Central Illinois Figure Skating Club December 2015

What is Basic Skills? Basic Skills vs. Pepsi Ice LTS Program Selecting a coach Competing – Illinois Basic Skills Series When is it time to become a full member?

The mission of the Basic Skills is to provide a goal-oriented program that encourages ice skating at all levels and to enhance the quality of skating skills at these levels. The objectives of the program are: To provide a fun and safe skating experience for the beginner as well as the more advanced skater To teach correct technique of the simple basic elements To promote health and physical fitness To enable all participants to achieve the skills necessary to either skate for fun the rest of their lives or to move competently into the U.S. Figure Skating advanced test and/or competitive structure

Fundamental Classes Snowplow Sam 1 – 3 Basic Skills 1 – 8 Adult 1 – 6 Hockey 1 – 4 Special Olympics 1 – 12 Specialty Classes Freeskate 1 – 6 Synchro 1 – 4 Theatre on Ice 1 – 4 Dance 1 – 6 Pairs 1 – 6 Artistry in Motion 1 – 4 Speed 1 – 6

Commonly the U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills program is ran through the facility Pepsi Ice Center runs its own hybrid LTS program combining elements from ISI & USFSA Snowball 1 – 3 Blades 1 – 6 Adults 1 – 4 Jump & Spin 1 – 4

Basic Skills JAM Pepsi Ice LTS Group Classes CIFSC Full Membership

The JAM Basic Skills membership is under the umbrella of CIFSC. What does this mean? JAM skaters are technically not club members They do not have club voting rights They DO receive special perks

Permitted to skate on club ice Invited to perform in duets and group routines for winter exhibition Invited to perform in group routines for spring show Participate in Buddy Program Purchase J.A.M. t-shirt

There are many reasons to hire a private coach for your child. Excel at a faster pace than in group lessons Supplement group lessons Provide assistance on a difficult skill Help when the skater is ready to compete more seriously Things to consider when selecting a coach are: Personality Learning & Teaching styles Skating background Coaches Compliance PSA Member, CER certified

Basic Skills Competition Mission Statement The purpose of a Basic Skills competition is to promote a FUN, introductory, competitive experience for the beginning skater. Basic Skills competitions are designed to promote a positive competition experience at the grass-roots level.

During the season, skaters will have the chance to compete at different competitions and earn points for a final standing. Season is July 1 st to June 30 th There are Basic Skills competitions across the state at least 1 a month Track placements for Freeskate and Compulsory Events Snowplow Sam Basic 1 through Basic 8 Free skate 1 through Free Skate 6, Introductory Levels: Beginner through No Test Pre-Preliminary Test Track through Preliminary Test Track Pre-Preliminary Well Balanced through Preliminary Well Balanced

6.0 Judges take notes during all skaters performance After all done, judges individually place each skater Referee (really computer) then tallies the placements with majority receiving “1” earns first place. Compulsory Event – Judges give skater 1 score Freeskate Event – Judges give a Technical and Presentation score Technical mark - judge's evaluation of the quality of the elements skated…Jumps, Spins, Footwork. Presentation mark - reflects a judge's assessment of the program as a whole: of its composition, originality, and use of ice, and of the skater's carriage, style, and expression of the music chosen.

Determining competition level This is something the parent, skater and coach should come to an agreement on Skaters should be placed in a level where they can be fully confident in performing skills required but still pushing them to advance. Ex. Skater is in entry level Jump & Spin class, competes at Basic Skills 4 Allow ample practice time for skater leading up to competition Once skater is registered for competition add additional practice ice time and lessons Parent and coach should help guide skater to set performance goals for competition GOAL - Skater wants clean strokes through crossover (no toe pushes). As a result skater places well! Try not to set goal expectations for getting 1 st place

Focus on effort, participation, fun and skill-building, not on winning. 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. Parents need to parent, and coaches need to coach. Do not compare your child with other skaters. Do not make negative comments to skaters, parents, officials or coaches.

Once a skater is ready to take official U.S. Figure Skating tests or compete in competitions beyond Basic Skills, joining a club becomes necessary. Pre-Preliminary Preliminary Pre-Juvenile Juvenile Intermediate Novice Junior Senior