School Programs
Mixing school with the many hours of training you do for figure skating is difficult, but it's not impossible. Skaters have managed to balance skating and studies for years, and the two are compatible. However, it's important to avail yourself of the many resources available to you. U.S. Figure Skating supports your athlete through the School Programs Subcommittee of the Program Development Committee. Here you will find information about high school teams and upcoming competitions as well as other resources to improve your experience as a skater and a student.
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If you're looking for a high school team in your area, or want to start your own team, you've come to the right place. Check out our available resources on this page. If you're looking for upcoming high school competitions, use the event search engine and choose "school program."
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Skating and School Are Compatible
Your U.S. Figure Skating home club is a wonderful resource. The club can help parents, skaters and coaches with many school issues. The probability is high that a skater in your school or district has already "broken the ice" with school officials. Ask questions and follow up with any lead you may have.
A complete education is a valuable asset in life. In order to coordinate school and skating here are some helpful hints: Plan in the early spring for next fall, especially when you are changing from elementary school, to middle school and to high school. School officials need you to educate them about skating and the needs of your student/athlete.
Help the school and counselors help you. Time off, schedule reorganization and physical education credit through independent study are possible only if you plan well in advance. Asking for these options after school starts creates administrative disruption and ultimately a refusal to help. Some changes take six months to a year to pass through proper channels. If your school does not allow credit for skating, there is a packet available through School Programs that is independent study for physical education. If you present this easy outline to your physical education department, it may help.
When qualifying competition (regional) applications are distributed in the fall, skaters who are novice-level and above can fill out a request for support of your student's absence. This letter is generated at U.S. Figure Skating Headquarters. If the skater is intermediate and below, these letters of support can be written by your club officers.
If your skater qualifies for sectionals and again for the U.S. Championships, you can download the School Absence Support Letter on this page to take to your school. A letter of congratulations addressed to your skater's school is sent to the skater's home address. Parents can then take the letter and certificate to the school for recognition.
Graduating senior letters applied for in the spring of your junior year could be prepared by U.S. Figure Skating in time for college entrance applications if the information is provided in a timely manner. The junior/senior can print the form and write a summary of all their skating accomplishments. If they are requested in the fall of your senior year, they will be sent to your school for the school to present you at an appropriate time in the spring.
BUY A RULEBOOK: It comes with a U.S. Figure Skating directory. The directory contains listings of all the committees, their members and their phone numbers. Call Headquarters (719.635.5200) and order a rulebook. It is a wealth of information and an absolute necessity for any skater or coach.
School Programs are under the auspices of the Program Development Committee.
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