Athlete Development Department Growth and Retention Programs Membership Webinar October 18, 2012 Growth and Retention Programs Tonight s webinar will discuss various U.S. Figure Skating programs available to help clubs attract and retain members, create opportunities for participation, increase club spirit, encourage progression and stimulate membership growth Agenda: Test Track Special Olympics / Therapeutic Skating Theatre On Ice Showcase / National Showcase Solo Dance Series High School Skating Graduating Seniors Program Collegiate Membership Icemen Network Icemen Sectional Series Test Track Structure Event Offering To Include Within Competitions Aligns test structure requirements with competition levels Give skaters a fair playing field to continue competing by limiting the difficulty of skating elements Offers opportunities for continued involvement and success in competition Encourages progression through the test structure Does not contain any age restrictions Allows skaters to gain credentials for future endeavors Retains membership and involvement in U.S. Figure Skating Test Track Structure Test Track Elements for the 2013-14 season will be posted to the U.S. Figure Skating website, Test Track page at http://www.usfigureskating.org/programs.asp?id=79 following Governing Council and will become effective June 1, 2013 for the 2013-14 season This is different than in previous seasons, when they did not become effective until September 1 st. Special Olympics and Therapeutic Skating Programs Special Olympics skating programs are available to children and adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) who desire to experience the fun and benefits skating offers Therapeutic Skating programs are available to individuals with a wide range of handicaps, including, but not limited to injuries, impairments, disabilities, adaptive devices, or rehabilitation needs. Opportunities for Special Olympics or Therapeutic Skating Program Offerings Clubs can diversify their program offerings to reach a greater range of skaters and increase their community involvement by: Offering the Special Olympics or Therapeutic Skating Badge curriculums within their Basic Skills Program class offerings Basic Skills Special Olympics Badge Program consists of 12 levels of skills Therapeutic Skating Badge curriculum consists of 14 different skill levels and two options: Assisted (with help of a person) Unassisted (skaters use an assistance device without a person) Offering or assisting with localspecial Olympics or Therapeutic Skating programs Offering Special Olympics and/or Therapeutic Skating events in the Club s nonqualifying competitions or Adult competitions Including club members and skaters as volunteers or assistants within Special Olympics and Therapeutic Skating classes. 1
Special Olympics and Therapeutic Skating Participant Benefits: Key Components to creating a Successful Special Olympics or Therapeutic Skating Program: Freedom to grow socially Experience joy, acceptance and success Promotes the ability to follow instruction Provides opportunities for families and friends to pursue a sport together Involvement in a lifelong recreational and physical activity Confidence builder for participants Safe participation for those with handicaps or intellectual disabilities Enjoyable recovery from injuries via recreational rehabilitation. Exercise routine for those handicapped, either temporarily or permanently Successful programs will depend on the cooperation among several people: Rink manager Skating Director Figure Skating Club Local coaches Skater s parents Local volunteers (parents of skaters, club members, rink and coaching staff, college students, therapists and therapeutic skaters themselves The programs can be stand alone programs or be done jointly by the club, rink management and administrators of special schools for the handicapped. Special Olympics / Therapeutic Skating How to Get Started: Visit the U.S. Figure Skating Special Olympics / Therapeutic Skating webpage at: http://www.usfigureskating.org/programs.asp?id=364 Theatre On Ice Contact Jean Fahmie jffskate@yahoo.com, Chair of Special Olympics and Therapeutic Skating or myself for information, program handbooks and guidance specific to your programming needs and desires. Contact your local skating director, state Special Olympics director, community Therapeutic programs and local rinks / clubs to determine level of interest in your area. Begin communications with your local rink, skating directors and area clubs to locate coaches and volunteers. Theatre On Ice (TOI) is a form of competitive figure skating which combines the grace of figure skating with the drama and excitement of theater and dance. Theatre On Ice Theatre On Ice utilizes all aspects of figure skating and is a package that includes five dimensions: Theme Music/Sound Choreography/Skating movements Performance/The rapport between the skaters and/or sub-groups of skaters Costuming, Props and/or scenery Teams consist of eight to 30 skaters There are six levels: Senior, Junior, Novice, Adult, Preliminary and Open Preliminary and Basic Skills levels have a maximum of 20 skaters on a team. Theatre On Ice (cont.) Theatre On Ice consists of two programs and events: Choreographic Exercise (CE) Which is similar to a short program in singles skating Free Skate 2
Theatre On Ice Benefits to the Club: Theatre On Ice Benefits to the Skaters: Increases memberships and retains skaters Generates interest for beginning skaters Keeps those who choose to not compete involved with your club Involves more parents, especially fathers (props/scenery) Provides the club more publicity and community presence Raises money for the club Provides club unity Teams bring together skaters of various ages and abilities Older skaters mentor and inspire younger skaters Gives skaters: More confidence when performing Chance to develop artistic side of their skating Chance to be a part of a team Provides travel opportunities for skaters locally and internationally Ability to make new friends both in and out of the club Improves skaters edge quality, skating skills and expression Skaters learn, grow and develop as individuals Theatre On Ice How to Form a Team: Utilize the Basic Skills TOI 1-4 Program Helps generate interest and build a feeder program for TOI Coaches, team manager and parents should organize an informational meeting for any interested skaters and parents. The coaching staff should explain the concept of Theatre On Ice, plans for team(s), expectations and responsibilities of members and parents Contact Jim McManus, National Vice Chair, TOI, jim.mcmanus@fmr.comand Judy Edmunds, Chair, Theatrical Skating, judyedmunds@gmail.com for assistance Theatre On Ice Information: For more information on Theatre On Ice, visit the U.S. Figure Skating web site, go to the Programs tab, then to Theatre On Ice page at http://www.usfigureskating.org/programs.asp?id=49 National Theatre On Ice June 20-24, 2013 Troy, Ohio Showcase Skating National Showcase Showcase skating fuses artistic creativity and skating for single skaters, duets, and ensemble events that include mini-ensembles (3-7 skaters) and production numbers (8-30 skaters). Helps to improve creativity, performance capabilities and skating skills of participants Clubs are encouraged to offer showcase, artistic, dramatic entertainment, light entertainment and interpretative events in their nonqualifying competitions Single competitors placing first, second, third or fourth in a contested event at any sanctioned nonqualifying competition in the United States are eligible to advance and enter National Showcase National Showcase 2013 August 1-3, 2013 Hyannis, Mass 3
Theatrical Skating Information For more information on Theatrical Skating Programs: Showcase Visit the Showcase page at http://www.usfigureskating.org/programs.asp?id=308 Paula Wagener, National Vice Chair for Showcase, paulawagener58@gmail.com Judy Edmunds, Chair, Theatrical Skating, judyedmunds@gmail.com Brenda Glidewell bglidewell@usfigureskating.org Theatre On Ice Visit the TOI page: http://www.usfigureskating.org/programs.asp?id=49 Jim McManus, National Vice Chair, TOI, jim.mcmanus@fmr.com Judy Edmunds, Chair, Theatrical Skating, judyedmunds@gmail.com Brenda Glidewell, bglidewell@usfigureskating.org Solo Dance Competition Series What is the Solo Dance Series? Series of participating nonqualifying competitions across the country occurring between Jan. 1, 2013 Aug. 18, 2013 2013 Solo Dance Series will include the following events: Pattern Dance Event: Each level will compete two dances as a combined event. This will be offered at the preliminary through gold levels. Combined Dance Event: Two pattern dances will be competed (pattern dances to be specified by U.S. Figure Skating) and one solo free dance for a combined result. These pattern dances do not count towards the pattern dance event since this event is separate. This event will be offered at the juvenile through senior levels. Short Dance Event: This will be a trial event this season. It is offered only for the junior and senior levels and will not count towards the skaters point accumulations. NOTE: Your club has the option of choosing which event or events they wish to include within their competition Why Should Your Club Competition Participate in the Series? Encourages skaters to ice dance Gives skaters another avenue for participation in figure skating Gives skaters opportunity to be competitive in solo dance events Retains skaters in the sport Helps revitalize nonqualifying competitions and increases entries Great source of additional revenue for clubs* *Note: there may be additional expenses of bringing in ice dance judges check the qualifications of your current officials** How Can Your Club Become a Series Participating Competition in the Series? If your club competition occurs between January 1, 2013 August 18, 2013 your event is eligible to be a participating Series competition Link to register as a participating Series competition: http://fs12.formsite.com/usfsait/2013solodancecompetition/ index.html Deadline to register as a participating competition is Nov. 25, 2012 at Midnight (MST) For more information, contact: Brenda Glidewell, bglidewell@usfigureskating.org Mary-Elizabeth Wightman, Chair, Program Development at marye81@mac.com Point Accumulation and Standings: Points are awarded in accordance to the skater s final, overall placement at each participating competition Skater s highest placement at a maximum of 3 competitions is used for their total point accumulation Skaters points are tracked throughout the Solo Dance Series season The top 8 skaters earning the most points in each division and section in solo pattern dance and combined solo free dance will qualify to advance to the National Solo Dance Championships (NSDC). 4
National Solo Dance Championships Each level at NSDC is split into two qualifying rounds National Solo Dance Championships The top six finishers in each qualifying round advance to the Championship round The skaters placement in the championship round only will determine their final placement overall. Solo Dance Series Participation Totals High School Skating and Competitions 2010-11 Solo Dance Series totals: 238 solo pattern dance participants 35 participating Series competitions 2011-12 Solo Dance Series totals: 450 solo pattern dance participants 270 solo free dance participants 76 participating Series competitions High School Skating and Competitions Reasons To Become Involved with High School Skating and Competitions Teams are forming across the country, with some participating in areas that include High School Series competitions and Championships Forming a high school skating club encourages skaters to continue skating throughout high school, eventually bridging into college. Our mission is to provide high school students with the opportunity to represent their schools in competition, while developing their skills in the sport of figure skating. Our goal is to have high school figure skating programs in all 50 states. We are currently exploring the possibility of adding a national high school final Helps athletes gain recognition for their sport and provides them with the opportunity to be part of a team. 5
Forming a High School Team Start at the Local Club Determine if there is interest for a high school team in your area. Ask coaches to help identify high school age skaters Post sign-up sheet at the rink to capture interested skaters info Ask local clubs to identify high school skating members Ask members of your club to help spread the word Hold a meeting for all interested skaters Forming a High School Team School Rules Governing Clubs Find out school rules governing clubs at the high school before submitting a proposal Who may be in charge: parent, skater, or teacher Membership criteria Does the club have to meet regularly during school year? How finances are handled? Club code of conduct Find out how long it takes to acquire club status Work towards identifying a permanent faculty advisor to secure the future of the club. Drafting a Proposal Submit a formal written proposal to athletic director, principal, activities committee and/or school board Ask students and parents write letters or emails: Provide skaters at your school with addressed, stamped envelopes and a sample letter or sample email Attend school board meetings and address the school board; if necessary Set up meetings with school administration Have interested skaters, parents and members of the figure skating community sign a petition High School Club Duties Once Formed Once club is approved and formed, club leaders hold meeting with student skaters with discussion on: Club Rules Competition and meeting dates Competition rules Participation and competition costs Deadlines for fees and paperwork Procedure to secure School Affiliated Club Membership with U.S. Figure Skating For more information on High School Skating: Visit the High School Programs page at: http://www.usfigureskating.org/programs.asp?id=67 Dorothy Tank, National Vice Chair for School Programs, datank7@gmail.com Brenda Glidewell bglidewell@usfigureskating.org Graduating Seniors Program Graduating Seniors Program Application process: Recognizes individual figure skaters graduating from high school who continued their involvement and training in figure skating while maintaining their academic pursuits. Applicants are awarded certificates based upon their highest skating achievement during high school. Certificates and award materials are sent with the intent of these materials being presented to the skater during a school function or recognition opportunity. U.S. Figure Skating also publishes the names of the recipients by certificate award level in SKATING magazine. To be considered for this award, applicants must complete an online application on or before March 1 st of their senior year in high school. The Graduating Seniors application is available on the Graduating Seniors Program page http://www.usfsa.org/programs.asp?id=494, which is found on the High School programs page If skaters wish to use this award designation on college applications, they can apply prior to March 1 st and notify us for processing. Parents and Club representatives can also apply on behalf of the skaters Clubs can receive a list of Graduating Seniors awardees in the Spring. 6
Graduating Seniors Program Level Criteria: PLATINUM LEVEL International competitor in singles, pairs, ice dancing, synchronized skating U.S. Championships competitor in singles, pairs, ice dancing U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships competitor at the novice, junior, senior levels GOLD LEVEL U.S. Junior Figure Skating Championships competitor in singles, pairs or ice dancing Sectional championships competitor in singles at the novice level or above U.S. Synchronized Championships competitor at the intermediate level Gold medalist in free skate, pairs, ice dancing and/or moves in the field SILVER LEVEL Nation's Cup Theatre On Ice competitor Sectional competitor in pairs, ice dancing, synchronized skating at the intermediate level or above Regional championships competitor Dance tests passed at the silver through pre-gold levels Free skate, pairs, moves-in-the-field tests passed at the juvenile through junior levels BRONZE LEVEL National Showcase competitor National Theatre On Ice competitor National Solo Dance competitor Dance tests passed at the preliminary through pre-silver levels Free skate, pairs, moves-in-the-field tests passed at the pre-preliminary through pre-juvenile levels Feedback from Participants I am so happy to receive this award. It is also for my mom who has taken me to the skate rink in the early morning last 13 years. Without her help, I don't think I would be awarded. (Gold awardee) Thank you for honoring Lauren in such a memorable way. She has worked hard for her accomplishments and intends to continue skating while at school at Michigan State University. (Gold awardee) We are absolutely THRILLED with Katie's achievement! How wonderful to be recognized by U.S. Figure Skating - a program that has been so beneficial to her in so many ways. What a tremendous honor. Thank you. (Bronze awardee) Graduating Seniors Program Graduating Seniors Recipients 2008 57 Recipients 2009 56 Recipients 2010 59 Recipients 2011 248 Recipients 2012 481 Recipients Collegiate Skating Opportunities Intercollegiate Team Skating U.S. Collegiate Figure Skating Championships Collegiate Synchronized Skating Collegiate Membership 4-year U.S. Figure Skating membership Carries the same privileges and benefits as a regular full membership Testing and competing eligibility SKATING Magazine Great graduation gift opportunity for parents, coaches, and clubs Presentable at spring ice show, banquets, and competitions 7
Collegiate Membership FAQ Can it be extended if the student is in school longer than four years? No If the student switches schools, does that affect the membership? No, the membership is attached to the club, not the college or university Can it be transferred between clubs? Yes, but only once during the four year period Does it have to be purchased the first year of study? No, it can be purchased at any point during the student s collegiate studies Icemen Network The Icemen Network is a social network developed to help unify and encourage the male members of U.S. Figure Skating to continue their involvement in skating through peer support discussions occurring during a series of network conference calls. The Icemen Network is available to all male skaters, ages 10 years, who have passed at least the preliminary test This Icemen Network gives these male skaters the opportunity to ask some of our elite male skaters questions they have often wondered about. For example: How do they train? What was their biggest obstacle? How did they deal with pressure at school? When did they begin skating? Mark Ladwig served as the moderator on the 2012 Icemen Network calls and was joined by various elite skaters, including Ben Agosto, Rockne Brubaker, John Coughlin, Armin Mahbanoozadeh, Colin McManus, Ross Miner, Ryan Bradley and Douglas Razzano. Icemen Network The 2013 Icemen Network will consist of a series of four conference calls occurring between April 2013 and October 2013 at 8:00pm EST, dates TBD. REGISTRATION FEE FOR THE 2013 ICEMEN NETWORK: $15.00 This fee includes exclusive access to the four conference calls and a T- shirt. To register as a participant of the 2013 Icemen Network, please visit: http://fs12.formsite.com/usfsait/icemen2013/index.html For more information on Icemen Network: Mary-Elizabeth Wightman, Chair, Program Development Committee at marye81@me.com. Brenda Glidewell bglidewell@usfigureskating.org Icemen Sectional Series NEW PROGRAM for 2013-14 Season This is a competition series for male skaters at the no test, pre-preliminary, preliminary and pre-juvenile levels. Each section will have a series of six (6) competitions (2 per region) Skaters will be allowed to compete in as many competitions as they wish, but only their top two scores will count towards their point accumulation PURPOSE: Historically, it is a challenge to find competitions containing high numbers of male competitors. This can discourage many male skaters from competing. When male skaters compete against one another, they have an opportunity to make new friends and feel part of a community of their peers. THE ICEMEN SECTIONAL SERIES WILL: Connect / unify male skaters Help increase entries by male skaters in competitions Widen their competitive experience Icemen Sectional Series SEASON: Competition season will run from March September. At the conclusion of the season, the winners in each section will receive a medal in the mail. Competitions occurring within the March-September season timeframe can apply to be a part of the Icemen Sectional Series each year. Competitions will rotate from year to year to make it most fair. Details will be sent soon regarding this new program REGISTRATION FEE FOR THE 2013 ICEMEN SECTIONAL SERIES: $25.00 This fee includes Icemen Network conference call membership and an Icemen t-shirt. More information and registration forms will be available soon For more information on Icemen Sectional Series Contact: Mary-Elizabeth Wightman, Chair, Program Development Committee at marye81@me.com. Brenda Glidewell, bglidewell@usfigureskating.org For more information contact: U.S. Figure Skating Programs Director Brenda Glidewell (719) 635-5200 x436 bglidewell@usfigureskating.org 8