Click here for the Standard Nonqualifying Announcement Template (all disciplines).
Hosting Requirements
The following are requirements of all U.S. Figure Skating Sanctioned events, qualifying and nonqualifying.
Rulebook Compliance
The LOC agrees it will comply with all applicable rules as outlined in the most recent edition of the U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook. The LOC also agrees to comply with any subsequent U.S. Figure Skating rule changes and policies affecting the Competition.
SkateSafe Compliance
Understanding and agreement to abide by U.S. Figure Skating’s SkateSafe Policies and Requirements. In accordance with federal law, specifically S.534 – Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017, U.S. Figure Skating, as a National Governing Body, and all member figure skating clubs, as Local Affiliated Organizations, are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Center for SafeSport. All sanctioned events must comply with U.S. Figure Skating’s SkateSafe policies. This includes the club having a SkateSafe Compliance Chair that has passed a U.S. Figure Skating background check and completed the SafeSport training (“compliant”) and strictly complying with the Athlete Protection Policies (Section II) and SafeSport Compliance Requirements (Section III), this includes but is not limited to compliant locker room monitors and medical professionals/volunteers.
- SkateSafe Information Page
- SkateSafe Handbook
- SkateSafe Procedures for Event Organizers
- View or complete your compliance items
- Non-member account creation
- Sample volunteer schedule and positions
Medical
Event medical coverage is required for all official practice ice and competitive events. There must be a minimum of one compliant medical professional rink side for each surface.
- Medical Standard of Care
- Sample Medical Care Plan
- Medical Incident Report
- SkateSafe Handbook - see Part 6: Medical Evaluations and Treatments
Additional Resources
- Obtain education on concussion in sport here
- Identify an orthopedic sports medicine specialist here
- Identify a sports medicine physician here
- Learn about employment models to hire an AT for your rink/club/event here
- Hire a per diem AT for event coverage here
- Identify a physical therapist here
COVID-19
Facility Requirements
Host facilities should be clean and safe from hazards for all attendees including event participants, volunteers, staff, and spectators (i.e., tape down electrical cords, block off or restrict access to areas that are deemed unsafe, etc.). Venue safety and security should be considered. The event organizer should have knowledge of any applicable emergency action plans, such as evacuation plans, as set forth by the venue’s management.
Host a U.S. Figure Skating Event
Each year, a number of events are owned by U.S. Figure Skating and bid out to local cities and figure skating clubs. These events include the U.S. Figure Skating Championships and qualifying events, U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships and qualifying events, and more. A Request for Proposal to Host (RFP) will be released by U.S. Figure Skating for each event open for bid. Submitted bids are carefully reviewed by the designated committees and U.S. Figure Skating staff before a final host city is selected.
Host a Nonqualifying Competition
Nonqualifying competitions are sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating and hosted by member clubs. Any member club that follows appropriate procedure and abides by U.S. Figure Skating rules may host a nonqualifying competition.
Event Management System (EMS)
Contact us if you are interested in using EMS for your competition.
Sanction Application
An application for a competition sanction must be submitted online via EMS for review at least 90 days prior to the start of the competition. All applications must receive approval from their regional vice chair (RVC) of the competitions committee prior to accepting registrations. In order to submit a sanction application, you must have a completed standard nonqualifying announcement.
As of March 15, 2022, and consistent with updated CDC guidance on mask use, face coverings are no longer required to be worn indoors at U.S. Figure Skating-sanctioned events or activity if your community levels are Low or Medium. We do encourage masks to be worn indoors if your community is in the High category based on the CDC Community Levels by County Map as announced on Feb. 25. Sanctioned activities include competitions (U.S. Figure Skating and Compete USA), exhibitions/performances and test sessions. For a complete list of archived COVID-19 resources, click here.
Once you have completed your announcement, a figure skating club president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, or sanction chair may complete the Sanction Application in EMS.
Competition Sanction Application
Note: only authorized club officials will have access to this page to create new or view existing sanctions.
All LOCs are encouraged to utilize online results vs. posting results onsite. Please have your chief accountant request a live results link from U.S. Figure Skating (IJS and 6.0), by clicking here.
Series Opportunities
If you would like your competition to be a part of a competitive series, you will need to fill out an additional application. Refer to the links below for more information.
- National Qualifying Series
- Synchronized Skating Series
- Adult Competition Series
- Intercollegiate Series
- Excel Series
- Solo Dance Series
Officials & Equipment
Officials
NEW! Competition Planning Toolkit
This toolkit is being developed to provide useful information for LOCs, referees and accountants for planning and running a smooth competition. The items in the toolkit have been or are being created through a collaboration of accountants, referees and LOCs with additional feedback from other constituents. Please check back regularly for additional documents to be added.
- Staffing Plan – a guideline for the appropriate number of accountants and SSTs (formerly TAs) to staff at a given competition based upon its size and other factors.
- Accounting Job Descriptions – a table outlining the roles of accountants and SSTs (TAs) at a competition.
IJS Systems
- Using IJS at Nonqualifying Events
- Renting a U.S. Figure Skating System
- IJS Rental Reservation Site
- IJS System Rental FAQ
Protocol for Using IJS
To view the latest Technical Accountant list, visit the online directory <https://www.usfsaonline.org/InternalDirectory/Officials> and choose search ‘Type’ = Technical Accountant
- Renting a Privately Owned System
- If you decide to rent from a private owner any and all agreements and fees will be between you and the private owner. US Figure Skating will not be involved. Also, each owner may have different procedures and requirements for renting their particular system.
- List of Private Owners
Music Equipment
Performance Sanctions
Performance sanctions must be applied for 14 days prior to the start date or clubs will incur a $25 late fee to be assessed at the time of submission. Performance sanctions should be attained when the following apply:
- Admission is charged
- Club or promoter is recipient of some pecuniary benefit
- Non-home club members participate
- Ineligible persons participate
- The event is advertised, or the public is invited to attend
- Performance at professional hockey games
- Performance is held at a location other than your principle skating headquarters.
Performance Sanction Application
Note: only authorized club officials will have access to this page to create new or view existing sanctions.
Learn to Skate USA Performance Approval Rules and Process
Eligible Skater's Compensation Agreement
Athletes must apply for an Eligible Skater’s Compensation Agreement (ESCA) if they are performing or otherwise using their skating abilities for a non-sanctioned event or sponsorship. ESCAs must be applied for 14 days prior to the start date.
Eligible Skater's Compensation Agreement (ESCA)
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding hosting a U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned competition, contact the U.S. Figure Skating events department.