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Purpose of Handbook - The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint new members with the sport of figure skating and to help all members understand the operation and needs of the Jamesriver Figure Skating Program.
Mission Statement - The mission of the Jamesriver Figure Skating Club (JRFSC) is to encourage the instruction of the skaters in all types and levels of figure skating and to cultivate a spirit of fraternal feeling among ice skaters.
History of JRFSC - The JRFSC has successfully been in operation since 1977 and became a member of the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) on October 7, 1982 as a fully sanctioned nonprofit club. The main office of the USFSA is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Club consists of - The club consists of a nine-member board of directors and the immediate past president, each serving a three-year term and voted to the board by the parents of the skaters (governing body). The current list of the board of directors is listed in the monthly news letter. The club is governed by its constitution and by-laws (see copy located in the Boutique). The club has many standing committees and additional committees that are required to maintain the operations of the club. See attached list of committees.
Membership - A membership in the JRFSC entitles a skater to a USFSA membership, an opportunity to test his/her skills in the Basic Skills and USFSA testing programs, participate in the annual ice show and the opportunity to become a competitive skater. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to come to the skating arena to watch and ask questions of the skating coach and/or JRFSC Board of Directors. Parents are welcomed to attend all regular board of director meetings, annual meetings, functions, and activities of the club. Any board member can be contacted regarding these meetings and the meetings are listed in the newsletters and on the monthly calendars.
Associate Membership - Associate JRFSC skaters who have graduated from High School may request ice time as permitted by the board on an annual case by case basis. These skaters will pay an associate membership fee and an hourly ice time fee for open training.
Non-members - Non-member skaters who are from other USFSA clubs may request ice time as permitted by the board on an annual case by case basis. These skaters will pay a higher hourly ice time fee for open training.
Finances and Fund Raising - The JRFSC is an independent group of parents and skaters that work hard to keep the club functioning. The club is financed through registration fees, donations, and fund raisers. The annual ice show held in March of each year is our major fund raising event. Skaters and parents will be asked to volunteer their time for a variety of projects, activities and fund raisers that promote the club.
Registration - Registration takes place in the fall of the year. Fees are assessed by the board of directors based on the anticipated costs of ice time, coaching fees and miscellaneous expenses. Fees for instruction of classes and ice time are assessed for the entire year with several payment plans available. Skaters can join classes at anytime at a prorated fee decided by the board of directors. A Code of Conduct acceptance sheet is required to be signed at registration by all skaters. See attached Code of Conduct.
Ice Show - Once a year the JRFSC skaters perform in an Ice Show which is a 3-day event in March. This is a gala event that attracts an audience from around the area with four performances. All skaters are eligible to participate in the ice show if they are in good standing with the club. The ice show is a major production which is organized by the skating coach and various committees. The skaters in the different levels will skate as a group and have an opportunity to show off the skills they have learned throughout the year by skating to musical numbers and dressing in costumes appropriate for the production. Competitive skaters may also be a principle skater in one of the basic numbers or may skate a solo. Skaters performing in the ice show must be registered with the club by Mid-Season Registration. All skating families will be asked to participate in some area of helping with the show such as: taking tickets, concessions, lighting, stage crew, costumes, helping in the locker rooms, traffic control, etc.. Since this is our major fund raiser, all skaters are expected to sell tickets and incentives are given to those skaters that are the top ticket sellers.
Summer Ice - A summer ice program is held in August of each year and any skater may enroll for instruction. Classes will be available for Basic Levels 1-8 and Freeskate Levels 1-6. Competitive skaters may purchase a package of ice time for open training. A package of ice time consists of open training in the following areas: moves in the field/ice dance sessions, freeskate sessions, and a stroking session. Sign up for private lessons is in addition to purchasing a package of ice time.
Lettering - Lettering is available to competitive skaters as determined by the Letterning Committee. To be eligible for lettering a skater has to compete or test in 3 events per year, be in good standing with the club as determined by the board, log a specified number of hours, meet the Code Of Conduct and NDHAA standards and be a part of the annual ice show. A 5 hour credit is given towards the hour's requirement for participating in a competition. The Lettering Committee determines if skaters have met lettering requirements with the approval of the coach. Skaters qualifying for lettering will receive a handout on the requirements.
Code of Conduct - The JRFSC Code of Conduct is put in place to promote respect of others and good sportsmanship. Each skater and parent must sign a copy of the code at registration. Violations to the code witnessed by the Skating Coach, a Board Member, Rink parent or skating parent will be documented, the skater will be asked to leave the ice and the Board President will be notified. Please refer to the Code of Conduct on the back page for the entire process.
Conflict Resolution (Grievance) - A conflict of a club member(s) against another member(s) for an infraction of any bylaw or rule other than the Code of Conduct Rules or Rink Rules may be documented in writing to the Board. Any conflicts will be referred to the Conflict Resolution Committee to be handled.
Skater's Equipment - In the Basic Levels, leather skates are recommended as they offer good ankle support.
Skates can be purchased from a qualified sporting goods store, through the skate exchange during registration or through a
skate rental program. The USFSA Basic Skills Record Book has helpful information and suggestions on how to purchase skates
and clothing to wear. Skates should fit like a glove, not too tight and not too loose. Periodically the blades will need
to be sharpened. Skate guards are a must, but should only be used when you are walking on your skates. Skates should be
dried off and stored in blade covers. Please dress in layers to allow freedom of movement and always wear hats and mittens.
No jeans please--they are too restrictive to movement.
II. CLASS INFORMATION
Basic Skills - As a new member to the JRFSC, your child begins with the Basic Skills Program called SKATE WITH US. The Skate with Us Basic Program 1-8 levels brings the child through the basics of skating and lays the ground work for more advanced skating. Some elements taught are sitting on the ice and getting up, backward skating, forward stroking, forward and backward crossovers, and forward inside three turn. The skating coach will rotate to different groups on the ice and is assisted by the junior coaches.
Freeskate - Once the skater has progressed through the eight levels of Basic Skills, the skater then proceeds to the Freeskate Levels of the Skate With Us Program. Once a skater enters the Freeskate Levels and begins working their way through the six Freeskate Levels, many more opportunities become available to them. The Freeskate 1-6 Levels are explained in detail in the USFSA Basic Skills Record Book. Some of the elements learned are waltz jump, one foot spins and sequences of jumps and footwork. Your skater can add the stickers to the book as they pass each test and they are also presented certificates and badges for each freeskate level passed. They can participate in the USFSA Skate with Us Program Basic Competitions.
Non-Competitive Open Training Sessions- Non-competitive open training sessions may be available for additional training time at specific times noted on the monthly calendar for a fee. Private lessons given by the skating coach are available during non-competitive sessions. A skater may refine their skills by taking private lessons from the Skating Coach during this time.
Non-Competitive Private Lessons - Non-competitive private lessons may be taken during non-competitive open training hours. Skaters interested in taking private lessons need to sign up during those hours on the coaches lesson plan which is located on the JRFSC bulletin board.
Synchronized Team Skating - Synchronized Team Skating consists of a group of skaters, usually twelve member teams
for competing, who will practice a program. The program consists of elements that the skaters execute in unison that
demonstrates their ability to work together as a group. Becoming a member of the Synchronized Team Skating involves
commitment by the skater and the parents to be present at all sessions as it takes extra effort to participate in a team
undertaking. This class will be offered if there is enough skaters in similar levels to make up a team. They may perform
at a hockey game, at the ice show and may go to competition if they qualify for a specific age category.
III COMPETITION AND TESTING INFORMATION
Competition - Competitive skaters are skaters that have decided to compete in USFSA sanctioned competitions which are held at different locations in and out of state. Once a skater achieves the Freeskate Level, he or she may compete. The competitive skaters normally travel as a group to several competitions each year. The parents and skater need to decide if the skater is ready and wants to compete. The skating coach is available to assist in this decision as well as existing members and parents of members of the competitive skaters.
Moves In The Field - Moves in the field are a group of routines that develop power and stroking ability. They are helpful to the skater to develop fitness and improve their skating skills. The skater uses the edges and strokes to increase speed and performance quality. The skater is learning the effortless, flowing and graceful execution of basic elements skated with good edges, control, flow extension, carriage and rhythm. Every skater must pass their level of Moves in the Field before they can take the corresponding USFSA Freeskating test. (See USFSA Testing.)
Ice Dance - Ice dance is basic steps, holds and patterns of ballroom dance on ice. Ice dance helps develop balance, proper use of edges, good skating posture, presence on ice and proper use of knee action. It is very beneficial for freeskate skating. It is a wonderful way for a skater to improve the flow of his/her skating. Ice dance teaches coordination and body position and develops rhythm and enjoyment of musical performance. We strongly suggest that your skater take ice dance private lessons to develop well rounded skating abilities.
Competitive Open Training - An open training package may be purchased for Freeskate 1 and above skaters at registration. Skaters new to competition may only sign up one time for an open training package at mid-season registration. Open training is a block of time for practice and training of the skills needed to advance to the higher levels and prepare for USFSA tests and competitions. During open training, private lessons are given by the skating coach, and programs are perfected. A calendar is given out each month that will list the open training hours. Open training is purchased for the entire season at registration. Monthly payments may be set up at registration for purchasing this open training package. Contact any of the board of directors for information of the current fees charged.
Competitive Private Lessons - Competitive private lessons are taken during open training sessions (see open training sessions). A skating calendar for the month is completed by the competition skaters. This is given to the coach prior to the end of the month indicating the hours they plan to skate and the number of lessons they plan to take each week. The coaches lesson plan is than posted on the JRFSC bulletin board and a copy is given to each competitive skater taking lessons.
USFSA Testing - USFSA testing is available to competitive skaters as a method of advancing skating levels in the USFSA testing program. This is not the same as Skate With Us Testing. These are tests conducted according to USFSA standards found in the USFSA Rule Book and are judged by individuals who have qualified to be judges with the USFSA. There are generally 3 judges required to judge each test level. If 2 out of 3 judges pass the skater on their elements, the skater will pass that level. These tests are conducted periodically by various skating clubs around the state. There is a fee to take each test. Testing is done in moves in the field, freeskating, ice dance, pairs, etc. When testing ice dance there is also a dance partner who charges a fee. Some of these tests will be skated to music.
Coaching Responsibilities - The skating coach (skating professional) is contracted by the JRFSC to teach various classes. He/she is also responsible for testing the Basic and Freeskate Classes, directing and choreographing the ice show, for accompanying the competition skaters to various competitions and USFSA testing sessions. The skating coach is also available to provide private lessons. Private lessons speed the learning process and are arranged and billed directly by the skating coach. The skating coach determines the length and cost of the lesson. If you will be late or miss a lesson you must contact your skating coach in advance or you will be billed for the missed lesson.
Absence of Coaches During Competitions and Testing Sessions - The JRFSC competitive skaters usually attend several competitions during the season accompanied by the skating coach. During those absences the basic lessons will be taught by junior coaches and/or skating parents. The JRFSC likes to keep these sessions in the schedule as the skaters need the precious ice time to maintain their skating ability. The club starts classes early in the season to accommodate these absences.
Contacting the Skating Coach - Your skating coach is a dedicated professional who thrives on your skater learning new skating skills. If you feel a conflict or error has occurred; please feel free to contact the skating coach about these concerns. This should be done when he/she hasn't any classes scheduled and should be done in private, obeying the rules we have set up for our skaters about respect and courtesy as listed in the Code of Conduct.
Junior Coaches - Junior coaches are Freeskate or Competitive Skaters who volunteer to assist the Skating Coach
with instructing the Basic Classes. The Junior Coach Chairperson will determine eligibility of volunteers per board
guidelines and will post the assignments, monitor the attendance, and conduct any training sessions deemed necessary.
V. STANDING COMMITTEES
Registration Completes registration forms, Code of Conduct forms, USFSA medical release forms and collects registration fees. Arranges a meeting place for registration and finds workers.
Additional Committees
Boutique Purchases food items and skating supplies, keeps inventory of items, assigns workers, writes up sales transactions and has other duties as assigned.
The basic purpose of this code is to inform JRFSC skaters and their parents of the standards of behavior, conduct and appearance that they are expected to abide by anytime they are present at a JRFSC activity or represent the club.
Use of tobacco, alcohol, a controlled substance, or gambling will not be allowed. The club will enforce the penalties determined by the ND High School Activities Association. There will be no fees refunded. The JRFSC encourages parents to seek counseling for the skater in the appropriate area.
JRFSC skaters and parents are expected to be polite and show respect for fellow club members as well as club coaches, parents, board members, and others involved in any skating activities sponsored by the Club. Reasonable manners and behavior are expected both on and off the ice. Respect for other people's and communities’ property is expected of all skaters. Swearing, discourteous language, or disrespect is not allowed at any time nor is it to be directed to any individuals. If coaches, rink parents or board members witness any of the following inappropriate behavior of members the Code of Conduct will be enforced for which each JRFSC skater and parent are required to sign. Inappropriate includes, but is not limited to the following actions both on or off the ice as witnessed by the coach, rink parent or board member.
l. First violation--the skater will be asked to leave the ice, parents will be notified by the JRFSC Board President and the violation will be documented.
Parents are encouraged to be positive and supportive in their relationships with their skaters, coaches and board members. A team effort by parents, JRFSC Board members and skaters is needed for skater’s progress, enjoyment and betterment of the club.
I have closely read the Code of Conduct of the Jamesriver Figure Skating Club and hereby acknowledge my willingness to observe these rules and regulations.
Skater’s signature________________________________ DATE_______________________
I have read the Code of Conduct of the Jamesriver Figure Skating Club and consent to have my son/daughter participate in the JRFSC events under these rules and regulations and will also abide by the rules set forth.
Parent/Guardian signature__________________________ DATE_______________________
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