compete usa manual

Compete USA Manual: A Comprehensive Overview (Updated December 24, 2025)

This manual details the structure, rules, and logistics for Compete USA competitions, ensuring a standardized and enjoyable experience for all participating skaters and officials․

Compete USA serves as a foundational program within U․S․ Figure Skating, designed to introduce skaters to the exciting world of competitive figure skating․ It’s meticulously crafted to provide a supportive and progressive pathway for athletes of all levels, from introductory skills to more advanced techniques․ This program emphasizes skill development, sportsmanship, and a positive competitive environment․

Participation necessitates current membership with either Learn to Skate USA or U․S․ Figure Skating, ensuring adherence to established safety standards and coaching protocols․ The program’s structure encompasses six distinct levels, each with specific program requirements and spin challenges, fostering gradual advancement․ Competitions are sanctioned and approved, upholding fairness and consistency across events․ The current Miss USA, Alma Cooper, exemplifies dedication, mirroring the spirit of Compete USA․

What is Compete USA?

Compete USA is a nationally recognized figure skating competition program, functioning as a stepping stone for skaters aspiring to progress within the U․S․ Figure Skating system․ It’s designed to be accessible, offering a structured competitive experience for those beginning their journey in the sport․ The program focuses on building confidence and refining fundamental skills through a series of progressively challenging levels․

Unlike higher-level competitions, Compete USA prioritizes participation and development over strict qualification criteria․ It provides a platform for skaters to showcase their abilities and receive valuable feedback․ Registration deadlines and competition schedules are clearly defined, ensuring a smooth logistical process․ Understanding currency exchange rates (USD to EUR) is helpful for international participants, with current rates readily available online․ The program’s rules, detailed in section 3100, govern all competitions․

Eligibility Requirements for Participation

To participate in Compete USA competitions, skaters must maintain current membership with either Learn to Skate USA or U․S․ Figure Skating․ This membership ensures adherence to established safety standards and provides access to sanctioned events․ Eligibility isn’t restricted by skill level; the program accommodates skaters from Snowplow Sam through Excel levels, fostering inclusivity․

Age and skill level are considered when selecting appropriate competition levels, ensuring a fair and challenging experience․ Skaters are encouraged to choose levels that align with their current abilities, promoting positive development․ Detailed test requirements are outlined, guiding skaters toward advancement․ Registration is open to all current members, with specific deadlines communicated well in advance․ Competitions are sanctioned and approved according to rule 3111․

Membership with Learn to Skate USA or U․S․ Figure Skating

Active membership with either Learn to Skate USA or U․S․ Figure Skating is a foundational requirement for Compete USA participation․ This ensures skaters are part of a recognized organization committed to safety and skill development․ Membership provides access to insurance coverage during sanctioned events and supports the growth of the sport․

Skaters utilizing their membership for competition registration must present valid proof of current standing․ The organizations offer various membership tiers, catering to different levels of involvement․ Maintaining current membership is the skater’s responsibility․ If a skater is a member, they can utilize the competition resources available through their respective organization’s website․ This requirement streamlines the registration process and validates eligibility․

Age and Skill Level Considerations

Compete USA aims to provide appropriate competitive opportunities for skaters of all ages and abilities․ While there are no strict age restrictions at lower levels, skaters are expected to compete within their demonstrated skill level․ Advancement through levels should reflect genuine skill mastery, not solely age or time spent skating․

Coaches play a crucial role in accurately assessing a skater’s readiness for each level․ Compete USA levels 1-6 are designed to progressively challenge skaters, building a strong foundation in fundamental skills․ Skaters should comfortably execute all required elements for a level before advancing․ Consideration should be given to a skater’s overall development and readiness for the demands of higher-level competition․

Competition Structure and Levels

Compete USA competitions are structured across six progressive levels, offering skaters opportunities to showcase their skills and advance their figure skating journey․

Compete USA Competition Levels (1-6)

Compete USA organizes skaters into six distinct levels, designed to facilitate progressive skill development and fair competition․ Level 1 represents the foundational stage, focusing on basic skating elements and introductory maneuvers․ As skaters advance to Level 2, the complexity increases, incorporating more challenging skills and transitions․ Levels 3 and 4 build upon these foundations, demanding greater precision, artistry, and technical proficiency․

Reaching Levels 5 and 6 signifies a high level of accomplishment, requiring skaters to demonstrate mastery of advanced techniques, intricate choreography, and consistent performance quality․ Each level features specific program requirements and spin challenges, ensuring a standardized evaluation process․ These levels provide a clear pathway for skaters to progress, gain confidence, and ultimately achieve their full potential within the sport of figure skating․

Program Requirements by Level

Program requirements within Compete USA are meticulously tailored to each of the six levels, ensuring appropriate challenges and showcasing skill progression․ For Snowplow Sam through Basic 6 skaters, programs emphasize fundamental skills like edges, turns, and basic skating patterns․ These introductory programs prioritize fun and building a solid foundation․ Excel Free Skate programs, designed for higher levels, demand more complex elements․

These include jumps, spins, step sequences, and creative choreography․ Specific requirements regarding program length, element difficulty, and musical selection are clearly defined for each level․ The 2025-26 season’s guidelines, effective July 1st to June 30th, outline these details․ Adherence to these requirements ensures fairness and allows for accurate assessment of skaters’ abilities․

Snowplow Sam to Basic 6 Programs

Snowpllow Sam to Basic 6 Programs

For Snowplow Sam through Basic 6 levels, Compete USA programs focus on foundational skill development, prioritizing enjoyment and building confidence on the ice․ These programs emphasize mastering basic edges, forward and backward skating, turns, and stops․ Choreography is simple, encouraging creativity within a limited skillset․ Program lengths are shorter, appropriate for developing skaters’ stamina and focus․

The emphasis isn’t on complex elements, but rather on clean execution of fundamental skills․ Skaters are encouraged to demonstrate control, balance, and musicality․ These programs serve as a stepping stone, preparing participants for more advanced levels and fostering a lifelong love of skating․ The guidelines for the 2025-26 season clearly define these expectations․

Excel Free Skate Programs

Excel Free Skate programs within Compete USA represent a significant step up in technical difficulty and artistic expression․ These programs require skaters to demonstrate proficiency in jumps, spins, step sequences, and connecting movements․ Choreography becomes more intricate, demanding a higher level of musicality and performance quality․ Program lengths are extended, challenging skaters’ endurance and stamina․

Skaters at this level are expected to showcase a well-rounded skillset, blending technical precision with artistic interpretation․ The 2025-26 guidelines outline specific element requirements and scoring criteria․ Emphasis is placed on clean landings, smooth transitions, and a compelling presentation․ Excel programs prepare skaters for advancement to more competitive levels within U․S․ Figure Skating․

Spins Challenge Details (Levels 1-6)

The Compete USA Spins Challenge assesses a skater’s ability to execute various spin positions with proper technique, speed, and control․ Each level (1-6) introduces increasingly complex spin variations and requirements․ Level 1 focuses on basic upright and back spins, while subsequent levels incorporate camel spins, layback spins, and combination spins;

Skaters are evaluated on the clarity of their positions, the centering of the spin, and the number of revolutions completed․ Proper edge control and consistent speed are crucial for achieving high scores․ The challenge aims to build a strong foundation in spinning technique, preparing skaters for more advanced elements in free skate programs․ Detailed guidelines for each level are available within the official Compete USA rulebook․

Rules and Regulations Governing Competitions

These regulations ensure fair play and consistent judging across all Compete USA events, encompassing competition sanctions, scoring systems, and program requirements for skaters․

General Rules for Conducting Compete USA Competitions

Compete USA competitions must adhere to established guidelines to maintain fairness and consistency․ All events require proper sanctioning and approvals, detailed in section 3110 of the official rules; Competition organizers are responsible for enforcing all regulations, ensuring a safe and positive environment for skaters․

Judges must be appropriately qualified and adhere to the prescribed scoring system․ Any disputes or protests should be handled according to the outlined procedures, prioritizing a swift and equitable resolution․ Detailed rules regarding program content, music selection, and timing are crucial for compliance․

Furthermore, organizers must ensure accurate record-keeping of all results and adhere to all applicable safety protocols․ These general rules are foundational to the integrity of Compete USA and contribute to a rewarding experience for all involved․ Strict adherence is paramount․

Competition Sanctions and Approvals

All Compete USA competitions necessitate formal sanctioning and approvals before commencement, as outlined in rule 3111․ This process ensures adherence to U․S․ Figure Skating and Learn to Skate USA standards, safeguarding skater welfare and competition integrity․ Applications for sanctioning must be submitted with sufficient lead time, detailing event specifics like dates, location, and judging panel․

Approval hinges on meeting specific criteria, including qualified officials, adequate insurance coverage, and a demonstrated commitment to rule compliance․ Sanctioning grants permission to operate under the Compete USA banner, validating the event’s legitimacy․

Failure to secure proper sanctioning may result in disqualification of results and potential penalties․ Thorough understanding and diligent pursuit of sanctioning are vital for successful competition hosting, ensuring a fair and regulated environment for all participants․

Specific Rule Categories

Compete USA competitions are governed by distinct rule categories, ensuring fairness and clarity․ Judging criteria and scoring systems (rule 3100) detail how performances are evaluated, emphasizing technical merit and artistic impression․ Music and program length regulations dictate permissible music choices and time limits for each level, maintaining competitive balance․

Specific guidelines address program requirements, spin challenges (levels 1-6), and allowable elements within each level․ These rules are designed to progressively challenge skaters while fostering skill development․ Detailed explanations are provided for deductions, ensuring consistent application of penalties․

Adherence to these categories is paramount for officials and skaters alike, promoting a standardized and equitable competitive landscape․ Regular updates and clarifications are issued to reflect evolving best practices and maintain rule relevance․

Judging Criteria and Scoring System

The Compete USA judging system prioritizes both technical execution and artistic presentation․ Judges evaluate elements based on established guidelines, assessing accuracy, difficulty, and quality of performance․ Scoring incorporates a detailed breakdown of each element, with deductions applied for errors or omissions․

Technical scores reflect the skater’s proficiency in required skills, while program component scores assess skating skills, transitions, performance, composition, and interpretation․ These components contribute to the overall artistic impression․ A clear understanding of these criteria is crucial for skaters and coaches․

The system aims to provide constructive feedback and encourage continuous improvement․ Detailed score sheets are available for review, promoting transparency and accountability within the judging process․

Music and Program Length Regulations

Compete USA programs must adhere to specific music and time constraints, varying by competition level․ Music selections are at the skater’s discretion, but must be appropriate for a family-friendly audience and free of vocal lyrics, except in specific permitted instances․ All music must be submitted digitally prior to the competition for verification․

Program lengths are strictly enforced to ensure fairness and efficient event scheduling․ Snowplow Sam through Basic 6 programs have shorter durations compared to Excel Free Skate programs, typically ranging from 1:30 to 2:30 minutes․ Exceeding the allotted time results in deductions․

Detailed program length guidelines are available in the official Compete USA rulebook, ensuring skaters and coaches are fully informed․

Registration and Competition Logistics

Registration for Compete USA events is conducted online through designated portals, with deadlines clearly communicated․ Event schedules and formats prioritize skater experience․

Competition Registration Process and Deadlines

The Compete USA registration process is entirely online, facilitated through the Learn to Skate USA or U․S․ Figure Skating websites․ Skaters must possess current memberships to initiate registration․ Registration typically opens several weeks prior to the competition date, with a firm deadline established to allow for efficient event planning and scheduling․

YFSC, for example, hosted a Compete USA competition with registration closing on October 3rd․ Late registrations are generally not accepted, emphasizing the importance of adhering to published deadlines․ Upon registration, skaters will receive confirmation details, including event specifics and any applicable fees․ Ensure all information provided during registration is accurate to avoid complications․ Detailed instructions and support resources are available on the official websites to guide skaters through the process․

Competition Schedule and Event Format

Compete USA competitions are typically structured as one-day events, though larger competitions may span multiple days․ The schedule is organized by competition level, starting with the lowest levels and progressing to the highest․ Each level features designated warm-up times and competition slots for individual programs and spins challenges․

The YFSC Compete USA competition, for instance, was held on a Sunday from 3-6 pm․ A detailed schedule outlining specific skater performance times is published in advance, allowing participants to plan accordingly․ The event format generally includes opening remarks, competition performances, and an awards ceremony recognizing skaters’ achievements․ Competitions adhere to established rules regarding program length and music selection, ensuring fairness and consistency․

Important Dates (2025-2026 Season)

The 2025-2026 Compete USA season officially commences on July 1st, 2025, with program requirements for Snowplow Sam through Basic 6 levels becoming effective․ Registration for the initial competitions opens in August 2025, with deadlines typically falling in early October to allow for schedule finalization․ The YFSC Compete USA competition registration closed on October 3rd, 2025, with the event itself taking place on October 26th, 2025․

Excel Free Skate program requirements are also valid from July 1st, 2025, through June 30th, 2026․ Key dates for regional and qualifying competitions will be announced throughout the fall and winter months, culminating in championship events in Spring 2026․

Financial Aspects & Currency Considerations

Competition fees vary by event and level; payment methods are typically outlined during registration․ Currency exchange rates, like USD to EUR, fluctuate daily․

Competition Fees and Payment Methods

Competition entry fees are structured to cover event costs, including ice time, judging panels, administrative expenses, and awards․ Fees differ based on the competition level – from Snowplow Sam to Excel – and the number of events a skater enters․ Detailed fee schedules are published with each competition announcement, typically available on the Learn to Skate USA or U․S․ Figure Skating websites, or directly from the hosting club․

Accepted payment methods generally include credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), checks payable to the hosting organization, and potentially online payment platforms like PayPal․ Some competitions may offer early bird discounts or multi-event package pricing․ It’s crucial to review the specific payment instructions provided by the competition organizers and adhere to all deadlines to avoid late fees or event disqualification․ Always retain proof of payment for your records․

Currency Exchange Rates (USD to EUR)

For international competitors, understanding the USD to EUR exchange rate is vital for budgeting competition expenses․ As of December 24, 2025, exchange rates fluctuate constantly; therefore, relying on real-time data is essential․ Resources like Xe․com, the Wiener Börse, and other financial websites provide up-to-the-minute conversions․ Currently, approximately 1 USD equals 0․92 EUR, but this value changes throughout the day․

Competitors should factor in potential bank fees or currency conversion charges imposed by their financial institutions when calculating costs․ It’s advisable to monitor exchange rates closely in the weeks leading up to the competition and consider locking in a favorable rate if possible․ Always confirm the final amount in EUR with your bank or payment provider before completing any transactions․