2016 Season Try-Out Information

2015 - 2016 Season Try-Out Information

Welcome to Chicago Skates try-outs! Returning for another great season? Great! Considering becoming a part of our program for the first time? We would love to have you join us! Our synchronized skating program has over a 30 year tradition of involving skaters in a team sport that builds character, cooperation and commitment as well as skating skills. Skating in this organization is based on fun and learning. We want every skater to look forward to practice, work hard and take pride in their efforts and successes. In the process, the skaters will learn how to be creative, confident, and work toward a common goal. The team will also provide individuals with opportunities to lead, as well as to support their fellow skaters. For those who are new to the sport, synchronized skating continues to be one of the most popular disciplines in figure skating. It is already a successful collegiate sport at many colleges and universities across the country, including Northwestern University here in the Chicago area. The sport is similar to synchronized swimming, in that a team of skaters perform a program in unison. The programs include elements such as intersections, circles, lines, wheels, blocks and creative elements. The objective is to blend skating elements such as footwork and jumps and spins into these formations, so that the skaters look like one unit as they perform. It is truly a spectacular sport to watch and participate in. The coaching staff is looking forward to a fun 2015-2016 season and has ambitious goals for our future skaters. We hope to offer an opportunity for every skater that has an interest in synchronized skating. From our Beginner teams, that compete mostly locally, to our higher level teams that have more out of state travel, we provide a team opportunity for most ages and ability levels. We ask that you look through the following information regarding the commitments that skaters and their families must make to the program once they are accepted to our Chicago Skates family. Each skater is a valuable member of our team, but for our program to be successful, all skaters must meet their agreed upon responsibilities. Please carefully review this packet before try-outs and feel free to look at our website www.ChicagoSkates.org or email any questions to the Skating Director. [email protected] See you at try-outs! Chicago Skates Coaching Staff

“Like” us on Facebook – Chicago Skates Follow us on Twitter - @ChicagoSkates Follow us on Instagram - @ChicagoSkates_SST Coaching Staff Our staff’s coaching philosophy is that the work we do as a team will translate to valuable life lessons. The Chicago Skates coaching staff is committed to building better skaters on the ice, in order to build better youths off the ice. Our knowledgeable and committed coaches will teach you the skills in a program, to compete at your highest level and to learn from the experience. We are dedicated to the growth of the Chicago Skates organization, the Windy City FSC, and the sport of synchronized skating.

Jessica Burbano - Coach Jessica has been coaching synchronized skating teams at McFetridge for the past four seasons. Jessica skated for the Chicago Skates from 2002-2009. Upon graduating from Robert Morris University she decided to come back to the ice and begin coaching for the program that taught her so much. Jessica has eleven years of competitive figure skating experience in USFS and ISI. She brings the energy and desire to work with our teams by challenging them with choreography and basic skills concepts.

Liz Hill – Coach Liz has coached synchronized skating teams at McFetridge Sports Center for 7 years, three seasons with USFS teams, three seasons with the ISI Youth Skating team, and last year with Beginner 1 and 2 levels in USFS. Coach Liz holds a PSA Certified Rating in MIF and has three USFS Gold Medals: Freestyle, Moves in the Field and Ice Dance. She brings a unique perspective to synchro with her wealth of ice dance and freestyle experience, and strives to improve the posture and edges of our skaters.

Kathryn Janik – Rated by the Professional Skaters Association (PSA), Coach Janik continues her growth and knowledge of the International Judging System through seminars, reading, national conferences and networking at international competitions. Janik was a member of the Chicago Skates from 1990-2004 and she skated Synchro competitively at the regional and national level. She joined the coaching staff in 2002, coaching the Intermediate and Open Juvenile teams. This past season she led our Open Juvenile team to a Silver Medal podium placement out of 30 teams at the Midwestern Sectional Championships, and a Gold Medal placement at the Swan Synchro Skate Championship Gold Round.

Kathy Murphy – Coach Kathy laid her synchro roots back in 1988, when she taught a synchro skills class at McFetridge. She eventually turned the class into a competitive synchro team and continued coaching Chicago Skates teams for 20 years. After taking a 2 years hiatus from coaching, Kathy came out of retirement for the 2011-2012 season, to coach the ISI Junior Youth Formation team and now coaches our Beginner 1 and Beginner 2 teams. Coach Kathy started the Chicago Skates Scholarship Fund and continues to manage and award money to Chicago Skates families that are in need.

Shaheen Kazmi - Coach Shaheen brings 12 years of synchronized skating experience to the program, as well as being a double USFS Gold Medalist in MIF and Ice Dance, Novice freestyle skater, and working towards completing her International-Level ice dances. A former Chicago Skates member herself from 1998-2009, Coach Shaheen continued skating at the collegiate level at Miami University in Oxford, OH, where she competed at the USFS Junior and Senior level both nationally, and internationally. She helped the team earn 2 National Silver medals, and a National Bronze medal. She also earned the honor to represent the United States as Team USA 2 at two ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships. After graduating from Miami in May 2013, Coach Shaheen sought to pursue coaching with Chicago Skates as a means of giving back to the organization that developed her fundamentals for Synchro in hopes to grow, challenge, and inspire the future generation of synchronized skaters, both on and off the ice.

Kimberly Palumbo – This is Coach Kim’s 9th year coaching Synchro with Chicago Skates. This past season, she led our Pre Juvenile team in 4th place in the final round at Midwestern Sectional Championships in Minnesota and to a 1st place finish in the Gold Round at the Swan Synchro Skate in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin! Coach Kim has been coaching group lessons and private instruction for individual skaters both competitive and recreational in ISI and USFS for 23 years. She has choreographed for over a decade for ices shows and individual skaters and also completed her CER B tests through the PSA (Professional Skater’s Association) and continues her education. Coach Kim has many talents on and off ice, training skaters. She has taught off ice classes to help advance her private skaters and also in the skating program. Her love for the sport and her dedication, keeps the spirit alive not only her team but also in the individual skater. Try-Outs

Where: McFetridge Sports Center 3843 N. California Chicago, IL 60618 773-478-2609

When: Wednesday, April 29, 2015 *Age: Based on skater’s age as of July 1st, 2015*

Age 11 + // Passed Delta // No MIF 5:00 – 6:00 pm.

Age <13 // Pre-Preliminary and above 6:00 – 7:00 pm.

Age 13 + // Pre-Preliminary – Pre Juvenile MIF 7:15 – 8:15 pm.

Age 13 + // Passed Pre – Juvenile MIF and above 8:15 – 9:30 pm.

Thursday, April 30, 2015 *Age: Based on skater’s age as of July 1st, 2015*

Age 6-8 // Passed Beta 5:15 – 6:00 pm.

Age 9 & 10 // Passed Delta // No MIF 6:00 - 6:55 pm.

*To determine which time slot you are eligible to try out for, please read the Requirements and Try-out Skills on the following pages. *Skaters will be evaluated based on age and level, and placed on the team applicable to their skills and age.

Try-Out Registration Fee

Pre-Registration: $25.00 per skater Late Registration: $35.00 per skater

-Pre-Register at the MSC Business Office by 5pm on Wednesday, April 15, 2015. Cash or Credit accepted

-Fill out the form completely and accurately—FORM MUST INCLUDE LEGIBLE EMAIL ADDRESS

 Please be prepared to include USFS number, if already a member

 *IMPORTANT* Please be prepared to include MIF levels passed, if applicable

Team Results *NEW PROCESS*

Placement for each skater for the 2015-2016 season will be emailed to all skaters/parents on Tuesday, May 5th. Please make sure a current email address is printed clearly on the try out form. Families are asked to respond to that email with their Decision of Intent by Friday, May 8th. Finalized rosters will be posted on the trophy case windows in the lobby of the arena on Tuesday, May 12th. Introductory Teams Requirements & Try-Out Skills

Age 6-8 / Passed Beta Try-Out Time: Thursday, April 30th 5:15-6:00 pm

Open to skaters meeting the following minimum requirements: - All skaters must be at least 6 years old and in Gamma or above - Must be currently taking a McFetridge group class or private skating lessons - No previous team experience is necessary

Skaters will be evaluated on the following skills: - Strong forward & backward pumps (L & R) - Snow Plow Stop - Forward & backward crossovers (L & R) - Forward Outside Edge 1-foot glides - Spirals - Forward Inside Edge 1-foot glides - Forward lunges - 2-Foot turns forward to backward, backward to forward Skaters will also be evaluated on the following: - The ability to learn and follow instructions - The ability to skate and work well with others

Age 9 & 10 / Passed Delta / No MIF Try-Out Time: Thursday, April 30th 6:00-6:55 pm

Open to skaters meeting the following minimum requirements: - All skaters must be at least 9 years old and in Freestyle 1 or above - Must be currently taking a McFetridge group class or private skating lessons - Previous team experience not required, but recommended

Skaters will be evaluated on the following skills: - Strong forward & backward crossovers - Outside & Inside 3-turns (L & R) - Mohawks on a circle - Spirals - Alternating Mohawks - T-Stops - Forward and backward lunges - Power 3-turns - Basic Skills Drills (Taught at Workshop) - Basic Step Sequence (Taught at Workshop) - 2-Foot Spin - Half Flip Jump

Skaters will also be evaluated on the following: - The ability to learn and follow instructions - The ability to skate and work well with others

Developmental Teams Requirements & Try-Out Skills

Age 11+ / Passed Delta/No MIF Try-Out Time: Wednesday, April 29th 5:00-6:00 pm

Open to skaters meeting the following minimum requirements: - All skaters must be at least 11 years old, and in Freestyle 1 or above - Must be working on the Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field test or higher - Must be working on the Preliminary Ice Dances - Must be currently taking a McFetridge group class or private skating lessons - Previous synchronized team skating experience is strongly recommended

Skaters will be evaluated on the following skills: - Strong forward & backward crossovers (L & R) - T-Stops & Tango Stops (“Front T”) - Forward & backward Power Pulls - Outside & Inside 3-turns (L & R) - Mohawks - 135° “Heel Stretch” Spirals & Spread Eagles - Forward & backward lunges - Single Twizzles - Power 3 Turns - Double 3 Turns: Inside/Outside Fwd & Bkwd

Skaters will also be evaluated on the following: - The ability to learn and follow instructions - Strength & Speed - The ability to skate and work well with others - Rhythm & Presentation

Age <13/ Pre-Prelim and above MIF Try-Out Time: Wednesday, April 29th 6:00-7:00 pm

Open to skaters meeting the following minimum requirements: - All skaters must be 12 years old or younger and have passed the Pre-Preliminary MIF test. - Must be working on the Preliminary Ice Dances. Pre-Bronze or higher strongly recommended. - Must be currently taking a McFetridge group class or private skating lessons - Previous synchronized team skating experience is strongly recommended

Skaters will be evaluated on the following skills: - Strong Forward & Backward Crossovers - Single Twizzles: Fwd Inside & Bkwd Outside,R&L - Double 3-turns: Inside/Outside; Fwd & Bkwd - Brackets and Choctaws - Ina Bauers and Spread Eagles - Spirals Fwd & Back, Inside & Outside Edge - Tango Stops (Front “T”) - Lunges Forward & Backward - 135° “Heel Stretch” Spirals - Combination Spins

Skaters will also be evaluated on the following: - The ability to learn and execute steps in a timely manner - Strength & Speed - The ability to skate and work well with others - Edge Quality - Posture, Poise, Extension & Flexibility - Rhythm, Presentation, Expression

Skaters trying out for these teams will not be expected to execute every maneuver perfectly, but they are expected to attempt each maneuver to the best of their ability. Skaters will be asked to execute these skills individually and in team formations (circles, lines and blocks). Advanced Teams Requirements & Try-Out Skills 4 of 5 competitions require out-of-state travel, with overnight stays at hotels. For the Dr. Porter Classic (December), skaters may be required to miss 1 day of school. For the Midwestern Sectional Championship (January), skaters will be required to miss 2-3 days of school.

Age 13+ / Pre-Preliminary – Pre-Juv MIF Time: Wednesday, April 29th 7:15 – 8:15 pm

Open to skaters meeting the following minimum requirements: - Must be in Freestyle 3 and above and taking a MSC group class or private lessons - Must have passed the Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field test - Must be working on the Preliminary Ice Dances - Previous synchronized team skating experience is strongly recommend

Skaters will be evaluated on the following skills: (Drill patterns will be taught at Workshop) - Strong Forward & Backward Crossovers - Single Twizzles: Fwd Inside & Bkwd Outside,R&L - Double 3-turns: Inside/Outside; Fwd & Bkwd - Brackets and Choctaws - Ina Bauers and Spread Eagles - Spirals Fwd & Back, Inside & Outside Edge - Tango Stops (Front “T”) - Lunges Forward & Backward

Age 13+ / Passed Pre-Juvenile MIF Try-Out Time: Wednesday, April 29th 8:15 – 9:30 pm

Open to skaters meeting the following minimum requirements: - Must be in Freestyle 4 or 5 and above and taking a MSC group class or private lessons - Must be 17 years or younger as of July 1, 2015 - Must pass the Pre-Juvenile Moves in the Field test by December 1, 2015 - Must be working on the Preliminary Ice Dances. Pre-Bronze or higher strongly recommended. - Previous synchronized team skating experience is strongly recommended

Skaters will be evaluated on the following skills: (Drill patterns will be taught at Workshop) - Strong Forward & Backward Crossovers - 135° “Heel Stretch” Spirals - Tango Stops (Front “T”) - Double 3-turns: Inside/Outside; Fwd & Bkwd - Combination and Flying Spins - Twizzles: 1 ½ and Double R & L feet - Ina Bauers and Spread Eagles (Outside Edge) - Chocktaws: Back Outside to Fwd Inside R & L - Hydroblades & Shoot-the-Duck - Brackets: Inside/Outside; Fwd & Bkwd - Fwd Change of Edge Spirals: Leg height at 120° - Rockers & Counters: In/Outside; Fwd & Bkwd

Skaters trying out for these teams will not be expected to execute every maneuver perfectly, but they are expected to attempt each maneuver to the best of their ability, Skaters will be asked to execute these skills individually and in team formations (circles, lines, blocks). Tentative Season Information **Team levels and fees subject to change** Beginner 1 Team * Mostly local competitions, travel to 1 out-of-state competition that may require an overnight stay in a hotel and may require missing 1 day of school.

Practice Schedule Summer Thursday: On Ice: 5:00 – 6:00 pm (Shared with B2. Not required but encouraged)

Fall-Spring Saturday: On Ice: 8:00 – 8:45 am Off Ice: 8:50 – 9:30 am

Dues $450.00 *Covers 45 min of ice time a week, 40 min of off-ice, coaching, competition entry fees (4 competitions), and charter bus transportation for the skaters, for one travel competition.

Additional Expenses Practice Attire (Dress & Sweatshirt) Approx. $50-$80 Required Transpack Skate bag (Embroidery Optional) $26 - $40 *NEW* Competition Dress & Tights Approx. $125-$175 Make-Up & Miscellaneous Fees $50 Team Jammin Jacket (Suggested, not required) Approx $135 Extra ice time (for summer and throughout the season) Transportation to/from competitions Lodging for skater/parent at one travel competition to Ann Arbor, MI

Beginner 2 Team * Mostly local competitions, travel to 2 out-of-state competitions that may require an overnight stay in a hotel and may require missing 1 day of school.

Practice Schedule (*Subject to change) Summer Thursday: On Ice: 5:00 – 6:00 pm

Fall-Spring Thursday: On Ice: 5:15 – 6:15 pm Off Ice: 6:20 – 6:45 pm Dues $450.00 *Covers 1 hour of ice time a week (partially shared), one ½ hour of off-ice; coaching; competition entry fees (5 competitions); and charter bus transportation for the skaters, for one travel competition. Additional Expenses Practice Attire (Dress & Fleece) Approx. $50-$80 Required Transpack Skate bag (Embroidery Optional) $26 - $40 *NEW* Competition Dress & Tights Approx. $125-$175 Make-Up & Miscellaneous Fees $75 Team Jammin Jacket (Suggested, not required) Approx. $135 Extra ice time (for summer and throughout the season) Transportation to/from competitions Lodging for skater/parent at two travel competitions Pre-Juvenile Team

*Mostly out-of-state travel, with overnight stays at hotels. For the Dr. Porter Classic (December), skaters may be required to miss 1 day of school. For the Midwestern Sectional Championship (January), skaters will be required to miss 2-3 days of school

Practice Schedule

Summer Thursday: On Ice: 5:00 – 6:00 pm

Fall-Spring Thursday: On Ice: 5:40 – 6:55 pm Off Ice: 7:05 – 8:00 pm

*Likely to add additional practices, when needed. Possibly at other rinks.

Dues $725.00 *Covers 1 hour 15 min min of ice time a week (partially shared), 1 hour of off-ice, coaching, competition entry fees (4 competitions), and charter bus transportation for the skaters, for one travel competition.

Expenses Practice Attire (Dress & Fleece) Approx. $50-$80 Competition Dress Approx. $275 Tights $30 Team Jammin Jacket $145 *NEW Additional Fees for Miscellaneous Expenses $150 - Make-up / Hair Supplies - Unofficial Practice Ice at competitions - Extra Ice Time at MSC or other rinks, when needed - Team Events: Boot Camp, Team Building, Banquet - Team Registrations - Competition Photos and Ads - Miscellaneous extra fees - Will be collected on a monthly schedule, explained at parents meeting - Fundraising allowed and strongly encouraged to cover additional fees amount.

Additional Expenses Black Leggings Transportation to/from competitions Lodging for skater/parent at competitions Skate Maintenance, guards, etc. Equipment (skates, blades, skate maintenance) *IMPORTANT* Skater/Parent transportation to/from Midwestern Sectionals (January) -Portland, Oregon.

Juvenile Team *Mostly out-of-state travel, with overnight stays at hotels. For the Dr. Porter Classic (December), skaters may be required to miss 1 day of school. For the Midwestern Sectional Championship (January), skaters will be required to miss 2-3 days of school.

Practice Schedule Summer Wednesday: Off Ice: 3:30 – 4:15 pm On Ice: 4:30 – 5:30 pm

Fall-Spring Monday: Off Ice: 6:30 – 7:20 pm On Ice: 7:35 – 8: 35 pm

Thursday: Off Ice: 5:00 – 6:00 pm *NEW*

*Likely to add additional practices, when needed. Possibly at other rinks. Dues $800.00 *Covers 1 hr of ice time a week, 2 hours of off-ice practice; coaching; lodging for coaches at competitions; competition entry fees (4 out-of-state & one local competition); charter bus transportation where applicable; lodging for bus driver at competition; skate laces/tape.

Expenses Practice Attire (leotard, wrap skirt, athletic shirt, fleece jacket) Approx. $120 Competition Dress Approx. $275 Tights $30 Team Jammin Jacket $145 Season Team Shirt $25 RECOMMENDED Transpack Skate bag (Embroidery Optional) $26 - $40 *NEW* *NEW* Additional Fees for Miscellaneous Expenses $200 - Make-up / Hair Supplies - Unofficial Practice Ice at competitions - Extra Ice Time at MSC or other rinks, when needed - Team Events: Boot Camp, Team Building, Banquet - Team Registrations - Competition Photos and Ads - Miscellaneous extra fees - Will be collected on a monthly schedule, explained at parents meeting - Fundraising allowed and strongly encouraged to cover additional fees amount.

Additional Expenses Black leggings Unofficial Practice Ice at competitions Lodging for skaters and parents at competitions; Parent transportation to/from competitions Equipment (skates, blades, skate maintenance) *IMPORTANT* Skater/Parent transportation to/from Midwestern Sectionals (January) -Portland, Oregon.

*Note* - It is required, per US Figure Skating that skaters have passed Preliminary MIF in order to compete. It is STRONGLY SUGGESTED that skaters have passed Juvenile MIF by the time the competition season begins. Open Juvenile

Practice Schedule Summer Tuesday: On Ice: 7:30-9:00 am

Fall-Spring Sunday: On Ice: 6:00-7:00 am *NEW*

Monday: Off Ice: 5:00-6:00 pm *NEW* *Occasionally may jointly skate during Intermediate’s practice.

*Likely to add additional practices, when needed. Possibly at other rinks. Dues $750.00 *Covers 1 hr of ice time, 1 hour of off-ice a week; coaching; lodging for coaches at competitions; competition entry fees (4 out-of-state & one in-state competition); charter bus transportation where applicable; lodging for bus driver at competition; skate laces/tape. Expenses Practice Attire (leotard, wrap skirt, athletic shirt, fleece jacket) Approx. $120 Competition Dress Approx. $275 Tights $30 Team Jammin Jacket: $145 *NEW* Additional Fees for Miscellaneous Expenses $250 - Make-up / Hair Supplies - Unofficial Practice Ice at competitions - Extra Ice Time at MSC or other rinks, when needed - Team Events: Boot Camp, Team Building, Banquet - Team Registrations - Competition Photos and Ads - Miscellaneous extra fees - Will be collected on a monthly schedule, explained at parents meeting - Fundraising allowed and strongly encouraged to cover additional fees amount.

Additional Expenses Black leggings Lodging for skaters and parents at competitions Parent transportation to/from competitions Equipment (skates, blades, skate maintenance) *IMPORTANT* Skater/Parent transportation to/from Midwestern Sectionals (January) -Portland, Oregon.

*Note* - It is required, per US Figure Skating that skaters have passed Pre-Preliminary MIF in order to compete. It is STRONGLY SUGGESTED that skaters have passed Pre-Juvenile MIF by the time the competition season begins. Intermediate Team *Mostly out-of-state travel, with overnight stays at hotels. For the Dr. Porter Classic (December), skaters may be required to miss 1 day of school. For the Midwestern Sectional Championship (January), skaters will be required to miss 2-3 days of school.

Practice Schedule Summer Tuesday: On Ice: 6:00-7:30 am

Fall-Spring Monday: Off Ice: 7:15-8:15 pm On Ice: 8:30-9:35 pm

Thursday: On Ice: 5:30-6:30 am

Saturday: Off-Ice YOGA 12:15 – 1:15 pm *NEW* Off-Ice Tracking & Guiding 1:15 – 2:15 pm *NEW*

*Likely to add additional practices, when needed. Possibly at other rinks. Dues $850.00 *Covers 2 hours of ice time, 1 hour of instructed Yoga, 2 hours of off-ice a week; coaching; lodging for coaches at competitions; competition entry fees (4 out-of-state & one in-state competition); charter bus transportation where applicable; lodging for bus driver at competition; skate laces/tape.

Expenses Practice Attire (leotard, wrap skirt, athletic shirt, fleece jacket) Approx. $120 Competition Dress Approx. $300 Tights $30 Team Jammin Warm-Up Set $200 *NEW* Additional Fees for Miscellaneous Expenses $250 - Make-up / Hair Supplies - Unofficial Practice Ice at competitions - Extra Ice Time at MSC or other rinks, when needed - Team Events: Boot Camp, Team Building, Banquet - Team Registrations - Competition Photos and Ads - Miscellaneous extra fees - Will be collected on a monthly schedule, explained at parents meeting - Fundraising allowed and strongly encouraged to cover additional fees amount. Additional Expenses Black leggings Non-Skating, competition attire: Black dress pants, Black dress shoes Lodging for skaters and parents at competitions; Parent transportation to/from competitions Equipment (skates, blades, skate maintenance) *IMPORTANT* Skater/Parent transportation to/from Midwestern Sectionals (January) -Portland, Oregon. *Notes* - It is required, per US Figure Skating that skaters have passed Pre-Juvenile MIF. It is STRONGLY SUGGESTED that skaters have passed Intermediate MIF by the time the competition season begins. - Skaters should be advancing in their MIF levels, at least one level/year - Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee you a spot on the team, or on the competition roster. Synchronized Skating at McFetridge Sports Center: Quick Key Facts

US Figure Skating (www.usfigureskating.org - go to Programs, then Synchronized)  National synchronized skating program – there are 530 teams across the U.S.  Program has been in existence for nearly 30 years  Synchronized teams in the US can compete in 16 different levels according to the age and skill level of the skater o Beginner 1,2 or 3 (level based on age): Teams of 8-16 skaters; All ages; No synchro experience o Preliminary, Pre-Juvenile and Open Juvenile: Teams of 8-16 skaters; basic-advanced synchro experience o Juvenile, Intermediate and Novice: Teams of 12-20 skaters; advanced synchro experience o Junior and Senior: Teams of 16 skaters; these are the two most advanced levels in Synchro o Open Collegiate and Collegiate: College aged teams of 8-20 skaters who are Full Time college students o Open Adult and Adult: Teams of 8-20 skaters; 21 years or older o Masters: Teams of 12-20 skaters; Majority 30 years or older  Some team levels compete regionally, nationally and internationally  Teams consist of 8-20 skaters overall  Team levels based on skill level: Stage in “Moves in the Field” tests o Require certain levels to have been passed in order to compete o Can take more than one try to pass each test o Footwork from Moves classes/tests are used in synchro  Elements in synchronized skating include blocks, circles, wheels, lines, intersections, moves in the field, creative elements, no-hold step sequences, spins and pairs moves. With the skaters making the formations by utilizing different holds and steps while skating together as a team. Mission Statement: As the national governing body, the mission of U.S. Figure Skating is to provide programs to encourage participation and achievement in the sport of figure skating on ice. It has a membership of over 140,000 and is the recognized skating organization for the US Olympic Committee (USOC) and International Skating Union (ISU).

Beginner Teams Projecting to field 2 teams in the Beginner levels, under the Chicago Skates name.

Commitment:

 Practices: o Typically 1 time per week, at a consistent time . 45 minutes - 1 hour on the ice . 30 – 45 minutes off the ice . There are extra on-ice practices added throughout the year based on need and are usually shared with one of the other Beginner teams.  Competitive season runs November - February o 3-4 competitions during the season: . 2-3 local competitions with no overnight stay . 1-2 overnight competitions in Michigan o Competition times are weekends usually Friday after school or Saturday or Sunday  Estimated costs per year: o $450 Annual dues paid to the McFetridge Sports Center Business Office o $125-150 Competition dress o $50-200 Team clothing (for returning team skaters this cost is usually on the lower side) o $50 - $75 Additional fees (i.e. hair and make-up costs, national competition practice ice, team building event with the whole organization)

Developmental Teams  Projecting to field 2 teams, under Chicago Skates name

Commitment  Practices are 1-2 times a week at a consistent time o 1 hour on ice / 1-2 hours off ice o A handful of extra mandatory practices during pre-competition season o Occasional extra practices added throughout the year as needed, or as become available.  Practices are year-round, including summer  Competitions are November-February o 5 per season (1-5 hours drive from Chicago) o Bus service provided to most competitions (cost for skater included in fees)  1-2 Local exhibitions a year  Estimated costs per year o $725-800 Annual Dues o $250-275 Costume o $50-200 Team clothing o $150-$200 Additional fees (Collected on a monthly schedule. Can be fundraised.)  Competition times o Mostly on weekends only (Saturday or Sunday): . Often leave Friday late-afternoon/evening o Biggest competition (Midwestern Sectionals) requires Thursday-Saturday . Requires 2 days taken off of school  Elementary/high schools usually very responsive and amenable to student participation o Coaches and US Figure Skating can supply letters to administration in support.

Advanced Teams  Projecting to field 2 teams, under Chicago Skates name

Commitment  Practices are 2 times a week o 1-2 hour on ice / 1-3 hours off ice o A handful of extra mandatory practices during pre-competition season o Occasional extra practices added throughout the year as needed, or as become available.  Practices are year-round, including summer  Competitions are November-February o 5 per season (1-5 hours drive from Chicago) o Bus service provided to most competitions (cost for skater included in fees)  1-3 Local exhibitions a year  Estimated costs per year o $750-850 Annual Dues o $275-300 Costume o $50-200 Team clothing o $250 Additional fees (Collected on a monthly schedule. Can be fundraised)  Competition times o Mostly on weekends only (Saturday or Sunday): . Often leave Friday late-afternoon/evening o Biggest competition (Midwestern Sectionals) requires Thursday-Saturday . Requires 2 days taken off of school  Elementary/high schools usually very responsive and amenable to student participation o Coaches and US Figure Skating can supply letters to administration in support.