Sport: Figures Skating
Association: US Figure Skating
Leadership: Board of directors that include the president, three vice presidents, secretary, treasurer, three athlete members, two coaching members and four group coordinators.
Location: Varies
Competitive figure skating has been around for many years in different forms. However, it was not until 1914 that an official organization was formed in the US that reflected the international style of figure skating, which is similar to standard elements and style of ice figure skating today. In 1921, a new organization was formed and called the United States Figure Skating Association, which is now known as US Figure Skating and is composed of member clubs, individual members and associate members. The US Figure Skating Championship has been held annually since 1914 and is considered the supreme event for figure skating in the United States. Not only is it a venue for figure skaters to reap the rewards of their hard training schedules, but it is also a stepping stone for international competitions, culminating in a chance to earn a berth on the US Olympic team. The US Figure Skating Championships showcase athletes in many levels of expertise, from juvenile to champion levels. The level and quality of style and technical aspects increase every year, and it is exhilarating each year to see just how far these athletes have advanced in terms of skill. Catch the excitement for yourself when you get your tickets at StubHub.
The skaters compete in their respective disciplines and levels. The five levels are Juvenile, Intermediate, Novice, Junior and Championship. There are three disciplines represented: Dance, Pairs and Singles. Each of the disciplines in the competition has two programs, one that has required specific technical components, and one that is a free program. The free program has required elements that are not as specific as to the type and method of inclusion. The combined points from each make up their final score.
The National Qualifying Series are approved competitions held at member clubs in the US. Participating skaters earn official ranks based on scores for sectional and national competitions. Athletes can enter any official competitions with no minimum or maximum entries, and the athlete's highest total score counts. Athletes can enter either a NQS or a Challenge competition to qualify for a Final, which in turn qualifies the athlete for a spot in the Championships. Athletes in Senior competitions must also have a minimum Technical Elements Score for the current season in order to compete in the US Figure Skating Championships.
The US Figure Skating Championships are held at a different location each year in January. Some locations are repeat venues. The 2019 Geico US Figure Skating Championships took place at
Little Caesars Arena
in Detroit January 19 - 27. The 2020 Toyota US Figure Skating Championships are being held at the
Greensboro Coliseum
in Greensboro January 20 - 26.
The winners of the US Figure Skating Championships are declared US Figure Skating National Champions. They are also now eligible to be placed on the US teams for the World Junior Figure Skating Championships,
World Figure Skating Championships
,
Four Continents Figure Skating Championships
and the
Winter Olympic Games
.
There are three types of events at the US Figure Skating Championships, which are Dance, Pairs and Singles. Dance ice figure stating consists of a pair of skaters, similar to pairs. The emphasis is on creative footwork and body movements rather than jumps, and only certain kinds of lifts are allowed. There are strictures on partner separation times and distances. Pairs skating consists of unison skating by partners and includes difficult lifts, spins and jumps. Movements are in unison with corresponding footwork, body lines and gestures whether together or apart. Men's and women's singles each have the same rules, and the routines showcase style, form, concentration and strength. Fans of any type of sport or entertainment spectacle appreciate the form and beauty of figure skating. The US Figure Skating Championships are a great event to attend unto themselves, but these championships are also a precursor to the future Olympics where you will see these same performers on a world podium. To say you were part of the process, plan on getting your US Figure Skating Championships tickets at StubHub now.