a coach can sign and date it as each level is passed. If you lose your book, please contact the CFSC coordinator to make arrangements to get a new one. If you would like to learn more about the basic skills, visit the following USFSA website:
FREESKATE
Freeskate groups are what skaters would participate in after they have completed all Basic Skills classes. There are 6 Freeskate levels. Freeskatebegins with stroking, good footwork, and the introduction of jumps and spins. Freestyle or free skating is the familiar part of the sport performed to music with jumps, spins, and artistry.
SYNCHRO LINE
The CFSC also offers skaters the opportunity to skate on a synchro line. There must be a minimum of eight skaters for synchro classes to take place. Competitivesynchro lines do travel to competitions. Travel expenses will not be funded by the club but are the skaters/families responsibilities. Competitive skaters are required to be at ALL competitions unless arrangements have been or approved by the coaches/skating coordinator because of an unforeseen circumstance.
TRYOUTS OCCUR IN MARCH AFTER THE ANNUAL ICE SHOW FOR THE FOLLOWING SEASON. Once teams are determined, skaters are required to follow MN High School league eligibility criteria.
There are extra fees that occur when a skater joins a synchro line. The fees vary depending on USFSA fees and whether a skater is on a competitive or exhibition line.
ALL CLUB AND PARK AND REC FEES MUST BE PAID OR ARRANGEMENTS MADE WITH PARK AND REC OR THE CLUB BEFORE ENTERING THE ICE.
MOVES IN THE FIELD
(Must be in Basic 7 & 8 and Freeskate to register)
The moves-in- the- field or “Moves” is a program developed by the USFSA in which patterns are skated across the whole surface of the ice. The emphasis is on stroking, footwork, and use of edges with power and speed.
A skater is also able to go through a USFSA “test” in which they can continue to advance. If a skater is testing in the freestyle discipline they are required to test moves-in-the-field prior to taking the freestyle test. There will be a beginner and advanced class. In order to move to the advanced group, skaters must have passed Preliminary test. Skaters will be placed in appropriate group by coaches.
ICE DANCING
(Must be in Basic 7 & 8 and Freeskate to register)
Ice Dancing is another form of skating. It is like ballroom dancing but it is done on the ice. Skaters will learn, practice and master intricate footwork sequences and steps while having to skate to a certain beat or music. Skaters must pass the first 2-3 dances in order to move to the advanced group.
**ONLY OFFERED WHEN COACHES ARE QUALIFIED AND AVAILABLE.**
PRIVATE LESSONS
A trained coach on a one-to-one basis teaches private lessons during private ice time. Private ice is typically available on Sunday mornings but there may be other times it is available. Be sure to check the arena schedule to ensure times. There is a monthly private ice fee that must be paid to Park and Rec at the beginning of each month. Skaters can hire a coach that is currently on staff with The Crookston Figure Skating Club. It is a skater’s responsibility to set up private lessons. It is on a first come, first serve basis. Coaches will have separate ice time fees as well as competition fees if you choose to go that route. Purchasing private ice allows your skater time to practice new skills they have learned during classes. They may also use these skills in program format with or without music to perform at exhibitions, USFSA competitions or at a Basic Skills Competition.
ALL CLUB AND PARK AND REC FEES MUST BE PAID OR ARRANGEMENTS MADE WITH PARK AND REC OR THE CLUB BEFORE ENTERING THE ICE.
USFSA TESTING
Our club is a member of the U.S. Figure Skating and we use their guidelines in our program. Members of our club have the opportunity to attend Test sessions at nearby clubs. We also compete in U.S. Figure skating sanctioned competitions, exhibitions, hockey game performances and the annual Dreams on Ice.
Progress in figure skating is measured by a series of tests, which are governed by USFSA rules. Individual skaters are eligible to be tested in Freestyle, Moves in the Field (MIF), and Dance. Within the USFSA testing structure, there are a total of eight freeskating and MIF tests. They are as follows: Pre-Preliminary (Pre-Pre), Preliminary (Pre), Pre-Juvenile (Pre-Juv), Juvenile (Juv), Intermediate, Novice, Junior and Senior.
The MIF test must be passed before a freeskate test can by taken at the same level. Coaches will encourage you test when they feel you are ready. If you feel you are ready, please talk to your coach(es). Test levels determine competing levels.
A U.S. Figure Skating rulebook is available for purchase, upon request, at the beginning of each season. This book provides testing and competition rules and is of vital importance. Please visit the U.S. Figure Skating website for purchasing information.
Testing sessions are available in East Grand Forks, Grand Forks, Moorhead and Duluth. If you are interested in attending a test session, please contact your coach or the director. Forms will need to be filled out and signed by skaters, parents, a coach, Board Members and/or the CFSC Director.
Testing is an additional expense. There is a fee for each test that must be prepaid. A coach must accompany a skater to each test session. Most coaches charge an additional fee for testing. There is also an additional fee if you need a dance partner for practice time. The fee for testing the dance with the partner is included in the fee for the dance test.
On all tests except the pre-preliminary and preliminary, there is a minimum of three judges, with one acting, as the “judge in charge”. This is the judge a skater would address if they had questions or concerns during the testing. Pre-Pre and Pre tests only require one judge. Skaters will find out on the day of testing whether or not they have passed or failed. Results will be given to the coach. USFSA rules state that any skater wishing to retry a failed test must wait for at least 27 days between attempts. Once the club receives the passing certificate, it will be handed out to skater.
FEES
Park and Recreation Department Fees:
All class feesare determined by the Crookston Parks and Recreation Department and vary depending on the amount of ice time and coaches for each class. These fees can be paid during the registration days at the Crookston Sports Center or at the Park and Rec Department at City Hall. A skater will not be allowed on the ice if fees have not been paid or if arrangements have not been made with the Park and Rec Department.
Crookston Figure Skating Club Fees:
There is an annual skater/family fee for the Crookston Figure Skating Club. This annual club fee includes the required USFSA Membership fee.
The USFSA registered members receive a copy of the Skating Magazine and are issued a special number that will track their membership and testing progress. These fees are also collected during registration.
Members must be in good standing with the Club and Park and Rec in order for skaters to be allowed on the ice.
NSF Fee:
If your personal check is returned for Non-Sufficient Funds, you will be charged a NSF of $30 per check written.
EQUIPMENT
Clothing:
We recommend that skaters dress in layers. It is important that Basic Skills skaters were warm coats, hats and mittens/gloves. We prefer that ALL Basic Skills skaters wear knit/cotton stretch pants to stay warm and to have better flexibility. Blue jeans are not very flexible and skaters tend to get cold and stay cold especially if they are damp.
ALL FREESTYLE AND SYNCHRO SKATERS should be wearing the knit pants or skating tights with shorts/skirts and dress in layers using long sleeve t-shirts and sweatshirts. NO JEANS for synchro and freestyle skaters.
EQUIPMENT CONTINUED:
Skates:
The most important equipment you as a skater/parent can purchase is your pair of skates. We cannot over emphasize the importance of purchasing good quality skates, for they will either help a skater progress or hinder their progress. It is important to purchase skates that are made of leather.
Tips for fitting skates properly:
- Don’t buy skates that are too big with the thought that you are leaving room for the feet to grow. A skate should fit firmly around the ankles and you should be able to wiggle your toes a little.
- Buy a skate with a leather upper, be sure clasps or hooks are on secure and check to see that the blades are mounted straight on the bottom.
- Wear thin socks or tights with skates. Wear what you plan to skate in when you are trying on or fitting skates.
- A skate that fits properly usually is ½ to one size smaller than street shoes. You should be able to place a pencil behind the heel for the proper fit.
- Purchase from a reputable dealer. Be sure to stand in the skates to assure a comfortable fit and have adequate ankle support, which means, no wobbling.
- Many new skates have not been sharpened. Check to see if they will put a figure skating edge on them. Many times they are sharpened with a hockey edge, which makes it very hard for a skater to skate properly. Gerrells/Hockey World in Grand Forks has a Figure Skating sharpener. If sharpened properly, the blades should stay sharp for 6 weeks.
- New skates may hurt the first few time you wear them, but don’t give up: they need to be broken in.
Take care of your skates, wear skate guards anytime you are not on the ice, and be sure to wipe your blades dry after every use and put on soakers. Even after you wipe your blades, it is important not to put the guards on right away. If you do, it can cause rust on your blades and they will not longer be sharp. Don’t ever walk on concrete without your guards. You will ruin your blades.
CFSC MEANS OF COMMUNICATION
- Notes: Many notes are sent home with skaters during their class/lesson times. Please read each note carefully and if you have questions, please talk to coaches/director when they are not busy teaching lessons.
- Website: The Crookston Figure Skating Club website has the latest news and information. It is your responsibility to check the website often in order to receive the updated information.
- Email Master List: Every year it is very important that you have your email address turned into the skating director to receive important information or dates. Please use the email address you use most frequently. If you are not receiving emails, please contact .
- Parents are not permitted to send emails to the entire group on the master list or those on a team. If you have a question or comment it needs to be directed only to the director or the board. If management finds the need to share the question or answers with the group, they will do so accordingly.
- Facebook Page: The Crookston Figure Skating Club has a Facebook page for updates and information. The page will be updated as quickly as possible.
- Remind101- Remind101 is a message center that you will need to sign up for. You can receive text messages of last minute changes or reminders. If you are interested please refer to the appendix for the instructions.
USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
The use of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Snap shots, Pinterest, etc. is popular among many organizations/people. The CFSC has a Facebook page, which the board makes every effort to keep updated with notifications, photos, and other miscellaneous information. Facebook is NOT the primary method for the distribution of information to club members.
While the CFSC cannot control the use of social media by members, skaters and parents are strongly encouraged to use these resources in a positive manner in regard to the club and other skaters and their families. Negativity WILL NOT be tolerated and could result in being dismissed from the CFSC.
CROOKSTON FIGURE SKATING CLUB
POLICIES & CRITERIAS
- Attendance Policy-All skaters are required to be at each practice. If a skater cannot attend a practice for some reason, they should contact the coach before their lesson time. This will count as an excused absence. If a skater does not contact the coach before lesson time, it will be considered an unexcused absence.
- If a skater has 3 excused absences it will count as an unexcused absence. If a skater is tardy to class 3 times, it will count as an unexcused absence. If a skater has 3 unexcused absences for each class they are in, they will forgo their opportunity to skate at a sanctioned event, which includes all competitions, exhibitions, hockey games and/or Dreams on Ice for that class.
- If a skater has 3 unexcused absences, they will have to pay the consequence of missing a sanctioned event. If the skater misses any of the remaining practices after paying the consequence, they will no longer be allowed to skate at any sanctioned events for the remainder of the season.
- Illness Policy- If a skater is too ill to attend school; she/he is not permitted to attend their scheduled practice. Please give a courtesy call/text to the coach who is conducting the lesson you should be at. If the coach does not hear from you before your scheduled practice, it will be considered an unexcused absence.
- Injury Policy-It is extremely important that skaters communicate their injuries to their coaches. It may be hard, but the only person that knows how much you can tolerate is you.
- Ice Policy- All skaters are expected to be dressed and ready to skate 5 minutes prior to their scheduled lesson time.
- No skater is allowed on the ice early for any reason. This is a safety issue and is distracting to those already taking lessons. Any skater entering the ice early will be asked to leave the ice.
- Please DO NOT TALK with coaches during someone else’s lessons or during a group lesson. You are wasting valuable ice time for the coaches and skaters. If you need to discuss something with them, please send them an email or phone them.
POLICIES & CRITERIAS CONTINUED