Your Group Skating Questions….Answered
In the event of inclement weather, how do I know if a class is cancelled? To check the latest information on Winter Club activities scheduled for our rink, and to check on closings, call the Hotline: 203-966-4280
What type of curriculum does the Winter Club use in their classes? We use the United States Basic Skills program that was created to be the best beginning ice-skating program in the world. It is designed to serve the needs of both recreational and competitive skaters. The curriculum keeps skaters enthusiastic about learning from the time they begin lessons until the time they reach their goals.
How is a skater evaluated? All skaters enrolled in each Group Skating class will be evaluated by the Head Pro during the first full week of the season. The evaluation includes a review of skills leading up to the badge level of each individual class. Badges are the classifying system that we use to teach skating skills in a chronological order. Each badge has a curriculum of 6-10 skills that skaters are required to master before advancing to the next level. There is a possibility that skaters will be transferred based on Pro evaluations.
What is a badge? A badge is a colored patch awarded to a skater upon completion of a level. Each level contains a set of skills designed to build off the previous set.
What is the purpose for testing? The test structure is a ladder of proficiency tests designed to encourage skill development and measure skill mastery. More information is posted on our bulletin board.
How can a skater test out of their level? Whenever the Head Pro for a class feels a skater is ready to be tested, that Pro will sign up and/or contact Christi Jones to schedule the test. There are two evaluators for these tests: Christi Jones and Laura Vescovi. Most tests average around 10 minutes for completion. The evaluator will call out one skill at a time for the skater to perform. Upon completion of the test, the evaluator will offer feedback to the skater. In the event that the evaluator feels the skater needs more work on a particular skill or two, a retest can be scheduled. Those skaters that pass their set of skills are awarded with a badge.
How can I schedule private lessons? Group lessons are a great way to learn basic skating…but you can hire a coach for supplemental or regular private lessons at anytime. See our Important Phone Numbers document on the NCWC website for a list of pro emails and phone numbers. Lessons can be scheduled directly with the pro, and availability for lessons vary with each professional. More information can be found on the website under Documents > Group Skating
Are there any times when a registered skater can practice other than General Sessions? Yes! Skaters registered in any of our Group classes can enjoy practice times Mondays: 5:20-8:30pm, Tuesdays 9:00-9:45am, Wednesday-Friday from 7:00- 8:30am and Saturdays: 7:30-9:00am. Any classes that meet at these times do have the right of way.
What’s up with the annual Competition with Greenwich Skating Club? This year’s competition will take place at the NCWC vs Greenwich Skating Club on Saturday, January 29th. The registration form is usually posted on our website in early December. Skaters have the opportunity to perform a short program to music, and some skaters my even showcase a skill as part of a Maneuver Team. Any of our pros are happy to schedule time to choreograph programs. Skaters will be able to practice their programs during some class time leading up to the competition.
What is the Year-End Show? Once again, we have decided to combine the two shows (Solo/Pairs and Group) into one! For the Solo/Pairs portion of the show, skaters can skate alone, with a partner or with multiple partners to music and routines of their own choices (with the help of Club Pros, if so desired). The Group part of the show is to help demonstrate what was learned during the year in a particular class. The routines and costumes will be choreographed and coordinated by skater’s Class Pros.
What happens at the Year-End Banquet? The Year-End Banquet is a celebration of all the skaters’ achievements throughout the season. All participants are awarded a medal and Head Pros will recognize any stand-out accomplishments. We also hand out several fun awards that the pros vote on in advance. The club’s highest honors are awarded to skaters that have earned points by passing tests throughout the year. The biggest highlight at our banquet is the slideshow. Pictures and short video clips are taken during the season and displayed at this event.
How does a skater earn points? Each US Figure Skating test has a point value. As a skater advances (passes) these tests, the points earned are totaled and our big Merit awards are given to the skater with the most points. Points can be earned in the following disciplines: Free Skate, Moves in the Field, Ice Dance.
What is Synchronized Skating? Synchronized skating is a team sport in which 8-20 skaters perform a program together.
What is Power Skating? Power skating is most often associated with Hockey. It can be a class or series of drills relating to skating: maximizing power and control, turning/pivoting, stopping/starting, balance and body awareness.
What is Moves in the Field? Moves in the field is a name given to elements of figure skating that emphasize basic skating skill and edge control. In the context of a competitive program, 'moves in the field' include spirals, spread eagles, Ina Bauers, hydroblading, and similar extended edge moves
What is Ice Dancing? Ice dancing is a discipline of figure skating that draws from ballroom dancing. In compulsory dance, skaters perform the same standard steps and holds to music of a specified tempo.
What does USFSA and PSA stand for? USFSA: United States Figure Skating Association (Colorado Springs, CO) PSA: Professional Skaters Association (Rochester, MN)
How do I tie skates? Tie skates from the toes up through the bottom hooks and lace them looser as you progress to the top hooks to provide for enough circulation and appropriate ankle flexibility. Try to avoid wrapping laces around ankles as this limits mobility. The fit should be snug, with the lacing pattern constant from toe to ankle. When you push your foot forward to touch your toe to the end of the skate, if you can put a finger inside the skate between the back of your foot and end of your skate, it is too big.
It is not always necessary to buy new skates, especially when first learning to skate. Used skates can be a great bargain...if you know what to look for. If you are unsure of the quality of a pair of used skates, please ask the skating director or your instructor for some tips.
How do I link my skater’s schedule to my own calendar (iCal, Outlook and Google Calendar)? These steps should help you do this: 1. Under the All Programs tab, choose a team, pick Group Skating and finally the class. On left side of the screen, navigate to a Class Schedule page within the site. 2. Once on the Schedule page, click Options in the top right corner of the page and then click “Calendar Feed”. Finally, in the modal that opens up, click on the calendar program you use. This will open the feed address in your calendar program. You can also right click on the icon, copy the link and paste it into the calendar application of your choice.