Fort Wayne ISC Information Handbook

Handbook for parents and skaters

Information Booklet

Index

January 2007

1. Membership in Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club (FWISC) Page 3

a) Why should a skater join Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club (FWISC)?

b) What are the four types of membership and their specific benefits?

2. People You Need to Know Page 4

a) What is the role of the Advanced Figure Skating Director?

b) How to choose a professional Coach?

c) What is the role of the coach?

d) What is the role of the FWISC Board and how to become a member?

e) What is the role of the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation?

f) What role do parents play in terms of skater’s progression, club activities and special events?

3. Skating Organizations You Need to Know Page 6

a) USFS – United States Figure Skating

b) ISI – Ice Skating Institute

c) PSA – Professional Skater’s Association

4. Moving Up Page 7

a) Testing

b) Competitions

5. Special Events and Activities Page 11

a) Synchronized Figure Skating Teams

b) Headwaters Ice Skating Extravaganza

c) Holiday Exhibition

d) Regional Exhibition

e) Fantasy on Ice Show

f) Year End Banquet

g) Summit City Skaters

6. Communication Page 15

a) Newsletter

b) Email

c) Bulletin Board

d) Website

e) Club Directory

7. Practicing Page 16

a) What different types of skating lessons are available?

b) What can be expected in a Group Lesson or a Private Lesson?

c) Which session can your skater skate?

d) Are there rules for skating on the Advanced Figure Skating ice sessions?

e) What types of lessons/ice times are available during the summer months?

8. Education Page 18

a) Are there any seminars offered to supplement regular skating practices?

b) What kinds of camps are available for figure skaters?

c) Where on the web can useful skating information be found?

9. Schedule Page 19

a) Training program schedule

b) Typical event schedule month by month

10. Shopping for your Skater Page 22

a) What is important to know when buying skating clothing?

b) What are some tips for buying the right Figure Skates?

c) What is the resale market for skating clothing and equipment?

d) When and where should skates be sharpened?

e) What about the finishing touches – hair and make-up?

f) What are some websites that carry skating clothing and equipment?

11. Guidelines and Safety Page 25

a) On the ice

b) Off the ice but still in the building

c) Outside of the McMillen Ice Arena Building

12. Miscellaneous Page 26

a) What to do in case of injury

b) Carpooling

c) Helpful Tips from experienced skaters and skating parents

13. Glossary of Terms Page 27

Section 1

Membership in

Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club (FWISC)

A. Why should a skater join Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club (FWISC)?

1) Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club offers a variety of figure skating programs designed to fit various needs, whether you are…..

· A parent looking for a fun and friendly environment to introduce your children to the popular sport of figure skating.

· An experienced competitive skater who needs ice time for private lessons and training and wants to build lasting friendships with other skaters.

· An Adult who enjoys the company of other ice skating enthusiasts committed to health and fitness.

2) The FWISC consists of skaters, parents of skaters, and individuals throughout the city who have an interest in figure skating. Skaters interested in becoming active in the sport of figure skating can depend on FWISC to provide them with multiple opportunities to learn more about the sport, improve their skating skills, and meet other skaters and families with the same interest in skating.

3) Members of the FWISC are able to take advantage of the following:

· Reasonably Priced Practice Ice Sessions for Advanced Skaters.

· Highly qualified Instructors.

· Test Sessions and Club Competitions.

· Special Member Benefits and Events.

B. What are the four types of membership and their specific benefits?

1) Full Membership for $45 per year

· Includes full United States Figures Skating (USFS) membership.

· Full participation in the Advanced Figure Skating Program.

· 1-year subscription to Skating magazine published by USFS.

· Receive monthly FWISC newsletter.

· Membership information packet.

· Voting privileges on club wide decisions (one vote per skater or maximum of two votes per family).

· Eligibility to apply for Frances Lupke Scholarship.

· Portrait of actively competing skaters’ displayed in FWISC glass case located at the front of the rink next to bulletin board.

· Optional participation in Fantasy on Ice, exhibitions, and all FWISC functions.

· Optional participation in USFS sanctioned competitions and test sessions.

· Skater may also be eligible for one or all of the following: financial assistance to qualifying competitions as funds are available, featured solos for Fantasy on Ice, and FWISC annual awards.

2) Subsequent FWISC Membership for $18 per year

· Benefits are the same as Full Membership excluding 1-year subscription to Skating magazine and FWISC newsletter (one per family).

· FWISC Board members must be a member of the club as a subsequent member.

3) Patron Membership for $20 per year

· For Non-skating, non-family FWISC supporter.

· Receive monthly FWISC newsletter.

· Invitations for optional participation in FWISC activities and fundraisers.

4) Learn-to-Skate Membership for $10 per year

· This membership is offered to skaters registered in Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Learn to Skate program.

· Receive monthly FWISC newsletter.

· Optional participation in FWISC activities and fundraisers.

· Optional participation in Basic Skills competitions.

· Optional participation in Fantasy on Ice.

· A $10 credit is given toward full FWISC Membership if membership is upgraded by June 7^th.

Section 2

People You Need to Know

A. What is the role of the Advanced Figure Skating Director?

The Advanced Figure Skating Director is a part-time employee of the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department. Her role is to plan and organize the activities of the Advanced Skaters at McMillen Ice Arena. In addition to this she coordinates the activities of the coaches in the Advanced Figure Skating program, the Learn to Skate program and ice shows or exhibitions, as required.

B. How to choose a professional Coach?

1) Consider the personality of the skater and that of the coach.

2) Align the goals of the skater with the qualifications and teaching skills of the coach.

3) Consider the cost of the coach and the skaters’ budget.

4) Consider the availability of the coach on days when the skater would like to skate.

C. What is the role of the coach?

1) Next to your skater, the coach is the most important element in figure skating. The coach will be your child's instructor, confidante, and your main guide and go-to person for information. Many skaters become familiar with different coaches through the Learn to Skate program. There is a list of coaches and a description of their background available on the web site. Pamphlets are also available on the bulletin board.

2) Once or twice a year the coach, the skater and the parents should sit down away from the rink and discuss goals for the skater’s future.

3) Discuss upcoming test sessions and competitions.

4) Prepare skater for tests and competitions and assist skater in achieving goals.

5) Assist in the selection of program music.

6) Choreograph programs. (However, many coaches prefer to have a coach with extensive experience in choreography actually choreograph a skater’s program.)

7) Provide information to help skater warm-up both on and off ice before each practice, at competitions and test sessions.

8) Review skater’s performance after competitions and test sessions with both the skater and the parent(s).

9) Be a positive role model for skater.

10)Advise on issues concerning skating attire and skating equipment.

11)Send periodic bills to each skater’s family. Help new skating families become aware of expenses associated with competitions, testing, etc.

D. What is the role of the FWISC Board? How to become a board member?

1) The board consists of nine elected FWISC adult members. New members are elected by votes at the FWISC banquet. Each term lasts three years. Once elected to the board, board members then decide which board members will become officers: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. The board meetings occur the first Thursday of each month. FWISC members are welcome to sit in on board meetings.

2) Organize all club activities including but not limited to: test sessions, at-home competitions, the annual ice show (Fantasy On Ice), exhibitions, annual membership banquet, educational seminars, and disbursement of scholarship funds when available.

3) Maintain bank account as needed.

4) Provide budget for review by membership as requested.

5) Collect funds for all club related activities.

6) Raise funds to support FWISC events and off set costs to skaters.

E. What is the role of the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation?

1) Coordinate, advertise and run Learn to Skate Program.

2) Coordinate punch pass system for skaters to purchase Advanced Skating practice ice.

3) Provide ice monitors for all Advanced Skating ice times.

4) Coordinate ice usage for all ice arena users.

5) Maintain the McMillen ice arena.

F. What role do parents play in terms of skater’s progression, club activities and special events?

1) Parents’ role in Skater’s Progression

· Develop positive relationship with the coach.

· Focus on effort, participation, fun and skill building, not on winning.

· Practice good sportsmanship.

· Teach your child to be gracious in defeat.

· Show interest, enthusiasm and support for your child and other skaters.

· Be in control of your emotions.

· Read the rulebook.

· Parents need to parent, and coaches need to coach.

· Value your child’s strengths without making comparisons to other skaters.

· Be positive!

· Volunteer - take an active part in your child's skating experience.

2) Parents’ role in FWISC activities and special events

· There are many events, shows, and activities sponsored by the FWISC and volunteers are needed to get these accomplished. In order to keep costs down and encourage participation of skaters and their families, there is a requirement that a minimum of five hours of volunteer time a year be donated per skating family. In lieu of volunteering, one may pay a fee of $50.00. It is very easy to get the five hours in: one can help register competitors or give out awards at the Springtime Spectacular, sell tickets, help people find their seats, put up sets, take down sets at the yearly Fantasy on Ice show, etc. There is a volunteer sign up sheet that lists the various volunteer activities associated with our many events and activities throughout the year.

· Be a positive role model. If you have any questions about club practices, go directly to the FWISC board member to obtain an answer. Do not rely on what is “heard” on the bleachers or in the locker room.

· Check the bulletin board and the website frequently.

· Submit your e-mail address to the E-mail Coordinator to receive FWISC information directly via e-mail.

Section 3

Skating Organizations you need to know

A. USFS – United States Figure Skating (www.usfs.org)

1) What is it?

USFS is a national governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States and is so recognized by the International Skating Union (ISU) and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). Its mission is to provide programs to encourage participation and achievement in the sport of figure skating. It regulates the sport in the US, creates rules for the holding of tests, competitions and other activities and organizes and sponsors competitions for the purpose of stimulating interest in figure skating. It provides the testing and competitive opportunities to allow figure skating to obtain qualifiers for US National and international competition, including the Olympics. It is this system that designates levels of skating achievement and helps divide the ice practice sessions so skaters can practice with others at a similar level.

2) Why should a skater join USFS?

Being a USFS member allows a skater to participate in USFS sanctioned tests and competitions. McMillen is a USFS rink. Full membership in the Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club includes membership in USFS. Benefits include:

· Opportunities to test, compete, and represent our club at USFS sponsored events.

· Certificates for passing tests and placing in qualifying events.

· Subscription to Skating magazine.

· Coverage under USFS’s sports accident insurance policy.

B. ISI – Ice Skating Institute (www.skateisi.com)

1) What is it?

ISI is an organization that supports the development and operation of ice rinks and promotes recreational ice skating programs in the United States. This organization, like USFS, also has figure skating competitions and tests. These are focused on the needs of the recreational skater, as opposed to the competitive figure skater.

2) Why should a skater join ISI?

If the skater is more of a recreational skater rather than a competitive skater, he or she might still enjoy some friendly competition, or a chance to show an audience what they can do. There are many ISI-based competitions through the year. In order to participate, the skater must join ISI.

3) What are the costs and benefits of joining ISI?

The cost to join is $13.00 per year. Visit www.skateisi.com for more information. Benefits include:

· Subscription to Recreational Ice Skating quarterly magazine.

· Opportunities to perform locally or nationally at ISI sponsored events.

· Access to skating manuals.

· Accident insurance.

C. PSA - Professional Skater’s Association

1) What is it?

PSA is the organization of teaching and performing skating professionals, which provides and promotes the education and certification of figure skating coaches. All FWISC coaches are encouraged to certify themselves to the fullest extent of their abilities with PSA.

2) Why is it important?

This system assists skaters in determining which coach best meets their needs, and it determines the hourly rate for coaches based on the qualifications of the coach. PSA members are required to maintain a high standard of ethical and professional conduct.

Section 4

Moving Up

A. Testing

1) What is the purpose of testing?

Figure skating can be either competitive or recreational. Competitive skaters are required to participate in the USFS testing structure to eventually compete in qualifying competitions. Recreational skaters can also choose to take tests to continually challenge themselves and gauge their improvement in various skills.

2) When does a skater test?

When a skater has reached a certain level of proficiency as determined by their coach, he or she will be encouraged to take the appropriate test at the next test date offered by FWISC.

3) Where and when are USFS tests scheduled?

Tests can be taken by FWISC members in good standing either at McMillen Ice Arena or other rinks out of town. The skater’s coach will give dates of upcoming tests and will help the skater determine when it is appropriate to test based on ability. FWISC and the Test Chair organize the test sessions. The test sessions are typically held on a work day in the late morning and early afternoon. The exact schedule of the session will be released about 2 weeks prior to the test session. Parents and skaters should plan to be available the entire day of a test session.

4) What are the different types of USFS figure skating tests?

Most likely a skater will begin as a singles skater and do his skating practice and performing alone. The tests required for singles skating are moves in the field and freestyle tests.

· Moves in the field tests (MIF) are designed to encourage skaters to master positions and edges and turns necessary for figure skating. The moves in the field tests have replaced what used to be called the “school figures”. The quality required to pass moves in the field tests is high. Parents are encouraged to take the time to watch skaters testing at test sessions so they can fully understand what it takes for a skater to prepare for a moves in the field test. Moves in the field tests must be passed before taking the corresponding freestyle or pairs test. For example, the preliminary moves test must be passed before being eligible to take the preliminary free skating test or the preliminary pairs test. However, a skater may test higher in moves in the field tests without passing the corresponding freestyle test. For example a skater may be at a Juvenile Freestyle test level and a Junior Moves in the Field test level. In this case the skater would only be allowed to compete as a Juvenile.

· Freestyle tests (FS) at the Preliminary level and above are performed to music of a specific length and contain specific program elements (jumps, spins, and footwork) as specified by the USFS Rulebook (available for purchase at www.usfs.org). The skaters coach is responsible for ensuring that the skater’s program contains the necessary elements for each test level. The tests are judged by qualified judges appointed by the USFS. Please note that levels of elements required for testing are not necessarily the same as the required elements for competitions at the same level.

· Order of test levels

o MAQ (This FWISC Main Arena Qualifying test determines whether the beginning skater is capable of safely being on the ice with more advanced skaters. This is not a part of the formal USFS test structure.)

o Pre-Preliminary

o Preliminary

o Pre-Juvenile

o Juvenile

o Intermediate

o Novice

o Junior

o Senior

5) How does a skater sign-up for a test session?

The FWISC Test Chair will post information regarding upcoming Test Sessions. The skater’s coach will help the skater determine when it is appropriate to test based on ability. Each skater must submit a test application by the due date to the FWISC Test Chair with the specified fee for the test and the judges.

6) How long does it take to prepare for a skating test?

The first tests your child takes may not take long to pass and prepare for; however, each child will master the required skills differently. Some skaters may take six months to prepare for a test, while it can take others a year or more. As time passes and your child progresses through the test structure, the tests get more and more difficult. Be patient. Don’t expect him or her to pass every test on the first try.

7) What to bring to a test session?

a) Both skates, clean or freshly taped

b) At least one dress for girls or pants/shirt for boys

c) Multiple pairs of tights in case of a sudden hole or tear

d) Hair styling tools

e) Make-up

f) Warm-up jacket or sweater

g) Music for freestyle test (labeled with name) and a back-up copy

h) Skate guards and soakers

i) Emergency medicine

j) Schedule of test session

8) What are the expected costs of testing?

a) Money: Skaters pay between $15 and $55 per test based on test level and a judge’s fee.

b) Time: Skaters must be at the rink one hour prior to the start of their test. Test sessions usually take at least one hour from the start of the warm-up to the result notification. Total time at the rink can range between 2 to 3 hours per test. Frequently, the skater will need to miss a part or a whole day of school to test.

B. Competitions

1) Why should a skater compete?

All competitive figure skaters relish the opportunity to measure their accomplishments against other skaters at their same level. Skaters who are interested in moving up and going to regional or national events see every competition as a stepping stone toward their future skating goals. The skater, parents and coach should discuss the skater’s goals and determine the number and type of competitions appropriate for the skater. Even recreational skaters may enjoy the chance to show peers, family and judges the results of their hard work.

2) When and where are competitions held?

USFS competitions are held year round at different arenas. “Springtime Spectacular” is the only competition held at McMillen annually. Typically, FWISC skaters compete in some or all of the following competitions: the Louisville Competition in February, Fort Wayne’s Springtime Spectacular in March or April, Lansing Competition in August, Carmel Competition in September, Regionals in October, and Indiana State in November.

3) How does a skater participate in a competition?

Notices of competitions (and other events) are posted on the front-entry bulletin board and listed in the Ice Chatter newsletter. The coach will also tell skaters about upcoming competitions that would be appropriate for the skater and advise skater on which events at the competition are appropriate and at what level. When interested in competing in a specific competition, the registration form must be completed by the specified due date and submitted with a check. Most applications require the signature of a FWISC Board Officer. Please allow extra time to do so.

4) What if the FWISC skater is not a citizen of the United States?

For non-qualifying events this should not be a problem. However, for Regional events and above be sure to allow sufficient time to complete and submit additional paperwork that may be required. Refer to the USFS website for the most current information.

5) What costs are involved in competitions?

a) Money: Competition registration fee, coach’s fees, outfits, extra time with coaches for choreography, extra practice ice time both at McMillen and at the competition rink, travel expenses for skater and coach for out-of-town competitions. It is a good idea to discuss competition billing with your coach prior to actually signing up for the competition. That will ensure that the parent knows what to expect.

b) Time: Competitions typically run Friday through Sunday. Depending on the skaters’ level and the events for which she or he is registered, it is possible to have an event each day of the competition. For this reason it is recommended to make a hotel reservation for each night of the competition at the time the registration form is mailed. The exact schedule for a competition is usually not posted until two weeks before the event.

6) What should be brought to a competition?

a) Skates (BOTH of them!) polished and with new laces

b) Dress / tights (or pants and shirt if male)

c) A spare set of tights

d) Any makeup required

e) Comb, brush, hairspray, extra scrunchies, bobbie pins, etc

f) Sweater or warm-up jacket

g) Skater’s music CD or tape (labeled, rewound, and tested)

h) A backup CD or tape of music

i) Guards and soakers

j) An "emergency bag" (this should contain spare screws for your blades, a screwdriver, spare laces, prescription medicines, band-aids, aspirin, etc)

k) Skater’s USFS number

l) Know the event number(s) and time(s)

m) Directions to the rink

n) Video tape (or DVD), and money to pay for taping (if desired) (Tape should be cued to spot at which new taping should begin.)

o) Black electrical tape (cover the flash bulb on your camera, if it can't be turned off...)

7) What to expect as a skater?

No question about it, your first competition will be one of the most exciting, most confusing, and most stomach-churning days you will ever experience in skating! Just remember, you're doing this for fun, so go out there, show off a little, and enjoy the experience. Do your best job, but always remember to keep an even perspective on the day... Parents, too, remember how much courage it takes to get out there all alone on that huge sheet of ice in front of all those people. Make sure your child knows about that fluttery feeling of pride you feel in your chest when you see them out there.

8) What to eat before a competition?

a) An hour or less before a competitive event:

· Drink water. Keep a water bottle by your side at all times and sip continuously.

· Maintain muscle glycogen with liquid carbohydrates by sipping sports drinks or diluted fruit juices.

· Eat fruits like oranges, grapes, peaches, pears and chunks of melon. These are mostly carbohydrate and water, and they digest quickly.

· Limit the amount of food eaten. Being nervous, excited or over-heated slow digestion. The more you eat, the longer it takes to digest.

b) With 2 or 3 hours before an event:

· Drink fluids (water, sports drinks juices, low-fat milk) for maximum hydration.

· Eat easily digested carbohydrates like fruit, bagels, crackers, pretzels, breadsticks, bread with jam or jelly, cereal, flour tortillas and rice cakes. Some skaters may also do OK with small amounts of protein (low-fat or drinkable yogurt or small amounts of peanut butter).

· Wait until after competition to eat whole grains and other high fiber foods. Fiber adds bulk and usually slows the exit of food from the stomach.

· If you like energy bars, drink plenty of fluids with them. Energy bars are very dense and need fluids to speed their digestion and travel through your GI tract.

c) With 4 hours or more before competing:

· Drink fluids (water, sports drinks juices, low-fat milk) for maximum hydration.

· Have a meal that is mostly carbohydrates and also includes some lean meat or other low-fat protein: bagel with low-fat yogurt and fruit; deli roast beef and Swiss cheese wrap; pancakes with fruit and low-fat milk; yogurt parfait with layers of cereal and fruit; pasta with lean meat, fish or veggies or red sauce.

· Use caution with high-fat and fried foods as they may take too long to digest. You want your blood to carry oxygen to your muscles – not to your GI tract for digestion.

Section 5

Special Events and Activities

A. Synchronized Figure Skating teams

1) Are there synchronized skating teams with FWISC?

· There are two synchronized figure skating teams. The “Sparks” is a team of skaters ages 8-11 years of age. The “Fort Wayne Fire” is composed of skaters over the age of 11. There are scheduled practices, a team costume(s), and competitions. Most of the skaters on these teams are also involved in individual lessons and competitions but enjoy the “team work” approach and friendships that synchronized skating can offer.

· The teams are currently coached by a FWISC skating professional. Anyone interested in these groups should contact FWISC board member for information.

2) What are the requirements of joining a team?

Skaters shall have passed one of the following tests:

· USFS Test Pre-Preliminary Moves or Preliminary Dance

· ISI Test Free Style 1

· Basic Skills 7 with the Learn to Skate program

3) What are the benefits of joining a synchronized team?

· Being a part of the fun of Synchronized skating, the fastest growing component of figure skating, which takes the grace of ballet, the elegance of ice dancing, and the beauty of pairs skating and combines the elements into an amazing spectacle on ice.

· Membership in Ice Skating Institute (ISI) (Annual Cost of $13)

· 1-year subscription to Recreational Ice Skating magazine

· Personalized ISI Membership Card

· Access to skating manuals and brochures

· Accident Insurance

· Fort Wayne Fire Team Voting privileges (one vote per skater)

· Team Picture in FWISC display case and on the FWISC website.

· Optional participation in Fantasy on Ice, and other exhibitions.

· Optional participation in USFS or ISI sanctioned competitions.

B. Headwaters Ice Skating Extravaganza

1) What is it?

The Headwaters Ice Skating Extravaganza Exhibition is a small 30 – 60 minute ice show to celebrate the opening of the outdoor Headwaters Park ice arena. It is organized by the Headwaters Park Board of Directors, who also chooses the Show Coordinator.

2) Where is it?

The actual exhibition is held at the outdoor arena at Headwaters Park. The practices for the show take place at McMillen Ice Arena until the ice at Headwaters Park is ready for use.

3) When is it?

The Headwaters Ice Skating Extravaganza takes place the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving at approximately 5:30 PM.

4) Who participates?

The assigned Headwaters Show Coordinator holds auditions for figure skaters of all levels and invites individual skaters to perform at the exhibition. She will then group the skaters for specific numbers in the Exhibition based on ability and costume availability. Typically, a few skaters of various levels are asked to perform solo numbers also.

5) Why participate?