Learn to Skate

U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills Program

As a member of United States Figure Skating (USFS), FSCO runs a “U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills Program” consisting of a comprehensive lesson/test structure. This program is fantastic because it offers new and existing skaters a chance to work in groups with professional coaches in a safe and fun environment. FSCO offers these Learn-To-Skate classes year-round at Motto McLean Ice Arena.

Program Objectives

The Objectives of this Program are:

• To provide a fun and safe skating experience for the beginner as well as the more advanced skater
• To teach correct technique of the basic elements of skating
• To develop a finer degree of coordination and balance
• To promote physical fitness
• To have fun!

Learn-To-Skate classes are divided into two parts:

1. Thirty minutes group instruction focusing on the elements for the particular level as set forth by the USFS.
2. Thirty minutes supervised practice time when the skater can work on the elements on an individual basis or with friends.

The following is an example of how the classes are set up:

1. All skaters skating with us for the first time are put into Basic 1.
2. A nametag is given to each skater so they know what level and coach they are to attend with that session. (Nametags must be returned to the registration desk at the end of each class period.)
3. When a level has more then 10 skaters, the group is then divided by age.
4. Skaters are tested during the middle and end of each session (i.e. Week #4 and Week #8 if it’s an 8 week session) by their coach they are in class with. Please note that not every skater will pass through a level each session. Improvements vary by skater.
5. The Skating Director keeps track of skater’s progress and will offer options to skaters that may need additional assistance.

FSCO offers many choices in our group class programs (click on one for more detail)

• Snow Plow Sam 1-3
• Basic Skills 1-8
• Freeskate 1-6
• Adult Class

General Information

Registration

The FSCO registration “skating year” begins July 1st and ends June 30th. The $15 fee is due annually by all skaters in our group program. This fee will go to the USFS where we gain all of our skating materials. You can register at any time but this fee must be paid by you once a “skating year” to be in our program. (Example: If you join our program in January, you must pay the fee which then expires June 30th.)

Skaters receive two things during their skating session:

1. A USFS Basic Membership Card. This is necessary to participate in lessons and tests associated with the program, compete in Basic Skills competitions or Basic Skills portions of regular USFS invitational competitions.
2. Basic Skills Record Book. This is designed to help chart the skater’s progress in the Skate With U.S. Program.

Testing

Skaters in our program are tested during the middle and end of each session (i.e. Week #4 and Week #8 if it’s an 8 week session). Please note that not every skater will pass through a level each session. Improvements vary by skater. The Skating Director keeps track of skater’s progress and will offer options to skaters that may need additional assistance.

The skater will receive a testing form following the test. It indicates “Pass” or “Retry. This form must be turned into the Registration Desk to receive a badge and certificate. Badges are given for each level passed for $1.00 and certificates are complimentary.

Program Policies

Missed Classes

FSCO does not issue credit for classes missed by a skater. If your skater has missed a class due to sickness or travel, we do offer make-up classes to skaters. The skater may make-up the missed class at our other scheduled classes, but only during the current session. The make-up class may not be carried over to a new session. Notification of the make-up date must be scheduled prior to make-up.

The FSCO Learn to Skate Program follows the Omaha Public School winter weather cancellation policy. If OPS cancels school due to winter weather, FSCO will not hold classes that day. Notification for Saturday class cancellation will be announced on the major television channels and on the FSCO club information line. We do not offer make up classes or refunds for weather related cancellations.
Club Information Line-896-5747

Structure

Parents are not allowed on the ice unless they are enrolled in our program as an adult skater. Likewise, we ask that you sit in the lobby area to watch the lessons and do not stand in the doorway by the ice surface. If you need to talk to your skater’s instructor, please contact the registration table volunteers.