Learn to Skate FAQ's (Page 4):
- When do I need private lessons and how much will they cost me?
We recommend a skater begin private lessons when he/she needs additional help on a certain level (i.e. he/she is struggling with the crossovers and 3-turns in Basic 4), wants to progress through the levels at an accelerated pace, and/or wants to compete. All coaches operate as independent contractors and therefore set their own rate/fee. Additionally, the coach’s private lesson fee does not include ice time costs. You must pay for your ice time (i.e. public sessions and/or freestyles) before you step on the ice. Each coach’s rate/fee varies based on a myriad of factors including, but not limited to: personal skating abilities, experience, educational and industry attainment, areas of expertise, et cetera. All of our staff coaches have brief biographies posted on the Skate School bulletin board in the lobby.
To begin private lessons, you must fill out and submit a “Private Lesson Request Form” that is available in the lobby. This form is to be submitted to the Skating Director via the front desk. Once the Skating Director has approved your request, the form will be given to the coach requested (if you requested a coach) or will be posted in the coaches’ office and all staff coaches will be notified of the request (if you did not request a particular coach). Private lessons cannot be set-up/established without the approval of this form. Any skater who is taking private lessons must be enrolled in a Learn to Skate class (i.e. Basic 1-8, Free Skate 1-6, Jump & Spin, and/or Synchro) OR contract a minimum of 9 hours of freestyle ice per 7-week session.
- What is the difference between ISI and USFS?
The Ice Skating Institute (ISI) is considered the organization for recreational figure skating. On the other hand, United States Figure Skating (USFS) is recognized as the governing body of Olympic level figure skating in the United States. At the U.S. Ice Sports Complex, our Learn to Skate classes follow the USFS Basic Skills curriculum. We are also a member of ISI and have an ISI endorsed competition every spring. By enrolling in our Learn to Skate classes, skaters receive a USFS Basic Skills membership. For more information on ISI, please visit their website at http://skateisi.com. For more information on USFS, please visit their website at http://usfsa.org.
- Why do I have to pay $10.00 for a USFS Basic Skills membership? What does it get me?
Due to teaching the USFS Basic Skills curriculum, all participants in our Learn to Skate classes are required to be Basic Skills members. Membership runs from July 1 of the first year to July 1 of the next year. You are only charged the $10.00 fee once during the membership cycle; unfortunately membership fees cannot be pro-rated. With a Basic Skills membership, you are eligible to enter USFS Basic Skills competitions; membership is a requirement to enter such competitions.
With your membership, you receive:
- Official U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills membership card
- A brightly colored record book with stickers to track your progress through the lessons
- A membership year patch
- Sport accident insurance
- General information about ice skating
- Instructor manual (for all instructors, assistants and directors)
