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Figure Skating Basics
What is USFS?
USFS stands for United States Figure Skating. USFS is the national governing body for the sport of amateur figure skating in the United States. USFS sanctions competitions from local regional all the way to the national championships. The skaters you see representing the US in World and Olympic events have qualified through USFS competitions.
Chick-fil-A Skating Stars is a USFS Basic Skills program that teaches skaters the basic skills needed to progress into Figure Skating (Singles, Pairs or Ice Dancing), Hockey or Speed Skating.
What is the ISI?
ISI stands for Ice Skating Institute. The ISI is a recreational ice skating program developed for those who skate for fun and pleasure. It is a great building block for first time skaters. The program provides a system of tests for all skaters from the beginners to the most advanced. The Richmond Ice Zone hosts an annual ISI competition, the Spring Splash, in May. In 2008, the Ice Zone will also host the ISI District 4 Championships! These competitions are a great way to try out competing in a fun, team-based way! |
What is the difference between freestyle and public skating sessions?
A public skating session is open to the general public and usually has beginning skaters on the ice. Public Sessions are a great place for Basic Skills skaters to practice their skills!
A freestyle session is specifically for figure skating. Spins, jumps, and moves in the field are practiced. A tape/CD player is provided so skaters can practice their free skating programs. Freestyle sessions are also another way for skaters to practice. All levels and ages are welcome to use these sessions, as they are usually less crowded then a public session - However- skaters must set up a private lesson with a coach for their FIRST freestyle session so they can learn to feel comfortable and understand the freestyle rules. The rules are set up to maximize the safety of both beginning and advanced skaters. |
Here is a fun poem from the Central Virginia Skating Club's newsletter:
Lament Of An Adult Skater
My body is bruised from yesterday's fall.
My ego as well. I ran into the wall.
Between the push harder's and always bend more,
My shoulders are achy, my legs just plain sore.
My husband is angry. The kids think I'm nuts.
"Mom, you're too old to be learning the lutz!"
But I refuse to sit, in the bleachers and freeze.
I'd rather have bruises on both of my knees.
And living on Advil and Vitamin C
Is a small price to pay for a perfect drop 3.
So on days when I need to escape from the static,
I grab my skate spinner and head for the attic.
I practice my backspin and pulling in tight
And jumping from both feet for maximum height.
I jump and finally start to rotate much faster,
But I land with a thud, and so does some plaster.
And I start to think as I stare at the mess
That my family is right. I'm too old for this stress.
But when I'm on the ice I feel so elated.
My love for this sport will never be stated.
So while 4:30 comes early on Mondays, I know,
And I'm dreaming of triples and brackets without snow,
"It's worth it", I say as I crawl from my bed.
"Ten minutes of freestyle and I'll no longer feel dead."
The music starts playing. The kids start to jump.
My heartbeat starts racing. I'm out of my slump.
I try a sit-spin. At least it was lower.
And I wonder if anyone does a camel spin slower.
But I'm having fun, and that's something rare
For people my age with grey in their hair.
So though my back aches as I check my 3 turn,
And bend my knee deep 'til my quad starts to burn,
When I toe in and leap up in the air for my flip,
Over rotate the landing and bounce on my hip,
I smile to myself and giggle with glee.
There is no place on earth where I'd rather be.
-Judy Leedom Tyrer |
