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Freestyles

Figure Skater Legs
Freestyles - Athlete Development

 

  • Competitive figure skating & ice dance

  • Camps, clinics, and guest coaching events

  • High-performance athlete development

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Houston athletes do not need to leave Texas to train at a high level—the opportunity is here. 

Mark Poole, Figure Skating Director
mpoole@deepsouthice.com
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What are Freestyle Sessions

 

The term Freestyle Session is used in ice-skating as the name of a private practice session for figure skaters. At Aerodrome these sessions are sold in 30-minute blocks and are scheduled throughout the day.  Freestyle ice is a place where serious training takes place. There are specific rules (see below) that skaters must adhere to so that skaters can make the most of their session.   Many skaters receive one- on-one private lessons during this time.

 

Note: Please note that private lesson fees are paid directly to the coach. However, their private lesson fee do not cover the freestyle session fee during the  private lesson. (Skaters pays for private lesson + freestyle session fee) 

 

All Skater must register and pay for freestyles before they go on the ice. (best value is to buy a pack of classes at our DaySmart App). Please look at the rules regarding Freestyle ice before deciding if you are able to use the session.  In particular note that a skater has to have passed USFS BASIC 6 to practice outside of a private lesson. Also, rental skates are not generally allowed on freestyle sessions. 

Freestyle Rules

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 We want all skaters to enjoy their time on Aerodrome Freestyle Ice.  Please read the rules below so that all skaters can practice in a safe manner. Should you have any concerns or questions, contact: Mark Poole (mpoole@deepsouthice.com).

 

  1. All skaters must have paid for the freestyle before going onto the ice. (Via Daysmart App)

  2. Do not get onto the ice early. Getting onto the ice five minutes early for a warmup is not allowed.

  3. Get off the ice at the end of your paid freestyle. Do not stay on the ice for an extra few minutes! If you want to skate longer, you must pay for the sessions that you use.

  4. Skaters must have passed at least Basic 6 to practice on freestyle ice.  (Does not include skaters who are taking a private lesson during the freestyle).

  5. No Rental Skates allowed on Freestyles. Clothing must be appropriate for figure skating and sports. No jeans or baggy sweaters are allowed.  Long hair must be tied back and neatly presented.

  6. Doors to the ice will remain closed during Freestyles. Parents are not allowed to talk to skaters, teach, or interfere with skaters whilst on the ice. Only authorized coaches are allowed to teach or help skaters on freestyles. Only coaches are allowed in the hockey boxes during Freestyles.

  7. Sports drinks and water in closed containers only (No Starbucks, Cokes etc.) No food to be taken on the ice during sessions.

  8. No cell phone use during sessions. (Exception: playing program music and video analysis, or emergency use.)

  9. No Zoom/Facetime/Virtual lessons or usage allowed.

  10. No wearing personal earphones or the use of personal bluetooth music devices.

  11. Music sign-up procedure: If you are not in a lesson, sign your name on the clipboard in a "skater" spot. Do not sign up again until your music has been played from the first request. Make your music run-throughs count!  The music order will be Coach -  Coach - Skater.

  12. Skaters may play their music a maximum of two times per session when not in a lesson. Once a skater's music starts, they cannot restart their music.

  13. The skater whose music is being played has the right-of-way (only if wearing a pink or orange sash). Skaters in a lesson have the second right-of-way. That means if so-and-so is doing a jump in YOUR spot, but he/she is in a lesson, YOU have to move.

  14. The skater whose music is being played must wear the orange or pink sash to signify they have first right-of-way on the ice.

  15. Background music may be played between program run-throughs. However, such music should be pleasing and appropriate for all skaters attending the session and should not contain excessive swearing or be generally unsuitable for young audiences.

  16. Skaters or coaches who deliberately kick the boards or the ice, swear, shout, or generally interfere with other skaters or coaches during training sessions will be asked to tone down their behavior and might be asked to leave the ice for that day.

  17. Skaters or coaches are not allowed to sit on the boards.

  18. Do not use the freestyle as a social meeting place. Minimize talking, take a drink at the boards, and get back to skating.

  19. Use proper jumping and spinning patterns. Spins should be practiced in the middle and jumps on or around the two hockey circles at the ends of the rink. Coaches should teach from the sideboards whenever practical.

  20. If there is a collision of any kind between skaters, both parties are to do the following, no matter who is at fault: a. Skate over to the other person involved. b. Ask him/her if she is okay c. Apologize for the collision.

  21. A skater who has a severe fall, concussion, or injury should leave the ice (if safe to do so) and seek professional medical assistance. The manager on duty must be notified immediately.

  22. Injured skaters must contact the manager on duty and if necessary, file an incident report.

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