Your First Figure Skating Competition: The Ultimate Day-Of Guide

by | May 4, 2025 | Skating Essentials

Your first figure skating competition

Welcome to Part 2 of Your First Figure Skating Competition Series!

If you missed Part 1, go check it out—it covers everything from deciding if you’re ready to how to register online without losing your mind. Now, let’s talk game day strategy!

Practice Ice & Warm-Ups: Be Ready for Chaos

Unlike your peaceful home rink sessions, competition ice can be wild—especially the 20-minute practice sessions that are often over crowded and include skaters of all levels.  I recomend practicing a few of these at home first – seriously, I set a timer on my phone and go through exactly which elements I need run through, in which order, and what I need to accomplish to feel ready.

And don’t count on that six-minute warm-up! It’s not always guaranteed in adult skating, especially at the lower levels.  I’ve seen it cut down to just 2–3 minutes if the event is running behind. I highly recommend you practice your warm-up at home so you know what works and what can be done quickly when nerves are high.

Do a Dress Rehearsal

Plan a full dress rehearsal at home in your complete competition outfit—including hair and makeup—to make sure everything stays secure and feels comfortable. It’s also the perfect time for an equipment check: tighten your blade screws and ask yourself if it’s time to swap out your skate laces. If your skates are due for sharpening, book that in with your skate tech and plan do it with at least 2–3 hours of skating time before your event.

What About Your Mental Game?

This might be the most important part of all.

Start by chatting with your coach about your goals. Focus on what you can control—like completing a successful warm-up, holding your jump landings, or debuting a new element versus a medal or score which is highly dependent on that particular judging panel and which other competitors are in your division. (More on that here)

Dealing with nerves? Join the club. What helps me most is being prepared. I like to arrive early, in case schedules have changed but also to allow myself time to find everything, stretch, and warm-up.  I don’t want to feel rushed. I visualize my program, complete my off-ice warm-up, and take a few deep breaths before stepping on the ice. Some skaters feel more at ease watching others, while some need quiet time alone to focus—I definitely fall into the latter camp. Take the time to figure out what works for you.

Packing, Check-In, and Day-Of Details

Think of packing in categories:

  • Off-ice warm-up gear
  • Practice ice essentials
  • Competition outfit and makeup
  • Cozy clothes for afterward

Here’s a packing checklist to help you out.

When you arrive:

  • Head to the check-in desk to pick up your credential (your access badge).
  • Ask if there have been any schedule changes.
  • Find your locker room (usually grouped by age and gender).
  • Scope out where your ice sheet is (if more than one) and where you can warm up off-ice.
  • Check in with the ice monitor at your rink for your practice session and event.

If your coach is with you, great—they’ll help guide you. But even solo, you’ve got this. Ask the ice monitor if the six-minute warm-up is still in place or has been shortened, so you can adjust your plan accordingly.

If you skate first in your group, plan to finish your warm-up early enough to remove your jacket, breathe, and get into your mental zone.

Go Time

You’ve done the work. You’ve trained, prepared, packed, and practiced. Now it’s time to smile, breathe, and enjoy your moment on the ice. You only get one first competition—make it a good one.

Free Packing List

Here’s a handy check list for your off ice warm-up, practice session, competition and the times in between.

Your First Adult Figure Skating Competition: The Ultimate Prep Guide

by | Apr 26, 2025 | Skating Essentials

Your First Figure Skating Competition

So, you’ve decided to compete—now what?
No matter the sport, competition can be incredibly fun, full of learning opportunities, and a great way to connect with fellow athletes—especially in a niche community like figure skating.

In this two-part series, I’ll walk you through everything from getting prepared to managing the day-of details for your first competition.

How Do You Know If You’re Ready to Compete?

There are a couple of schools of thought here. Some skaters prefer to have their skills at a certain level before competing—and that’s a valid perspective. Competitions aren’t cheap: between registration fees, travel, choreographers, music editing, and costumes, it adds up.

Others feel that starting to compete earlier provides concrete goals, builds motivation (hello, 6 a.m. ice sessions), and offers valuable lessons—like learning to perform elements within a program, which is far more challenging than doing them individually. Program run-throughs also naturally boost your overall skating skills.

Beyond the test level requirements from U.S. Figure Skating, only you and your coach can truly decide when the time is right.

For this post, let’s assume you already have music selected and a choreographed program ready to go. If not, I have other posts linked here that walk you through those steps.

Figure Skating Music: Expert Tips for Selection & Editing

How to Craft Your Best Figure Skating Program

Olympics or Bust? (Just Kidding… Sort Of)

Sure, who wouldn’t want to compete in Milan? But for your first competition, choose wisely.

Here are some things to consider:

  • Location: Traveling is fun, but staying close to home means sleeping in your own bed, fewer logistics to navigate, and access to your home rink right up until the day of the event.
  • Familiar Faces: Your coach is more likely to be able to attend a local competition, and other skaters from your club might be there too. Having a friendly face to navigate the day with can be a huge help.
  • Timing: Consider your personal schedule. Is there a time of year that’s typically less busy at the office or school? Local competitions are often on weekends, so you may not even need to take time off or deal with weekday commuter traffic.

Registration: Kinda Like Doing Your Taxes

That sounds dramatic, but hear me out. U.S. Figure Skating’s Event Management System (EMS) is where you’ll register, upload your music, and submit your planned program content (PPC) the spins, jumps, and footwork in your program, if applicable.

First-time users must set up a full profile—including your name, address, USFS number, your coach’s info, test history, and emergency contact details. The system isn’t difficult, just… quirky. Start early and give yourself time. Don’t wait until the last minute—you could risk missing the registration deadline entirely.

A few quick tips:

  • Know that deadlines for registration, PPC, and music upload are often separate.
  • Practice ice can’t be reserved until the schedule is set, which happens after registration closes.
  • The exact schedule isn’t known until several weeks before the event.  Once registration closes the chief referee will set specific event schedule and skating orders.
  • Enter all deadlines into your calendar with reminders (You’ll thank me later).

In the next post, we’ll dive into your competition day game plan—so you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to feel ready when it counts!

Under Pressure: Backstage at the ISU World Championships

by | Apr 16, 2025 | Skating Essentials

A couple of weeks ago I had the rare opportunity to work at the ISU World Championships in Boston, where I helped out in the Mix Zone—the charged space where skaters face the media moments after stepping off the ice. It was a backstage pass into the pressure-cooker world of elite figure skating. As surreal as that was, it was made even more personal by watching several rink mates from the Skating Club of Boston take the ice, all while preparing for my own competition, Adult Nationals, just days after.

What do the skaters go through behind the scenes?

Most fans see the glamour—the dazzling costumes, flawless programs, and triumphant smiles on the podium. But backstage tells a different story. From the moment skaters take the ice for their assigned practice sessions, the media is there—watching, documenting, and asking for interviews. It’s hard to say whether this is a good or bad thing for the athletes. From a fan and sport-promotion standpoint, it’s fantastic. You get a peek behind the curtain and a chance to connect more deeply with the athletes.

But from a skater’s perspective? An interview with a major outlet like NBC could mean thousands of new viewers, Instagram followers, and fans. On the flip side, it turns an ordinary practice into a pressure filled environment. It’s one thing to have former skaters providing commentary on practices—having been through it, they understand what a typical session looks like (spoiler: it’s rarely perfect) and what the goals are for practice versus competition.

The coverage continues in the competition venue, too—sometimes catching off-ice warmups or showing a skater lacing up in a narrow tunnel, trying to block out distractions and absorb final instructions from coaches who know exactly what’s at stake. You could feel the pressure rise as they approached the rink—past the NBC broadcast platform and into a sea of blinding lights and a crowd of over 17,000 people.

It was astonishing to witness the intensity of these moments. There’s no way to simulate that kind of pressure. Even for those used to the world stage, the nerves are real, the focus total. Olympic spots were on the line, and stories were being written in real time.

Backstage at the ISU World Championships

Creating Engagement

I was impressed with the effort that went into engaging both existing and new skating fans. Figure skating is such a niche sport, and few people know much about it unless they—or a family member—are involved. It was great to see ISU President Jae Youl Kim take the time to give a backstage tour to a group of journalists who were new to covering the sport.

While I didn’t need the additional fanfare within the venue myself, I do think having TD Garden hosts—former skaters Ashley Wagner (World Silver Medalist) and Ben Agosto (Olympic Silver Medalist in Ice Dance)—in the Kiss & Cry asking skaters questions and keeping the crowd engaged with commentary and trivia during ice makes was a smart move. The crowd seemed to enjoy it, and it’s a tactic other sports, like football, have used very successfully.

Another fun initiative was asking each skater to share a message for the audience, which was shown on the Jumbotron as they took the ice. This, along with displaying their Instagram handles, created a great opportunity for fans to connect with the athletes on a more personal level.

In the Mix Zone: The Emotional Fallout

Working in the Mix Zone meant witnessing some of the most emotionally raw moments of the championship. Skaters emerged still catching their breath, faces flushed with adrenaline, joy—or heartbreak.

Most journalists navigated those moments with care, asking questions gently, reading the room. I walked away with a deeper appreciation for the emotional toll these athletes carry. Not just in performing under pressure, but in having to explain what just happened, moments after it happened, often before they’ve even spoken to their coaches.

And support? It’s not always equal. Larger federations show up with media managers, translators, and full entourages. Skaters from smaller countries often had just their coach. No buffer. No translator. Just them, facing the press alone. It left me wondering—what support systems are in place for those athletes walking this tightrope without a net?

Cheering on Local Favorites

I felt truly lucky to see familiar faces—newly crowned U.S. Pairs Champions Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov from my home rink—compete. I’ve watched them over the last two years form a true partnership on the ice. They both have an impressive work ethic I find inspiring, and from observing their training day after day, I’ve seen both the good days and the rough ones. Sharing a training facility with them makes it easy to become invested in their progress, and I was absolutely thrilled to see all their hard work rewarded at Nationals with a gold-medal performance and a spot on the World Team.

Alisa and Misha skated another personal best at Worlds in their long program, securing an Olympic spot for Team USA and earning a well-deserved standing ovation. They dedicated that performance to the victims of the tragic crash of Flight 5342 in DC—a deeply personal and poignant moment. For them, it was a milestone. For me, it was a reminder of just how steep the mountain is—but also how familiar the climb feels, no matter your altitude.

ISU World Championships

The Gala: A Celebration of Spirit

The exhibition gala was pure fun. Skaters let their personalities shine—no pressure, just performance. It was my first time seeing a full gala live, and it felt like a reward not just for the medalists, but for the entire skating community. Given the heaviness the community has carried since January 29th, this show offered some truly lighter moments—programs filled with creativity, comedy, and heartfelt dedications. From world medalists to up-and-coming development camp skaters, the gala captured the heart of why we skate.

Worlds vs. Adult Nationals: The Same, but Different

There’s no comparison in scale, of course. Worlds is a machine—broadcast crews, international press, security details, choreographed arena transitions. But the heart of it? That part is the same. At both levels, skaters worry if they’re ready. We obsess over our landings, wonder if our music cuts are effective, hope we don’t blank on footwork. We all crave that one clean skate that makes the months of training worth it.

Being that close to greatness reminded me why I skate: for the discipline, the joy, the chance to be part of a sport that asks everything of you—and somehow gives even more back. Being part of Worlds didn’t just show me what elite skaters endure—it redefined my connection to skating. We share the same ice. The same aches and bruises. The same drive to keep improving. So when I stepped onto the ice at Adult Nationals, I wasn’t thinking about medals. I was thinking about how lucky I am to skate at all. Because from World Champions to adult skaters lacing up under dim rink lights on a Tuesday night, we’re all doing it for the same reason: skating is part of who we are.

Do you have a favorite memory from Worlds?  Share it in the comments below!

The Plushie Parade: How Fans Shower Skaters with Love

by | Mar 23, 2025 | Skating Essentials

Tossies

If you’ve ever watched a figure skating competition, you’ve probably seen it—the moment a skater finishes their performance, and the ice transforms into a sea of plush toys. Fans shower their favorite skaters with love and encouragement through these “tossies,” as they’re affectionately called. Over time, this unique tradition has turned competitions into moments of celebration and connection, creating a playful and personal bond between skaters and their supporters.

But how did this custom begin? Why do skaters end up buried under stuffed animals? And most importantly, what happens to all those plushies once the ice is cleared?

The Origins of the Tossie Tradition

Throwing gifts onto the ice isn’t a new phenomenon—it dates back several decades. Originally, fans would toss flowers, mirroring the bouquets thrown on stage after a ballet or opera performance. It was a way to honor skaters for their artistry and effort—a tradition rooted in admiration.

However, there was a practical issue—flowers and ice don’t mix well. Loose petals, stems, and water from bouquets could create hazards, increasing the risk of stumbles and falls. To address this, event organizers in the 1980s and 1990s began requiring flowers to be wrapped. Over time, stuffed animals gradually replaced flowers as the tossie of choice—plush toys were safer, easier to clean up, and far more fun to collect!

The Rise of the Plushie

With this shift, fans found creative ways to show their support. Plushies began to reflect a skater’s interests, hobbies, or even themes from their performances. The simple act of tossing a toy became a playful, meaningful way to connect with skaters and add a personal touch to the moment of appreciation.

Some of the most memorable tossie moments belong to skaters whose fans took this tradition to a whole new level:

    • The Winnie the Pooh Avalanche: If you’ve watched Yuzuru Hanyu skate, you’ve likely seen the ice instantly covered in hundreds of Winnie the Pooh plushies. The Japanese skater’s love for the character became legendary, and fans embraced it, making Pooh Bears his signature tossie.
    • Evgenia Medvedeva’s Anime-Inspired Gifts: A proud anime fan, Medvedeva has been showered with Sailor Moon plushies and other anime-themed toys. Her fans celebrate both her skating talent and her love for her fandom.

When Tossies Go BIG: The Trend of Giant Plushies on Ice

Recently, fans have taken the tossie tradition to hilarious new heights—literally. Human-sized teddy bears and oversized plush toys are now part of the spectacle, often requiring multiple people to carry them off the ice. Watching young sweepers struggle to drag a five-foot bear away—or even seeing skaters step in to help—adds a lighthearted, chaotic twist to the tradition.

The Unsung Heroes: The Sweepers

While tossies bring joy to skaters and fans alike, a dedicated group ensures competitions run smoothly: the sweepers. Usually young skaters from local clubs, sweepers dash onto the ice after each performance to collect the gifts. Armed with baskets or bags, they work quickly to clear the ice, often showcasing their own skating skills in the process. For these young skaters, being a sweeper is a thrilling experience—they get to share the ice with their idols and sometimes even receive a grateful smile or thank you from their favorite skater.

Regulating the Tossie Game

Though the tradition is beloved, there are rules to keep things organized:

    • At most major competitions, tossies are allowed, but sweepers must swiftly clear the ice to keep the event on schedule.
    • Some events permit tossies but require them to be collected off-ice before being handed to skaters.

Despite occasional restrictions, tossies remain a cherished part of figure skating culture, adding joy and excitement to competitions.

Why Tossies Matter

Beyond the spectacle, tossies carry deeper significance:

    • A symbol of appreciation: Fans use tossies to express their admiration for skaters’ talent and hard work.
    • Acts of generosity: Many skaters donate their plushies to children’s hospitals and charities, giving the tradition an even more meaningful impact.
    • A personal connection: Tossies create a bond between skaters and their fans, reminding athletes that their performances resonate far beyond the ice.

Ultimately, tossies are more than just toys—they’re symbols of connection, admiration, and joy shared between skaters and the fans who cheer them on.

The Role of Tossies in Adult Competitions

While adult skating competitions don’t see the same plushie avalanches as elite events, tossies still play a meaningful role in bringing skaters together. Instead of stuffed animals, practical goodies like candy, lip balm, tissues, and keychains are often exchanged—each accompanied by an encouraging note and a social media handle to stay connected.

Some skaters even create signature tossies that become beloved traditions. Take the coveted Wendy Bears, for example—Wendy hand-knits tiny sweaters onto teddy bears, each marked with the year, making them a cherished keepsake at Adult Nationals.

Why does this tradition thrive in adult skating? Because the adult skating community is still growing, and many of us are outnumbered by kids at our home rinks. Tossies at adult competitions strengthen connections, offering encouragement and camaraderie both on the ice and online—keeping the skating family close between competitions.

The Magic of Tossies

Tossies perfectly reflect what figure skating is all about—not just competition, but community, connection, and celebration. Whether it’s a simple teddy bear or a sea of Winnie the Pooh plushies, these heartfelt gifts remind us that skating is more than a sport—it’s an experience we share.

So next time you’re at a skating competition, bring a plushie, cheer loudly, and maybe—just maybe—your tossie will be the one your favorite skater picks up.

What Do You Think?

I would love to hear your thoughts—If you could pick one plushie for your favorite skater, what would it be? Have you received a cherished tossie? Drop a comment below!

The Truth Is: It’s You vs. You

by | Mar 1, 2025 | Mind & Body Balance

figure skating

A social media post recently went viral (well, figure skating viral) expressing frustration about adult skating competitions—who competes in which division and why. The discussion got heated, revealing just how complex and personal competition can be. It got me thinking and researching, so here’s my take. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Why Compete?

Figure skating is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. You can practice endlessly, skate in exhibitions, or pass a figure skating test, but nothing quite replicates the intensity of competition. So why willingly put yourself through it?

At its core, competition is about learning and growth. From the moment you step into the rink, everything is different—the ice might feel harder or softer, the setup is unfamiliar, and you’re working within someone else’s schedule. Unlike practice, where you control your session, competition forces you to adapt. You have a designated skate time, maybe a 6-minute warm-up, maybe less, and no second chances. That type of pressure teaches resilience, focus, and performance under stress—skills that translate far beyond the rink.

Setting Goals for a Competition or Season

Before stepping onto competition ice, it’s important to define your goals. Are you aiming for a clean skate? A personal best score? Successfully incorporating a new element into your program? Gaining more confidence in front of an audience? Competition doesn’t have to be about winning a medal—it’s about progress. Setting clear, realistic goals for each event (and the season as a whole) shifts your focus from external validation to personal growth. When you measure success by your own improvements rather than placements, every competition becomes a valuable learning experience.

Who Are You Really Competing Against?

Regardless of whether you skate under the 6.0 system or IJS, the reality is—it’s you vs. you. While scores and placements compare you to others, the real challenge is internal. Can you execute your program under pressure? Can you maintain composure and focus despite nerves? Every competition is a test of your own progress, mental strength, and ability to perform in the moment.

Understanding Testing Levels vs. Competition Medals

A common misconception is that a skater’s every test level should match their competitive level. However, passing a test and placing in a competition are two different things. Tests demonstrate technical proficiency, while competition scores factor in performance, artistry, and execution. A higher test level or skating skills don’t automatically mean a skater will place well in competition—success on competition day depends on many factors beyond proficiency alone.

The Subjective Side of Judging

While the International Skating Union (ISU) scoring system aims for objectivity, there will always be subjective elements in judging. Performance components, presentation, and even technical calls can vary based on interpretation. Understanding this can help skaters focus on what they can control—improving their own performance rather than fixating on scores or placements.

Is There More You Could Be Doing? Really?

If you find yourself unhappy with a competition’s results you may want to take a pause to reflect on your performance as objectively as possible. Were there elements you think you could have done better?

A deep, honest evaluation of your preparation can be revealing. Are you truly pushing yourself? Are you addressing weaknesses, or just reinforcing strengths? Competition highlights areas for growth and improvement, helping skaters refine their approach to training. Often, the most difficult competitions provide the biggest breakthroughs—if you’re willing to learn from them.

You Learn More From Failure Than Success

Winning feels great, but losses build resilience, grit, and adaptability. Every skater experiences tough competitions, disappointing scores, and unexpected mistakes. The question is—how do you respond?

When you return from a competition, especially a challenging one, take time to analyze your performance. What went well? What didn’t? What changes can you make in training—physically or mentally—to improve in the areas where you struggled? A setback doesn’t define you; how you use it does.

To Compete Or Not To Compete – That is the Question

There are countless reasons to compete—or not to compete. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal expectations and goals. Whether you skate to challenge yourself, improve under pressure, or simply enjoy the experience, competition can be a powerful tool for growth, both on and off the ice.

What’s your take? Why do you compete—or choose not to? Drop a comment below!