Membership

Membership Application (Opens in new window)

FAQs

Welcome to the North Jersey Figure Skating Club, a charter member club of the United States Figure Skating Association. We thank you for your interest in North Jersey, here are answers to some "frequently asked questions":

General

1. What is the USFSA (now generally called US Skating)?

The United States Figure Skating Association is made up of local clubs, of which there are several in the North Jersey area alone. When you apply to be a North Jersey "home club" member, we will submit your information to the national organization, and you should receive a membership card and number from USFSA headquarters in Colorado showing that you registered through North Jersey FSC. Your USFSA number is used to track your participation in USFSA sanctioned testing and competitions, no matter what club you belong to in the future.

2. I already belong to the ISI. Why do I need to join the USFSA?

The ISI is a separate skating association that also sponsors testing and competitions. If you wish to participate in competitions qualifying you to compete at a national level (World and Olympic Eligible), you must belong to the USFSA. USFSA members receive SKATING magazine.

3. What does "home club" membership signify, versus being an associate member?

Your "home club" is the club which registered you with the USFSA. You may join other clubs as an "associate" member. If club sponsored events, such as test sessions, are over-subscribed, home club members would have higher priority. You must be a North Jersey FSC club member (home or associate) if you wish to participate in our holiday party and end of the year awards celebrations.

4. I was a member of another club in the past, but I don't know my USFSA number. Do I need a new number?

We can research your prior membership to obtain your old number using your name at the time you were active and your birth date.

5. I am currently a member of another club, but would like to change my home club designation. What do I need to do?

Changing home clubs at the beginning of the membership year is easy – just send in your application to the North Jersey FSC instead of the club you belonged to last year. If you have already registered for the current season with another club, there is a form that must be completed by you and your old club to confirm that you are a member in good standing. You can obtain the form off the USFSA web site (www.usfsa.org) or by contacting the membership chairperson.

6. When does my membership expire?

All USFSA and North Jersey FSC memberships expire June 30 and renew on July 1st.

7. How do I get a permission letter to participate in a competition, test session or ice show sponsored by another club?

Permission letters are sent to you when you join us for future use. You or your coach can also contact our President or Test Chair to inquire if a permission letter is needed.

8. I just joined the club and have not received my membership number. Can I still participate in USFSA test sessions or competitions?

Your permission letter can be used on the application.

Membership

1. Why are there different levels of membership?

The United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) developed the Learn-to-Skate / Skate with U.S. program. There are eight levels that allow you to develop basic skating skills, whether your goal is figure or hockey skating. Each level has a set of elements, skating steps or techniques that build on one another.

There is a separate membership for children and adults in basic skills that also include a transitional group to higher USFSA levels for tests and competitions.

Once a skater passes through basic skills (by ability) and reaches the pre-preliminary level of US Skating (start of a competitive track), they must be a full member of North Jersey FSC.

Skating

1. My child has been taking group lessons in the Learn to Skate program (Basic Skills) or in general group lessons, but we have noticed that some skaters work on an individual basis with the coaches. How does that work?

Your child may begin taking private lessons at any time. He or she does not have to complete all the Learn to Skate (Basic Skills) levels or group levels first. The main reasons for taking private lessons are:

1. to help your child progress at a faster rate,
2. to receive the benefits from individualized instruction geared to your child‘s learning style and personality,
3. if you think your child would like to enter skating competitions.

2. How do I set up private lessons?

You may approach any of the coaches directly as they are all independent contractors. You do not necessarily have to choose your child’s Learn to Skate or group lesson coach.

3. How would I know which skating pro to choose?

Perhaps your child has a favorite coach from their Learn to Skate or group lessons. Maybe you have noticed a particular style of teaching that has impressed you. If you are still unsure, each coach should have current references that you may contact for more information. The North Jersey FSC Board of Directors cannot recommend a coach.

4. When are these private lessons given?

Private lessons are given at the Ice Vault Arena in Wayne, NJ, the Fritz Dietl Ice Rink in Westwood, NJ and the Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, NY. North Jersey FSC sponsors “club” ice that is designated specifically for NJFSC skaters. These sessions are called Freestyle sessions and are on Saturday mornings at Ice Vault Arena from 7-8 am and Tuesday evenings at the Fritz Dietl Ice Rink from 6-8 pm. Check with the rink for freestyle charges.

5. How much do the professional coaches charge for their lessons?

It varies. Their fees are generally based on 15 minute lessons. Some beginners take 15 minute lessons. Others prefer a half hour lesson. The coaches‘ fees are readily available from the coach.

6. How often should my child have a lesson?

That question has many answers. Some coaches prefer to have their students have a lesson each day they skate. Other coaches leave that decision up to the parents. (For example: some skaters have two lessons per week, and on the third day, they practice the things that they learned previously that week.) You will make these decisions together with your coach.

7. How often should my child skate per week? For Learn to Skate lessons, he/she was only skating one day per week.

Again, that answer is up to you and the coach. You will pay for each session that your child skates on, so cost may be a factor. Another factor is the learning curve. Skaters will learn new skills faster if they are skating more than once a week. You may choose as little as one lesson per week. Many beginners skate 2-3 sessions per week. This decision also depends on whether the skater is a recreational skater, or wants to begin entering competitions. A competitive skater typically skates three or more sessions per week. Our high level competitors skate up to 12 or 13 sessions a week, year round.

8. What should my child wear?

Your child can wear anything that is comfortable for practice. Coaches like to see a skater‘s body positioning, so stretch pants (such as Under Armor or Danskin) are popular choices. Many of the girl skaters prefer to wear skating tights and skating dresses. Fleece jackets and fleece headbands are popular choices, and gloves are a necessity. Some of the very young skaters should start with a helmet as well.

9. What about skates? My daughter wants a pair of skates like she sees on the more accomplished figure skaters.

A new pair of beginner level skates can be purchased for about $150. You need to be sure that they provide good support for the ankles. As your child progresses and begins doing jumps and more difficult moves, they will need a stiffer boot that will provide more support. We recommend that our skaters speak to their coach about the proper boot.

10. You mentioned competitions. How does that work and when can my child expect to begin competing?

There are competitions at all skill levels for figure skaters. Your coach can help you decide when your child is ready. The coach will plan a skating routine, (a "program"), which incorporates the necessary required elements for your child‘s level. There is often music involved, but not always. The coach will provide your skater with his or her music. There is an entry fee for competitions. The coach will provide you with a competition entry form which will explain the fees for your child‘s level. Your coach will also explain which events your child should enter. As the day for the competition comes closer, your coach will provide you with information on when to arrive and what to bring with you. In competitions, medals are given to the first, second and third place skaters, and sometimes to the 4th place skater. The Basic Skills levels often receive ribbons for participation and placement. Every competition is run differently.

11. What competitions are available for my child at the North Jersey FSC?

We host the Garden State Games competition each year in the early summer. This competition is open to all skaters, including beginning skaters at the Basic Skills levels. Club members receive emails about this event. There are plenty of other competitions available for skaters in our area. Once you express an interest in having your child compete, your coach will inform you of other competition opportunities.

12. What does my child need to wear for a competition?

For competitions, you will want your child to wear dressier skate wear. They can be purchased new or used, made by a seamstress, or if you are handy with a needle and thread, you can make them yourself. Our families bring in many gently used dresses for our skate sale, so even if you do not need skates, plan to attend the sale for competition as well as practice wear!

13. I have heard of the other skaters "testing". What does that mean and should my child do this?

Testing is the natural progression in figure skating as skaters learn new elements and skills – like learning musical scales or your abc’s!. When your coach thinks your child is ready, your child can participate in a Test Day at NJFSC. Judges sit at the side of the ice as your child skates the particular elements required for that test. Tests are scored only on a "pass" or "retry" basis. If the skater performs adequately, that skater receives word from the judges that they have passed their test. Later in the year, the NJFSC test chair will provide your skater with a certificate from US Figure Skating. There are pins that NJFSC provides from the USFSA so that the skater can proudly show the level they have passed. Most of our skaters strive to get to higher skating levels. For the skater who shies away from competition, testing through the levels is a great way to mark progress and set new goals to achieve. The latest testing dates and information are found on our web site: www.northjerseyfsc.org or by calling the Test Chair.

14. My child is spending more and more time at the rink. How can I get involved in what she is doing? The other moms seem so knowledgeable. I don‘t know much about figure skating, but I am willing to learn.

The North Jersey Figure Skating Club is always looking for more volunteers. You need no previous knowledge about skating in order to assist the club. You can ask your coach to introduce you to a current NJFSC Board member. They will find an area you are comfortable in helping with. They will also introduce you to some of the other club parents like you! You can also look on our volunteer page to see some of the ways you can become involved in our club.

15. What other skating opportunities are there for my child at NJFSC?

Some skaters show an interest in Ice Dance, which is a beautiful and powerful aspect of figure skating that does not require jumps and spins. Learning dances also strengthens a skater‘s edge quality. There are several top-notch dance instructors that teach at NJFSC ice rinks. There are also Synchronized Skating Teams (large maneuver teams) in the area that we can put you in touch with.

16. How do I get more information about the North Jersey Figure Skating Club or any of its programs?

You can phone us at (201) 358-6581. You can access our website at www.northjerseyfsc.org. Or, feel free to pop into the Ice Vault, Fritz Dietl or Aviator Ice Rinks any time they are open.