Rhinelander Figure Skating Club Information 2021 2022
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Rhinelander Figure Skating Club Information
2021 – 2022
Page 1Welcome
To the 2021‐2022 figure skating season.
In this packet you will find information that is helpful to you and your skater.
This year’s basic skills and freestyle lessons are on Tuesdays and Fridays with some
Thursdays. Times vary, please check the calendar regularly, for there are changes due to
hockey tournaments and high school hockey games. You can find the schedule online at
https://www.rhinelanderice.com/page/show/2223930-calendar.
Our Learn to Skate USA level 1-6 & Pre Free Skate will be split into two groups that will share
the ice. Both groups will be led by a head coach and will have additional help from Freestyle
level skaters, as appropriate. More details will follow. Sessions are 30 minutes.
Our Freestyle groups will share the ice for the full session each night. All Freestyle skaters may
use ice for the entire ice session given to the Freestyle group. However, the designated groups
will have ice priority meaning the coach may direct them to a particular section of ice. Safety
rules and courtesy will be of utmost importance to allow for a positive and beneficial
experience for all skaters. Some coaches will use Signup Genius http://www.signupgenius.com
for booking lessons and some will schedule their own lessons.
Pre-Preliminary Group Lesson with Freestyle Low Group Lessons
Group lessons are mandatory for first year freestylers and optional for returning
members. The lessons will be catered to skaters who have not passed the pre-
preliminary moves test. The group lesson will be the first 30 minutes of the freestyle ice
time and the group will have ice preference.
Preliminary Group Lesson with Freestyle Low Group Lessons
Group lessons are optional. The lessons will be catered to skaters who have not passed
the preliminary moves test but may also be taken by skaters who haven’t passed the
pre-preliminary moves test with coach approval. The group lesson will be the second 30
minutes of the freestyle ice time and the group will have ice preference.
Freestyle Ice Only
The allotted ice time for freestyle will be for skaters to use for self‐directed practice or
private lessons.
Additional ice time is available to the RFSC at no extra cost on many Sunday mornings during
the season. Watch the calendar for details. This is a great opportunity for skaters to take
advantage of private lessons and additional practice time.
Page 2Friday Night Open Figure Skating Ice will be modified this year to reduce the number of skaters
on the ice. Basic skills open ice will be offered on Friday nights from 7:00 pm to 7:15 pm when
there are not conflicts. This ice will be for basic skills skaters only. This is a great opportunity
for skaters to take advantage of private lessons and additional practice time. Check the
calendar for details.
Schedules are posted on the RIA Website (RhinelanderIce.com). Please take a look under the
figure skating tab as it has the skating schedule, board meeting notes and the bylaws that
should be read by all.
Supervision During Figure Skating Ice Times
The Rhinelander Figure Skating Club requires that all skaters have adult supervision while on
the ice. Figure skating is different than other sports because the skaters are not always with a
coach. If you are unable to be at the rink with your skater or your skater will be driving
themselves to the rink, please make arrangements with another adult at the rink to be
responsible for your skater and provide your phone number in case of emergency.
Page 3Safe Sport
US Figure Skating requires individuals who have frequent contact with athletes to have
successfully completed the SafeSport Training Program and a Background Check with a green
light finding prior to participating in US Figure Skating related activities.
All skating families are asked to complete the SafeSport Training Program prior to November
20th. All locker room volunteers, board members and adult coaches are required to complete
the SafeSport Training Program and the Background Check. If you did a Background Check last
year it will not need to be repeated this year. As reimbursement for the charge for the
Background Check, a credit will be applied for the Spring Show. If your skater is not
participating in the spring show the RIA will reimburse for the charge for the Background Check.
New Two Deep Communication Rule
All electronic communication between a Minor Athlete and an Adult Participant shall meet
Two-Deep Leadership requirements by including at least one other adult. It is recommended
the copied Adult be the Minor Athlete's parent or permanent legal guardian, but it can also be
another Adult Participant, an Adult athlete a team leader, etc. This policy applies when the
Minor Athlete initiates the communication and when the Adult Participate initiates the
communication.
Athlete SafeSport Training Requirements
All athletes 18 years or older competing on a team (i.e. synchro, dance, paints, theatre, etc.)
with minor athletes are required to complete the online SafeSport training in order to
participate in the upcoming season. Athletes younger than 18, may take the training with the
consent of a parent. All athletes who do not complete the SafeSport training by their 18 th
birthday will be SafeSport non-compliant on their 19th birthday. The athlete will not be
SafeSport compliant until they have completed the training and their Members Only portal
reflects completion. Accordingly, we encourage any athlete who is currently 17 to seek
parental consent to take the training early.
The full Safe Sport Handbook is available at
www.usfigureskating.org/sites/default/files/media-
files/U.S.%20Figure%20Skating%20SafeSport%20Handbook_2.pdf.
Page 4Rhinelander Figure Skating Club Basic Skills
U.S. Figure Skating would like to welcome you to the Learn To Skate USA program. The Learn To
Skate USA program is designed by the U.S. Figure Skating to be the best beginning ice skating
program that is fun, challenging and rewarding. This program serves the needs of both the
recreational and the competitive skater.
The curriculum offers something for everyone, beginning with the first steps on the ice to the
mastery of advanced techniques. This personalized approach allows skaters to progress at their
own rate and advance after skill mastery is demonstrated. Learn to Skate USA provides built-in
incentives and encouragement to keep skaters motivated while they gain confidence and
achieve their goals. Upon completion of the program, skaters will be able to confidently
advance to more specialized areas of skating.
The objectives of the program are:
• To provide a fun and safe skating experience for the beginner skater as well as for
the advanced skater
• To teach correct technique of the basic elements of skating
• To develop a finer degree of coordination and balance
• To promote physical fitness
• To have fun!
And the best part, you will receive great instruction and all the goodies below for your
membership fee that you have already paid. Membership only needs to be paid once yearly and
is good through June 30 each year.
What will I receive?
• Official Basic Skills membership card
• Basic Skills Record Book with stickers
• Patches for each level passed
• Sports accident insurance coverage
• General information about ice skating
Page 5Different Programs offered by Rhinelander Figure Skating Club
Learn to Skate USA Levels 1-6
This is a class program where the ice time and coaching fees are packaged for the skaters to
learn the fundamentals of skating. It consists of different levels. Once the skater has passed
Level 6, then they are a considered a Pre-Free Skate skater.
Only the head coaches may test individuals when they are ready. The club will offer 3 testing
nights that will break the season into thirds. If a parent feels their child is ready to progress
they may contact one of the head coaches for private lessons to test. The private lesson fee is
to be paid to the coach directly.
Learn to Skate USA Pre-Free Skate
This is a continuing class program branching from the Learn to Skate levels 1-6 and ran as a
group session. Once the skater has passed Pre-Free Skate, then they are a considered a
freestyle skater.
Only the head coaches may test individuals when they are ready. The club will offer 3 testing
nights that will break the season into thirds. If a parent feels their child is ready to progress
they may contact one of the head coaches for private lessons to test. The private lesson fee is
to be paid to the coach directly.
Freestyle
Pre-Preliminary Group Lessons & Freestyle Ice: This is a class program where the ice time and
coaching fees are packaged for skaters to expand their skating skills. This is for skaters in the
pre‐preliminary levels. Lessons will be the first 30 minutes of Freestyle Ice time.
Preliminary Group Lessons& Freestyle Ice: This is a class program where the ice time and
coaching fees are packaged for skaters to expand their skating skills. This is for skaters in the
preliminary levels. Lessons will be the second 30 minutes of Freestyle Ice time.
Freestyle Ice Only: Self‐directed practice and private lessons (out of pocket expense) during
scheduled ice times.
Freestyle Testing
In order for skaters to advance in levels through freestyle, they must prepare for and get tested
at a US Figure Skating sanctioned test session. These test sessions are held around the state
throughout the year. Locations will be communicated through email. It is always important to
keep in touch with your skaters coach.
Private Coaching
Any coach that is offering private lessons must present their credentials which verify they are
compliant with their certification per the Safe Sport Handbook. Parents must only hire coaches
who meet the appropriate criteria. Any individual who facilitates a non-compliant coach will
lead to suspension. A list of compliant coaches is available on the Figure Skating page at
RhinelanderIce.com.
Page 6Coaching Criteria for the RFSC
All coaches who coach at the RIA Rink must meet these criteria – this is for our club to be
compliant with the Safe Sport Rules that are mandated by the US Figure Skating Association:
A. Must be a current full member of U.S. Figure Skating - either through a member club or as an
individual member.
B. Must complete the coach registration process through the U.S. Figure Skating Members Only
site, submit proper payment for the annual registration fee and, if 18 years of age or older,
successfully pass the background screen and complete Safe Sport certification.
C. Must complete the appropriate certification courses depending on the highest level of
students being coached as of July 1. See rule MR 5.12.
D. Must submit proof of current general liability insurance with limits of $1 million per
occurrence/$5 million aggregate. (If coaching freestyle or group lessons.)
E. Must be at least 14 years of age and in high school.
F. Must have passed the US Figure Skating test for the level they are coaching.
Associate Memberships
Members belonging to another figure skating club who are in good standing may purchase an
associate membership. The associate membership allows a skater to be on the ice during the
allotted in the package purchased. Associate members are not required to participate in
volunteer hours. A maximum of five associate members will be allowed on the ice per time
slot.
Associate Membership Options Registration Fee Ice Fee
Option 1:
Pick Tuesday or Friday ice $30 $225 / season
Option 2:
Access to the ice for all figure skating ice $30 $20/hr, max $40/night
Awards
Near end of season, skaters will vote for a basic skills & a freestyle Sportsmanship award
recipient. Coaches will select the Most Improved and Hardest Worker basic skills & freestyle
award recipients. All of the awards will be presented during the spring ice show.
Annual Skating Shows
Each year the club offers a skating show in November and in March for skaters of all ages and
abilities. This is a great way for the skaters to showcase what they have learned during their
lessons for friends and family. Participation is optional and requires an additional fee to cover
expenses. It is also mandatory that families put in volunteer time for the show.
Page 7Rhinelander Figure Skating Club
2021-2022 Rates
Ice and Group Lesson Coaching Fees
(These prices do not include RIA, RFSC, and USFSA memberships)
Program Volunteer Price Non-Volunteer Price
1st Year Learn to Skate USA $100.00 $300.00
Learn to Skate USA 2-4 $184.00 $584.00
Learn to Skate USA 5-6 and Pre-Free Skate $231.00 $631.00
Pre-Preliminary Group Lesson & Freestyle $444.00 $844.00
Ice
Preliminary Group Lesson & Freestyle Ice $444.00 $844.00
Freestyle Ice Only $379.00 $779.00
*Skaters who transition to a higher level group will pay a pro‐rated fee
Regular Season: Starts approximately on the 3rd week of October and ends the last week of
January.
Show Season: Starts the first week of February and ends with show weekend in late March.
This will be an extra fee. More information will be available later in the season.
RIA Membership: ($15) one per family.
Rhinelander Figure Skating Club Membership: ($20) one per family.
US Figure Skating Membership: Each skater is required to sign up and pay the US Figure Skating
membership and insurance. Basic Skills and Freestyle are separate entities for US Figure
Skating and membership fees cannot be transferred. Therefore, if skater moves into freestyle
mid-season, they need to pay for the entire freestyle membership.
USFSA Fees: Basic Skills Membership‐$16
(Freestyle) 1st yr. Introductory Membership – 1yr only $30.
(Freestyle) Regular Membership ‐ $60.
(Freestyle) Regular Membership ‐ Subsequent family member ‐ $24
1st year participant: is defined as a skater who has not participated in any figure skating
programs (RIA or other clubs) prior to this season.
Volunteer Hours: 40 hours are required per participant, with a maximum of 70 hours per
family. 1st year participants are required to complete 20 hours of volunteer work. Please see
the volunteer part of the handout for more information.
Page 8Financial Assistance: is available for the ice fee portion of the rate above. The Rhinelander Ice
Association uses the same qualifications as the school lunch program. Please fill out the
application if you are interested. This information will be kept confidential. All fees for coaches
are separate and not eligible for discount.
RFSC Beginners Survival Guide
After registering for the Basic Skills program, your skater will be assigned to a group. Schedules
and notices will be posted on the RFSC bulletin board and on the web at
www.rhinelanderice.com.
Proper Ice Conduct and Reference
• While on ice, the skater’s hair should be pulled back and off of their face.
• No jewelry, beads, etc. should be worn on the ice.
• Skate guards should be worn anytime you are not on the ice.
• Once finished with your session, skates should be dried with a clean cloth to avoid rust.
• Skates should NOT be stored with the guards on. We recommend soakers to store
skates and help absorb additional moisture.
• Skates should be sharpened before first use and then every 25‐50 hours thereafter.
• Skaters should wear gloves on the ice. Stretchy gloves are recommended.
• No gum chewing or eating is allowed on the ice.
• Skaters should leave the ice immediately following their sessions.
• No socializing or loitering.
• ONLY SKATERS SHOULD BE ON THE ICE. Please, no shoes on the ice.
• Don’t talk to skaters when they are having their session (This distracts the entire class).
• During group lessons, please have your skater leave all iPod, cell phones, and any other
electronic devices out of the arena area. These are distractions to the class and lessons.
• The skater who is doing their program music must wear the vest has the right-of-way.
The skaters having a lesson have the second right-of-way. Be alert and learn to identify
other skaters’ music.
Page 9The Skates
The ice skates you purchase is the most important investment you will make. An ill-
fitting or poorly constructed skate will prevent you from making progress. This is
especially true for children.
A properly fitted skate is the smallest skate you can comfortably wear with a pair of
socks. The foot and boot must become one unit. It is very tempting to buy skates a size
larger in hopes that they will last longer. DON’T!!! A skate that is too large will force the
arch support under the toes, cutting off the circulation. The child will tell you her toes
hurt and will make you think that the skates are too small and then the cycle begins
again.
The boot should be laced loose at the toes, comfortable over the instep, snug to tight
over the ankle and loose enough at the top to be able to insert one or two fingers. If you
can pull your laces closer than 1‐2 inches at the ankle, the skates are too big, or you may
need a narrower width.
The Blades
The next most important item is the blade. Dull blades will slip from side to side, and the
beginners will have the tendency to drop the ankle to try and get a better grip on the
ice.
Skates need sharpening when:
• They have come in contact with concrete, dirt, or metal. If it is necessary to walk on
these surfaces, you need to protect the blade with a skate guard.
• They have been used for about 25‐50 hours. You will learn to recognize how often
your skates need sharpening.
• You rub the back of your thumbnail against the edge, and it doesn’t shave off
anything.
If your skater is having a hard time adjusting to a new sharpening, check to see if it is
“square.” Holding the boot upside down, balance a flat metal washer on the blade and
see if it forms a perfect “T” to the blade. If it appears to tip to one side, the blade has
been sharpened incorrectly and one edge is grabbing the ice harder than the other.
Skate Sharpening
Skate sharpening is available at several locations. Please ask a coach or board member
for details. Brett has offered to sharpen basic level skates at his convenience; there will
be a shelf in the green room for skates to be left for him to sharpen.
Page 10Dress Code
Ice is cold; therefore, the rink will be cold. The best way to dress for ice skating, as any other
winter sport, is in thin layers. Perhaps the most important item to mention is how to keep feet
warm. DON’T wear extra socks inside the skate! This will squeeze the toes and only make them
colder. Also remember to wear mittens or stretchy gloves.
Any clothing of a questionable nature, such as camisole, halter tops, spaghetti strapped
tanks, sports bras, low‐rider pants, or apparel showing the midriff will not be allowed.
The most appropriate attire you can wear of course is skating apparel. It is designed for the
sport in a way that street clothes are not. Some acceptable forms of street clothes are
sweaters, T-shirts, sweatshirts, stretch pants, and fitted sweatpants or wind pants, no jeans. If a
skater’s dress is considered unsafe or inappropriate, he/she will be asked to leave the ice and
change.
Page 11RFSC Ice Show
Every year, during March, the RFSC produces an ice show in which all of the skaters may
participate for an additional fee. Show season starts the first week of February and ends after
the show in March. The shows are open to the public. The show has a different theme every
year. The ice show showcases the RFSC, the RIA and the many talented figure skaters we have
in our club. It is fun to watch and exciting to participate! An incredible amount of time and
energy on the part of skaters and parents goes into creating a successful show.
The groups for the show are determined by what level the skater is in. The Basic Skills groups
are based on the highest level passed as of the RFSC December test date. (Please note – if a
Basic skater passes into a higher level in January, they will still be in the level as of the
December testing.) The Freestyle groups are based upon the skater’s highest test passed as of
the end of December. However, if a Freestyle skater is planning to test in Eagle River during the
January test session, the skater is required to notify the Board of their intention to test before
the end of December. The skater should give the Board a letter signed by the coach signifying
their belief that the test will be passed. The cut off dates are necessary as music, costumes and
groups will be determined after the Basic Skills test date in December.
The ice show is a great opportunity for families to earn their volunteer hours. There are many
ways to help, such as building scenery, creating props, sewing costumes, helping with music,
working in the concession stand, selling flowers, being a “room parent” and helping to put
together the show program.
Freestyle Ice Show Group Definitions:
Low Freestyle: Freestyle skaters who have not tested Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field will be
placed in the low freestyle show groups.
Mid Freestyle: Freestyle skaters who have passed Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field will be
placed in the mid freestyle show groups.
High Freestyle: Freestyle skaters who have passed the Preliminary Free Skate test will be
placed in the high freestyle show groups.
Page 12Volunteer Hours
The Rhinelander Ice Association requires that users of the facility help maintain the facility.
Each family is required to work a minimum of 40 hours per skater (20 for first year skaters) or
70 hours per family, if more than one skater. The RIA year is from October 1 to September 30. A
charge of $15/hour will be billed at the end of the skating year for all volunteer hours not
completed. Skaters will not be allowed to skate during the next season until the balance of
volunteer fees is paid in full.
RIA Requires the following is included in the total volunteer hours per family:
✓ At least 5 hours in the concession stand
✓ At least one high school hockey game in the concession stand.
✓ 5 hours during non‐ice events (Please see RIA management for details.)
RFSC requires the following is included in the total volunteer hours per family:
✓ Active participation on one committee preparing for or during spring show
✓ At least one volunteer position during the spring show and during the holiday
show.
✓ At least 5 hours during Hodag Skate Classic in April regardless of skater
participation.
We need to keep the rink clean and looking great. Please do your part. If you have 15 minutes
to clean windows or wipe off tables, be sure to record your time. (This is a great way to get
some of your volunteer hours done while your skater is on the ice!) It will count toward your
required hours. Other suggestions:
✓ Wash windows and glass doors
✓ Sweeping/mopping concession area, bathrooms, bleachers
✓ Sweeping locker rooms, hockey boxes, hallways
✓ Pick up trash in concession area, under bleachers, outside building
✓ Shovel all entryways
✓ Clean toilets, sinks, mirrors
✓ Empty trash cans in bathrooms, concessions, outside
✓ Assist with putting ice in or taking ice out
✓ Wipe off tables
✓ Wash walls in concession area
✓ Drive Zamboni (see rink manager if interested)
✓ Work concession stand during practices and games
*Cleaning supplies are located in the men’s bathroom
See the Volunteer Info page at RhinelanderIce.com for volunteer opportunities and to record
hours. Further questions can be forwarded to the rink manager, Brett, via email
(rhinelanderice@gmail.com).
Page 13RFSC Disciplinary Code
The RFSC Board of Directors has developed the following disciplinary code in the event of an
infraction of the code of ethics. If a member has a complaint to file, please see the entire
disciplinary code in the By‐Laws of the RFSC. The By-Laws can be found on the Figure Skating
tab on RhinelanderIce.com.
Authority:
1. Disciplinary procedures will be enforced by the coaching staff and/or any board
members if immediate action is required.
2. Skaters and skater’s parent/guardian(s) will be notified of each violation
3. Disciplinary steps will be followed for each violation even if the violation is of a
different nature (i.e. Skater is swearing during the first week which resulted in verbal
reprimand. Skater then is physically pushing skaters during a different week. Skater
will receive the written reprimand at this offense)
4. Disciplinary action shall not apply in cases where there is just cause for immediate
suspension or termination of club membership determined by the coaching staff and
Executive Board.
5. Any appeal regarding disciplinary action must be filed within ten (10) days of the
skater’s notification.
6. Ice/Membership/Coaching Fees will NOT be reimbursed for non-attendance due to
disciplinary action.
Steps of Disciplinary:
1. Verbal Reprimand – a verbal reprimand will be given to the skater and the parent
and the skater will be removed from the ice for the remainder of the session.
(Record of action will be kept on file by the RFSC Board)
2. Written Reprimand – If a second disciplinary action is required, a written reprimand
will be issued to the skater and parent and the skater will be removed from the ice
and suspended for one week. (Record of action will be kept on file by the RFSC
Board)
3. Termination from Club – If a third and final disciplinary action is required, the
skater’s membership with the RFSC will be terminated for the remainder of the
season. (Record of action will be kept on file by the RFSC Board)
4. Steps of Discipline will be followed until skater has at least one year (365 days)
between disciplinary incidents.
Page 14RFSC By-laws Summary
For the complete By-Laws of the Rhinelander Figure Skating Club, please go to
RhinelanderIce.com and click the Figure Skating tab. Listed below is a summary of the By-Laws.
Article I – Name and Purpose
Article II – Officers
Article III – Duties of Officers
Article IV – Board of Directors
Article V – Powers and Duties of the Board of Directors
Article VI – Standing Committees
• Includes criteria for the Awards given out at the end of the year
• Includes RHS Club School Letter Criteria
• Includes RHS Club School Senior Letter Criteria
Article VII – Membership
Article VIII – Club Meetings
Article IX – Discipline
Article X – Fees, Dues & Assessments
Article XI – Adoption of By-Laws
Article XII – Amendments to By-Laws
Article XII – Order of Business
Article XIV – Rules of Order
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