Discussion Group 1 Topics

• How important is the fit of the skate, especially when someone is just starting to take group lessons?
• Are group lessons a good choice to acquire entry-level skating skills?
• At what point should I begin to consider arranging private lessons for my child?
• Should I continue paying for group classes after my child starts taking private lessons?
• Should a skater enrolled in group classes participate in an Off-Ice exercise program?
• How important is it to participate in ISI and Basic Skating Skills competitions?
• How much does it cost to join the ISI and USFS Basic Skating Skills program?
• When should I consider a full membership in a USFS club for my child?
  

Discussion Group 2 Topics

• Should my child take ballet group classes to help his/her development of their ice skating skills?
• What can I do to help my child become more confident during tests and competitions?
• How much on-ice practice time per week is required to transition from group classes to the USFS skill based test and competition structure?
• What is the difference between badges awarded based upon completing a specific number of classes and a skill centered evaluation system used to award badges?
• The group class instructor suggests that my child easily loses focus during class and should concentrate more on perfecting his/her basic skating skills.
• What is the difference between ISI and USFS Basic Skating Skills competitions?

Discussion Group 3 Topics

• My child doesn't seem to acquire the skills as fast other skaters in his/her group class. What can I do to help him/her catch up with the other children?
• At what point does the quality of the boots and blades become a factor in my child's ability to learn to jump and spin?
• When should I encourage my child to enter local competitions?
• Should they enter events that are performed without music first?
• How does an event that is skated on half ice work?
• My child is very cautious, how can I help him/her learn to jump?
• My child seems to be timid and afraid of acquiring the power the coach says is necessary to be successful in figure skating. What can I do to help?
• My child becomes stressed several days prior to taking a test or entering a competition. What can I do to provide positive reinforcement?
  

Discussion Group 4 Topics

• What is a compulsory moves event?
• At what point should I consider acquiring a full membership in a local USFS club?
• How do are USFS tests and competitions judged?
• How much is reasonable to spend on a test and/or competition outfit for a male or female skater?
• Is it possible to sell the outfits and skates that are outgrown?
• Are judges influenced by the appearance of the skating outfit?
• My child loves her long hair, but it takes a long time for her to get ready to skate each morning and even longer to get her hair done for a competition. Is short hair preferred over longer hair for competitions?
• When is it appropriate for a young skater to start using makeup when testing or competing?
• My daughter's coach suggested she not wear underpants beneath her skating dress. Why is this important?
  

Discussion Group 5 Topics

• How important to a judge's evaluation is the selection of music and the choreography of the program?
• Should the music selected for a program depend on the individual's skating skills, age, a combination of both factors, or other factor(s)?
• How many CD copies of the music should I purchase?
  
• How often do skaters change the music they skate to?
• What do skaters do with the CD of the music they used previously?
• At what point is age a concern if my child wants to compete?
• What other options, besides competing as a single skater, are there for elementary, middle, and high school age skaters?
• What is a reasonable weekly schedule of on and off ice practices during the school year and on summer vacations?
• What is a reasonable weekly schedule of on and off ice lessons during the school year and on summer vacations?
• Can you provide suggestions for how many lessons should be included in a weekly skating schedule?
• How can I help my child to get the most out of a lesson?
  

Discussion Group 6 Topics

• What skills does a skater need to develop to be successful as a single, pair, dance, showcase, or synchronized team skater?
• What are the major differences between a test track and elite figure skater?
• I overheard a parent talking about home schooling their child. Is this necessary to be successful as a test track skater?
• What is a reasonable timeline to achieve a gold MITF test?
• What is a reasonable timeline to achieve a gold free skating test?
• What qualities are required of a skater who expresses a desire to become a pair, dance, synchro, Theater on Ice, or showcase skater?
  
• What is the PSA?
• What are PSA coaching rankings?

Discussion Group 7 Topics

• What elements must a free skater incorporate if a program is to be considered well balanced?
• Will judges penalize a skater if they exceed the allotted time for their program?
• Can a timing violation occur when a skater tests?
• At a test session or competition, what happens if a skater's music will not play properly?
• Who makes the decision if a skater will be asked to reskate one element on a MITF test?
• When reviewing the required elements of a free skating test, the judges determine that one element was missing or not performed as required. What options are open to the judges?
• My child performed all of the required free skating elements, the panel did not request a reskate, but she failed the test. Can you help me understand why she did not pass?
  

Discussion Group 8 Topics

• What constitutes a fully rotated jump?
• What factors result in a jump being downgraded or a reduction of its base value?
• Judges have indicated that her program contains few transitions and far too many crossovers. Please help me understand what is occurring and how to fix the problem.
• My daughter consistently receives lower marks for choreography and Interpretation. How does the selection of her program's music relate to the judge's marks?
  
• What happens if there is a costume malfunction?
• Who makes the decision if a skater will be asked to reskate up to 2 elements on a Free Skating test?

Discussion Group 9 Topics

• What types of skating moves are considered "transitions"?
• Are forward or backward crossovers considered a "transition"?
• What happens if there is an equipment (boot or blade) malfunction in a test or competition?
• What happens at a test session if the skater does not satisfactorily perform the required elements after a reskate?
• What is the difference between a skater falling while performing a required jump, spin, or step sequence and during a transition?

Discussion Group 10 Topics

• Several judges have commented that my daughter telegraphs her jumps. What does this term mean?
• What happens if the skater suffers an injury while skating their program?
• What happens if a skater includes illegal elements in a competition program?
• What does the term "front end loading" mean and is this a positive or negative factor in judging a competition program?