What standard do you have to be to enter an ice skating competition?

Question

Ok, basically...I am 13 (almost 14) and i have been skating for around a year. I'm not too serious at the moment (I skate for around 2 hours a week) but I really enjoy it. I am currently on Skate UK Passport level gold and I am doing salchows, one foot spins, toe loops etc. I was just wondering how good you need to be to enter competitions as it is one of the things I would really like to think about doing. I don't want to enter the olympics or anything, just do some low level competitions for fun and experience. My coach has never mentioned doing any before. Also, I was wondering whether I am working at around the right speed and whether I am on the right level considering how long I have been skating. I would be grateful to here others experiences regarding ice skating competitions and things. Thanks

Answer 1

I would just do it for fun if you wanted to.

Answer 2

i started at beta, now im about freestyle 6

so whatever feels right.

and i recommend isi since your not going for olympics.

Answer 3

competitions are really fun at the lower levels :P

i live in the U.S.

there are definitely competitions for your level

there is ISI

and basic skills (like Uk passport i think)

always talk to your coach about competitions because she probably knows where to find them. if you're in group lessons i suggest getting a private coach first. DO NOT get a choreographer because you dont need one just yet, i would get on around pre-juvenile/intermediate.

but after you start into the national figure skating levels there is....

no-test (all single jumps, no axel)

pre-preliminary (axel)

preliminary (2 double jumps)

pre-juvenile (4 double jumps, no double axel)

juvenile (all double jumps, jr. national level, must be under 13)

intermediate (all doubles and 2 triples, 2 programs, jr. national level, under 18)

novice (longer 2 programs, harder)

junior ( triples and some doubles)

senior (highest level)

(for every level you have to pass a freestyle test, but you can skate one level higher than you test, example: test up to novice and skate junior level.)

competitions are a lot of fun. its not extremely competitive until juvenile.

p.s. picking music, try something you know the judges will like and if you can dont use lyrics. skaters usually use this program for a year or two, depending on when you advance.  for dresses, dont get anything over 100 dollars and not too showy for your first competition, i doubt you will need a custom made dress.

have fun competing :P

Answer 4

You can compete at any level. I don't know the UK system but you should have a god mastery with the elements. As long as you can actually do them, you'll be ok. Basic competitions won't really have anybody doing all the moves amazingly well.

Answer 5

You can start competing at the beginning level!!  

There are definitely competitions for Skate UK Gold level as well as the beginner Skate UK levels 1-10 , you can definitely compete if you are thinking about it!  Don't wait for your coach to bring it up . . . if you are interested, let him/her know!  

Here are some examples to show you can compete in the Skate UK levels . . .

http://www.afsc.org.uk/SkateUKcomp07.htm...

http://www.montemiceskatingclub.fsnet.co...

http://www.mkisc.org.uk/index.php?id=eve...

I started skating nearly double your age.  Obviously Olympics was never in the cards for me, but I was able to compete in the adult circuit.  Not only for fun, but I was curious how far I could get . . . so you just might surprise yourself!  

Everyone goes at a different pace . . . sounds like you're doing just fine!   I'd say gain some competition experience early on if you can . . . it will help to build confidence before having to compete with "harder" elements.  

Best of luck!

Answer 6

Google the ISU(international skating union) for info..

Answer 7

I have been skating for a while now and all i know is that you have to be 12 and under to do basic 8 in the U.S.A and other than that there is really no age requirement.