Content:
Parents' FAQ
Becoming a USFSA Member
Basic Knowledge
Freestyle v. Public v. Club Ice
Private Lessons: Choosing a Coach
Competitions & Tests
Dresses & Skates
Sharpening Skates
Basic Skills
Responsibilities of a Skating Parent
Values
Parents' Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a member of U.S. Figure Skating?
The best way to be part of U.S. Figure Skating is to be a member of a U.S. Figure Skating-affiliated club. Click here to learn more about U.S. Figure Skating memberships.
Skaters who are members of our club automatically become full members of U.S. Figure Skating.
What are the some of the basic things I need to know if my child wants to figure skate?
The U.S. Figure Skating website has a number of articles and resources for parents who are new to figure skating. You may also click here for a neat Q&A for figure skating 101.
Click here for the U.S. Figure Skating's easy to follow diagram on the different figure skating programs and development/pipeline of figure skating.
What is freestyle ice, public ice, or club ice?
“Freestyle ice” is ice time that is offered to higher level figure skaters or skaters in lessons. Typically levels Kodiaks/Polars and up. Click here to see current schedules and fees.
“Public ice” is ice time which Idaho Ice World offers to the public who wish to ice skate. Click here to see current schedules and fees.
“Club ice” is freestyle ice offered by BFSC to BFSC members at no charge as one of the benefits of membership. BFSC members are notified of club ice date and time via email.
Ready for Private Lessons? Choosing a Coach:
Our club's coaching team are all members of the US Figure Skating Association and Accredited and Rated by the Professional Skaters Association. Visit our Club Coaches Page to view each Professional's qualifications.
There are two ways to set up a private lesson: 1. Fill out a private lesson sheet at the rink. 2. You are welcome to come and observe our coaching staff and approach them directly to arrange a lesson. Coaches charge between $30-$40 for a 30 minute lesson. Please note that this rate is for the coach's time only and does not include admission or skate rental.
When should my child compete/test?
Ask your child’s coach. Check our Events page for upcoming competitions and tests around the area.
There are many sites online that sell figure skating dresses. Just type in “figure skating dresses” to find those listed. Ask other parents. Many parents have “used” dresses to sell or check this site for “Items for Sale”. You might also wish to contact Daisy Langley, who specializes in competition dresses, in Sun Valley @ 208-622-2196 or 208-726-5567.
This is a question best answered by your child’s coach because he or she will know what skates are best for your child. Some suggestions are: The Cutting Edge which is at Idaho Ice World, Daisy Langley at Sun Valley Resort and Rick Stephens at Highland Ice Arena in the Seattle area.
Who sharpens skates?
Always check with your child’s coach first to ask how he/she would prefer they be sharpened. We have two places to recommend: The Cutting Edge which is at Idaho Ice World and Wade Nelson, who can be reached at 208.939.6499 or 208.869.5715.
Basic Skills Page
Responsibilities as a Skating Parent
As a parent of an athlete, you want the best for your child. Here are some suggestions to make your child’s skating experience more successful. This will help to make it more fun and valuable for you and your child.
To do so, you need first to understand your responsibilities as a skating parent:
1.Encourage your child to skate, but don't pressure. Let your child choose to skate.
2.Understand what your child wants from skating, and provide a supportive atmosphere for achieving these goals.
3.Put your child's participation in perspective. Don't make skating everything in your child's life; make it a part of life.
4.Make sure the coach is qualified to guide your child. See our "Pro Corner" for qualified instructors.
5. Emphasize fun, skill development, and striving to do his or her best.
6. Help your child set challenging but realistic performance goals rather than focusing only on "winning."
7. Help your child understand the valuable lessons skating can teach.
8. Help your child meet responsibilities to the coach.
9.Discipline your child when necessary.
10. Turn your child over to the coach at practices and competitions - don't meddle or coach from the sidelines. Leave the coaching to the coaches.
Make your skater a champion for life.
Here are some valuable characteristics that are developed and enhanced in successful athletes:
Persistence Courage Concentration Self-Confidence Self-Worth Desire
