Your Learn to Skate USA membership is an introductory membership into U.S. Figure Skating. That membership allows your skater to participate in learn-to-skate activities sponsored by the program and also in Basic Skills competitions. A parent needs to be aware that there is a different type of membership in U.S. Figure Skating that enables a skater to participate in all U.S. Figure Skating activities and also includes a subscription to SKATING magazine. The best way to be a part of U.S. Figure Skating at Gallatin Ice is to be a member of the Bozeman Figure Skating Club; in other words, membership in a U.S. Figure Skating member club includes a full membership to U.S. Figure Skating.
You may notice a display or bulletin board at your skating rink with information on joining the skating club affiliated with your ice rink, and you may wonder when your child should join that skating club. Once your child is ready to take official U.S. Figure Skating tests or compete in competitions beyond the Basic Skills level, it is time to join a figure skating club. In other words, in order to take tests and enter competitions beyond the Basic Skills level, a skater must be a FULL member of U.S. Figure Skating.
Some skating clubs will sanction ice shows, competitions or judging critiques. All clubs will usually sponsor test sessions. In order for your child to take skating tests, he or she must be a FULL member of U.S. Figure Skating. If your child takes a test at a club of which he or she is a member, you will be given a discount on testing fees. Volunteering with a skating club Skating clubs are run by volunteers. If possible, take the time to volunteer with your child’s skating club. Through involvement, you will learn more about skating and, at the same time, you and your child will make skating friends.