Members Only

Hosting an Event

For clubs & other users to gain access to resources for hosting a U.S. Figure Skating competition.

Sanctions, Applications, and Bids

There are four key ways member clubs can seek approval to host competitions and special performances:

Competition Sanctions

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.

Click here for the Standard Nonqualifying Announcement Template

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 - Club: Sanctions, Applications and Bids.

Performance Sanctions

Performance Sanction Primer

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)

Series Applications

Competitions may apply via EMS for inclusing in a U.S. Figure Skating managed series. Refer to the links below for additional information.

National Qualifying Series

Excel Series

Solo Dance Series

Synchronized Skating Series

Adult Competition Series

Intercollegiate Series

Bids for Qualifying Competitions and Program Finals

Clubs may bid to host U.S. Figure Skating owned competitions such as the NQS Final, Excel Final, National Solo Dance Final, etc.

For more information about hosting these types of events, visit usfigureskating.org - Support - Host an Event.

Hosting Requirements

Skating Rules and Requirements

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.

Visit the Skating Rules and Resources page for additional information.

SkateSafe Compliance and Proceedures for Event Organizers

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.

Medical Guidelines

Event medical coverage is required for U.S. Figure Skating managed competitions (such as the Excel Final, NQS Final, U.S. Championships, etc.), but strongly recommended at all sanctioned competitions. The following resources detail these requirements and recommendations.

Medical Requirements and Recommendations
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

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.

Officials

Equipment

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

Music Equipment Order Form

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.
Standardized 104 – 104 best practices covering the management and communication of the 104 between Chief Referees and the Chief Accountant.
Timeline Checklist - competition planning checklist by date and activity for LOCs, Referees, Scoring Officials/Accountants.
Best Practices for Scheduling Multiple Surfaces – best practices for scheduling events on multiple ice surfaces.
Facility Best Practices – best practices for ensuring a safe and well planned facility setup for skating competitions.

Event Management System (EMS)

Use the U.S. Figure Skating Event Management System (EMS) for your competition! From registration to practice ice sales and check-in, EMS has tools to manage all aspects of your competition. EMS also features direct integration with compliance verification, so all attendees in EMS are checked for compliance and results displayed on screen for you.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding hosting a U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned competition, contact the U.S. Figure Skating events department.