Team Delaware’s Mission
Team Delaware’s Synchronized Skating Program’s mission is to train and develop teams that will be
National Competitors, and eventually International Competitors. We encourage good sportsmanship,
teamwork, and respect for all skaters in our quest to achieve our full potential as a team.
A Note from the Director
Team Delaware Skater/Parent,
Synchronized Skating is one of the fastest growing disciplines of the four disciplines that
are offered through US Figure Skating. 8-20 skaters performing footwork, difficult formations
and intersections at high speeds require skill in many areas including individual, dance, and pairs.
Moreover, one must understand team concept, respect and sportsmanship.
The University of Delaware’s Synchronized Skating Program currently has 9 teams. This makes our
program one of the largest synchronized skating programs in the United States. We are also one of
the only programs in the United States where you can start as young as 4 years of age and continue
into adulthood and beyond. Our slogan is a reflection of just that…. “a lifelong passion”.
In the 2009-10 season, our beginner team earned the Gold Medal at the Reflections Synchro
Invitational, our Preliminary team earned the Pewter Medal at the Colonial Classic. Our Collegiate
Team earned the Eastern Sectional Title and new teams Intermediate grabbed Pewter earning a
spot at Nationals, and Open Collegiate earned the Silver Medal. In addition, our program sent 4
teams to the National Championships in Minneapolis, MN. Our Collegiate Team earned the Bronze
Medal and our Adult team earned the Silver Medal. In addition, both of our Juvenile and
Intermediate teams came in the top 10 in their divisions.
We hope that you enjoy your experience with our program. In addition, we hope that all of our
skaters have a rich and rewarding competitive experience while making life long friendships.
Sincerely,
Megan O’Donnell
Director of Synchronized Skating
Meet the Coaches
Linda Bacon Linda began coaching synchronized skating in 1990. She has experience coaching youth, teen, adult
introductory, juvenile, intermediate, junior classic, junior, masters and adult synchronized skating teams. At the
National level, Linda has coached teams in juvenile, intermediate, masters and adult. Linda began synchronized skating
in college on the Precisionaires at University of Delaware, skating at the junior level. She has been a National
competitor in Synchronized Skating for over 20 years. This past season, Linda earned a National Bronze Medal as a
skater on the Adult Team. Linda also skates on and coaches the Masters Team. Linda holds a degree in education and
currently teaches 4th grade at West Park Elementary School. Linda coaches the Masters Team and serves as the Team
Manager for the Adult Team.
Wendy Deppe Wendy is a double U.S. Gold Test Medalist in figures and freestyle. Wendy has over 25 years of
competitive figure and synchronized skating experience. Wendy was a national competitor in synchronized skating
herself representing the University of Delaware as a student. She has been coaching Preliminary through Senior level
skaters in Moves in the Field and freestyle for 15 years. Wendy serves as a coach on staff for Moves in the Field and
Freestyle at the University of Delaware Ice Arena. In addition, Wendy is an accomplished synchronized skating coach
having coached this discipline for 18 years. Wendy has coached several synchronized skating teams ranging from
beginning through senior level. She has taken several teams to the U.S. Synchronized Team Skating Championships over
the past 15 years and many of her teams have earned medals at the U.S. Championships, including the 2004, 2006 and
2007 Bronze Medalists in the Collegiate Division. In the 2008 season, Wendy coaches the Collegiate team to a National
Silver Medal and the Adult Team to a National Bronze Medal! In addition, all five of Wendy’s teams earned a medal at
the 2008 Eastern Sectional Championships with two teams taking home the titles. Wendy is a member of the PSA.
Wendy is the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club 2008 Coach of the Year. She also travels to various clubs and
serves as a mentor and choreographer for other teams in the area. Wendy holds a degree in education from the
University of Delaware and is currently a 2nd grade teacher at Wilson Elementary School.
Meghan Ramick The 2010-11 season will mark Meghan Gelburd’s 13th year skating synchro. Meghan skated on The
Hershey Kixx Synchronized Skating Team in Hershey, Pa during High School. She skated for four years while in college
on the University of Delaware’s Synchronized Skating Team where she earned two National Medals. She is currently
skates on Team Delaware’s Adult Team and in the 2010 season, Meghan earned a National Silver Medal. Meghan serves
as the conditioning coach for the Juvenile, Intermediate and the National Bronze Medalist Collegiate Team! Meghan’s
commitment to our teams’ level of fitness has helped them to maintain a greater level of endurance than most teams. In
2009-2010, Meghan helped coached the juvenile team to a 10 th place finish at Nationals. She finds both coaching and
skating for Team Delaware to be a fun and rewarding experience.
Anne Humphrey Anne began skating at Delaware in 1988, following in the footsteps of her daughter
Melissa who is still skating and coaching at Delaware. She competed in the Adult and Masters divisions
before being asked to help coach the Open Adult team in 2004. She enjoys the challenges of working with
the diverse levels of adult skaters. Anne currently serves as the CEO of Graystone Academy Charter School
in Coatesville, PA. Anne currently coaches the Open Adult Team.
Meet the Coaches
Melissa Humphrey Melissa began coaching in the University of Delaware Synchronized Skating program in 2002
when she began working with the Small Wonders ISI Team. However, she has been skating in the program since 1989.
Melissa began on a juvenile team and moved her way up through teen, novice, junior, and senior. She then spend five
years on the Collegiate team while getting a degree in Health and Physical Education from the University of Delaware.
While on the collegiate team, Melissa was treasurer for four years and served on the National Collegiate Committee.
Upon Graduation, she began skating with Team Delaware Adult. In the 2010 season, Melissa was a member of the
National Silver Medal winning Adult team. And in the 2009-2010 season, Melissa coached the Preliminary team, and was
the finance manager for several of the Team Delaware Teams. Melissa is a member of the PSA, teaches in the Learn to
Skate Program, teaches private lessons, and works at the UD Ice Arenas part time. Away from the ice all together, she
is the Physical Education Teacher at Baltz School in Wilmington, DE.
Megan O’Brien Megan O'Brien is a graduate with a Masters Degree from Villanova University and currently works
for the State of Delaware. Megan has a USFS Gold Test Medal in Moves in the Field. She has skated Synchro for 14
years on a variety of teams and levels, including nationally ranked Teams. In 2008, Megan skated on the elite Senior
Synchronized Skating Team at the University of Delaware, as well as the Adult Team. Megan earned a National Silver
Medal in the 2010 season skating on the Adult Team! Megan also earned a Gold Medal at the Senior Level at the 2008
Eastern Sectional Championships and a Gold Medal at the Adult Level at the 2009 Eastern Sectional Championships.
Megan coached the Beginner team to a Gold Medal finish at the Reflections Synchro Invitational. Megan is a member of
the PSA.
Megan O’Donnell
Megan serves as the Director for the University of Delaware’s Synchronized Skating Team
Program. Megan has 30 years of competitive figure skating experience. She trained at the Detroit Skating Club under
Olympic and World Coaches. Megan is a double USFS Gold Test Medalist, as well as a Canadian Gold Test Medalist.
Megan traveled throughout parts of Canada as a demonstrator for Judges and Coaches seminars when she was growing
up. Megan was a regional and sectional competitor in freestyle, a National competitor in Ice Dancing and a National
Competitor in Synchronized Skating for several years. She has several years experience in coaching individual skaters
through their senior moves in the field and freestyle tests. In addition, Megan is a National Synchronized Skating
Coach having had four teams qualify for the most recent Nationals held in Minneapolis, MN., in which all four teams
placed in the top 10 in their division with the Collegiate team taking home Bronze and the Adult team taking home the
Silver medal. In addition, she coached the collegiate team to a bronze medal at the 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2010 U.S.
Synchronized Team Skating Championships, and the pewter medal in 2009. In 2008, Megan coached the Collegiate team
to a National Silver medal and the Adult Team to a National Bronze Medal! In addition, all four of Megan’s team earned
a medal at the 2008 Eastern Sectional Championships with two teams taking home the titles. Megan was chosen to
travel to Rouen, France last spring for the Junior World Challenge Cup as a part of a coach’s apprenticeship program to
learn about international competition. She is a member of the PSA. Megan was the UDFSC 2007 Coach of the Year.
Megan travels to various clubs as a mentor and choreographer for different teams in the area. Megan has her Master’s
Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counseling and serves as the school
counselor at Porter Road Elementary School.
Meet the Coaches
Lindsey Oliver Lindsey has been a National synchronized skater since 1991 competing on juvenile, novice, junior and
senior teams representing the University of Delaware. Lindsey was a regional competitor in freestyle training under
world class coaches at the University of Delaware Training Center, while gaining her tests at the same time. Lindsey
serves as a coach on staff at the University of Delaware Training Center. She brings with her several years of
experience coaching various levels of synchro teams including qualifying levels at the University of Delaware. In 2008,
Lindsey coached the Preliminary Team to a 4 th place finish at the Cape Cod Classic. In addition, Lindsey is a National
Coach having coached the Juvenile team that earned a spot at the National Championships in the 2009 season in
Portland ME. Lindsey skates on Team Delaware’s Adult Team bringing her high quality of skating to the team. Lindsey
earned a Gold Medal at the Senior Level at the 2008 Eastern Sectional Championships and a Bronze Medal at the Adult
Level at the 2008 National Championships. Most recently, Lindsey earned the Silver medal at Nationals as a member of
the adult team, and coached the Beginner team to a gold medal performance at the Reflections Synchro Invitational.
Lindsey has a degree in International Business and works for Barclays.
Pam Welch Pam Welch started coaching synchronized skating in 1979 when she, with Elaine Ahern, started the first
team at the University of Delaware, the University of Delaware Precision Skating Team, later called the Precisionaires.
The Delaware Diamonds, an adult team, soon grew out of the community classes, and she and Elaine coached that team
as well. Her coaching experience has since included coaching juvenile, intermediate, junior, senior, collegiate and adult
level teams. She is PSA senior rated in synchronized skating and boasts a gold medal in ice dance. Since 1986 she has
brought a team to Nationals every year until 2003 when she retired from national coaching. As she has for nearly 30
years, Pam continues to teach private lessons in freestyle, dance and field moves and has had students achieve national
recognition in the adult arena. She also coaches the University of Delaware collegiate club team.
An alumna of the University of Delaware, Pam holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and works at a local
Emergency Room. Other accomplishments include coaching competitive synchronized swimming at a local YWCA and
working as a pool manager at a local summer pool. Married for over 30 years, Pam and husband, Tom, have five children
and three grandchildren. Pam coaches the Open Adult Team.
The Organization (Managers and Chairpersons)
There are two types of managers to this organization, Program and Team. The Program Managers are responsible for all the teams
excluding the Collegiate Team and all Adult Teams. The Team Managers are only responsible for the specific team that they have
been assigned. In addition to the managers, there is a Fundraising Chairperson.
Many of the leaders of our organization attend a monthly Committee meeting to discuss Fundraising, Travel and other program
related needs. The monthly committee meetings are run by the Synchro Liaison and attended by the Fundraising Chairperson, the
Director of Synchronized Skating, all UDFSC Synchronized Skating Coaches, the General Manager, and a designated Manager from
each Team. These meetings are not open to any member of the UDFSC Synchronized Skating Program, but only open to those that
are a part of the Management Structure. These meetings are to discuss hotel, fundraiser and special events only, and not a forum
for parents to bring their complaints. If parents have complaints, these need to be addressed with the team manager.
Team Delaware also has a Steering Committee Board that meets each year to approve all budgets and financial policies for the
season. These meetings are not open to any member of Team Delaware, but only to those that serve on the Steering Board. The
Steering Board consists of appointed finance managers, appointed coaches, the Director of Synchronized Skating, the UDFSC Board
Liaison and the UDFSC Treasurer.
Fundraising Chairperson
The Fundraising Chairperson is responsible for evaluating and determining fundraisers for
the competitive season, collecting summarized team orders from the Fundraising Managers and submitting the entire UDFSC
Synchro program order to the vendors, arranging for total order payment, as well as arranging for delivery.
Program Managers
Clothing Manager-
Responsible for ordering all team apparel. This includes warm-ups, t-shirts, jackets, bags, practice outfits
or anything else pertaining to clothing. Also, responsible for hairpieces and ordering competition dresses (if necessary).
Travel/Fundraising Manager- Responsible for organizing the travel needs for the teams.
Special Events Manager- Responsible for organizing team dinners and other special team events for the teams while away at
competitions and at home.
Team Managers
Team Manager
Responsible for taking any concerns from the Line Managers to the coaches. Responsible for ordering laces,
tights, tape, spray and pins. Listed as the contact for outside sources to communicate with the program. Attends monthly Synchro
Committee meetings. May also be responsible for paperwork including competition applications, weekly email etc.
Finance Manager-
Responsible for the financial dealing of the team along with the auditor, as well as the banking
representative.
Skater Placement Policy
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The Director/Coaches make all decisions regarding on which team a skater is placed, as well
as which skaters will skate at each competition and/or at each exhibition.
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The Director/coaches will select the strongest teams to compete at various
competitions/exhibitions throughout the season. Keep in mind strongest team may be
evaluated in terms of physical, psychological and mental strength, teamwork, commitment,
attendance at practices, as well as ability to follow Team Delaware’s rules and regulations
listed in this handbook. Skating positions will be assigned 2-3 weeks before each
competition/exhibition, except in special circumstances, such as illness or injury, which will
be determined by the Director/coaches.
Practice Policies
ATTENDANCE
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To ensure the safety of our skaters and to encourage competition readiness and consistency,
attendance is mandatory at all off-ice and on-ice sessions.
Attendance and tardiness will be taken by the coaches and recorded on permanent record.
If an absence or tardiness from a practice is required for any reason, you must contact your
Line Manager as soon as possible to notify her.
Excessive tardiness and/or absences may result in not skating at a competition and/or
exhibition. The coaches of each team will determine the definition of the term excessive.
ABSENCES will NOT be tolerated two weeks before each competition. This is for the safety
and success of all the skaters.
FITNESS AND HEALTH
Skaters are expected to maintain their bodies in good physical condition. This includes getting
enough sleep, eating properly and exercising properly. Skating is very hard work and requires
practice and training both on and off the ice.
OFF-ICE
Skaters are expected to arrive to practice on time, dressed for skating. NO STREET CLOTHES
ARE TO BE WORN FOR OFF-ICE. SNEAKERS ARE A MUST. Snacks should be eaten prior to
practice. Each skater should bring a water bottle to practice. Each team will have a dress code that
will vary from team to team; you will be informed of this in the beginning of the summer. Some
teams may have off-ice requirements such as training regimens and physical tests. You will be
notified of this in the beginning of the summer.
ADDITIONAL PRACTICE
There may be additional practice/exhibitions that are scheduled during the competition season.
THESE PRACTICES AND EXHIBITIONS ARE MANDATORY.
CLOSED PRACTICES
All practices are closed to parents/relatives and friends. There may be times when practices are
open for parents to watch. This will be decided by the coaches. If you have a relative or friend
from out of town coming for a visit approval will be needed from the coaches to have them come in
and watch a practice. There may be an appointed manager watching practices for the higher level
teams in case of injuries.
Travel and Competitions/Exhibitions
COMPETITION/TRAVEL POLICIES
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As a member of Team Delaware you will be required to travel for competitions/exhibitions. At
the beginning of the season, you will receive information regarding which competitions your team
will be attending.
Travel is to be arranged by each individual family through our Travel Manager. Each family is
responsible for their own travel and for following all travel requests made by the coaches.
At all competitions/exhibitions, the focus is on the team and the skating. Parents/Spouses
should be a source of support for the skaters encouraging them to follow all rules and
regulations, as well as the scheduled itinerary. It is important for parents/spouses to be
positive towards the skaters at competitions/exhibitions in order to create an encouraging
atmosphere.
All skaters (under the age of 18 years) are to be accompanied by either a parent or a
chaperone to all competitions/exhibitions.
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Each chaperone is not to have more than two skaters under his/her care. Moreover, there
should be no more than 2 skaters under the age of 18 to each hotel room.
No skater under the age of 18 years is to have a hotel room by themselves or with other minor
children. There must be at least one parent/chaperone in every skater’s (under the age of 18
years) room.
All parents/chaperones will be responsible to make sure their skaters are following the rules and
competition itinerary, as well as making sure that they know where their skaters are at all times
UNLESS they are with the coaches.
All skaters under the age of 18 years must not walk around the hotel or arena by themselves.
They need to be with at least another skater and must have permission from a
parent/chaperone.
Distractions need to be kept to a minimum for our skaters. This means non-team activities,
sightseeing, shopping etc. Boyfriends/Girlfriends, Spouses and Friends are discouraged from
coming to competitions.
CURFEW
Each coach will set a curfew for each team. The curfew will differ depending upon the team, the
competition, as well as the schedule for that competition. All skaters are expected to follow the
curfew. All parents/guardians are expected to enforce the curfew.
STUDY TIMES/REST TIMES
Study times may be set for some of the teams to ensure academic success while you are away from
school. Resting times may be scheduled to ensure that you are getting enough rest, in order to skate
your best. All skaters are expected to follow these times. All parent/chaperones are expected to
enforce these times.
Behavior at Competitions/Exhibitions
Team Delaware Synchro Organization is becoming a strong force within the synchronized skating community.
Along with this success has come a set of high standards regarding behavior at competitions. You are not
only a reflection of yourself and your family, but as a member of Team Delaware you are a reflection of a
very well-respected synchronized skating program.
INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER TEAMS
Synchronized Skating gives an opportunity to build friendships with skaters from all over the United States.
All Team Delaware skaters and families are expected to show respect for their team by treating other
synchro teams with courtesy, warmth and enthusiasm. Good sportsmanship is the foundation to our program.
We want skaters to recognize our positive demeanor off the ice.
SITTING IN THE STANDS
At all competitions, there will be a designated area in which all those representing Team Delaware will sit to
watch the skating events and cheer for the teams. All skaters are expected to sit in this area unless notified
by the coaches.
DURING THE COMPETITION
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During all National Anthems, skaters are expected to stand, face the flag and show respect for our
country by listening quietly.
Once a team is on the ice performing, all skaters are expected to remain seated until the program is
finished. Please do not get up in the middle of a program, as it is a distraction to the skaters.
Cheering for other teams is encouraged. However, it is expected that the cheering and applauding will
be kept appropriate.
Skaters and siblings should sit in the rows that are designated for Team Delaware and not sit in the
first two rows of certain arenas at competitions unless otherwise notified by the coaches.
Be polite and applaud for all the teams- as we all need a little support and encouragement.
JUDGING
Please remember that Synchronized Skating is a subjective sport. Please refrain from any comments about
any teams placement. As a member and parent of U.S. Figure Skating, you have signed an agreement to abide
by the rules. Improper behavior in response to a judged event may result in a team’s expulsion from a future
competition. Remember, our philosophy heavily relies on the importance of Good Sportsmanship!
AWARDS CEREMONY
If your team is fortunate enough to receive a medal, the awards ceremony is mandatory for all skaters. You
will need to have your hair competition style and be in the required outfit based on the request of the
coaches. During the awards ceremony, skaters are required to stand in a line to wait for their medals and
say thank you when they do receive their medals. Skaters must refrain from doing freestyle elements or any
other skating elements during the awards ceremony. The team will have time to take pictures and wish their
competitors a big congratulations! All skaters must exit the ice when the announcement to clear the ice is
made.
Competition/Exhibition Attire
TEAM CLOTHING
Each skater is expected to purchase all the required clothing for the team, which will be discussed
in the beginning of the season and ordered throughout the summer, and beginning of the fall. This
clothing is expected to be properly maintained and in excellent condition. You will need to see the
Clothing Manager to order any Team Apparel you may need.
TEAM WARM-UP
Every member of Team Delaware will be required to purchase a warm-up suit. This warm-up outfit
must be worn whenever the skaters are at the rink at all times during the competition/exhibition.
This means even after your event has taken place, skaters must wear their warm-up outfit even if
they are watching other events unless otherwise notified by the coaches. All skaters must have
their shirts tucked in underneath their warm-ups and should always have a neat appearance while at
the rink.
OFFICIAL PRACTICE CLOTHING
At the beginning of the season, the coaches will announce the official practice outfit or outfits for
competition. All skaters are required to purchase the practice clothing. For qualifying teams, there
may be more than one outfit.
COMPETITION OUTFIT
Skaters are required to purchase a competition outfit that will be decided upon by the coaches of
the team. Skaters will have to get measurements taken and have multiple fittings before their
competition outfit is complete. Skaters are required to take care of their outfit ensuring that it is
not damaged or destroyed.
SKATES
Skaters are required to get their skates sharpened on a regular basis. The coaches will determine
the color of skates each year for each team. You may be asked to wear over-the-boot tights or you
may be asked to spray or tape your skates. All skaters are required to comply with these policies.
Skates should be cleaned and free of nicks for all exhibitions and competitions. All skaters should
have a pair of soft soakers and a pair of hard guards with them at all times at home and away.
COMPETITION HAIRSTYLE AND MAKE-UP
The skaters hairstyle and make-up will be decided upon by the coaches of the team. The Line
Managers will decide the logistics of scheduling hair and make-up for their skaters at the
competitions. We will set up a committee of those interested in helping with doing hair and make-up
for the teams.
NAIL POLISH AND EARRINGS
Skaters are expected to remove all nail polish before competitions/exhibitions or any competition
practices. In addition, skaters are expected to remove all earrings before any competitions/
exhibitions or any practice HOME OR AWAY. Please take the earrings off before you come to the
rink. Do not ask the coaches to carry your jewelry. If a team decides on a pair of team earrings
(coaches permission is needed), then they will be allowed to wear these team earrings for
competitions/exhibitions and competition practices only.
SYNCHROBOARDS
All skaters, Parents, relatives and friends of the Team Delaware Family are asked to refrain from
posting on Synchroboards. This discussion board is nice to view, but we do not want any posting
affiliated with the Delaware Synchronized Skating Organization.
FACEBOOK
All skaters, parents, relatives and friends of the Team Delaware Family are asked to refrain from
any facebook pages that contain anything regarding to our synchronized skating program. General
pictures of your teams are fine to post, however there should be no mention of our program in your
postings unless it is on an official Delaware Synchronized skating Facebook Page.
DISCIPLINE ACTION
If a skater has infracted the Team Delaware Handbook, depending upon the severity they may be
asked to leave the program without refund. The Director of Synchronized Skating along with the
UDFSC Synchronized Skating Liaison will determine the seriousness of the infraction. They will
then take it to the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club Board.
Financial Policies and Monthly Dues/Fundraising
TEAM BUDGETS/MONTHLY SKATER DUES
The budget will be different for each team and will be dependent upon the level of
each team. The monthly dues include but are not limited to the following: ice time,
music editing, choreography, coaching fees for practice and competition, off-ice
training- including Ballet (if applicable), competition entry fees, and operational
expenses. The estimated cost per month will be communicated very early in the
season as soon as the roster has been set and ice time purchased.
Your monthly dues will not include any of your team apparel- practice and competition
dresses, warm-up suit, additional practice outfits, bags, tights, spray or tape for
skates etc. Your monthly dues will also not cover you or your family’s travel to
competitions. You are responsible to pay these fees. There may be additional
expenses for team dinners, banquets, make-up, hair accessories or any other items
that need to be purchased during the season. You will be responsible to pay for these
items. You are also responsible for any other personal purchases (including food) that
you decide to obtain at any competitions and/or exhibitions.
As a member of Team Delaware, you are responsible for paying your monthly dues in a
timely manner. Those that do not comply with this policy may be asked to leave the
program without refund. Your full cooperation is required for our teams to be
successful.
FUNDRAISING
The UDFSC Synchro program will provide fundraising opportunities for all teams in
the program. Fundraising dollars can be used for approved UDFSC Synchro Team
expenses.
The rules in this handbook are here as a general guideline for parents/skaters to
understand the philosophy of our program. All matters regarding rules and
regulations are subject to change at the discretion of the Director/Coaches.
I have read and understand the expectations of being a member of Team Delaware’s
Synchronized Skating Program. I agree to follow all rules and regulations of the
UDFSC, as well as Team Delaware (as written in this handbook).
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Skater’s Signature Date
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Coaches Signature
Date
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Director’s Signature
Date