Figure Skating is a graceful Olympic sport with a 150-year history that is practiced year-round on indoor ice rinks. On television or to the casual observer, figure skating may look easy, but in reality, skaters work very hard to create that illusion. Figure skating involves many different precision moves and elements on the ice, including stroking, turns, jumps, spins, lifts, and dance moves. There are five disciplines within figure skating:
In the United States, figure skating is governed by US Figure Skating, which is a member of the International Skating Union (ISU), which in turn represents the sport on the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Skaters who join a US Figure Skating member club such as Flagstaff Figure Skating Club (FFSC) automatically become a member of the national organization and have the right to participate in US Figure Skating-sanctioned events. US Figure Skating divides the country into three sections, and each section is divided into regions. Arizona is in the Pacific Coast Section and the Southwest Pacific Region.
There are two tracks in the sport of figure skating. Skaters under 21 years old always start in the Standard Track and can progress from the Basic Skills level all the way to the US Olympic Team.
The Adult Track is open to skaters 21 years and older, starting from the Basic Skills level and progressing to the Adult World Championship level. Adult skaters can participate in either track. For more on adult skating, see the Adult Skating page.
As figure skaters progress, they have the option to test in front of a judging panel and achieve higher test levels in moves in the field, free skating, pairs, and dance. If desired, they can then compete in US Figure Skating-sanctioned competitions at their test level.
Even if you don't intend to compete, testing in the Standard or Adult tracks gives you a goal. Passing a test level is an internationally recognized demonstration of your skating skill. Skaters who pass Senior or Gold tests are honored as Gold Medalists by US Figure Skating in recognition of their achievement. Coaches work with their students to decide when a skater is ready to test. FFSC holds test sessions approximately twice a year in Flagstaff, usually in February and August. The skating clubs in Phoenix hold test sessions monthly.
Both young and adult skaters enjoy competing. Competitions are of two basic types. The majority of competitions, such as our own Ice in the Pines, are local or regional non-qualifying competitions, in which the primary purpose is to compete against other skaters at your level in a wide variety of events. Qualifying competitions are held at the regional, sectional, and national levels. The top skaters in each discipline and test level qualify to advance to the next competition level, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the World or Olympic teams.