THE CROOKSTON FIGURE
SKATING CLUB
SKATER & PARENT
HANDBOOK
Table of Contents
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………..…………1
Letter to Parents and Skaters……………………………………………………..…2
Skating Professionals & Board Contacts………………………………………..3
Types of Figure Skating…………………………………………………………….4&5
USFSA Testing………………………………………………………………………………..6
Explanation of Fees………………………………………………………………………..7
Equipment………………………………………………………………………………..7&8
Forms of Communication………………………………………………………………9
Policies and Criteria…………………………………………………………10,11&12
Cancellations/Weather Announcements……………………………………..12
Parent/Skater Acknowledgement Form………………………………………13
Appendix……………………………………………………………………………………..14
1
Parents and Skaters
We would like to welcome you to the Crookston Figure Skating Club
(CFSC). Even though we have “Crookston” in our name, our members
include skaters from nearby towns such as Fertile, Fisher, Climax, Red
Lake Falls, Thief River Falls, and Brooks.
We are a non-profit organization that is run by a board of volunteers.
The Crookston Figure Skating Club is a member of the United States
Figure Skating Association (USFSA). USFSA is the national organization
that sets the Basic Skills, testing and competitive standards and criteria
for the sport of figure skating in the United States.
The CFSC strives to meet the needs of each skater. It is our goal to
provide a skating environment that fosters both recreational and
competitive skating and to promote skating as a lifelong sport. You
must be taking part in class(es) through Park and Rec to be a member of
the club and in order to participate in any of the club’s sanctioned
events. The club also feels it is very important to improve, advance and
encourage the instruction, training, competition and the development of
capabilities of the individual in all forms of figure skating.
Just as the staff and board of the CFSC will to support all skaters, we ask
that you as skaters AND parents work to be supportive, positive
members of this organization. We will be following the USFS Safe Sport
procedures and handbook. Any skater OR parent displaying an attitude
or behavior detrimental to the well being of any skater, parent or the
program will be asked to leave the program. We understand that you
may not like or agree with some of the policies or procedures, but the
rules will not change because of negativity.
This handbook will serve as the guide for parents and skaters to help
them to understand the club, rules and expectations, the expected costs
for the season, important dates, and to help in the selection of
equipment. It will also provide you with contact information for the
Crookston Figure Skating Club Director, Coaches, and Board Members.
PLEASE READ THROUGH THIS HANDBOOK WITH YOUR SKATER
CAREFULLY SO THAT YOU BOTH WILL BE WELL INFORMED.
PLEASE KEEP IT HANDY SO YOU CAN USE IT AS A REFERENCE.
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Our Skating Professionals
ERICA UTTERMARK-Director
218-289-1544
euttermark@crookston.mn.us
KATE COPPERUD
970-219-9174
K.copperud@gmail.com
DANIELLE LARSON
218-280-8681
danirae_9@hotmail.com
ANDREA LARIVIERE
218-289-2806
lari0037@crk.umn.edu
LILLY MANKIE
701-740-0602
lillyleigh94@hotmail.com
EMILY MEYER
218-289-2784
Emily.meyer2@gmail.com
The CFSC Board
JeanAnn Bienek
Janelle Brekken
Kim Durbin
Judy Meyer
Neal Plante
Bill Tate
Kristin Funk
Bill Gillette
Dave Emanuel
Jabienek@yahoo.com
jbrekken@crookstontimes.com
kdurbin@drvltd.com
jmeyer@hughes.net
nvp001@wildblue.net
wheelntater@rrv.net
ckfunk@Hotmail.com
my32spokes@yahoo.com
wildfire@recwild.com
218-289-5400
218-289-4793
218-289-0072
218-281-7990
218-275-1000
218-289-2302
218-281-5230
218-281-2579
The CFSC Board manages the club rules, events, shows, and other
business through the year. They have the right to make changes as
they see fit and will do so according to the by-laws in which they
follow. They meet on a monthly basis.
3
TYPES OF FIGURE SKATING
BASIC SKILLS
A skater usually begins lesson in the group classes working on their Basic
Skills. Basic Skills classes are a series of classes that are numbered 1-8 and
follow the USFSA Basic Skills guidelines. As a member of the club, each skater
will be given ONE Basic Skills Handbook that will explain what is necessary to
learn and master in order to “test out” or “pass” a particular level before
moving to the next badge/level in the series. The coaches will test the basic
skills skaters periodically throughout the season.
It is very important that each skater bring their handbook with them on
testing dates, so that a coach can sign and date it as each level is passed. If you
lose your book, please contact the CFSC coordinator to make arrangements to
get a new one. If you would like to learn more about the basic skills, visit the
following USFSA website:
http://www.usfsa.org/content.asp?menu=parents&id=387
FREESKATE
Freeskate groups are what skaters would participate in after they have
completed all Basic Skills classes. There are 6 Freeskate levels. Freeskate
begins with stroking, good footwork, and the introduction of jumps and spins.
Freestyle or free skating is the familiar part of the sport performed to music
with jumps, spins, and artistry.
SYNCHRO LINE
The CFSC also offers skaters the opportunity to skate on a synchro line. There
must be a minimum of eight skaters for synchro classes to take place.
Competitive synchro lines do travel to competitions. Travel expenses will not
be funded by the club but are the skaters/families responsibilities.
Competitive skaters are required to be at ALL competitions unless
arrangements have been or approved by the coaches/skating coordinator
because of an unforeseen circumstance.
TRYOUTS OCCUR IN MARCH AFTER THE ANNUAL ICE SHOW FOR THE
FOLLOWING SEASON. Once teams are determined, skaters are required to
follow MN High School league eligibility criteria.
There are extra fees that occur when a skater joins a synchro line. The fees
vary depending on USFSA fees and whether a skater is on a competitive or
exhibition line.
ALL CLUB AND PARK AND REC FEES MUST BE PAID OR
ARRANGEMENTS MADE WITH PARK AND REC OR THE CLUB
BEFORE ENTERING THE ICE.
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MOVES IN THE FIELD
(Must be in Basic 7 & 8 and Freeskate to register)
The moves-in- the- field or “Moves” is a program developed by the USFSA in
which patterns are skated across the whole surface of the ice. The emphasis is
on stroking, footwork, and use of edges with power and speed.
A skater is also able to go through a USFSA “test” in which they can continue
to advance. If a skater is testing in the freestyle discipline they are required to
test moves-in-the-field prior to taking the freestyle test. There will be a
beginner and advanced class. In order to move to the advanced group,
skaters must have passed Preliminary test. Skaters will be placed in
appropriate group by coaches.
ICE DANCING
(Must be in Basic 7 & 8 and Freeskate to register)
Ice Dancing is another form of skating. It is like ballroom dancing but it is
done on the ice. Skaters will learn, practice and master intricate footwork
sequences and steps while having to skate to a certain beat or music. Skaters
must pass the first 2-3 dances in order to move to the advanced group.
**ONLY OFFERED WHEN COACHES ARE QUALIFIED AND AVAILABLE.**
PRIVATE LESSONS
A trained coach on a one-to-one basis teaches private lessons during private
ice time. Private ice is typically available on Sunday mornings but there may
be other times it is available. Be sure to check the arena schedule to ensure
times. There is a monthly private ice fee that must be paid to Park and Rec at
the beginning of each month. Skaters can hire a coach that is currently on staff
with The Crookston Figure Skating Club. It is a skater’s responsibility to set
up private lessons. It is on a first come, first serve basis. Coaches will have
separate ice time fees as well as competition fees if you choose to go that
route. Purchasing private ice allows your skater time to practice new skills
they have learned during classes. They may also use these skills in program
format with or without music to perform at exhibitions, USFSA competitions
or at a Basic Skills Competition.
ALL CLUB AND PARK AND REC FEES MUST BE PAID OR
ARRANGEMENTS MADE WITH PARK AND REC OR THE CLUB
BEFORE ENTERING THE ICE.
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USFSA TESTING
Our club is a member of the U.S. Figure Skating and we use their guidelines in
our program. Members of our club have the opportunity to attend Test
sessions at nearby clubs. We also compete in U.S. Figure skating sanctioned
competitions, exhibitions, hockey game performances and the annual Dreams
on Ice.
Progress in figure skating is measured by a series of tests, which are governed
by USFSA rules. Individual skaters are eligible to be tested in Freestyle,
Moves in the Field (MIF), and Dance. Within the USFSA testing structure,
there are a total of eight freeskating and MIF tests. They are as follows: PrePreliminary (Pre-Pre), Preliminary (Pre), Pre-Juvenile (Pre-Juv), Juvenile
(Juv), Intermediate, Novice, Junior and Senior.
The MIF test must be passed before a freeskate test can by taken at the same
level. Coaches will encourage you test when they feel you are ready. If you
feel you are ready, please talk to your coach(es). Test levels determine
competing levels.
A U.S. Figure Skating rulebook is available for purchase, upon request, at the
beginning of each season. This book provides testing and competition rules
and is of vital importance. Please visit the U.S. Figure Skating website for
purchasing information.
Testing sessions are available in East Grand Forks, Grand Forks, Moorhead
and Duluth. If you are interested in attending a test session, please contact
your coach or the director. Forms will need to be filled out and signed by
skaters, parents, a coach, Board Members and/or the CFSC Director.
Testing is an additional expense. There is a fee for each test that must be
prepaid. A coach must accompany a skater to each test session. Most coaches
charge an additional fee for testing. There is also an additional fee if you need
a dance partner for practice time. The fee for testing the dance with the
partner is included in the fee for the dance test.
On all tests except the pre-preliminary and preliminary, there is a minimum
of three judges, with one acting, as the “judge in charge”. This is the judge a
skater would address if they had questions or concerns during the testing.
Pre-Pre and Pre tests only require one judge. Skaters will find out on the day
of testing whether or not they have passed or failed. Results will be given to
the coach. USFSA rules state that any skater wishing to retry a failed test
6
must wait for at least 27 days between attempts. Once the club receives the
passing certificate, it will be handed out to skater.
FEES
Park and Recreation Department Fees:
All class fees are determined by the Crookston Parks and Recreation
Department and vary depending on the amount of ice time and coaches for
each class. These fees can be paid during the registration days at the
Crookston Sports Center or at the Park and Rec Department at City Hall. A
skater will not be allowed on the ice if fees have not been paid or if
arrangements have not been made with the Park and Rec Department.
Crookston Figure Skating Club Fees:
There is an annual skater/family fee for the Crookston Figure Skating Club.
This annual club fee includes the required USFSA Membership fee.
The USFSA registered members receive a copy of the Skating Magazine and
are issued a special number that will track their membership and testing
progress. These fees are also collected during registration.
Members must be in good standing with the Club and Park and Rec
in order for skaters to be allowed on the ice.
NSF Fee:
If your personal check is returned for Non-Sufficient Funds, you will be
charged a NSF of $30 per check written.
EQUIPMENT
Clothing:
We recommend that skaters dress in layers. It is important that Basic Skills
skaters were warm coats, hats and mittens/gloves. We prefer that ALL Basic
Skills skaters wear knit/cotton stretch pants to stay warm and to have better
flexibility. Blue jeans are not very flexible and skaters tend to get cold and
stay cold especially if they are damp.
ALL FREESTYLE AND SYNCHRO SKATERS should be wearing the knit pants
or skating tights with shorts/skirts and dress in layers using long sleeve tshirts and sweatshirts. NO JEANS for synchro and freestyle skaters.
7
EQUIPMENT CONTINUED:
Skates:
The most important equipment you as a skater/parent can purchase is your
pair of skates. We cannot over emphasize the importance of purchasing good
quality skates, for they will either help a skater progress or hinder their
progress. It is important to purchase skates that are made of leather.
Tips for fitting skates properly:
 Don’t buy skates that are too big with the thought that you are leaving
room for the feet to grow. A skate should fit firmly around the ankles and
you should be able to wiggle your toes a little.
 Buy a skate with a leather upper, be sure clasps or hooks are on secure
and check to see that the blades are mounted straight on the bottom.
 Wear thin socks or tights with skates. Wear what you plan to skate in
when you are trying on or fitting skates.
 A skate that fits properly usually is ½ to one size smaller than street
shoes. You should be able to place a pencil behind the heel for the proper
fit.
 Purchase from a reputable dealer. Be sure to stand in the skates to assure
a comfortable fit and have adequate ankle support, which means, no
wobbling.
 Many new skates have not been sharpened. Check to see if they will put a
figure skating edge on them. Many times they are sharpened with a
hockey edge, which makes it very hard for a skater to skate properly.
Gerrells/Hockey World in Grand Forks has a Figure Skating sharpener. If
sharpened properly, the blades should stay sharp for 6 weeks.
 New skates may hurt the first few time you wear them, but don’t give up:
they need to be broken in.
Take care of your skates, wear skate guards anytime you are not on the ice,
and be sure to wipe your blades dry after every use and put on soakers. Even
after you wipe your blades, it is important not to put the guards on right
away. If you do, it can cause rust on your blades and they will not longer be
sharp. Don’t ever walk on concrete without your guards. You will ruin your
blades.
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CFSC MEANS OF COMMUNICATION
 Notes: Many notes are sent home with skaters during their class/lesson
times. Please read each note carefully and if you have questions, please
talk to coaches/director when they are not busy teaching lessons.
 Website: The Crookston Figure Skating Club website has the latest news
and information. It is your responsibility to check the website often in
order to receive the updated information.
 Email Master List: Every year it is very important that you have your
email address turned into the skating director to receive important
information or dates. Please use the email address you use most
frequently. If you are not receiving emails, please contact
euttermark@crookston.mn.us.
o Parents are not permitted to send emails to the entire group
on the master list or those on a team. If you have a question or
comment it needs to be directed only to the director or the board. If
management finds the need to share the question or answers with
the group, they will do so accordingly.
 Facebook Page: The Crookston Figure Skating Club has a Facebook page
for updates and information. The page will be updated as quickly as
possible.
 Remind101- Remind101 is a message center that you will need to sign up
for. You can receive text messages of last minute changes or reminders. If
you are interested please refer to the appendix for the instructions.
USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
The use of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Snap shots,
Pinterest, etc. is popular among many organizations/people. The CFSC has a
Facebook page, which the board makes every effort to keep updated with
notifications, photos, and other miscellaneous information. Facebook is NOT
the primary method for the distribution of information to club members.
While the CFSC cannot control the use of social media by members, skaters
and parents are strongly encouraged to use these resources in a positive
manner in regard to the club and other skaters and their families. Negativity
WILL NOT be tolerated and could result in being dismissed from the CFSC.
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CROOKSTON FIGURE SKATING CLUB
POLICIES & CRITERIAS
 Attendance Policy- All skaters are required to be at each practice. If a
skater cannot attend a practice for some reason, they should contact the
coach before their lesson time. This will count as an excused absence. If a
skater does not contact the coach before lesson time, it will be considered
an unexcused absence.
o If a skater has 3 excused absences it will count as an unexcused
absence. If a skater is tardy to class 3 times, it will count as an
unexcused absence. If a skater has 3 unexcused absences for each
class they are in, they will forgo their opportunity to skate at a
sanctioned event, which includes all competitions, exhibitions,
hockey games and/or Dreams on Ice for that class.
o If a skater has 3 unexcused absences, they will have to pay the
consequence of missing a sanctioned event. If the skater misses
any of the remaining practices after paying the consequence, they
will no longer be allowed to skate at any sanctioned events for the
remainder of the season.
 Illness Policy- If a skater is too ill to attend school; she/he is not
permitted to attend their scheduled practice. Please give a courtesy
call/text to the coach who is conducting the lesson you should be at. If the
coach does not hear from you before your scheduled practice, it will be
considered an unexcused absence.
 Injury Policy-It is extremely important that skaters communicate their
injuries to their coaches. It may be hard, but the only person that knows
how much you can tolerate is you.
 Ice Policy- All skaters are expected to be dressed and ready to skate 5
minutes prior to their scheduled lesson time.
o No skater is allowed on the ice early for any reason. This is a
safety issue and is distracting to those already taking lessons.
Any skater entering the ice early will be asked to leave the ice.
o Please DO NOT TALK with coaches during someone else’s lessons
or during a group lesson. You are wasting valuable ice time for the
coaches and skaters. If you need to discuss something with them,
please send them an email or phone them.
10
POLICIES & CRITERIAS CONTINUED
 Exhibition Criteria- All skaters who are members of the club are invited
and encouraged to take part in the CFSC annual exhibition. Any skater
who is in good standing with the club and the Minnesota State High
School League is welcomed to shine. Basic Skills & non-competitive
skaters will pick their own music and come up with a 1minute routine to
show case what the skater has learned. Competitive skaters can use their
freestyle or artistic routines. Skaters must sign up with the director in
order to be in the exhibition. Notes and emails will be sent out when a
date has been secured.
 Ice Show Policy- CFSC holds an annual ice show usually the 3rd weekend
in March. All skaters who are full members of CFSC and in good standing
with the club and the Minnesota State High School League rules may
participate in a group number and all of the special numbers they are
eligible for.
o Solos, Features, Duets, and specials are determined by a tryout that
is usually held in December by a panel of judges for skaters in
Freestyle groups 3-6. Judges will take in to account the skater’s
performance, including technical difficulty and artistic impressions,
attitude, attendance and age. If all things are equal, the special
number will be awarded to the older skater.
o Trying out does not guarantee a special number.
o After tryouts, costumes may be purchased at the skater’s expense.
o All music must follow the show theme and be approved by coaches
or director.
o The boy/girl number is open to High School Juniors and Seniors.
The senior number is for senior girls only. Additional show
numbers may be added to the show at the discretion of the
director.
 SafeSport Policy- The Crookston Figure Skating Club will be following
the USFS SafeSport guidelines, criteria, and handbook. The association
will not tolerate or condone any form of harassment or abuse of any of its
members including athletes, coaches, officials, directors, employees,
parents, volunteers or any other persons while they are participating in
or preparing for a figure skating activity or event conducted under the
auspices of U.S. Figure Skating.
 The U.S. Figure Skating SafeSport Program addresses the following types
of abuse, harassment and misconduct.
11
o Sexual, Physical & Emotional abuse and misconduct, Bullying ,
threats and harassment, and willfully tolerating these behaviors.
 Lettering Criteria- Multiple towns in the area represent the CFSC, the
following criteria only applies to Crookston and Fertile skaters at this
time.
o Participate on the Open Juvenile Team for one (1) year, are in
grades seven (7) through twelve (12), and have complied with the
following:
 Any Minnesota State High School infractions will prevent you
from lettering.
 Must participate in all sanctioned events for that year,
unless prior approval received from the Coach.
o If you are a participant on any other Synchro Team, you will be
eligible to letter in 9th grade provided you have been on a Synchro
Team for the previous three (3) consecutive years, and have
complied with the following:
 Any Minnesota State High School infractions will prevent you
from lettering.
 Must participate in all sanctioned events each year, unless
prior approval received from the Coach.
o Individual Lettering is being worked on. If you have any questions,
contact the board or Erica.
CANCELLATIONS
In case of inclement weather and the CFSC needs to cancel practices or
programs for the day or evening, the announcement will be made on
KROX 1260 AM, WDAZ, an email and Remind101 message will be sent
out as soon as the decision has been made.
If you are a part of a competitive team, the competitions never cancel so
the decision to whether we will go or not will be made at the discretion
of the director and coaches. Same procedure as above will be followed.
12
PARENT/SKATER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Name of Skater
I have read the ENTIRE document titled “The Crookston Figure Skating
Club Skater and Parent Handbook” from cover to cover and understand
and agree to the guidelines set forth.
I also understand that the policies and procedures may change
throughout the year. Modifications to this document may be made via
letters or verbal communication from the Skating Director.
Should I have any questions regarding any policies or procedures, I
understand that I should contact the Skating Director for the
appropriate answers.
 I understand that I must sign this to be able to be a good standing
member with the Crookston Figure Skating Club.
 I understand that by signing this I am signing off that I understand
all of the policies and systems of the Crookston Figure Skating Club.
Skater’s Printed Name
Parent’s Printed Name
Skater’s Signature
Parent’s Signature
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APPENDIX:
HELPFUL LINKS:
USFSA PARENT INFORMATION WEBSITE:
http://www.usfsa.org/content.asp?menu=parents
USFSA CRITERIA FOR EACH LEVEL:
http://www.usfsa.org/content/BS-overview.pdf
USFSA SAFE SPORT HANDBOOK:
http://www.usfsa.org/content/safesport%20handbook.pdf
SAFESPORT ARTICLE
USFS LEVELS AND CRITERIA
REMIND101 DIRECTIONS
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