INTERESTED IN COMPETING? Here are some basic things to know:
Music
- normally should have a variety of fast / slow / medium pace
- Basic 1-Freestyle 6 may have music with lyrics
- appropriate for the event (artistic – flowy, footwork- fast, etc.)
- duration depends on the level / event
- can be as short as 1:00 to 4:30
Program
- use up entire surface of ice, or half-ice (depending on event)
- well-balanced with jumps, spins, footwork, artistry



THE LOOK
Outfits
- dresses / tights for girls
- pants / shirt for boys
- no holes / snags
- jacket temporarily allowed during warm up of competitions
- more fun events may have more extravagant dresses / outfits
- no loose, dangly jewelry
Hair
- pulled up securely in bun / ponytail
- artistic programs have more freedom
TIMELINE around Competition Time
WEEK before the competition—
- Get dresses, tights, skates, hair accessories, and make up in order.
- Practice programs in the dresses to make sure everything is fitting right.
- Drink plenty of water, and eat well!!
Day BEFORE the competition—
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Polish skates if they’re scuffed, unless you’re using boot covers in all your events.
- Check the Competition Checklist (see below) to make sure you have everything.
Day OF the competition—
- Arrive to the rink 1 HOUR before the scheduled event.
- Turn in a copy of your CDs for each event with the proper labeling—name, event, time
- Set up camp somewhere in the rink, and be mindful of leaving valuables unattended. Find me (your coach) and let me know you’ve arrived.
- Start warming up and stretching.
- Walk through program with music.
30 Minutes before the event—
- Be fully dressed with makeup and accessories.
- Start warming up and stretching (jump rope, rotation jumps, positioning, dynamic movement, etc.)
- Have skates on by now.
- Walk through your program in a quiet spot.
- ***Keep those muscles warm!
- Check in with the ice monitor. (S)he will tell you where to go and wait. I will be there with you.
On-Ice Warm Up Time!!
- Will be 3 to 6 minutes long.
- Remember what we talked about doing from lesson time. I will be there to guide you, but use the time effectively (meaning, come to the wall for advice when designated in our plan).
Post Event—
- I will give you brief feedback about your performance.
- Be proud of yourself.
- Stay to watch the rest of the performers in your group.
- Keep skates on in case there’s an awards ceremony or family/friends want pictures.
- ***Above all, ALWAYS be a good sport and competitor, no matter what the outcome.
- Congratulate the winner and congratulate the others for good efforts.
- Represent yourself, your rink, and your coach well.
**Most Important Points:
- HAVE FUN!!
- Be a good sport and friend to all.
- Support your friends and others from your rink. Everyone enjoys good company.
Competition Checklist
For any competition you take part in, here’s a list of things to make sure you bring:
- your skates, guards, soakers, and towel
- extra laces (in case something happens)
- extra pair of tights / skating socks
- girls: hair accessories and make-up
- CD / mp3 copy of your music (I will have an extra copy myself)
- gloves, warm-up jacket, club outfit (if you have one), blanket
- screwdriver, skate polish, nail polish remover, Band-Aids
- water bottles, healthy snacks (bananas, granola bars, other fruits)
- competition information – maps, hotel reservations, event times, practice ice
- membership card – may be needed at the registration desk
- luck charms if you got them!