How does club ice work?
Flagstaff Figure Skating Club buys ice time from the City of Flagstaff and we in turn charge our membership to use the ice. FFSC ice time is for figure skating only. Skaters choose whether they would like to skate twice a week or up to four times a week during our Club ice time. Skaters skating twice a week choose whichever 2 days during the week work with their schedules and when lessons are available with the coach of their choice. Skaters use ice time to have lessons with their coach and to practice their skills when not in lessons.
How do lessons with a coach work?
Each coach has their own pricing schedule and policies. Coaches normally charge by the hour but often teach in 15 minute and 30 minute increments. Some coaches can combine lessons with other students of similar skill levels and can price accordingly for semi-private lessons. All payment for coaching is conducted between the coach and the student. When you have made arrangements with a coach for a lesson, it is the skater’s responsibility to be on time for that lesson and on the ice and warmed up in preparation for that lesson. Skaters unable to attend a scheduled lesson are asked to contact their coach well in advance. Each coach has their own cancellation policies, please review these with your coach.
How do I choose a coach?
Review the coaches’ qualifications and give them a call. Please discuss their policies and any special needs that you may have before choosing. It is a good idea to talk to several coaches before deciding. Arrangements to meet with a coach before or after Club ice can be made with each coach. Some coaches will give a free mini lesson with accompanying free ice time (one time only) so skaters can try out the Club and see how well they fit with that coach. Please feel free to ask the coaches if they will offer this. You are welcome to attend Club ice at any time to observe and ask questions of parents attending.
How do I join Flagstaff Figure Skating Club?
Membership applications are available for download through this website. Applications are also available at the rink and are available from an FFSC Board member. Applications must be filled out completely, registration fees and ice fees must be paid in advance and handed in to the membership coordinator (or other Board member) before skating can begin. Please contact the Membership Coordinator (Bruce Grubbs) to make arrangements to do this.
Where do I get skates?
Occasionally used skates can be bought from other members. Ask your coach if they know of anyone who has skates for sale. Skate rentals are available at the rink. Rental skates and recreational type skates are only adequate for very new beginner skaters. Skaters have different skate requirements as their skills improve. Ask your coach about skate requirements for your skater. Members often go to Phoenix to be fitted by a pro (contact information on our LINKS page). Some people will purchase over the internet or through catalogs, but discuss this important purchase with your coach before spending any money.
What should I wear?
Appropriate skate attire is requested. No clothing items should drag on the ice at any time. Any jewelry and accessories should be secure and unable to fall off on to the ice, for the safety of all the skaters. Dress warmly and in layers that can be removed as the skater warms up. Gloves or mittens are a good idea. Some coaches have policies on skate attire. Please follow your coach’s recommendation. Please make sure long hair is pulled back to keep vision clear.
Bad Weather Days:
On snowy days when few people may be heading over to the rink, it’s a good idea, if your child wants to skate, to not just drop off your skater and leave. Please check to make sure that there is a coach or an adult (from our Club) present and willing to stay to supervise, otherwise the rink staff will not allow minors to skate on Club Ice. If there is no one you would have to stay to supervise your skater. It doesn’t happen often but we don’t want your skater is left sitting in the lobby unable to skate.
What is the Club's "Walk-on" Policy?
FFSC would like to clarify the Club's policy regarding walk on skaters. Any skater who is NOT a member of FFSC who walks onto club ice must be associated with a coach or with another skating club and must follow the FFSC code of conduct. The walk on fee is $20 per session and must be paid at the time of skating. Coaches may allow a non member one free walk on to try out club ice.
If a non member is skating on club ice more than three times per month they need to register as a FFSC member. If they do not belong to another skating club they can register as a Full FFSC member which will include membership into the United States Figure Skating Association. If they currently belong to another skating club then they can register as an Associate Member of FFSC.
