When choosing the proper path for your child's figure skating, you will first want to consider your child's goals. Decide if your skater would like to skate competitively or recreationally. There are two different organizations in the U.S. which each promote the proper program for your figure skater's needs. Once you have decided if your skater would like to skate competitively or recreationally, make sure to take this into consideration when choosing a coach and communicating your skater's goals.
What are the differences between U.S. Figure Skating and Ice Skating Institute?
U.S. Figure Skating (USFSA) is the official governing body of figure skating in the United States. U.S. Figure Skating programs are competitive, rather than recreational; however, there is a Basic Skills program, that is recreational and similar to the ISI program (Learn to Skate).
Once skaters are past the U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills levels, there are separate moves in the field, freeskating, ice dance, and pair skating tests that must be passed in order to advance in each figure skating discipline. Skaters compete in unofficial and official U.S. Figure Skating competitions in all branches of figure skating.
Every serious figure skater in the United States must be a member of U.S. Figure Skating and pass official U.S. Figure Skating tests in order to compete. Most skaters join a U.S. Figure Skating member club. "www.usfsa.org"
The Ice Skating Institute (ISI) is an international industry trade association encompassing all aspects of the ice skating industry. It encourages participation in ice skating as a recreational sport. It provides ice skating programs for skaters of all ages and abilities as well as hosts recreational skating competitions annually. "www.skateisi.com"
For more information, click on either program's icon below to be taken to the official websites.