Welcome to the 2012-13 skating season!
The exhilaration, fun and beauty of skating can be shared by all, even those who have never skated before. The Yale Figure Skating Club (YFSC) welcomes adults and children of all skill levels. Basic Skills classes are appropriate for recreational and hockey skaters who want to improve skating skills. If you are a more experienced figure skater, come to one of our MFD sessions where you can practice Moves in the field, Freestyle and Dance. For intermediate skaters we are offering a bridge program as well as group dance lessons.

Join us
You may join the Yale Figure Skating Club and skate at our sessions by filling out the registration forms and paying the required session fees and dues. See the section on membership for information on how to enroll and for information about club and national dues. Dues cover membership for the entire year. Session fees are charged by term and are listed with the information about each session.

This year, sessions are divided into two terms, fall and spring. The Club calendar details regular sessions and exceptions. Please visit this home page of this website for last-minute cancellation notices and announcements, or call the Club’s voice mail at 203-432-1233.

We skate at Ingalls Rink (the Yale Whale), located at the corner of Prospect and Sachem Streets in New Haven, CT. The telephone number at the rink is (203-432-0876. For information about the Club, call (203-432-1233, or contact one of the Club officers.

This brochure is designed to acquaint you with figure skating and the skating program of the YFSC. Please read it carefully and feel free to contact any of the officers if you have questions.

Other opportunities for skating instruction and recreation, not connected with YFSC, are provided at Ingalls Rink through Yale University. See the Ingalls Rink web site for further information.

1. Basic Skills Sessions for beginning skaters
   The U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills program is designed to teach the fundamentals of figure skating to those who have not figure skated before. Parents of very young children (3–5 years old) should refer to the Snowplow Sam sessions described below. Others begin by joining one or more of the Basic Skills classes.
   
   Basic Skills Sessions (Prices are for the 14-week fall term.)

   Session	Fee	Time	Activities
   Saturday	$280	9:45am–10:15am	Group lessons
   		10:15am–10:45am	Practice & private lessons
   Sunday	$280	4:00pm–4:30pm	Group lessons
   		4:30pm–5:00pm	Practice & private lessons

   Qualifications: Skater must be able to stand on two skates, unaided. Must be at least five years old or have passed Snowplow Sam level 2.

   Our Basic Skills sessions offer lessons for skaters from school age through adult. Children and youth progress through the Basic Eights curriculum; for adults there are four levels. Details are contained in the Basic Skills Record Book that skaters receive when they join a session, and also on the Basic 8's pdf file.

   Each session includes a group lesson, and all include practice time. During the lessons, skaters are divided into groups depending on their age and skill level. All groups are kept small enough so that each skater receives personal attention from the coach. Lessons focus on learning how to move, stop, turn, skate gracefully, and feel confident on the ice. Our goals are for skaters to have fun while they learn, and to enjoy the challenge of the sport and the company of other club members. Many skaters take private lessons during the practice time.

   Please note: There are no makeup sessions to compensate for absences. Saturday and Sunday sessions are not interchangeable.

2. Snowplow Sam sessions for preschool children. (14 weeks)

   Saturday	9:45am –10:45am	$280
   Sunday	4:00pm – 5:00pm	$280

   Qualifications: For beginners, ages 3–5. Many preschool children are determined to skate, especially when they see older family members taking lessons. The U.S. Figure Skating Snowplow Sam Curriculum is based on the special needs of preschoolers. Stories, games, and circle exercises are used to teach basic coordination and skills. All Snowplow Sam skaters must wear helmets. See the section on clothing and equipment.
   
   On Sunday, children must be at least 4 years old. They attend the lessons without a parent and must stay in the designated area at all times.
   
   On Saturday, each child must be accompanied by a parent (who must also join YFSC and USFSA). The registered Parent must be able to skate forward and stop safely.  An inexperienced skating parent must also wear a helmet  (as in our Adult 1 classes). Lessons are designed to teach the children and also to teach the parent how to help the child learn. Teacher, parents, and children stay at one end of the ice for the whole hour.
   
   A parent who cannot skate forward and stop can join our adult lessons for several weeks prior to bringing the young child on the ice.
   
   

3. Bridge Class for advancing skaters. (14 weeks)
   

   A skater nearing completion of the basic levels is ready to begin learning one or more of the fundamental disciplines of figure skating, described briefly below. This may be done through group lessons offered in the Bridge program or by arranging for private or small group lessons with a skating coach and enrolling in a combined MFD-session.
   

   Skaters may subscribe to the Bridge lesson while they are working on Basic badges 5 through 8 or Adult 3 or 4. However they are expected to remain enrolled in a Basic session also, until they complete the Basic Skills program.

   Bridge lesson only (basic subscribers)

   Sunday 5:10pm–5:40pm

   $182

   Skaters who have completed basic Badge 8 or Adult 4 may enroll in both the Bridge lesson and in one or more MFD sessions.
   

   Optional lesson (MFD-1 subscribers)

   Sunday 5:10pm–5:40pm

   $84

   Disciplines of Figure Skating

   • Moves in the Field are patterns of basic stroking, steps and turns which form the foundation for freestyle and dance.
   • Freestyle skating refers to spins, jumps and choreographed programs skated to music. Skaters may earn Free Skate badges in the USFS Basic Skills program.
   • Ice Dance consists of a number of set patterns of graded difficulty, each of which has a particular rhythm (e.g., waltz, foxtrot, tango) and a set sequence of steps. Dances may be skated solo or with a partner. Skaters may earn Dance badges in the USFS Basic Skills program.
   • Synchronized Skating is a team sport in which 8–20 skaters perform a choreographed program to music. Skaters perform skating steps in unision and create a series of formations. Skaters may earn Synchronized Team badges in the USFS Basic Skills program.
     
     
4. Ice Dance Class (14 weeks)
   

   Small group lessons offered for skaters who have learned good stroking and edge control. For skaters who have completed Basic–6 or Adult–2.

   Dance lesson only (basic subscribers)	Sunday 5:40pm–6:10pm	$182
   Optional lesson (MFD-1 subscribers)	Sunday 5:40pm–6:10pm	$84

   
   
5. MFD Sessions for more advanced skaters.
   Combined sessions are intended for skaters working on Moves in the Field, Freestyle, and/or Dance (MFD).

   Saturday MFD	8:15am – 9:35am	14 weeks	$261
   Saturday 30–minutes	9:05am – 9:35am	14 weeks	$98
   Sunday   MFD-1	5:10pm – 6:10pm	14 weeks	$196
   Sunday   MFD-2	6:20pm – 7:20pm	14 weeks	$196
   Sunday   MFD-3	7:30pm – 8:30pm	14 weeks	$196
   Sunday add 30–minutes	6:50pm – 7:20pm	14 weeks	$98

   Enrollments for the MFD sessions are kept small so that the rink is a safe place for faster skating, jumps, dance footwork, and various moves. All skaters on MFD-1 are expected to be especially cautious; double jumps and fast-moving, high level skating are not appropriate on that session.

   Skaters may arrange for private or small group instruction during these sessions. Skaters may request that their music be played according to rules set by the session chair. (The designated skater must wear a brightly colored vest.)   In addition, social dance program music will be played at the MFD-3 session.

   Qualifications: Skaters on the MFD sessions should be able to skate forward and backward with confidence, be comfortable turning front-to-back and back-to-front, and have mastered stopping. They should be experienced enough to feel secure near others who are skating fast and to keep a safe distance from them. The YFSC reserves the right to determine if a skater's abilities are appropriate to the session, regardless of test level.

6. Synchronized Skating with Team Esprit
   Team Esprit, sponsored by the Hamden Figure Skating Association, has several teams for skaters age 7 and above and welcomes YFSC members. Further information is available on Team Esprit's website at www.teamesprit.com.
   
   
7. Testing Program
   Tests are an important part of our skating program. Passing a test provides a measure of achievement and is a source of real pride for the skater.
   
   
   • Basic Skills Badge Tests.
     The U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills badge tests are conducted continuously throughout the season during the regular sessions, with badges awarded upon completion of each test. Tests are always low key; the professionals recommend a test when a skater seems ready. Often, parents and children start lessons together and progress together through the badges.
     
     
   • USFS Tests. USFS also provides a testing structure for more advanced skaters. We expect to hold Moves in the Field, Freestyle and Dance tests in the spring. Further information is available from our test chair, Bonnie Collier: bonnie.collier@yale.edu.   Test applications will be posted here a few weeks before the test session.

Skaters may arrange for private lessons with approved coaches during the club session and the MFD sessions. Fees vary but are approximately $15 for a 15-minute individual lesson, or around $30 for a half hour. You may speak with the session chair or member of the Coach Committee for help in arranging lessons or for advice on selecting a coach. (The Coach Committee maintains information on the qualifications of all approved coaches. This information is kept at the rink and is available to any member or parent who is seeking a coach.) If you would like to contact one of the coaches to arrange for private lessons, please call our voice mail number (203-432-1233 and leave a message.

Most beginners progress rapidly during the group lessons provided in the Basic Skills sessions. Sometimes, however, a skater may get stuck on a particular skill and would profit from individual lessons. The coaches who teach our group lessons are available for private lessons during Basic Skills practice time and are willing to arrange either regular lessons or a few "ad hoc" lessons. Lessons at this level are typically 15 or 20 minutes. The lesson does not need to be with the assigned group coach.

Advanced skaters usually take private lessons. 15–minute to one hour lessons are arranged in advance with any of our approved coaches. Guest coaches are welcome to teach session subscribers, but must be registered with the Club. (Contact the Coach Committee Chair for information.)

Guest Policy
Only subscribers may skate at the Basic Skills sessions. Space permitting, other sessions are open to qualified skaters on a per-visit basis upon payment of the established guest fee for the session, listed below. Guests must register with the session chair and pay the fee before taking the ice. Guests must be USFS members. Full-time Yale students with a student I.D. card and YFSC members receive a discounted guest fee as shown below.

A coach who has been approved by the YFSC may give an occasional private lesson to a guest skater with the prior approval of the session chair. All guest lessons must conform to the level of the session. The session chair is the judge of appropriateness.

A guest skater may bring a guest coach (someone not previously approved by the board) for a private lesson only with the prior approval of the session chair. Such approval is normally granted only during the week before the skater is to take a test at a YFSC test session. Guest coaches must be registered with the Club. Requirements include documentation of coaches' liability insurance that names the Club and Yale University as additionally insured.

Club Membership
This is your Club. As a voting member, you have a say in how the Club is run. We encourage everyone to join and to participate in some of the many Club activities.

All members of YFSC are required to be members of USFS. Membership in USFS may be maintained through our Club or through another club. Those who register through our Club are called Home Club members of the YFSC; others are called Non-Home Club members. Membership is open to non-skaters as well as skaters. Voting privileges in YFSC are restricted to Home Club members age 18 and above.

Home Club or Non-Home Club members who are affiliated with Yale University (faculty, staff, fellows, students, or alumni) and members of their immediate family are said to be Yale-affiliated members Non-affiliated Club members are known as Community members. They enjoy the same member benefits as Yale-affiliated members except for certain fee discounts.

Dues for YFSC and USFS Membership.
Club dues are shown below. The first member of the family pays either Yale-affiliated or Community dues depending on the affiliation status of the family. Additional members of the immediate family who wish to join the Club pay the reduced "additional family member" fee. Club dues cover administrative costs and other general expenses. They do not cover USFS Membership fees or ice and lesson fees, which are charged separately.

Fees for Membership in YFSC

USFS membership fees for YFSC Home Club Members
Basic membership in USFS is required for skaters in the Basic Skills program. Regular membership in USFS is required for more advanced skaters and board members. Families with one or more Home Club Regular USFS members receive an automatic subscription to Skating Magazine, the official publication of USFS, at no additional cost.

USFS membership fees are collected annually and are not reduced for mid-year registrations.

USFS Basic Skills membership cards are distributed by session chairs at the rink. New Basic Skills skaters should pick up a Record Book which outlines the skills to be learned at the various levels. Cards for USFS Regular Members are sent to home addresses. More advanced skaters can order USFS rulebooks online at www.usfigureskating.org .

The 2012–2013 skating season is divided into two terms: fall and spring. Fall term runs from September 15 through December 23. The spring term runs from January 5 through March 24. Fees for each term are payable in full before the beginning of that term. USFS membership fees are paid on an annual basis and are payable before the first term skated.

All dues and fees must be received by the Club before a skater enters the ice.

YFSC Items
Club sweatshirts are sometimes offered for sale at Basic Skills sessions.

Club Administration
The Yale Figure Skating Club, Inc. (YFSC) is an independent non-profit organization that is sanctioned by United States Figure Skating (USFS). It is tax exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Contributions are welcome and are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Our bylaws are available on the Bylaws page of this website

The business of the YFSC is conducted by a Board of Directors elected by adult Home Club YFSC members in odd-numbered years at the annual meeting, which is held each year shortly after the end of the skating season. All members and parents are encouraged to participate in Club activities throughout the year. The Directors for 2011–2013 years are listed below, along with any office held. Our Administrative Assistant is Mary D'Agostino.

Equipment and Clothing
Required equipment includes a good-fitting pair of skates and warm clothing, including gloves. Figure skates are recommended, but hockey skates can also be used at the beginning levels. A protective helmet is required for Snowplow Sam, Basic 1 and 2, and Adult 1.

Clothing should be warm and non-restrictive, including pants, a warm sweater, one pair of thin socks, and knitted mittens or gloves. Girls who are more advanced often like to wear tights and a short skating dress. Local sources for skating apparel:

• Skaters Landing Hamden, 2558 Whitney Avenue, Suite 104, Hamden, CT 06518 (203-234-3923), www.skaterslanding.com.
• Dancer's World, 2348 Whitney Ave., Hamden (203-248-9304).
• The Dancer's Boutique, 224 Main Street, East Haven (203-469-6637).

Helmets. Look for a skating helmet that covers the back and sides of the head, as well as the forehead and top. Hockey, skateboarding, inline skating, or ski helmets may be a better choice than bicycle helmets, especially for older children and adults.

Accessories. We recommend a skate bag to carry and protect the skates. Some useful items to put in it are a clean rag, cloth blade covers, skate guards, and spare gloves. Use skate guards whenever you walk around off the ice. The rubber mats do not adequately protect the blades, and there are no mats leading to the restrooms upstairs. When you take your skates off, remove the guards and carefully dry the blades. Do not put the guards back on since they cause the blades to rust. The best way to protect your blades while they are in your bag is to use cloth blade covers.

Sharpening. All blades become dull after prolonged use and need periodic sharpening. Special equipment and expertise are required to sharpen figure skate blades properly. Recommended vendors are: Chris Bartlett at Skaters Landing Hamden, 2558 Whitney Avenue, Suite 104, Hamden, CT 06518 (203-234-3923); George Knakal, Norwalk, CT (203-857-4670); and Michael Sklutovsky, Skate Escape LLC, Middlefield, CT (860-983-5044). Be sure to call ahead—appointments may be necessary.

Buying Figure Skates. Very good equipment is important. It is better to buy good used skates which fit well than a new pair to ``grow into'' from catalogs or discount store skates. Some reliable brands are Don Jackson, Harlick, Klingbeil, Riedell, and SP Teri for boots and Wilson and MK for blades, but avoid ``bottom line'' skates. Suitable skates have leather uppers and soles, not vinyl or plastic, and the blades are attached with screws, not rivets. Beware of lower quality skates sold by mass merchandisers and some low-end sport shops.

A good fit is vital. Figure skates often run one-half to one full size smaller than street shoes. A skating boot should fit close to the foot without pinching the toes and should grip the heel so that it does not slip up and down in the back of the boot. Wear tights or very lightweight socks when being fitted (and when skating). The boot must support the ankle properly so that standing up over the blade comes naturally. A boot that is too big or too flimsy cannot do this and permits the ankle to drop over, making skating difficult and painful.

Choosing appropriate skates and fitting them takes some expertise. Club members have had good experience in the past with the skate dealers listed below:

• Chris Bartlett at Skaters Landing Hamden (see above) carries Don Jackson, Klingbeil and Riedell Skates and accessories.
• Ferguson's Ice Pro Shop, 307 Race Brook Road, Orange, CT 06477 (203-799-7200).

Buying Skates for Children and Snowplow Sam Good skates for this level are essential for growing feet. The Don Jackson brand comes in sizes small enough to fit tots. One model is the Glacier Youth Series. It is leather, has a pvc sole that allows the blade to be moved, if needed, is padded and lined. For a few dollars more, the Soft Skate model for girls has just been introduced. It has the same features at the Glacier, with an interior plush fleece for comfort. It is also available in larger sizes.

An option for ages 4–5 (only) is the molded skate which is carried by LL Bean and JC Penney (Little Princess and Little Prince). Unlike other skates, they correspond to shoe size. One coach tells us they provide support and have a flatter blade for good balance. While we do not endorse these products (and we recommend that skates always be fitted by a knowledgeable person familiar with skating equipment), availability can be a problem and this may be a solution, but only after exhausting your search with local suppliers. Please note: Molded skates are not recommended for skaters beyond age 5. Molded skates lack flexibility and could cause injuries to older skaters who have more body weight to support. Double runners are never permitted.

Ice Rules and Safety
The session chair has the responsibility and authority to enforce all rules and may ask a skater to leave the ice or withdraw from the session. Safety and courtesy are of utmost importance. Each skater must respect the right of others to make effective use of their ice time.

1. Skating, instruction and music must be in keeping with the level and content of the session.
2. Only skaters who are registered in or have paid a guest fee for a session may skate during that session. Guesting is not allowed in Basic Skills sessions.
3. Skaters may not enter the ice until their session time, and they must leave the ice promptly at the end.
4. Skaters must join a class or leave the ice during Basic Skills group instruction.
5. The Club is not responsible for personal property.

1. Parents or guardians of children under 8 must remain in the rink while their children are skating. Parents are responsible for lacing their children’s skates properly, leaving short lace ends and loops.
2. Children between 8 and 12 must be left in the care of a responsible adult.
3. Only skaters who can stand unsupported are allowed on the ice.
4. Snowplow Sam skaters must stay in their designated areas at all times.
5. Helmets are required for all Snowplow, Basic 1&2 and Adult 1 skaters.
6. Not permitted:
   • sitting on the ice. Get up quickly after a fall, unless injured.
   • kicking the ice or using toepicks to stop when going backwards.
   • sitting or leaving anything on the barrier inside the rink.
   • smoking, eating, chewing gum, or bringing food onto the ice.
   • dropping small objects on the ice.
   • racing.
7. Jumpers who create pits in the ice must fill them with "snow" before the ice is resurfaced.
8. Freestyle skaters have the right of way while their program music is being played; they must wear one of the colorful vests to make themselves notice- able. Dancers have the right of way while doing the called dance. Coaches and skaters should not stand in the way of others.
9. The only music permitted is played by the session chair (or music chair) through the rink sound system. Requests may be made to the session chair (or music chair). Program music will be rotated equitably.

• It is the policy of YFSC to require signed medical release forms of all its members.
• If an accident occurs, notify the session chair immediately.
• If the injury is serious, or might be, do not move the injured person.