Your child may begin taking private lessons at any time. He or she does not have to complete all the Skate With US levels first. The main reasons for taking private lessons are:
a. to help your child progress at a faster rate,
b. to receive the benefits from individualized instruction geared to your child‘s learning style and personality,
c. if you think your child would like to enter skating competitions.

You may approach any of the coaches directly. You do not necessarily have to choose your child‘s Skate With US coach.

Private lessons are given at the Pepsi Center on Amherst Skating Club ice that is designated specifically for ASC skaters. Check with your coach about availability.

That question has many answers. Some coaches prefer to have their students have a lesson each day they skate. Other coaches leave that decision up to the parents. (For example: some skaters have two lessons per week, and on the third day, they practice the things that they learned previously that week.) You will make these decisions together with your coach.

Again, that answer is up to you and the coach. You will pay for each session that your child skates on, so cost may be a factor. Another factor is the learning curve. Skaters will learn new skills faster if they are skating more than once a week. You may choose as little as one lesson per week. Many beginners skate 2-3 sessions per week. This decision also depends on whether the skater is a recreational skater, or wants to begin entering competitions. A competitive skater typically skates three or more sessions per week. Our high level competitors skate up to 12 or 13 sessions a week, year round.

There are 3 pieces that contribute to the cost: 1) Coaches fees. This is whatever the coach charges and is on their terms. The money owed is paid directly to them as they are an independant contractor. 2) Membership. A portion of this fee is club membership and a portion of it is a US Figure Skating membership. This provides insurance and skating privelages. 3) Ice fees. Club members purchase a minimum of 1 hour of ice per week for the entire season.

Your child can wear anything that is comfortable for practice. Coaches like to see a skater‘s body positioning, so stretch pants (such as Under Armor or Danskin) are popular choices. Many of the girl skaters prefer to wear skating tights and skating dresses. Fleece jackets and fleece headbands are popular choices, and gloves are a necessity. Some of the very young skaters start with a helmet as well.

There are competitions at all skill levels for figure skaters. Your coach can help you decide when your child is ready. The coach will plan a skating routine, (a "program"), which incorporates the necessary required elements for your child‘s level. There is often music involved, but not always. The coach will provide your skater with his or her music. There is an entry fee for competitions. The coach will provide you with a competition entry form which will explain the fees for your child‘s level. Your coach will also explain which events your child should enter. As the day for the competition comes closer, your coach will provide you with information on when to arrive and what to bring with you. In competitions, medals are given to the first, second and third place skaters, and sometimes to the 4th place skater. The Basic Skills levels often receive ribbons for participation and placement. Every competition is run differently.

For competitions, you will want your child to wear dressier skate wear. They can be purchased new or used, made by a seamstress, or if you are handy with a needle and thread, you can make them yourself. Our families bring in many gently used dresses for our skate sale, so even if you do not need skates, plan to attend the sale for competition as well as practice wear!

The monitors are the people you see standing in the scorer‘s box by the rink side. Monitoring Club ice is an essential function during practice ice and every session must be monitored. The monitor‘s role is to make sure there is a safe environment for all skaters on the ice, to play music for the skaters, and take attendance. Monitoring is a wonderful opportunity to get to know your child‘s fellow skaters, see some great skating up close and personal, and meet the coaches. It‘s a bit chilly out there, so bring a warm coat, hat and gloves, but we guarantee, the more you monitor, the more you‘ll get hooked on the sport! How it works - Every family at ASC is required to monitor 15 hours of ice per year. ASC families are charged a $75 monitor fee per year. Every time you monitor, you fill out a sheet and turn it in to the ASC office. You will be credited $5 for every time you monitor an hour-long session. For every session you monitor beyond the initial 15 hours, you will receive an additional $5. You may accrue these "credits" and apply them towards your next ice bill. Monitor fees and required service is waived to new ASC members during their Introductory membership.