"SnowPlow Sam" skaters	"STARS Learn to Skate" Skaters

SnowPlow Sam (ages 4-7) is the place to start for all skaters - hockey, speed and figure.  3 levels are designed to allow preschool children to become comfortable on the ice, while developing preliminary coordination and strength necessary to maneuver on the ice. This course develops balance, body movement and working with others. Children are encouraged to play and progress at their own level. Helmets are mandatory for SnowPlow Sam skaters.

STARS Learn to Skate (K-adult) program teaches are the skills fundamentals to all ice skating sports. The six levels of this program introduce the fundamental moves – forward skating, backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers, turns, and mohawks. Upon completion of the 6 levels, skaters will have the basic knowledge of the sport enabling them to advance to more specialized areas of skating including Free Skating (jumps, spins, footwork) and Moves-in-the-Field (patterns of turns, edges and power stroking).

Hockey Learn to Skate is designed to teach the fundamentals of hockey skating. In 4 badge levels, skaters will learn to maneuver faster and be more agile on the ice. All elements will be taught without a stick or puck as proper skating techniques are the primary focus of the levels. Skaters will learn the necessary fundamentals to be successful in game situations.

Group Lessons are taught by our staff of MFSC Professional Coaches, Associate Instructors and by experienced volunteer instructors. Skills are tested and badges are awarded when a skater demonstrates mastery of the skills required at each level.

Practice Ice provides a time for STARS Learn to Skate skaters to work on the skills they have been learning in class. No group lessons are taught on practice ice, but all sessions are monitored by MFSC Professional Coaches and volunteers. No group lessons are taught on practice ice, but you may schedule a private lesson (at an additional cost) with the Professional Coach of your choice at these times.

What will I learn?
MFSC uses the USFS Basic Skills program with 6 levels of progressive difficulty. After mastering these skills, you will be ready to learn jumps, spins and footwork in private lessons with an MFSC Professional Coach, or both.

Classes are taught by our staff of Professional Coaches, Associate Instructors and by experienced volunteer instructors. Skills are tested and badges awarded when a skater demonstrated mastery of the skills required at each level. You will want to sew these badges on your jacket or club sweatshirt.

When do classes meet?
Learn to Skate classes are offered year-round several times a week so you can pick the ones that best fits your schedule. Or you may want to take more than one class a week.

What is practice ice?
Practice ice provides a time when you can work on the skills you have been learning in class, much as you practice your music lessons. No group lessons are taught on practice ice, but you may schedule a private lesson (at an additional cost) with the Professional Coach of your choice at these times if you wish.

Practice ice time is included with group lesson time.  Skaters may register for additional scheduled practice ice. The more you practice the better!

How do I register?
Specific class times and practice ice times are scheduled for each series of classes. Registration information can be found in the Club newsletter, on the MFSC bulletin board in the hallway at the rink, in the newspaper, or by calling the MFSC Hot Line at (989)835-5615. Click here for current registration information.

What about skates?
Well fitted skates are essential to success and enjoyment of skating. A snug fit is needed for ankle support. Wear a light-weight sock or skating tights for the best fit and feel.

Skates must be rented or purchased PRIOR to the first skating class.

• Rental skates: Beginning skaters may rent skates from the Midland Figure Skating Club. A fee plus refundable deposit is required. Contact Cilla Jones via the MFSC Hot Line at (989)835-5616.
• Used skates: Good quality used skates may be purchased at the Club’s annual Fall Skate Exchange or by contacting Cilla Jones, who maintains a list of available used skates priced according to quality and condition.
• New skates: Any of our MFSC Professional Coaches will order new skates for you or direct you to a retailer. When you outgrow them, you may sell them at the Skate Exchange. Avoid buying skates at sporting goods stores; they usually do not provide enough ankle support and blade quality is often poor.
• Skate sharpening & care: Local sharpening of the proper quality is available from Allan Olson (631-6218). When blades are nicked or dull .. you skid. Soakers and skate guards are essential to taking care of your equipment.

How do I lace my skates?
Loosen the laces, pull the tongue forward and insert your foot into the boot. Center the boot tongue and pull it up. Then tighten the laces through the eyelets so that they are snug (no slack) but not too tight. To insure proper support for the ankles, the tightest point of lacing should be at the instep. Follow by criss-crossing the laces snugly around each hook. When you reach the top hook, tie a secure bow. If the ends are too long, wrap the laces through the hooks again and then tie a bow in front. Do not let the ends drag on the ice. A good fit will allow you to insert a finger in the back of your boot.

What should I wear?
Ours is an inside rink so you will not need heavy outdoor clothes. Comfortable loose clothing which allows movement is the best. For example, a sweatshirt and turtleneck shirt plus a pair of slacks that give a little. Skating dresses, tights and a sweater are fine. Gloves are a must to protect hands during a fall. Stretch gloves are ideal. Helmets are mandatory for STARS in Training skaters, and strongly recommended for skaters in the first levels of the STARS Learn to Skate program.

Do I need private lessons?
Almost all skaters will successfully pass the STARS Learn to Skate levels with only group lessons. However, private lessons will usually allow a skater to move through the levels more quickly, or can help a student over a difficulty with a specific skill. Also, some students do better one-on-one than in group instruction. Our Professional Coaches will bill you separately for private lessons.

The STARS Learn to Skate program
Descriptions of the required elements at each level are found in the skater’s manual. These manuals and other  “goodies” are given to all new skaters when they enter the program. At that time, the skater is registered with USFS and assigned a registration number. This unique Registration number belongs to that skater forever! Each skater’s records will be kept at USFS headquarters under his/her Registration Number, all the way to the Olympics!