For skating families

Skater Resources

Calendars and practical guidance for making the most of your time at the rink.

Calendars · At the rink · Between lessons · Packing list

Calendars & scheduling

Check the calendars, then reach out to coordinate lesson changes. Changes depend on availability; mornings often have more flexibility, and afternoon openings come up from time to time.

Coach Nick’s CalendarView coaching calendarAcademy / FreestyleView rink calendarPublic SessionsView rink calendar

At the rink

What’s the difference between freestyle and public sessions?

Freestyle is dedicated figure-skating practice and follows rink-specific eligibility, traffic, music, attire, equipment, and safety rules.

Public sessions welcome a broader range of levels and skate types and are often the better setting for a newer skater who does not yet own figure skates.

How do we check in for freestyle?
For afternoon sessions purchased in advance, highlight the skater’s name on the check-in list. Sessions may be bought online up to three hours prior to the start of the session. For sessions paid for at the front desk, place the receipt on the back of the board and write the skater’s name on the list for each session purchased. To add a session, write the skater’s name on the clipboard and let a skating director know so the session can be charged. Check in again for each additional session. Morning sessions may not use the clipboard; payment and check-in at the front desk are still required before taking the ice.
What should parents do during lessons?

Parents and spectators are welcome to watch from the stands. For younger skaters who benefit from having a parent nearby, the hallway benches near the entry gate may be a good option. Please keep the gate and walkway clear; the rinkside home and away hockey benches are not spectator seating.

Make sure your skater has paid and checked in before taking the ice.

Ways to support your skater →

Edge Ice Arena Freestyle/Academy Class Rules and Regulations

General Rules for Behavior & Safety

  1. All participants shall abide by the Foothills Park & Recreation District Code of Conduct.
  2. Respectful behavior towards other skaters, coaches, employees and the facility, should be adhered to by all skaters, coaches, parents, and spectators.
  3. Coaching by parents or spectators is not allowed at any time. Those doing so will be asked to leave.
  4. Athletic skating attire (no street clothes) must be worn and hair must be securely tied back and out of a skater’s face.
  5. Rental and hockey skates are not allowed.
  6. Headphones, earbud/pods, and handheld personal music devices are not allowed while skating.
  7. No food, gum, breakable containers, or beverage containers without a lid are allowed.
  8. Parents and spectators may observe all sessions/classes from the stands and are not allowed rink side, at the entry door, or on the benches.

Specific Rules for Freestyle Sessions & Classes

  1. All skaters must pay and check in for their ice time prior to the start of sessions/classes.
  2. Skaters may only enter the ice once their designated session/class has started.
  3. Skaters entering the ice should skate around the edge of the rink and avoid cutting through the center of the ice.
  4. All skaters and coaches must clear the ice when their session has concluded and may not remain on the ice when the ice resurfacer takes the ice. Program music will be stopped in order to clear the ice for the ice resurfacer.
  5. Program music is played on a rotational basis and any skater performing their program to music must wear a program belt. Any skater not wearing a belt will forfeit their turn. Skaters and coaches must abide by current music sign-up procedures.
  6. Props used for programs must be stored off-ice and may only be used if manned during the program.
  7. Skaters should adhere to generally recognized patterns for jumps, spins, and skating skills.
  8. Socializing should be kept to a minimum on the ice and should never impede the flow of a session/class or its participants.

Right of way

Right of way belongs to skaters performing their programs with music first, then skaters in a lesson second.

Coaching

  1. Only U.S. Figure Skating compliant coaches that have been approved by the Edge Ice Arena may teach lessons on freestyle.
  2. All coaches are responsible for the safety of all skaters on the ice, teaching ice etiquette, and the enforcement and adherence of all rules and regulations.
  3. Coaching should be done from the sides and end of the rink as much as possible.

Enforcement: Skaters, coaches, parents, and spectators who do not observe the above rules and regulations will be asked to leave the ice and/or facility. No refunds or credits will be given for any rule violation.

Between lessons

  1. Before practice: choose something from your last lesson to work on.
  2. During practice: notice what changes when you use the correction.
  3. Next lesson: bring me a question or observation.

A useful goal can be simple: “At my two practices this week, I’ll work on the spin entry from my lesson and notice what helps me stay centered.”

Practice skills you can attempt safely, and follow rink traffic and right-of-way rules.

A simple pre-ice warm-up

This short warm-up is a starting point for beginners. Allow time before putting on skates. Wear athletic shoes, find a clear space, and use movements we have practiced in lessons or classes. Warm-up exercises are posted near the coaches’ room.

  1. About 1 minute: easy walking, jogging, or skipping.
  2. About 1 minute: comfortable ankle, hip, and shoulder movements.
  3. About 3 minutes: dynamic movements, balance, and skating-position exercises. Add small jumps only after learning to control them.

As your skating develops, we’ll build a more thorough warm-up around your training. Finish feeling ready rather than tired.

Off-ice classes and spinner work give us additional time to develop positions, coordination, and control.

Cool down & reset
  • After taking off your skates, use comfortable stretches you have learned for your calves, hips, and thighs. Avoid bouncing or forcing a position; stretching should not hurt.
  • Before leaving the session behind, ask: What is one thing I learned that I can use next time? If practice was frustrating, give yourself a little time first.
How parents can help

Your support makes a difference: helping your skater arrive prepared and on time, making practice possible between lessons, and encouraging them as they learn.

You’re welcome to watch from the stands, or use the hallway seating near the entry gate when appropriate for a younger skater. During lessons, give your skater room to focus on the coaching. Please bring questions or concerns directly to me.

After skating, follow their lead. If they feel like talking, you might ask:

  • What felt good today?
  • What did you figure out?
  • What would you like to try again?

Sometimes they’ll want to tell you everything; sometimes they’ll be ready to talk about something else. Either way, letting them know you enjoy watching them skate means a lot.

Training guidance · Skates & sharpening

Heading to a competition?

Competition day

Practice ice

Unless we arrange otherwise, arrive at least 30 minutes before practice ice, allowing extra time for parking and registration. Collect any required credentials, then prepare to warm up. I may be working with another athlete, so come ready to use the routine we have practiced.

Wear neat practice attire, supportive athletic shoes, and clean gloves without holes. Hair should be secured out of your face; full competition hair and makeup are not necessary for practice ice. If wearing your competition outfit, protect it with a jacket.

Warm up without tiring yourself out, leave time to put on skates, and check in with the ice monitor before entering the ice. Check the event’s instructions for practice-ice music procedures.

Before your event

Unless we agree on a different time, meet me one hour before your event’s scheduled start, wearing your approved competition outfit and athletic shoes, with hair and makeup finished. Allow extra time beforehand for parking and check-in.

I’ll guide the physical warm-up and mental preparation, then bring your skater back when it’s time for skates. Parents, please stay nearby and reachable so you can help. Timing may change as the competition moves along.

Use familiar food, allow time for breakfast and sleep, and bring water and snacks for breaks. Stick with the warm-up, program cues, and breathing routine we have practiced.

After skating

Give your skater a moment to take in the experience. Let them know you enjoyed watching them, whatever the result. We’ll work through the learning points together.

Please show respect toward other skaters, coaches, volunteers, and officials. Cheer warmly, keep photography flash off, and keep belongings clear of walkways. Celebrate with consideration for others, and bring questions about results directly to me. A kind word to another skater can mean a great deal.

Competition packing checklist

Tick items as you pack; checks clear when this page is reloaded.

Skates & care

Practice & competition clothing

Hair & personal essentials

Food & drink

Event information

Before packing: Check costume fastenings, tights, laces, and skate hardware. Have a skate technician address loose or damaged mounting hardware. I recommend checking laces regularly, replacing them as soon as they fray, and keeping a spare pair in the bag. Plan sharpening one to two weeks before the event so you have time to practice on the fresh edges.

Looking for payment, cancellation, or competition-coaching terms? Read lesson policies →

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