Superior Figure Skating Club

Member Handbook

“The mission of the Superior Figure Skating Club is to provide a fun,

positive atmosphere for competitive and recreational skaters”

Welcome to our program

The Superior Figure Skating Club (SFSC) is pleased to have you as a participant in our ice

program. We hope you will enjoy the sport and develop new skills in the process.

The SFSC is a nonprofit organization sanctioned by the United States Figure

Skating Association (USFSA), which is the governing body of amateur figure

skating in the U.S. All club members automatically have part of their dues sent to the

USFSA for enrollment. This entitles the members to participate in any

USFSA sanctioned competition, take any USFSA test and receive a subscription to Skating

Magazine, published by the USFSA.

The SFSC runs a Learn To Skate Program (Skating School), also called the Basic Skills Pro-

gram, and an ice program for SFSC members. The Basic Skills Program is designed to

teach skating in group sessions whereas the SFSC club program focuses on individual, pri-

vate lessons which take place during club ice sessions.

A Board of Directors, consisting of eight members including a President, Vice

President, Secretary, and Treasurer governs the SFSC. Elections are held in June. The

Board establishes basic policy and protocols and updates them as needed. Board mem-

bers are volunteers donating their time to the SFSC. If you are interested in serving

on the Board, please let a current board member know. If you are unable to

serve on the Board, please support those who do.

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Board meetings are generally held monthly with exception around major holidays and

the annual ice show. Meeting notices will be posted on our website,

www. superiorfsc.org. Regular Board meetings are open to the general membership of

the SFSC, however, the Board does reserve the right to call closed Executive meetings. An-

yone wishing to have a specific item included on the agenda of a meeting is encouraged to

meet with a Board member at any time to request this.

For any questions you may have after reading this handbook, please feel free to contact

any club coach or SFSC Board member. We wish you good luck and good skating!

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SFSC Home Club Membership

Once skaters have developed their basic skills, they are ready to advance to the next step,

which is club membership where they will receive private lessons in order to advance

skills at a faster pace.

Benefits of SFSC Home Club Membership are:

● Membership in USFSA

● Subscription to Skating Magazine

● Reduced ice fees

● Participation in the SFSC Ice Show

- opening number

- small group and large group numbers

- eligible for a senior solo if the skater has been a home club or associate member

for at least two consecutive years

Private Lessons

Club members must have private lessons. Coaches give lessons during scheduled club ice

sessions. The number of lessons per week varies from skater to skater. Beginners usually

start with one to two freestyle lessons per week and increase the frequency as the coach

and skater feel they are ready. Occasionally, semiprivate lessons are available.

Ice Session Designations

OF — open freestyle sessions where all skating moves can be practiced.

OM– open moves session where no jumps or spins can be done

Skating Frequency Guidelines

As the figure skater develops, the amount of time spent in practice and lessons is ex-

tremely important to their success. As a general guideline, the skater should expect to

practice at least two to three freestyle sessions a week as a beginner and increase the

frequency as they progress.

Silver Skates

The Silver Skates program is offered to ease the transition from the Basic Skills Program

to the club program. The skater must either join the club or still be registered in the Basic

Skills Program in order to participate in Silver Skates.

Silver Skates is held one day per week and introduces the skater to the fundamental

skills necessary to begin either a recreational or competitive figure skating career. The

program helps discipline the skater to work individually by providing skating drills that

can be manipulated to suit each skater’s need. The skater will also learn how to utilize

the ice while being aware of their surroundings, other skaters, and simple rules of the

rink.

Coach Selection

Relationships with skating instructors usually begin with group lessons in the Basic Skills

program. Group lessons are generally taught by several of the instructors at the rink.

Therefore, time spent in the learn-to-skate program provides a great opportunity to meet

and work with several different instructors. It is a good time to observe the instructors

and their techniques, personalities, teaching methods, and interpersonal skills.

This decision should not be made lightly as skating is expensive and involves a large com-

mitment of time. Hopefully, the group lesson experience will help to form some initial

ideas. It is also a good idea to talk with more veteran skaters and parents to see what

their experiences have been and to interview the coaches themselves to determine the

proper “fit” for the skater. It is important to discuss whether the skater is interested in

skating as a recreational or competitive skater with the coach. Due to a limited amount

of ice time some coaches may not have openings for more lessons. but will refer you to

someone who does.

The "business relationship" between a coach and a skater/parent is a private contract.

The skater/parent will deal directly with the coach, not with the club or the rink. A skat-

er’s lesson fees will be billed directly by the coach, and payment will be made directly to

the coach.

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Schedules

Each year the Board of Directors develops the club’s ice program schedule, including ice

times and fees. At times, due to circumstances beyond our control, ice times may have to

be changed or cancelled. Changes and cancellations will be posted on our website,

www.superiorfsc.org, Facebook, and emailed if time allows. It is the responsibility of

the parents or skaters to check our website , Facebook, and their emails for any

changes.

Skater Responsibilities

(Ice Rink Rules and Etiquette)

The following list of rules has been developed to keep everyone safe while enjoying a

pleasant skating experience. Ice time is at a premium and each year it becomes more dif-

ficult to obtain sufficient ice time for our program. In order to keep conflict at a minimum

and ensure that everyone is safe and can enjoy their time on the ice, we request that you

adhere to the following rules.

Skating Priority

A maximum of 22 skaters for freestyle sessions and 15 skaters for moves in the field

sessions will be allowed on the ice. During busy times of the year we often have skat-

ers waiting to get on the ice. If you are more than five minutes late for the session,

your spot will be given up to the waiting skaters.

Children younger than 10 years old must have a parent or responsible adult at the

rink while skating.

Always be aware of other skaters on the ice. Skaters skating to their program music

and those in a lesson have the right of way and all attempts should be made to move

out of the way.

Skaters must learn how to merge into the flow of skaters and not cut them off by dart-

ing across the center of the rink. Skate with your heads up.

Skaters who are not moving should move to the boards. Do not stand in the middle of

the ice.

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Music

The ice monitor is responsible for the music played during freestyle sessions. We ask

skaters to refrain from playing music selections themselves. If you have fill in music that

you would like to have played, you may give it to the monitor. We do request that all mu-

sic be appropriate for skating and contain no songs with obscenities.

Music is played in order of request, with those in lessons having priority over those prac-

ticing on their own. You may request your music only twice in any given freestyle unless

there is no other music waiting to be played.

On Ice Behavior

Only USFSA registered figure skaters will be allowed on the ice.

Skaters must check in with the monitor at the beginning of each session and walk on

fees paid before entering the ice.

Gum, candy, beverages (other than water bottles), and cell phones are not permitted

on the ice at any time.

Jumps are practiced on the ends of the ice.

Spins are practiced in the center of the ice.

No jumps or spins during moves sessions

A skater who falls must get up quickly unless unable to do so. Lying on the ice may

cause an accident with another skater.

Non skating friends and family should watch from the stands.

The ice monitor and coaches are in charge and skaters must obey their instructions.

Always set a positive example for others. Be happy! Have fun! Remember this is a

time for practicing skating and not a social hour.

Skaters should be respectful, courteous, and encouraging to their coaches.

Skaters should not interrupt coaches giving lessons to other skaters.

Skaters should be kind and supportive to fellow skaters. Compliment them on their ac-

complishments and do not be boastful about yours.

Dress appropriately.

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Club Fees

Each year the Board sets the club fees. Fees have two components. One component is a

required yearly membership, which can either be single, family, or associate (an associate

member must be a home member of another club). A second component is the ice fees.

Ice fees are either walk on prices for single sessions or punch cards. Walk on fees must be

paid at the rink before the skater can skate. The board will charge for checks returned for

insufficient funds.

SFSC Volunteer Hours

The SFSC is a non profit club, which is totally run by volunteers. Each club members fam-

ily is required to volunteer during the skating year. The skating year runs from July 1 to

June 30. In addition to volunteer time, each members family must be available to monitor

at least two sessions per month. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older.

The volunteer requirement for home club members is 15 hours which allows you to de-

duct $50.00 from the next years membership fee. The requirement for associate mem-

bers is 10 hours and allows a $25.00 discount. A minimum of 5 volunteer hours is re-

quired for the annual ice show. Each volunteer is responsible for keeping track of their

volunteer hours and a tracking sheet can be found on our website or at the back of this

handbook.

Types of volunteer activities needed throughout the year include: organizing and staffing

used dress sales or fund raisers, organizing holiday parties, donating items ($10.00 value

equals one hour), helping with the girl scout skate or holiday exhibition, just to name a

few.

Volunteer activities needed for the annual ice show include selling flowers, selling tick-

ets, selling and collecting program ads, helping with pictures, serving as a group mom,

decorating and clean up, ushering, helping with dress rehearsal and day of show food and

snacks, plus many more.

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Monitoring

The ice monitor watches over the ice and checks in skaters , collects walk on fees, vali-

dates and sells punch cards, and plays the music. It is an easy and enjoyable duty, and ex-

perienced monitors are happy to help any new monitor. All members have a minimum 5

hour monitoring requirement. You will be contacted by the person in charge of making

the monitor schedule to see when you are available and after the schedule has been

made it will be posted on the club website and be available at the rink in the monitor

book.

Monitor Responsibility

The monitor is responsible for keeping control and monitors the ice and skaters. All skat-

ers must check in and pay before entering the ice. The monitor will check off the name of

the skater in the book and collect their payment or validate their punch card. Only 22

skaters are allowed on the ice for freestyle sessions and 15 skaters for moves sessions.

Space will only be held for five minutes after the session begins if there are other skaters

(non-club members) waiting to get on the ice. For insurance purposes, all walk-ons must

be current USFSA members.

The monitor will record walk on fees and punch card purchases on the control sheet and

session envelope and leave them in the monitor book .

The monitor is responsible for playing the music during the freestyle session (no music

during moves) and selects from fill in music when skaters program music is not being

played. Skaters in lessons requesting their music may bump other skaters who have re-

quested their music up to two times a session.

If an injury occurs, assess the situation and act accordingly. There is a first aid kit in the

monitor bag. All insurance information and signed medical permission slips are in the

monitor notebook.

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Parent Responsibilities

The most important thing for a parent of a skater is to remember that their skater is a

person first, and a skater second And in all probability the “person” in the skater is a

young one, still growing, still maturing. Sometimes skaters seem so grown up, so easily

able to handle pressure situations, that we forget they are still kids. DON’T! The same

kids we see looking so grown up on the competition ice probably still cuddle their favor-

ite stuffed animals when they go to bed at night. Let them be kids, and support them as

they grow. (Adapted from Don Korte’s Figure Skaters Handbook.)

Here are some other things for parents to think about as they approach the sport:

Balance: Make sure there is balance in your skater’s life. Allow time for school and

personal growth. Very few skaters make skating their life career. Don’t put so much

focus on your child’s skating that you forget they’ll have to function in a “normal

world” when they grow up. School is important. Social development is important. Be-

ing a kid is important.

Help to set goals: Help your child to set his/her goals in skating. Help him or her to be

realistic about those goals, but also to make them challenging enough to make the

sport fulfilling. Make sure the goals are your skater’s goals, not yours. Help to achieve

these goals by setting targets, plotting progress, etc. Be willing to reevaluate when

necessary.

Learn about the sport: Learn enough about skating to recognize the elements. Know

enough to know when something is done well, and when it is done less well. Recog-

nize progress. Be interested, and listen when your skater talks about progress or

problems.

Support your coach: Pay your bills on time, and get your skater to the rink on time.

When you can’t be there, make sure to tell the coach in advance. Let the coach partici-

pate in goal-setting discussions if possible: or if not, at least ensure that the coach un-

derstands your skater’s goals. Listen to your coach’s advice and instructions, and help

to ensure that your skater follows those instructions when practicing or doing activi-

ties. Once the coach understands your skater’s goals, let the coach have the freedom to

design a program to achieve them, don’t try to second guess the approach.

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Watch: Don’t use the rink as a babysitter. Stay and watch your skater practice, and in

lessons, at least sometimes. They need to know that you are interested. Often skaters

whose parents never watch in practice feel very self conscious or “pressured” when

their parents finally do show up to watch. If competition events are the only time you

watch your skater, you may be hurting them more than helping them.

Involvement: Last, but not least, for the SFSC to have a strong and good program you

need to be actively involved, provide input to the board members, and help with the

committees.

Ice Show

The SFSC schedules an ice show in March near the end of the regular skating season. This

is a very large production incorporating professional lights and sound. It is the highlight

of the skating season and the clubs largest fundraiser. Club members look forward to par-

ticipating in this extravaganza. The Ice Show Committee builds each new show around a

general theme. All skaters are involved in some portion of the show and even parents can

dust off their skates and participate if they wish. It takes a village to pull the show off, so

please plan on volunteering.

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Skating Equipment

Skate Boots

“It’s not weak ankles: it’s not enough skate support”. Skate selection is probably one of the

most important and most expensive parts of figure skating. Correctly fitted skates can

make all the difference in the world. Improper fitting skates and poor support can make

the difference whether or not the skater can master a skill or not. You should size skates

generally one-half to one size smaller than the person’s shoe size (this may very slightly

from person to person). The fit should be snug “like a glove, but not too tight”. Too much

room does not allow for the proper support and enables the foot to slide around in the

skate, all of which can lead to problems. When you try on skates and when you skate, a

thin nylon type sock usually works the best. The firmness level needed in the boot de-

pends on the skater’s level. Before you purchase skates, it is a good idea to talk to your

coach for suggestions.

Every so often, clean your boots carefully. Use either a good quality leather shoe cleaner

or saddle soap. if the small dark marks do not come off, use a small amount of non ace-

tone nail polish remover or alcohol. Once dry, you can polish your skates with a good

quality skate polish such as Riedell’s and apply one or two thin coats. You should always

polish your skates before testing or a competition if you are not going to use over the boot

tights.

Skate Blades

Along with the boot comes blade selection. Blades are sized according to the length of the

soles of the boots. Most recommend that the blades be no shorter than about one-fourth

inch from the end of the boots. A blade that hangs off the sole a small amount is okay and

will allow you to use it when you purchase a larger skate size. Talk to your coach about

blade recommendations before buying them. Like the boot, blades should be purchased

according to skill level of the skater.

Blades need to be kept sharpened to allow the skater to maintain their edges. when the

bottom of the blade feels dull like a butter knife, it is time for sharpening. No set rules ex-

ist for how often you should sharpen skates. Again, have your coach show you how to

check your blades.

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Whenever the skater is walking around with their skates on they should be wearing rub-

ber guards. This will keep small specks of dirt from putting tiny nicks in the blades and

will also keep your skates from getting dull so quickly. It is a good idea to wash the

guards occasionally to clean out any dirt or grime.

Be sure to dry the blades off with a soft cloth after getting off the ice. Once they are dry,

you should cover them with “soakers” which are soft blade covers. Never store your

skates with the hard rubber guards on as this will lead to rust in a matter of minutes.

One of the biggest threats to blades is rust. Because rust is much softer than steel, any

portion of a blade that is affected by rust is a portion that will never hold an edge again.

For additional information on skates and blades, you can visit www.riedellskates.com.

There is a great deal of information on this website to help you decide what may be best

for your skater.

Clothing

Clothing for the skater should allow freedom of movement and be comfortable yet warm.

Thin socks or tights are recommended; thick socks not only slide in the skates but also

cause the feet to sweat, eventually making them feel colder instead of warmer. Lycra

leggings, or a lycra dress or skirt with tights are examples of proper clothing. Most skat-

ers dress in layers and remove items as they warm up. Most all skaters wear light gloves

and keep extra pairs in their bags in case one pair becomes too wet. Jeans are not an ex-

ample of proper attire.

Skaters with long hair should keep it tied back. Loose hair becomes a distraction when

doing spins and jumps. Bobby pins should be crisscrossed to prevent them from falling

out and no hair accessories with feathers will be allowed.

Many skaters like to layer their tights with a thin pair that goes inside of the boot and a

thicker pair that goes over the outside of the boot. The thicker tight keeps them warmer

and absorbs some of the moisture when they fall.

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Jewelry

Jewelry other than small post style earrings should not be worn on the ice. Large hoop

style and dangle earrings are not permitted and the skater will be asked to remove them.

They may become a hazard to others should they fall out on the ice.

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Basic Skating Terms

Competition -A sanctioned USFSA event that involves skaters of various ages competing

with each other.

Edge -The long edge of the skate blade. Skating on the edge of the blade leaves a single

line on the ice. Skating incorporates both inside and outside edges.

Flat -Skating on both edges at the same time. This leaves a double line on the ice.

Freestyle- Skating moves which consist of jumps, spins and footwork that are choreo-

graphed with music and performed in competitions.

Hollow- The half moon area found between the edges of the blade.

Ice Dancing -A series of moves using strong edges and smooth lines to a set pattern. Ice

dancing is performed with a partner.

Monitor- Volunteer parent who checks-in skaters, collects ice fees, plays skating music,

and assists coaches off the ice.

Moves in the Field -Footwork patterns incorporating all edges and turns set up in levels

to coincide with the freestyle tests.

Pair Skating- Freestyle moves done by a male/female pair to music. Pair skating involves

lifts, jumps and spins.

Pro/Coach -An individual who teaches the various elements of figure skating.

Silver Skates -A program which introduces the skater to the fundamental skills necessary

to move from group lessons to private lessons, and becoming a club member. Silver Skates

classes are beneficial to skaters once they have reached the Basic 4 level.

Skating School- A series of group lessons held on weekends for those skaters who are

just beginning and are not yet interested in private lessons. Also referred to as Basic Skill

or Learn-to-Skate Program.

Synchronized Skating -A group of skaters that skate a routine consisting of precise,

timed movements. The size of the group depends on the level at which the group is com-

peting.

Test- A USFSA specified test of skating ability administered by a certified judge.

USFSA- Abbreviation for United States Figure Skating Association, a national organization

representing all figure skating clubs.

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Testing

USFSA tests are for club members who are taking private lessons and want to advance for competitive

reasons or for personal satisfaction. If you are interested in testing, you should discuss this with your

coach, who will make the recommendation for you to test when she feels you are ready. You then obtain

a testing application form and have the form signed by both your coach and a SFSC Board Member. Per-

mission to test at a particular level is dependent on a skater’s current test level—that is, the skater must

pass the Moves test at a specific level before testing the Freestyle test at that level. A Club member may

test with our home club or with another USFSA club holding a test session.

Test sessions are announced well in advance. Usually a panel of three USFSA judges will evaluate the

skater as he or she takes the test. Judges award the tester marks based on minimum levels of skill, and

the skater must successfully obtain a minimum mark from two of the three judges to pass. This mini-

mum score increases as the test level advances. The skater gets a copy of the test result. The original is

sent to the USFSA national headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where all records are kept.

USFSA tests include the following categories of tests:

Moves in the Field Freestyle

Pre-Preliminary Pre-Preliminary

Preliminary Preliminary

Pre-Juvenile Pre-Juvenile

Juvenile Juvenile

Intermediate Intermediate

Novice Novice

Junior Junior

Senior (Gold) Senior (Gold)

The USFSA also offers testing in dance, pairs, and adult freestyles.

As this list indicates, the USFSA tests are constructed and designed to be an accumulation of steps in the

progress of each skater.

The USFSA tests are administered and sanctioned by rules established by the USFSA and enforced by

member figure skating clubs. Each USFSA club has a “test chairperson” whose responsibilities include

the supervision of all tests taken within his or her club.

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USFSA Testing Structure:

Moves in the Field Test Requirements (2012-2013 USFSA Rulebook)

Here are some hints to have a successful moves test.

• During the test judges expect that the elements will be skated with good edges, control, flow, extension, posture,

rhythm, and bilateral movement.

• A skater should strive for an effortless, flowing, and graceful execution of the elements. The skater’s upper body

should be upright with arms held gracefully. The free leg should extend with toe pointed during stroking.

• Moves should be started from a standing, stationary position, with a maximum of seven introductory steps.

• The patterns shown in the diagrams are representative of the desired general shape of the element. Slight varia-

tions in pattern are permitted as long as the intent of the element remains intact. Moves patterns must be skated

in the order set forth by USFSA. This order can be found in the rulebook.

• The most important thing to remember in skating the elements is that those characteristics noted as “focus items”

must be demonstrated in order to get a good mark on the elements.

• What do the words mean?

Edge Quality: A strong edge. Without wobbles or sub-curves. The edge is initiated by placing the skate on-

to the ice at an angle appropriate to that edge— not by pulling it down flat or on the opposite edge and turn-

ing over the correct edge once you’re on it.

Extension: The controlled stretching of the free leg, combined with an upright body posture. Spirals are an

obvious element to demonstrate good extension

Posture: The proper alignment of the hips, back, arms and shoulders and head over the skate.

Bilateral movement: The ability to execute movements on both sides of the body, clockwise and counter-

clockwise, forward and backward.

Pre-preliminary Moves in the Field Test—The skater must show knowledge of the steps, fairly good edges, and

some evidence of good form.

Preliminary Moves in the Field Test—The purpose of this test is to continue the encouragement of beginning

skaters to learn the fundamentals of ice-skating. The skater must demonstrate knowledge of the elements and a

good sense of power (speed/flow), depth of edges, and proper curvature of lobes.

Pre-Juvenile Moves in the Field Test—Fundamentals of ice-skating must be demonstrated, although not mas-

tered. Good edges, flow, power, extension, and posture are required and must be strongly emphasized.

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Juvenile Moves in the Field Test—Skaters must skate the correct steps and turns on good

edges with good form, flow, power, and preciseness to their steps.

Intermediate Moves in the Field Test—Strong, true edges, smooth turns, correct posture and

effortless flow be expected of the skater.

Novice Moves in the Field Test—The preciseness of the footwork should be nearly faultless,

the body motion well timed, and the flow and power very good. No major consistent errors

should be in evidence.

Junior Moves in the Field Test—The skater must give a performance that is generally very

good in all respects. The focus should be on power, flow, edge quality, and line and footwork

control.

Senior Moves in the Field Test—The candidate must give an excellent performance, display-

ing power, strong edge control and depth, extension, and precise footwork control.

Free Skating Test Requirements

Skater must pass the moves-in-the-field test in a designated level before he or she can take a

freestyle test in that same level. Example: Skater must pass pre-preliminary moves-in-the-field

test prior to taking the pre-preliminary freestyle test.

Pre-Preliminary — The purpose of this test is to encourage beginning skaters to learn the fun-

damentals of free skating. No great deal of technical ability, carriage, or flow is expected. The

candidate must show knowledge of the elements, fairly good edges, and some evidence of

good form.

Preliminary — The skater must demonstrate knowledge of the elements and a good sense of

power (speed/flow). A relationship with the music should be attempted in the program.

Pre-Juvenile — Good edges, flow, power, extension, and posture are required for all of the el-

ements of free skating (jumps, spins, as well as connecting moves). The program should utilize

the ice surface and demonstrate some relationship with the music.

Juvenile — Skater must skate the selected elements (jumps, spins, as well as connecting steps)

on good edges with good form, flow, power, and preciseness. The skater must also skate to the

music and utilize the ice surface.

Intermediate — Strong, smooth edges and turns, combined with correct posture and effortless

flow, utilizing the music and the ice surface, are expected of the candidate in all types of free.

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Novice — The skater must give a performance that is generally good. The preciseness of

the footwork should be nearly faultless, body motions well timed with the music, and the

flow and power very good in all free skating elements (jumps, spins, as well as connecting

steps). No major or consistent error should be evidenced.

Junior — The skater must give a performance that is generally very good in all respects.

Focus should be on power, flow, edge quality, line, and footwork control. The program

should demonstrate a good harmonious composition that is skated to the music with

rhythm and expression while utilizing the full ice surface.

Senior — The skater must give an excellent performance displaying power, strong edge

control and depth, extension, and precise footwork control in all aspects of the selected

elements. The program should fully utilize the ice surface, have a change of pace, and su-

perbly express the mood and rhythm of music. Harmonious steps and connecting move-

ments in time to the music should be maintained throughout the program.

Adult Pre Bronze — The skater must show knowledge of the elements, fairly good edg-

es, and some evidence of good form.

Adult Silver — The skater must give a good performance and demonstrate a command of

the required elements, showing good form, edges, flow, power, and extension.

Adult Gold — The skater must give a strong performance and demonstrate a command

of the required elements, showing very good form and carriage, strong, true edges, effort-

less flow, and a preciseness of steps.

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Tips for Testing

• Wear a nice practice dress or a competition dress. For warm up, wear a fitted black jack-

et and black gloves. Dresses should fit well and not have overly long skirts, as the judg-

es want to be able to see you are making the correct moves with your body. If wearing

a jacket for your test, judges prefer a fitted jacket so they can see your lines.

• Be sure that your skates are polished and that you have clean laces. Fix your hair as you

would for a competition.

• Be at the rink approximately an hour before your time to test. They could be running

early. You don’t want to be rushed getting onto the ice. When you get to the rink, check

in with the monitor and, if you are testing preliminary freestyle or higher, bring your

music to the monitor. (Remember to pick it up when you are done.)

• Stretch and do your warm-up exercises.

• Testing is serious business. The rink will be very quiet. Always show respect to the judg-

es. When it is your turn to test, skate over to the judges, tell them your name, and lis-

ten well to their instructions.

• Remember to smile!

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Competition

Many skaters also enjoy testing their skill against other skaters in competitions.

Club members can participate in USFSA-sanctioned competitions available in the region

throughout the skating season. Many members of the Superior Figure Skating Club com-

pete in the Northland Competition in Duluth in January. Ask your coach for information

about additional competitions in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Each event in a competition is broken down by level according to the test level of the skat-

ers (i.e. Limited Beginner or Beginner for those who have not tested, Pre-Preliminary,

Preliminary, Pre- Juvenile, etc.) Then, depending on the number of skaters at each level,

the skaters at a given level are broken into groups so that usually 7-10 skaters are com-

peting together in any one group. If there are several groups at a specific level, skaters are

placed with skaters of a similar age.

USFSA judges judge the competitions. The judges evaluate the skaters on technical merit,

composition, technique, and style. Judges award points based on the skater’s perfor-

mance, then rank the skaters (first, second, etc.). The skater with the most first place

marks comes in first, and so on down the line.

As skaters advance in their test levels, they can also compete in qualifying competitions.

The top finishers in these competitions then advance to sectional, regional, and finally na-

tional level competitions.

Entering competitions is serious business and is something you should discuss with your

coach. As a professional, your coach knows what a skater needs to begin competitions

and is a wealth of knowledge. Competitions, while fun for most skaters, can also be stress-

ful. You never know what can happen. Your coach is there to help give you hints on how to

get through the event and enjoy it at the same time.

If you wish to enter a competition, ask your coach for assistance in where to find an entry

form and what event(s) to participate in. The form must be signed by your coach and also

must be signed by an officer of the Board of Directors of your skating club verifying you

are a member in good standing. Both the participant and the parent must sign the form.

Competitions offer events at all levels and in all areas of skating. A single skater can com-

pete in several types of events at each competition: freestyle (or long program), compul-

sory (or short program), spins, jumps, moves in the field, artistic, and interpretive.

• A freestyle or long program incorporates footwork and various jumps and spins in a

routine set to music. 20

• Spin programs have required spins connected together with footwork.

• For jump only events, there is no program. The skaters in the group perform the same

predefined jumps. Each skater is given two attempts at each jump and is judged on the

better of the two.

• Moves in the field events require the same moves as the test for that particular level.

• An artistic program combines music, costume, jumps, spins, and interpretation of the

music.

• Interpretive events require the skaters to create programs on the spot and perform to

music selected by the competition organizers.

Competition entry fees are around $80 for the first event and $20 for additional events.

Forms are usually due six to eight weeks prior to the competition date. You will receive

your competition schedule about a week prior to the event. This information needs to be

shared with your coach.

Most competitions offer additional practice ice (at additional cost— usually $8-$10 for 20

-30 minutes). These times are usually early in the morning, before competition events

start and in the evenings, after the competition events are finished. Your coach will assist

you with deciding if additional practice ice is needed and which sessions to purchase.

Some competitions allow you to purchase the additional practice ice time before the start

of the competition. If this is the case, you will want to mail your request in as soon as pos-

sible, because sessions fill up quickly. You can always purchase the ice at the competition,

but the cost is usually higher, and the most popular times may be sold out.

Competition Tips

Clothing:

As soon as you have your music for your program, you should discuss with your coach

what type of competition dress would be appropriate. (Your coach may be able to give

you ideas on what will match the mood of the music and the program best and also what

is acceptable to the judges.) If you wait until the last minute, you may not be able to find

one! Some parents are talented enough to be able to make competition dresses for their

skaters. There are also options out there for those who wish to buy them. If you check

with others who have skated in previous competitions, you can obtain names of people

who will design and make competition dresses. (Again, if you wish to go this route, do not

wait until the last minute as they often have more requests than they can take. 21

The Club also provides the opportunity for skaters to sell their used dresses to others.

Check with Board members or watch the website for notices about used dress sales. You

can also purchase dresses at competitions. Most competitions have a number of vendors

selling dresses, other clothes, and accessories. If you are skating in a competition later in

the year, you may be able to find a dress at one of the earlier competitions. In addition,

Skating magazine contains lists and ads of places from which you can order skating dress-

es.

Before you leave for a competition:

• Skate in your competition dress a few times before the actual day of the competition.

This way you can get a feel for what it will be like to skate in it and be sure that it will

stretch with your jumps, etc. Repair any holes and loose decorations. Pack a sewing kit

and safety pins.

• Give your coach your practice and competition schedule as soon as you receive it.

• Confirm hotel and travel reservations. Bring directions to the rink.

• Pack skates (both of them), guards, soakers, skate polish (in a plastic bag), screwdriver,

practice and competition outfits, warm-up jacket, extra laces, tights (bring an extra

pair), hair accessories (scrunchies, bobbie pins), and makeup. Mark everything with

your name and phone number.

• Polish skates. Most skaters like to have their blades sharpened a week or so before com-

peting.

• Pack two copies of music for each of your programs (freestyle, short, artistic) labeled.

• Bring your videotape if you plan on having the competition videotaped, and make sure

the tape is positioned at the end of the last event so you don’t tape over a previous per-

formance.

• Bring your USFSA member card.

• Pack some healthy snacks.

• Pack paper, markers, crayons, and tape to make good luck signs for other skates. Bring

relaxing activities (books, beads and string, portable music, puzzle books).

• DO NOT sharpen your skates immediately prior to competition! 22

At the competition:

• Check-in at the registration desk as soon as you arrive at the competition. Turn in one set of

your competition music CD(s). You will either be given or may purchase a competition pro-

gram booklet.

• Check the official bulletin board for time changes and messages.

• Practice ice is usually crowded; do the best you can. Practice; do not watch.

• Arrive for practices at least 30 minutes early and for competition events 60 minutes early.

Check-in with the ice monitor to let him or her know you are there and to find out if the

events are on time. Also, remember it is your responsibility to find your coach and let them

know you have arrived and where she can find you.

• Keep track of your belongings. Keep your skates with you. Mix-ups occur!

Expect a busy facility: lobby, dressing rooms, bleachers, vendor shops, snack bar, and bath-

rooms. It is a good idea to be ready with hair and makeup before you come to the arena .

If you choose to eat before skating, do so at least 45 minutes before you are scheduled to

skate, and eat only healthy snacks. Never eat in your competition dress.

• Be dressed and ready to skate 20 minutes before your event. Find your coach.

• Note your appearance: skates should be polished, you should make sure your underwear does

not show (if it shows, take it off), and hair and makeup should be neat.

• Bring a back-up music CD; give it to your coach prior to competing, just in case something

goes wrong.

• Do some basic warm-ups before the monitor calls your group to the ice. This way you will be

ready to jump and spin during the all-too-short warm-up time.

• During warm up, remember this is not a practice session. Be a stand out; head out the door

first. Avoid “the pack”; maneuver for room on the ice. Don’t rush; skate with a purpose.

• When it is your turn, take a deep breath, let out a from-the-inside smile, and get ready to give

it your best.

• If anything is wrong with your music, go immediately to the referee. Don’t be afraid. The ref-

eree is there to help you. 23

• Remember that all skaters have good days and bad days. Not everyone can place. Go out and

do the best you can. No one can ask more of you if you truly tried your hardest.

• If you are disappointed in how you skated, wait until you get to a private place to cry. Don’t

be too hard on yourself. Remember that most people watching couldn’t do a waltz jump for

love or money.

• Be a gracious winner as well as a good loser! Results are usually posted within a half hour. It

is unsportsmanlike and unbecoming to gloat about high marks or make unkind comments

about competitors and judges over low marks.

• If you placed, check at the award table for the time of the awards ceremony. Be there on time,

in your outfit with skates on.

• Whatever happens, don’t rush out of the rink after your event. Take some time to watch other

events and talk to other skaters. Many coaches encourage their skaters to watch the events

one level above their current competition level so they can see what is expected at the next

level and can begin to prepare for that level.

Don’t forget to pick up your music CD(s) and videotape before leaving the arena. You may

also purchase copies of your results. Make sure you have all your things before you leave

the rink.

24

United States Figure Skating Association

USFSA Mission Statement

Taken from the 2002 USFSA Rulebook, part 1,

Bylaws of the United States Figure Skating Association, page 1

ARTICLE II

Objects

Mission: As the national governing body, the mission of the United States Figure Skating Association is

to provide programs to encourage participation and achievement in the sport of figure skating on ice,

and particularly:

(i) To serve as the national governing body in the sport of figure skating on ice as recognized by the United

States Olympic Committee (USOC), and to serve as the United States member of the International Skating Un-

ion (ISU);

(ii) To take all steps necessary to regulate and govern figure skating on ice throughout the United States, in-

cluding the raising of funds to support activities of the USFSA by dues, the sale of publications, the conduct of

competitions, carnival assessments, sanction fees and any other lawful means, provided that none of the in-

come of the USFSA inures to the private profit of any of its members;

(iii) To define and maintain uniform standards of skating proficiency;

(iv) To prescribe rules for the holding of tests, competitions, exhibitions, carnivals and all other figure skating

activities, and the eligibility therefore, and to qualify and appoint judges, referees and other officials for all

tests, competitions and other figure skating events;

(v) To encourage and give guidance and assistance in the organization of local ice skating clubs, and the attain-

ing of full participation in figure skating by individuals, groups, clubs, schools, colleges and universities

throughout the United States;

(vi) To organize and sponsor competitions and exhibitions for the purpose of stimulating interest in figure

skating on the part of all persons, and to assist financially or otherwise, in accordance with the rules of the

USFSA, the participants traveling to and from and attending such competitions and exhibitions, who would

otherwise be unable to participate therein;

(vii) To encourage those persons who have demonstrated an ongoing interest in figure skating to continue their

participation in figure skating, and where possible, to obtain a college or university education;

(viii) To educate and inform the public through the use of all media, and particularly the youth of the nation,

regarding figure skating, with emphasis upon its pleasures, healthful aspects, and its value as an activity which

contributes to the development of fitness and character in the youth of the nation;

25

(ix) To collect, publish, display and disseminate information concerning figure skating by

bulletin, paper, book, magazine or otherwise, and in connection therewith, to maintain a Hall of Fame and Mu-

seum;

(x) To provide an equal opportunity to eligible athletes, coaches, trainers, managers,

administrators and officials to participate in eligible athlete competition without discrimination on the basis of

race, color, religion, age, gender or national origin, and with fair notice and an opportunity for a hearing to any

eligible athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator or official before declaring such individual ineligible to

participate;

(xi) To select members of the Board of Directors, members of the Executive Committee and Substitute Athlete

Representatives without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender or national origin;

(xii) To submit to binding arbitration conducted in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the

American Arbitration Association in any controversy involving its recognition as a national governing body, as

provided for in Section 205 and successor sections of the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act of 1978

(Public Law 95-606), or involving the opportunity of any athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator or offi-

cial to participate in athletic competition, as provided for in the Constitution and Bylaws of the USOC;

(xiii) To support, by contributions from the USFSA and its Memorial Fund, other charitable and educational or-

ganizations which are themselves exempt from taxation under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code

of 1986, as from time to time amended; and

(xiv) To ensure that the foregoing objects are within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue

Code of 1986, as from time to time amended, and that the activities of the USFSA, both direct and indirect, are

exclusively in furtherance of these objects.

26

CONSTITUTION and BY-LAWS

SUPERIOR FIGURE SKATING CLUB

Adopted: September 28, 1996 Amended: May 4, 1997

Member Club of the

United States Figure Skating Association

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I: ORGANIZATION

Section 1. NAME: The Organization shall be known as the Superior Figure Skating Club, Inc.

Section 2. INCORPORATION: The Club was incorporated under the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

Month: September, Day: 14, Year: 1955.

Section 3. OFFICERS OF INCORPORATION: The four officers of the Club shall be the four officers of

Incorporation.

Section 4. CORPORATE SEAL: (None) The insignia “State of Wisconsin with Layback Skater and a Star at

the Tip of Superior shall be the official organization identification.

Section 5. This Club shall have its headquarters in the Sinto Wessman Ice Arena at Superior, Wisconsin.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

Section 1. MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Superior Figure Skating Club is to provide a fun, pos-

itive atmosphere for competitive and recreational skaters.

Section 2. PURPOSE: The purposes of the Club are to encourage the instruction, practice, and advancement of

the members in, moves-in-the field, free skating, pair skating, and all types of figure skating; to encourage and

cultivate a spirit of fraternal feeling among ice skaters; to sponsor, to produce, or cooperate in the production

of amateur shows/recitals; and generally to do and perform such other acts as may be necessary, advisable,

proper or incidental in the realization of the objects and purposes of this organization; and to carry out the gen-

eral policies of the United States Figure Skating Association.

ARTICLE III: OFFICERS

Section 1: OFFICERS: The officers shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. All offic-

ers must be registered members of the USFSA who have designated the corporation as their home club.

ARTICLE IV: DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. DUTIES OF PRESIDENT: It shall be the duty of the President to take charge of the Club and to

preside at all meetings of the Club and of the Board of Directors. The President shall have the entire supervi-

sion and management of the Club and its property pending the action of the Board of Directors; the power to

suspend any member for violating the By-Laws or Regulations of the Club, pending the approval of the Board,

and to call special meetings and club meetings. The President shall be a member ex-officio of all committees

of the organization. The President shall also perform any other duties as the Board of Directors may direct the

President to perform. 27

The President together with the Secretary shall sign all agreements and contracts made by the Club, upon the ap-

proval of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. DUTIES OF VICE-PRESIDENT: It shall be the duty of the Vice-President to assist the President in the

discharge of the duties and in the absence to assume the duties and officiate in the President’s stead.

Section 3. DUTIES OF TREASURER: The Treasurer shall have charge of the finds of the Club and shall keep a

record of all receipts and disbursements and shall render a written report monthly to the President and Board of Di-

rectors. Disbursements shall be made only upon invoices approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Direc-

tors shall have the power whenever they deem it necessary to appoint an acting Treasurer. The funds shall be de-

posited in the name of the Club in a bank approved by the Board of Directors or in securities approved by the Board

of Directors. All disbursements by check shall be signed by the two designated elected officers or board members.

Section 4. DUTIES OF SECRETARY: It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep the minutes of the meeting of

the club and of the Board of Directors and to supervise all the reports and documents connected with the business

of the Club, as well as to supervise keeping of a roll of membership together with dates of their election and a rec-

ord of all members elected, deceased, suspended or expelled. The Secretary shall receive all applications for mem-

bership and shall notify the applicant of their election or rejection and shall furnish them with the By-Laws and

Rules of the Club if elected. The Secretary shall supervise the correspondence of the Club and prepare and issue

notices of all meetings of the Club and Board of Directors.

ARTICLE V: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. NUMBER OF MEMBERS: There shall be a Board of Directors composed of nine home club members.

Section 2. TERM OF OFFICE: Four members of the Board of Directors shall be elected with the rotation of five

Board of Directors elected the following year at the regular meeting of the membership, and they shall serve for a

period of two years.

Section 3. METHOD OF ELECTION: The candidates for the Board shall be nominated by a Nomination

Committee elected by the Board of Directors and also by nomination in the regular meeting of the membership.

The duties of the nominating committee shall nominate candidates for president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary,

and board members for election at the stated spring meeting and shall cause the names of such candidates with the

offices for which they are nominated to be mailed to each member at least four (4) weeks prior to the annual meet-

ing. Directors will be elected each year to replace those whose term expires. If a Directorship becomes vacant, the

Board shall appoint a Club member as a Director for the balance of the year. At the next regular meeting of the

membership, a Director shall be elected for the unexpired term if any.

Section 4, OFFICERS: Club Officers shall serve as officers to the Board of Directors. Such officers shall be elected

by the Board of Directors at the stated regular meeting by ballot and shall hold office for one year or until their suc-

cessors are chosen. Board members may be elected to fill any or all offices, or elect a member who is not on the

board, in which case such officers will become a member of the Board Ex-officio with right to attend and take part

in all Board meetings, but with no right to vote. The Board may appoint an Assistant Secretary-Treasurer (one of-

fice), from the Club membership, to assist the Secretary and Treasurer in their duties.

ARTICLE VI: POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. MEETINGS: The Board of Directors shall meet at least once in every month throughout the year. The

date of such meetings shall be stated by the President, or in his/her absence, by the Vice-President. Any four (4)

members of the board may call a board meeting upon written notice to all the 28

members of the Board of Directors at least three days prior to the meeting. The notice shall state the date of the

meeting, purpose for which the meeting is called, and the names of the four members requesting the meeting.

Section 2. QUORUM: One half of the board shall constitute a quorum.

Section 3. AUTHORITY: They shall have entire authority in the management of affairs and finances of the Club

and shall have general control of all its property. All rights and powers connected therein shall be vested in them.

Section 4. RULES: They shall make such rules as they deem proper respecting the use of the Club’s property; pre-

scribe rules for the admission of non-club members, fix penalties for offenses against the rules, and make rules for

their own government and for the government of the committees appointed by them.

Section 5. APPROPRIATIONS: All appropriations over the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) from the finds

of the Club shall be approved by the Board of Directors.

Section 6. AUDITS: They have the authority or right to audit records of the Secretary, of the Treasurer, and of the

Committees.

Section 7. INDEBTEDNESS: They shall have power to limit the indebtedness of a member of the Club.

Sections 8. CANDIDATES FOR MEMBERSHIP: They shall elect to membership in the Club as hereinafter pro-

vided, such candidates as they consider acceptable. Such elections must be by majority vote at a regular meeting of

the Board. No rejected candidate shall be eligible to membership within six months after rejection. Rejection may

not be discrimination as to sex, race, age, handicap, or religious preference.

Section 9. SUSPEND OR EXPEL: They shall have the power to suspend or expel any member for violations of the

Constitution and By-Laws, or for conduct which they shall deem improper, but no member shall be expelled or sus-

pended for longer than 30 days without the right to a hearing.

Section 10. READMIT TO MEMBERSHIP: They may at a regular meeting readmit to membership any former

member whose resignation has been fully accepted. Such readmission must be by ballot, and two negative votes

shall mean rejection. No rejected candidate shall be again proposed for reinstatement within six months after rejec-

tion.

Section 11. DROP AND REINSTATE TO MEMBERSHIP: They may as hereinafter provided drop from the roll

any delinquent member and also may reinstate such members as hereinafter provided. Such readmission must be by

ballot.

Section 12. STANDING COMMIITTEE: They shall appoint all standing committees with full authority over them

except as hereinafter provided and shall appoint such other committees as shall seem to them necessary.

Section 13. USFSA DELEGATE: They shall elect a Delegate or Delegates to the United States Figure Skating As-

sociation, The Club Secretary shall inform the Association’s Secretary, in writing, of the name and address of the

Delegate elected. Said Delegate shall be the sole representative between the Club and the Association and shall at-

tend the Association’s meetings, either in person or by proxy. Said club shall file a certificate of such appointment

with the Association, and the certificate shall be provided by the Association.

Section 14. CLERICAL ASSISTANCE: They shall have authority to make, in their discretion, appropriations for

clerical assistance to the Secretary and/or Treasurer.

Section 15. EXPENDITURES AND REVENUE: They shall prepare and submit to the stated annual meeting a pro-

gram of anticipated expenditures for the coming year together with proposals of sources of revenue to meet same.

29

Section 16. BOARD MEMBER LIMITATION: The office of the Board Member shall be ipso facto vacated.

1. If they are found to be of unsound mind.

2. If they are convicted of a felony offense.

3. If they are guilty of malfeasance or misfeasance of office as to their club position.

4. If by notice in writing to the Club they resign their office.

Section 17. ATTENDANCE: A Board Member must attend a minimum of eight (8) meeting per calendar year. An ex-

cused absence will be made by calling the President, Vice-President, or Secretary prior to a meeting. Board Members

may be granted two (2) unexcused absences. The Board Member is responsible to supply committee report, if applicable.

ARTICLE VII: STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1. NAMES: The Standing Committee shall be: (1) Membership Committee, (2) Scheduling Committee, (3)

Rules Committee, (4) Entertainment Committee, (5) Test Committee, (6) Registration Committee, (7) Fundraising Com-

mittee, (8) Skating School Committee, and (9) Public Relations Committee, and such other committees as the Board of

Directors may deem necessary. They shall be appointed annually by the Board of Directors at their regular meeting after

the annual election.

Section 2. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: The Membership Committee shall consist of two or more members. They

shall investigate and pass upon the qualifications of all candidates for membership and report their conclusions to the

Board of Directors.

Section 3. SCHEDULING COMMITTEE: The Scheduling Committee shall consist of two or more members. They shall

schedule all ice and ice monitors, and they shall copy and distribute schedules and tracking sheets for skaters/monitors.

Section 4. RULES COMMITTEE: The Rules Committee shall consist of two or more members. They shall make rules

and arrangement for the conduct of the club members during the regular skating sessions. Those rules and regulations

shall be approved by the Board of Directors and then posted on the Club bulletin board. Other duties shall include re-

sponsibility for fully executed Professional Agreements and Sanctions Forms.

Section 5. ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE: The Entertainment Committee shall consist of two or more members.

They shall provide and take charge of social entertainment given by the Club.

Section 6. TEST COMMITTEE: The Test Committee shall consist of two or more members who shall have

complete charge of giving USFSA test and of setting dates and obtaining approved USFSA judges for the tests. They

shall have complete charge of all Club and Inter-Club competitions. The decisions shall rest with this committee as to

persons eligible to enter any such test and competition. Other duties shall include ordering of pins and certificates, devel-

oping the testing schedule, and scheduling skaters for Superior High School Hockey game intermissions.

Section 7. REGISTRATION COMMITTEE: The Registration Committee shall consist of two or more members. They

shall be responsible for registration of members, collection of registration fees, and completion of necessary legal forms

and submission to USFSA within 30 days.

Section 8. FUINDRAISING COMMITTEE: The Fundraising Committee shall consist of two or more persons. They

shall be responsible for coordinating fund raising events and reporting to the Board of Directors for approval.

Section 9. SKATING SCHOOL COMMITTEE: The Skating School Committee shall consist of two or more members.

They shall work with the Basic Skills Skating School director to coordinate instructors, coordinate skating school regis-

trations, order badges and collect monies due, and be responsible for placing of ads and public relations for skating

school.

30

Section 10. PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE: The Public Relations Committee shall consist of two members who

will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of public relations for the club, including publicity and promotion. The

primary goal of their public relations efforts will be to create awareness and encourage the growth and development of

the club.

Section 11. BOARD MEETING: The Chairmen of the Standing Committees may be requested by the President to attend

special meetings of the Board of Directors. They may enter into and take part in all discussion, but may not vote.

ARTICLE VIII: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. MEMBERSHIP SCOPE: Membership is open. Classes of membership will consist of Home-Club, Associate,

and other subdivisions as local conditions seem to warrant.

Section 2. APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP: Each candidate for active membership must be proposed, in writing.

All applications must be sent to the Membership/Registration Committee, and the Membership

Registration Committee shall immediately refer the application to the Secretary. Coaches may be members but cannot

vote or hold office.

Section 3. ARREARS FOR DUES: Any member in arrears for dues or other indebtedness shall be notified by mail by

the Secretary at his/her last known address. If the amount is not paid in fill within one month, the name of the delinquent

shall be reported by the Secretary to the Board of Directors at their next meeting~ The Board of Directors may drop from

the roll the name of such delinquent member. A member dropped from the roll for non-payment of dues, or other indebt-

edness, may, upon payment of same, at the discretion of the Board be reinstated to fill membership.

Section 4. RESTRICTIONS FOR MEMBERS IN ARREARS: No member in arrears for dues, or other

indebtedness, shall be eligible to hold office, or entitled to vote, or to enter in any club tests or competition.

Section 5. RESIGNATION: Any member not in arrears for dues, or other indebtedness, may tender a written resignation

of his/her membership to the Secretary, who shall report the same to the Board, at their next meeting for their action.

Section 6. HONORARY MEMBERS: Honorary members may be elected at any meeting of the Club after

recommendations by the Board of Directors by a two-thirds majority. An Honorary Member shall be free from initiation

fees, dues, and/or assessments. They may represent the Club in exhibitions and attend ice skating sessions under the

same rules governing active members. They shall not be nominated or elected to office or a member of the Board of Di-

rectors, but may be appointed by the Board to fill a vacancy, where, only they shall have a vote. Honorary members have

no vote unless otherwise provided. They shall have no claim on the assets or property of the Club. They shall not repre-

sent the Club in competitions.

Section 7. BOARD APPROVAL FOR COMPETITION AND EXHIBITION: No member or members of the Club shall

make entry in the name of the Club in competition or exhibition except with the approval of a Club officer.

ARTICLE IX: CLUB MEETINGS

Section 1. TIME: There shall be two annual Stated Club Membership meetings each year. A stated meeting shall be held

within one month after the skating season opens in the fall, and within one month after the skating season closes in the

spring.

Section 2. SPECIAL MEETINGS: The Secretary shall call special meetings at the direction of the President, or upon

written request of three Club Members in good standing.

Section 3. QUORUM: Fifteen percent (15%) of all members in good standing shall constitute a quorum for the transac-

tion of business.

31

Section 4. NOTICES: Notices of Stated and Special Meetings shall be mailed by the Secretary to every member at

least three (3) days in advance thereof, and/or shall be posted by the Secretary for the same length of time on the

Club bulletin board.

Section 5. SPECIAL MEETING LIMITATION: No business shall be transacted at the special meeting except that

of which notice was given.

ARTICLE X: FEES, DUES AND ASSESSMENTS

Section 1. A yearly subscription to Skating magazine will be included in the yearly dues.

Section 2. PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS: A prospective USFSA member may be admitted to one club session per

season provided he or she is accompanied in person by a club member who in turn introduces them to the Chairman

of the Membership Committee, or, in the absence of the Chairman, to one of the Committee members, at the ses-

sion attended.

Section 3. GUEST: A visiting skater from any USFSA member club may skate for an applicable fee, per session,

paid in advance.

ARTICLE XI: ADOPTION OF CONSTITION AND BY-LAWS

Section 1. EXISTING CLUB PROCEDURE: The President shall call the club together and request the adoption of

the embodied Constitution and By-Laws.

ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS

Section 1. AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS: These By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the

membership, in person, at any regularly called meeting of the Club.

32

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE 1: ORDER OF BUSINESS

Section 1. SEQUENCE: At stated and special meetings, the following order of business shall be observed:

1. Roll Call

2. Reading of the Minutes of previous Meeting

3. Reports of Officers

4. Reports of Committees

5. Election of Officers

6. Unfinished Business

7. New Business

8. Adjournment

ARTICLE II: RULES OF ORDER

Section 1. ORDER OF MOTIONS: When a question is before the meeting, no motion shall be entertained except:

1. To adjourn

2. To lay on the table

3. The previous question

4. To postpone

5. To commit

6. To amend

Which several motions shall have precedence in the order above given, and the first three shall be decided without debate.

Section 2. YEAS AND NAYS: If any two members shall request, the Yeas and Nays shall be called upon any question, where-

upon each member present shall vote as his or her name is called, without debate, unless excused from voting by the meetings,

and the vote so taken shall be recorded in the Minutes.

Section 3. TO RECONSIDER: A motion to reconsider must be made by a member who voted with the majority, and at the

same or succeeding meeting.

Section 4. MAJORITY VOTE: Except as otherwise provided, all questions shall be determined by a majority vote. The Chair-

man shall have the casting vote in case of a tie, except when the yeas and the nays are ordered in which case he or she shall

vote when his or her name is called. If the result be then a tie, the motion shall be declared lost.

Section 5. ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER NEWLY REVISED: All questions of parliamentary practice not herein provided

for shall be determined in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.

Section 6. MEMBERS’ HANDBOOK: Superior and Associate USFSA club members shall abide by the Members’ Handbook.

Attachment A

Fee Structure

Attachment B

Registration Form and Fee Structure

Attachment C

Statement of Volunteer Hours: Referenced on page 7 33