Skaneateles Figure Skating Club: News!

2012 Theater On Ice Registration Form

Be in our first Theater On Ice production of "The Wizard of Oz"! Camp and performance will be held at the YMCA in Skaneateles. Students will learn how to skate in character, create props, design costumes and plan stage sets. Ice Theater brings the arts to figure skating in a fun and exciting way. Try-outs for lead roles will be held on the first day of camp.

Download the registration form by clicking on "Forms" at left. 



Spring Registration Forms Now Available
Register for the SFSC Spring 2012 skating season. Forms can be found under Junior Membership, Basic Skills Membership or Forms tabs at left, or by clicking on the link below. We hope you plan to join us this Spring!
Handout: Spring 2012 Registration Forms

SFSC Etiquette and Rules
Skate on the Appropriate Session for Your Level
 Ice sessions include Basic Skills, Junior A, Junior B and Open Junior (A and B). Skaters must skate on the appropriate ice session unless they are in a lesson. Synchronized skating may only be practiced on Synchro Ice sessions or during Synchro lessons.
On the Ice
· Look both ways before stepping on the ice. Never jump onto the ice from a running start.
· Be aware of other skaters on the ice at all times.
· Spin in the middle of the ice (between the blue lines) and jump on the ends (outside blue lines).
· Allow right of way to skaters who are in lessons or skating to music.
· DO NOT skate under the harness or between the coach and the skater who is in the harness.
· Never spray (with snow) skaters who have fallen.
· Leave adequate space between you and other skaters.
· Do not lie on the ice when you have fallen, unless you are injured.
· Tag and other horseplay are not allowed on the ice.
· Do not stand on the ice watching or talking—even chatting by the boards creates hazards.
· Do not bring food onto the ice. Drinks are permitted.
 
Music
· Skaters will wear a sash (provided rink side) when skating to music so that other skaters will yield the right of way.
· Use the sign-up list for your turn at playing music if there are many skaters needing the CD player. A skater may only sign up for one piece of music at a time.
· Lessons take priority over non-lessons for use of the CD player.
· If a skater has played music twice during a session, they may only play music again if no one else is waiting.
· Do not restart music for falls or other interruptions. Each restart will count toward an additional time played. Restart music only if there is a problem with the CD player or if someone stops it accidently.
· Be respectful by taking turns playing background music on MP3s or mixed CDs.
· The club, SFSC board members, and coaches are not responsible for MP3 players.
· For safety reasons, do not wear headphones while skating. One ear bud is permissible.
 
General
· Please be courteous and respectful to other skaters, pros, parents, rink employees and visitors.
· Pick up after yourselves in the lobby, penalty boxes, locker rooms and bleachers.
· Failure to follow the above rules may result in the skater’s removal from the session.


SFSC Policy Highlights

The following policies are briefly described here.  Please see SFSC Policies for full policy information.

Membership Policies

• Basic Skills skaters may not skate on Junior ice and Junior skaters may not skate on Basic Skills ice. Some exceptions apply.
• Junior skaters may be scheduled for lessons on opposite sessions, but only when their pro is unable to schedule them during their appropriate session. In this case, the skater may take the ice five (5) minutes prior to the start of the lesson for warm-up and must leave the ice immediately following the lesson.
• Adult skaters must be approved by the board prior to taking the ice. This is for the safety of our minor skaters and to protect our 501(c)(3) status which was secured on the basis that our club’s purpose is to advance and educate children in figure skating.
• Non-home club skaters may purchase the same packages offered to home club members. They will be invited to participate in a group number in our annual show, but solos or other feature presentations in the show are reserved for SFSC members only. Non-home club skaters will not be eligible for home club test session rates.
• Junior home club members may purchase a Junior Mini package during the Spring season.  See Junior Mini Policies below.
• Canceled membership prior to the first day of the season will be refunded 100%. Cancelled membership within the first two (2) weeks of the season will be refunded 80%. After two (2) weeks of the skating season, no refunds will be made. USFS fees are non-refundable.
   
Junior Mini Policies
• Junior Mini Packages may be purchased by non-home club skaters during the Fall/Winter season.  This package was designed to allow our frequent non-home club skaters to skate with us at a discounted rate when compared to walk-on fees. Both non-home club and home club skaters may take advantage of the Mini Package during the Spring season. See Membership Policies for eligibility to skate in the show.
• A registered “Mini” skater may skate on one (1) ice session per week. Weeks start on Sunday and end on Thursday. Skaters may skate on different days each week. Walk-on fees apply for skating more than once during a particular week.
• If a skater misses a week, that week’s session cannot be rolled over, saved or used in the future.

Accident & Injury Policy
Upon application, a registered skater who has sustained an injury or illness resulting in a disability from skating for a period of time greater than six (6) weeks for Fall/Winter session, three (3) weeks for Spring session and three (3) weeks for Summer Session, a prorating of membership dues will be considered by the board. The application must be filed prior to the last day of the current session. If approved, the amount will apply as a credit toward the skater’s future session dues. See SFSC Policies for further information.

Volunteer Policies

• Volunteerism includes monitoring ice sessions (working parent), working during the annual competition and working during the annual ice show.
• Registered SFSC home club skaters are required to volunteer for working parent sessions.
• Registered Basic Skills, Junior, Mini and College skaters are required to volunteer for the annual competition and March Show. Only one time slot per family is needed for each event; however, additional volunteering is greatly appreciated. Adult skaters are encouraged to volunteer for these events but are not required to do so.
• An opt-out option is available for a $15 fee per session per skater for WP, $50 for competition and $50 for show.
• A working parent must be a parent or other responsible person over the age of 18.
• Volunteers for the competition and show may be a parent, friend, skater or student who wishes to gain volunteer hours for any club or organization. There are no age restrictions.


Working Parent Policy

· Skaters may not take the ice until there is a working parent (WP) on duty. See Working Parent Duties for information on the responsibilities of the working parent.
· Registered SFSC skaters are required to volunteer for WP.
· For each season, a determination is made as to how many ice sessions per skater each parent is required to volunteer as a working parent. This number is determined by the number of skaters and the number of ice sessions during that season. A WP calendar will be available during registration.
· Parents are responsible for finding a replacement if they cannot make their scheduled session. The parent may then contact the Vice President to reschedule the missed session.
· A separate working-parent deposit check for $15 per session is collected at registration and destroyed, or returned if requested, after the requirements are met.
· An opt-out option is available for a $15 fee per session per skater for WP.
· Collected opt-out funds are credited to parents who are willing to work to receive $15 credits toward future membership fees. The Vice President will schedule these sessions.

Working Parent Duties
· The working parent is essential to our club for monitoring ice sessions, communication among members, guests and parents, and to assure the safety of the skaters. It is necessary for the working parent to understand the importance of this position.
· Arrive early to set out cart and be sure all skaters sign in. Be familiar with Emergency Contact list and Medical Authorization forms located in the binder, as well as Current Membership list, Approved Adult List, Walk-on Medical forms and Accident Reports.
· The old rink has a different set-up procedure that can be found on the bulletin board in the old rink lobby.
· Stay at rink side and near cart.
· In case of skater emergency, find parent and administer first aid if necessary. Supplies are in club room cabinet and ice in freezer. If needed, call 911 and complete an Accident Form.
· Walk-on Junior skaters will pay a fee of $25 per session. This goes in an envelope along with a completed deposit slip—one per day. All walk-on skaters need to have medical information on file.  Have skater complete one if theirs is not in binder. Adult skaters must be on the Approved Adults list or they cannot take the ice.
· At the end of the day’s ice sessions, return cart to club room.

SFSC JUNIOR MEMBER PARENT VOLUNTEER POLICY
Membership in Skaneateles Figure Skating Club is made up of two parts: fees and volunteerism. All members (including adult & college members) must satisfy both requirements to be considered members in good standing. Members must be in good standing in order to use the ice, participate in any SFSC events or USFS sanctioned events (competition, test, show, etc). While members will be given the choice of opting out of volunteering, please note that the club prefers your time. Although the opt-out fees will allow the club to pay someone to work in your absence, it means additional planning & work to find/schedule willing workers. Synchro volunteer requirements are in addition to, not instead of, the club volunteer requirement. Volunteerism is separated into 2 components in order to allow members maximum flexibility in managing their time & expenses:
Competition and Show
· Membership fees are based on level of participation chosen – you may opt out of participation in one or both events - $25 per event.
· Anyone who signs up to work but then does not will be charged double the opt-out fee. $50
· At time of Fall/Winter membership registration, members will choose a general area in which they will work and then will be able to choose a specific time in the weeks leading up to the event. It will be up to members to watch for sign up sheets and shifts will be chosen on a first come first serve basis.
Working Parent
· Junior member parents must sign up for 7 sessions per skater.
· For each member, a working parent deposit of $15 per session will be collected: $105.
· Separate checks must be written for working parent deposit and registration fees. PLEASE NOTE *** Checks will NOT be cashed or deposited, unless a parent does not satisfy their obligation.
· Working parent deposit must be submitted at time of registration. Please write “Working Parent Deposit” on the memo line of your check.
· Parents may opt out of the working parent obligation in advance for a fee of $15 per shift, per child. Opt-out fees should be included in registration check, not the deposit check.
· Parents who miss scheduled sessions will be able to reschedule, ONLY IF THERE ARE ANY OPEN SESSIONS – Contact the Vice President to inquire about open sessions. Parents are responsible for contacting VP in case of the need to reschedule shifts. VP Contact info: Deb Driscoll, debdris@earthlink.net.
· Parents may not schedule sessions until all registration requirements are met (payment and paperwork).
· DATES/SESSIONS WILL BE CHOSEN ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS. Parents may only sign up for vacant sessions on the calendar. If there are no available sessions that you can work, you must find someone to switch with or pay $15/session to opt out.
· Parents must find their own substitutes if they can not work a scheduled session.
· The Vice President will schedule any open sessions with parents who are willing to work to receive credits toward future membership fees.
· Your deposit will be returned after your last scheduled shift. If you did not work 7 shifts by the close of the Fall/Winter session, you will receive a bill for the shifts you did not work, at which time you may choose to write a new check or have your original check deposited and the balance credited toward your next package.
· Parents are responsible for remembering their dates/sessions. Calendars will be posted on the SFSC bulletin board at the Community Center and on the SFSC website.
· Parents must sign in when they work to receive credit for sessions. PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO DO THIS!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
· WHY DO WE NEED A WORKING PARENT? Most importantly, it is a matter of safety for our skaters…plain and simple. It is best for our club to have an adult monitoring our sessions. It also keeps parents involved and informed.
· WHAT DOES THE WORKING PARENT DO? Makes sure skaters sign in, collects any walk-on fees as necessary, handles any injuries, supplies any forms needed, answers questions, etc.
· WHY CAN’T A PRO BE IN CHARGE INSTEAD? Pros are there to teach, not monitor the ice. They can not do both effectively at the same time. They can not/should not be expected to take time from students to check on skaters who may be hurt or to answer questions, sign skaters in, collect fees, etc.
· WHY DO I HAVE TO VOLUNTEER IF MY CHILD IS NOT PARTICIPATING IN THE SHOW/COMPETITION? The competition is a major fundraiser that benefits all members by keeping membership fees as low as possible. The show is the highlight of the year for our basic skills skaters and a great deal of fun for all skaters!
· WHAT IF I CAN NOT BE AVAILABLE ON THE WEEKEND OF THE SHOW OR COMPETITION? You may sign up for one of the tasks that need to be completed in advance of these events (advance ticket sales, rink prep, goody bags, etc,). Please leave these tasks to those who truly need to avoid scheduling on the weekends of the events, out of necessity, not preference.
· WHY CAN’T THE CLUB JUST PAY SOMEONE TO DO THESE TASKS? The club attempts to be affordable for as many people as possible. Paying someone to do all the work involved would cost a great deal. This might be preferable to some members but many would simply not be able to afford to be members. Fees would go up in order to cover the costs of paid help and would also increase based on having fewer members to cover costs.
· WHY DOESN’T SYNCHRO VOLUNTEERISM SATISFY THE CLUB MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS? Synchro events benefit only synchro, not the club. The club does not receive any funds from synchro events.

Saturday, October 9
1st Annual Golf Tournament