Costley National Champion Figure Skater

HBHS student Patrick Costley and his partner, Rebecca Lau (from Christchurch) recently won the Pre-Primary Ice Dance division of the NZ Figure Skating Championships held in Auckland 28 Sep to 2 Oct 2012.

Where can I or my child learn to skate?

Group skate school (Kiwi Skate) programmes are available at rinks throughout New Zealand. You can find more information in the Learn to Skate section of the NZIFSA website.

What age should a skater start skating?

Any age! Kiwi Skate programmes include levels from tiny tots (at about age 4 or 5) to adult classes for ages up to 75. There are competitions for children and adults including national and international events for those interested in competing.

What next?

Skaters who wish to continue in the sport generally move from skate school to taking private lessons. The transition from skate school to private lessons can generally occur whenever the skater feels ready, and it’s not uncommon for skaters to stay in skate school while taking additional private lessons.

At some rinks, development programmes exist that bridge the gap between skate school and private lessons. These development groups are usually smaller and more focused than the skate school programmes. Ask your skate school coach or the rink if such programmes are available for you or your child.

Are there special sessions for I/my child to skate on?

Yes. All rinks have special sessions which are exclusively for figure skaters to practice. On some or all of these sessions the skater may be expected to have achieved a certain level of proficiency. The rink or your coach will be able to tell you more.

In addition, some clubs also have other sessions which may only be open to club members.

How do I choose a coach for private lessons?

Try to be as informed as possible about qualifications and coaching style/personality. Talk to the coaches directly. The "most" qualified coach will almost certainly not be the best coach for you or your child if the coach’s style/personality doesn’t suit you or your child.

How do I change private coaches?

You should talk to your current coach before you take even a single lesson with another coach. If you just want to try lessons with a different coach first, you really need to let your existing coach know what you intend to do.

Remember, it is your choice who you want as a private coach, but do let your current coach know in advance of your plans.

When can a skater start competing?

As soon as they feel ready. NZIFSA competitions at club and sub-association generally include the pre-elementary level which has no entry requirements other than a skater belongs to a club and is TC registered.

There are also skate school competitions or events at club competitions (open to non-members) which have no requirements at all.

What grade may a skater participate in?

Grades for New Zealand competitions are set by the tests that have been taken. For singles skating, the following table applies. It is important to note that once a skater skates in a higher grade, they may not skate again in a lower grade. See NZIFSA Rule 227 and 228.1 for more details.

* Juvenile is split into a grade for under 12 and one for 12 and over (but under 18).
** age on 30 June immediately preceding the championship.
*** may be split into age groups, recommendations only, not a Nationals grade.

May a skater change grades at any time during the year?

Yes, as long as he or she fulfills the age and test requirements. However, a skater may never compete in a lower grade than they have competed in previously -- once a skater moves up they cannot go back. However, a skater may skate in only senior and later in junior and senior under certain conditions (see May a skater participate in more than one grade at the same competition?).

A skater cannot compete in both adult and regular events in the same discipline in the same calendar year.

If a skater has passed the tests to compete in the next grade up are they required to?

No. However, once a skater does compete in the next grade up they may not compete in a lower grade ever again (see also next question).

May a skater participate in more than one grade at the same competition?

Skaters may participate in multiple disciplines (dance, pairs, singles, etc.) and in different grades in the different disciplines. However, skaters may not participate in different grades in the same discipline, except that a skater may skate in both junior and senior grades only under the following conditions:

• The skater meets the NZIFSA requirements for senior.
• The skater is eligible to skate in ISU Junior International Competitions (meets the age restrictions).