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{{short description|National governing body for figure skating}}
{{redirect|USFSA|the defunct French sports union|Union des Sociétés Françaises de Sports Athlétiques}}
{{Infobox Sport governing body
| assocname    = U.S. Figure Skating
| abbrev       =
| logo         = U.S. Figure Skating logo.svg
| sport        = [[Figure skating]]
| founded      = 1921
| aff          = [[International Skating Union]]
| affdate      = 1921
| region       =
| regionyear   =
| image        =
| image_border =
| size         =
| caption      =
| category     =
| jurisdiction = [[United States]]
| headquarters = 20 First Street
| location     = [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]]
| president    = Samuel Auxier
| chairman     =
| key staff    =
| chiefexec    =
| replaced     =
| prevfounded  =
| url          = usfigureskating.org
| countryflag  = USA
| countryflag2 =
}}
'''U.S. Figure Skating''' is the national [[Sports governing body|governing body]] for the sport of [[figure skating in the United States]]. It is recognized as such by the [[United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee]] (USOPC) under the [[Amateur Sports Act of 1978|Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act]] and is the United States member of the [[International Skating Union]] (ISU). Although the official name of the organization is "the United States Figure Skating Association," it is now known as and conducts business under the name "U.S. Figure Skating." Founded in 1921, U.S. Figure Skating regulates and governs the sport and defines and maintains the standard of skating proficiency. It specifies the rules for testing, competitions, and all other figure skating related activities. U.S. Figure Skating promotes interest and participation in the sport by assisting member clubs, skaters, and athletes, appointing officials, organizing competitions, exhibitions, and other figure skating pursuits, and offering a wide variety of programs.<ref name="MissStt">[http://www.usfsa.org/About.asp?id=71 "U.S. Figure Skating Mission Statement"] U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 21, 2011).</ref>

Athletes and officials who represent the United States at international figure skating competitions are selected by U.S. Figure Skating.

The Association is a non-profit organization.
{{TOC limit|2}}

==History==
[[Image:USFSA-Logo Pre2007.gif|left|thumb|alt=refer to caption |{{center|USFSA Logo (1964–2003).}}]]
In 1921 the United States Figure Skating Association<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/About.asp?id=13 "U.S. Figure Skating at a Glance"] U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 21, 2011).</ref><ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/content/2010-11styleguide.pdf "U.S. Figure Skating 2010–11 Style Guide"] U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 21, 2011).</ref> was formed and became a member of the [[International Skating Union]].<ref>[http://www.isu.org/en/about-isu/member-federations?page=2 "Member Federations"], International Stating Union, (accessed May 1, 2015).</ref><ref name="hines-xxiii">{{Cite book |last=Hines |first=James R. |title=Historical Dictionary of Figure Skating |date=2011 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=978-0-8108-6859-5 |location=Lanham, Maryland |page=xxiii}}</ref> At the time of its formation, the Association was composed of seven (7) charter member clubs including: Beaver Dam Winter Sports Club,<ref>[https://sites.google.com/a/beaverdam.org/beaverdam/ "beaverdam"], Beaver Dam Winter Sports Club. (accessed June 29, 2011).</ref> [[The Skating Club of Boston]],<ref>[http://www.scboston.org/about/our-history "Our History"], The Skating Club of Boston. (accessed June 25, 2011).</ref> Chicago Figure Skating Club<ref>[http://www.chicagofsc.org/history.html "The Tradition Continues"], Chicago Figure Skating Club. (accessed June 27, 2011).</ref> [[The Skating Club of New York]],<ref>[http://www.thescny.org/content/skating-club-new-york "The Skating Club of New York"], The Skating Club of New York. (accessed June 25, 2011).</ref> [[Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society]],<ref>[http://pschs.org/index.php/club-history/ "PHCHS History"], PSC&HS. (accessed February 12, 2013).</ref> Sno Birds of Lake Placid,<ref>[http://www.cefls.org/Ebooks/plainsofabraham1.pdf#page=349 p. 311], MacKenzie, Mary (2007) ''"The Plains of Abraham"''. Utica, NY: Nicholas K. Burn Publishing. (accessed June 27, 2011).</ref> and Twin City Figure Skating Club (which became the [[Figure Skating Club of Minneapolis]] in 1929).<ref>[http://www.fscmpls.org/index.php?p=1_10 "About FSC Minneapolis"], Figure Skating Club of Minneapolis. (accessed June 27, 2011).</ref>

Since its inception through 1947, the governance activities of the Association were centered in New York City. The annual Governing Council meetings, as well as the annual Executive Committee meetings, were all held in New York City. In 1949 the Association transferred its offices to Chicago, Illinois. The offices were again moved, this time to Boston, in 1950. In 1979, the Association moved into its current headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This followed the [[United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee|USOC]]'s move to Colorado Springs a year earlier in July 1978.<ref>[https://www.usopc.org/about-the-usopc "THE UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE HISTORY"], teamusa.org, (accessed August 18, 2011).</ref>

In the 1930s, the Association made an effort to increase the number of competitive events by creating the three sectional championships, Eastern (1938), Midwestern (1933), and Pacific Coast (1936).<ref>{{Cite book |title=Skating in America |last=Wright |first=Benjamin T. |year=1996 |publisher=United States Figure Skating Association |location=Colorado Springs, Colorado |page=50}}</ref>

In 1959, the Eastern and Pacific Coast Sections expanded their qualifying competitions by adding three Sub-Sectionals Championships each. The Eastern Section created the New England, North Atlantic, and South Atlantic Regions, while the Pacific Coast Section established the Central Pacific, Northwest, and Southwest Pacific Regions. It wasn't until 1962 that the Midwestern Sectional finally added their regional championships to the qualifying competition cycle.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Skating in America |last=Wright |first=Benjamin T. |year=1996 |publisher=United States Figure Skating Association |location=Colorado Springs, Colorado |pages=156, 176}}</ref>

The abbreviated name, "USFSA" was first used in April 1921 and trademarked in 1972.<ref>[http://tdr.uspto.gov/jsp/DocumentViewPage.jsp?72379892/ORC20051116233435/Registration%20Certificate/2/08-Feb-1972/sn/false#p=1 "Trademark Electronic Search System"], United States Patent and Trademark Office. (accessed July 21, 2011).</ref> The distinctive shield logo was adopted in 1964<ref>[http://tdr.uspto.gov/jsp/DocumentViewPage.jsp?72370975/ORC20051116222455/Registration%20Certificate/1/25-Jan-1972/sn/false#p=1 "Trademark Electronic Search System"], United States Patent and Trademark Office. (accessed July 21, 2011). (accessed July 21, 2011).</ref> and used until 2003 when U.S. Figure Skating instituted its current logo.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/Magazine.asp?Issue=521 "U.S. Figure Skating Gets a New Look"], U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed July 29, 2011).</ref>

In 2006, the Executive Committee was eliminated.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content/Bylaws.pdf "Bylaws"], U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed August 26, 2011).</ref> At the same time the Board of Directors was reduced to sixteen members from its previous 29 members.

As of May 5, 2007, the Association officially adopted the name "U.S. Figure Skating" and dropped the abbreviated name of "USFSA".<ref name="usfsa.org">[http://www.usfsa.org/Content/2011%20Rulebook.pdf "THE 2011 OFFICIAL U.S. FIGURE SKATING RULEBOOK"] U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 22, 2011).</ref><ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/content/bylaws2.pdf "Bylaws of the United States Figure Skating Association (As amended to May 5, 2007)"], US Figure Skating. (accessed June 25, 2011).</ref>

==Governance==
U.S. Figure Skating is an association of clubs, governed by its members and its elected officers at national, regional and club levels.<ref>[http://www.tcfsc.com/LearnAboutUSFSA.htm "ISI or USFSA?"], Tri-CIties Figure Skating Club. (accessed January 21, 2010).
</ref> As of June 2011, U.S. Figure Skating had 688 member, collegiate, and school-affiliated clubs<ref name="MemNum">[http://www.usfigureskating.org/Story.asp?id=46329&type=media "Membership Grows"], U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed July 18, 2011).</ref> and a membership of 180,452.<ref name="MemNum"/> Each member club may send delegates to the annual Governing Council meeting.

===Governing Council===
U.S. Figure Skating has a representational government. Clubs and individual members appoint delegates. The number of delegates representing a club and the individual members depends on the prior year's paid registered member. Athlete delegate representation is required to be 20 percent of the prior year's registered delegate and proxy votes. Collectively these delegates meet annually (typically early May) to review, amend and ratify the actions taken by the Board since the prior year's Governing Council. This annual meeting of the appointed delegates is called the Governing Council.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content/GC%20Bylaws.pdf "GC Bylaws"], U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed August 25, 2011).</ref>

===Board of directors===
The Board of Directors is charged with the management of the business and affairs of U.S. Figure Skating. It is currently composed of sixteen (16) members including: the president, three (3) vice presidents (one from each section), the secretary, the treasurer, four (4) group coordinators, two (2) coaches, and four (4) athletes.<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/content.asp?menu=leadership&id=201 "Board of Directors"], U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed July 9, 2011).</ref>

====Presidents====
Samuel Auxier is the current president of U.S. Figure Skating. He began his term in 2022. The prior presidents are listed below.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content.asp?menu=leadership&id=424 "President"], U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed December 27, 2018).</ref>

====Past presidents====
{| class="wikitable sortable collapsible collapsed"
|- style="background:#EFEFEF"
! Name !! Term
|-
|{{sortname| Anne| Cammett |nolink=1}}|| 2018–2022
|-
|{{sortname| Samuel| Auxier |nolink=1}}|| 2014–2018
|-
|{{sortname| Patricia| St. Peter |nolink=1}}|| 2009–2014
|-
|{{sortname| Ron| Hershberger |nolink=1}}|| 2005–2009
|-
|{{sortname| Chuck| Foster |nolink=1}}|| 2003–2005
|-
|{{sortname| Phyllis| Howard |nolink=1}}|| 2000–2003
|-
|{{sortname| James W.| Disbrow |nolink=1}}|| 1998–2000
|-
|{{sortname| Morry| Stillwell |nolink=1}}|| 1995–1998
|-
|{{sortname| Claire W.| Ferguson |Claire Waters Ferguson}}|| 1992–1995
|-
|{{sortname| Dr. Franklin S.| Nelson | Franklin Nelson}}|| 1989–1992
|-
|{{sortname| Dr. Hugh C.| Graham Jr. |Hugh Graham (figure skater)}}|| 1986–1989
|-
|{{sortname| George T.| Yonekura |nolink=1}}|| 1983–1986
|-
|{{sortname| Oscar T.| Iobst Jr. |nolink=1}}|| 1980–1983
|-
|{{sortname| Charles A.| DeMore |nolink=1}}|| 1976–1980
|-
|{{sortname| Benjamin T.| Wright |nolink=1}}|| 1973–1976
|-
|{{sortname| Frederick C.| LeFevre |nolink=1}}|| 1970–1973
|-
|{{sortname| Spencer E.| Cram |nolink=1}}|| 1967–1970
|-
|{{sortname| John R.| Shoemaker |nolink=1}}|| 1964–1967
|-
|{{sortname| F. Ritter| Shumway |F. Ritter Shumway}}|| 1961–1964
|-
|{{sortname| Howard D.| Herbert |nolink=1}}|| 1958–1961
|-
|{{sortname| Kenneth L.| Brown |nolink=1}}|| 1955–1958
|-
|{{sortname| H. Kendall| Kelley |nolink=1}}|| 1952–1955
|-
|{{sortname| Harry N.| Keighley |nolink=1}}|| 1949–1952
|-
|{{sortname| Henry M.| Beatty |nolink=1}}|| 1946–1949
|-
|{{sortname| Walter S.| Powell |Walter S. Powell}}|| 1943–1946
|-
|{{sortname| Heaton R.| Robertson |nolink=1}}|| 1940–1943
|-
|{{sortname| Joseph K.| Savage |Joseph Savage}}|| 1937–1940
|-
|{{sortname| Charles M.| Rotch |nolink=1}}|| 1935–1937
|-
|{{sortname| Sherwin C.| Badger |Sherwin Badger}}|| 1934–1935
|-
|{{sortname| Charles M.| Rotch |nolink=1}}|| 1932–1934
|-
|{{sortname| Sherwin C.| Badger |Sherwin Badger}}|| 1930–1932
|-
|{{sortname| Charles T.| Church |nolink=1}}|| 1928–1930
|-
|{{sortname| Henry W.| Howe |nolink=1}}|| 1925–1928
|-
|{{sortname| A. Winsor| Weld |nolink=1}}|| 1921–1925
|}

===Committees===
Committees, in particular the Permanent Committees, are responsible for proposing and enforcing the rules of the U.S. Figure Skating. Other special committees may undertake other projects, such as nominations and other ad hoc matters.

====Permanent committees====
The following table shows the Association's permanent committees:<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/content.asp?menu=leadership&id=202 "Permanent Committees"], U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed August 5, 2011).</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
| Adult Skating || Athlete Development || Athletes Advisory || Audit
|-
| Coaches || Collegiate Program || Compensation || Competitions
|-
| Dance || Ethics || Finance || Grievance
|-
| International || International Judges & Officials || Judges || Membership
|-
| Memorial Fund || Pairs || Parents || Program Development
|-
| Rules || Sanctions and Eligibility || Selections || Singles
|-
| Special Olympics/Therapeutic || Sports Sciences and Medicine ||State Games || Strategic Planning
|-
| Synchronized Skating || Technical Panel || Tests || Theatrical Skating
|-
|}

==Mission statement==
“As the national governing body, the mission of the United States Figure Skating Association is to provide programs to encourage participation and achievement in the sport of figure skating on ice.”<ref name="MissStt"/>

==Operations==
===Executive Director===
The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of U.S. Figure Skating. Mr. David Raith is currently serving in that capacity and has done so since 2005. He is charged with carrying out the policies, programs, and goals of the association as approved by the Board of Directors.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content.asp?menu=leadership&id=390 "Executive Director"], U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed July 1, 2011).</ref>

===Departments===
The departments that support U.S. Figure Skating's operations reside at its headquarters in Colorado Springs, CO. These departments are staffed by full-time employees. They administer and manage the association's day-to-day affairs.<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/About.asp?id=394 "Headquarters Staff"], U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed July 21, 2011).</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
| Athlete Development ||Athlete High Performance || Events || Finance
|-
|Information Technology || Marketing and Communications || Membership || Executive Director
|}

===Finance===
The Association is a non-profit organization.<ref>[http://www.melissadata.com/lookups/np.asp?ein=840768715 "Nonprofit Organization Lookup"], Melissa Data, (accessed August 6, 2011).</ref> As of June 30, 2011, U.S. Figure Skating had revenue, support, and gains of approximately $24.9 million derived primarily from dues, admissions and activity fees, skating events, sponsorships, broadcast and licensing, publications, grants, and other sources.  The association expended approximately $12.9 million on its various programs and services plus an additional $2.4 million on management and general administrative expenses, under which the departments listed under the “Operations – Departments” are included.<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/content/2011%20Audit%20Report%20%20FINAL.pdf#page=5 "Consolidated Financial Statements"], U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed March 13, 2012).</ref>

==Officials==
Member clubs arrange to hold test sessions and competitions. The competitions are conducted under the supervision and authority of U.S. Figure Skating appointed officials. The member club (for competitions, the club is sometimes called the local organizing committee or “LOC”) is responsible for many of the ancillary functions of the test session or competition (registration, transportation, event monitoring, hospitality, messengers, copying, etc.). For national and international events, U.S. Figure Skating headquarters staff also provides logistics and event support. The officials are responsible for actually running the test sessions, competitions, and associated individual events. All the officials at test sessions and competitions are unpaid volunteers.<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/About.asp?id=108 "So You Want to Be a Figure Skating Judge?"], U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 25, 2011).</ref>

Officials receive their appointments from U.S. Figure Skating after demonstrating a certain level of proficiency, and in some cases, after trialing or taking written examinations. In most cases, officials are appointed at three (3) levels; regional, sectional, and national.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content/2012-13%20Rulebook%20for%20CD%20&%20Web.pdf#page=26 "Appointment Process"], ''THE 2013 OFFICIAL U.S. FIGURE SKATING RULEBOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed July 30, 2012)</ref>

Below is a list of officials at a typical large competition. For the 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, 70 officials were assigned along with over 50 alternate officials.<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/Content/2012USChamps-Selections.pdf "Officials Selections"], US Figure Skating. (accessed July 18, 2011).</ref> The parenthetical number is how many people were assigned to the respective positions. If there is no number, only one person was assigned.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
| Chief Referee || Assistant Referees (3)
|-
| Dance Referee || Assistant Dance Referees
|-
| Chief Accountant || Assistant Accountants (3)
|-
| Chief Technical Accountant || Assistant Technical Accountants (2)
|-
| Chief Ice Technician || Assistant Ice Technicians (3)
|-
| Chief Music Coordinator || Assistant Music Coordinators (4) || Music Technician
|-
| Chief Announcer || Assistant Announcers (3)
|-
| Technical Controllers (6) || Technical Specialists (8) || Data Operators || Video Replay Operators
|-
| Judges - Singles/Pairs (18) || Judges - Dance (9)
|}

==Organization==
U.S. Figure Skating's members, clubs, and qualifying competitions are divided into three (3) geographical sections, that are further divided into nine (9) regions.<ref name="USFSRulebook">{{cite web |title=The 2024–25 Official U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook |url=https://www.usfigureskating.org/sites/default/files/media-files/2024-25%20Rulebook.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250223221627/https://www.usfigureskating.org/sites/default/files/media-files/2024-25%20Rulebook.pdf |archive-date=February 23, 2025 |access-date=February 22, 2025 |publisher=U.S. Figure Skating}}</ref>

* [[Eastern Sectional Figure Skating Championships|Eastern Section]]<ref name="USFSRulebook" />
** [[New England]]: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
** North Atlantic: New Jersey; New York; [[Erie, Pennsylvania]]
** South Atlantic: Delaware; District of Columbia; Florida; Georgia; Maryland; North Carolina; Pennsylvania (excluding Erie); South Carolina; Virginia; West Virginia; [[Chattanooga, Tennessee]]
* [[Midwestern Sectional Figure Skating Championships|Midwestern Section]]<ref name="USFSRulebook" />
** Eastern Great Lakes: Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan ([[Lower Peninsula of Michigan|Lower Peninsula]]), Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee (excluding Chattanooga)
** Southwestern: Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas (including [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]] and [[St. Joseph, Missouri]]), Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas City
** Upper Great Lakes: Illinois, Iowa, Michigan ([[Upper Peninsula of Michigan|Upper Peninsula]]), Minnesota, Missouri (excluding Kansas City and St. Joseph), North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin
* [[Pacific Coast Sectional Figure Skating Championships|Pacific Coast Section]]<ref name="USFSRulebook" />
** Central Pacific: [[Northern California]], Hawaii, Nevada, Utah
** Northwest Pacific: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming
** Southwest Pacific: Arizona, [[Southern California]]

==Types of membership==
U.S. Figure Skating has nine (9) types of membership:<ref name="usfsa.org"/>

{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
* Clubs that foster figure skating, known as “member clubs”;
* Individual persons registered with U.S. Figure Skating who are members of a member club or a collegiate club;
* Individual persons who are not home club members of any member club, known as “individual members”;
* Honorary members;
* Collegiate club and school-affiliated members;
* Basic Skills members;
* Supportive members;
* Theatre On Ice/Team, and
* Introductory Members
}}

==U.S. Figure Skating programs==
U.S. Figure Skating offers many programs to accommodate a wide range of skill and interest levels.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/Programs.asp "Programs"], U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 22, 2011).</ref>
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
* [[Adult skating]]
* Basic Skills
* Collegiate
* National Showcase
* National Skating Month
* High School Programs
* Solo Dance Competition Series
* [[Special Olympics]] / Therapeutic Skating
* [[Synchronized skating]]
* Test Track
* [[Theatre on Ice]]
* [[6.0 system|6.0]]
}}

==Testing==
Testing allows figure skaters to demonstrate that they have achieved a certain level of skating proficiency. Tests progress in increasing difficulty and focus on power, strength, speed, quickness, flow, extension, and edge quality and control.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/Content/201112TestsBook.pdf#page=7 "TR 22.08, p. 10"], ''2011–12 TESTS BOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 26, 2011).</ref> Tests are conducted under the auspices of member clubs and administered during test sessions. Usually, three (3) test judges (the judge panel),<ref name="NumJudge">[http://www.usfsa.org/Content/201112TestsBook.pdf#page=4 "TR 7.02, p. 4"], ''2011–12 TESTS BOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 26, 2011).</ref> of appropriate level, determine the outcome of the tests on a pass / retry basis. Tests up to a certain level may be judged by a single, sufficiently qualified, judge.<ref name="NumJudge"/> Some higher-level dance tests require judges certified in dance judging to attend. The member club is responsible for reporting the results to U.S. Figure Skating.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/Content/201112TestsBook.pdf#page=5 "TR 8.03, p. 6"], ''2011–12 TESTS BOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 26, 2011).</ref> U.S. Figure appoints test judges at various levels (bronze, silver, and gold) based on trial judging and their judging experience. According to their level, test judges are qualified to determine the outcome of increasingly difficult tests. Test judges are invited by the member club to participate in a given test session. Skaters’ testing levels passed determines at what level they may compete. For qualifying competitions, skaters must pass the free skate test at the level for which they intend to compete. U.S. Figure Skating still offers tests in [[compulsory figures]], however, this discipline was last competed at a national championship competition in 1999.<ref>[http://www.iceskatingintnl.com/archive/results_nationals/usfig99.htm "1999 U.S. Figure Skating Championships - Figure Events"], Ice Skating International: Online, (accessed July 27, 2011).</ref>

Singles and adult skaters must show they are proficient at a given level by passing two (2) tests at each level, [[moves in the field]] ("MIF") and [[Free skating|free skate]] ("FS"). Additional test are conducted in the [[pairs skating]], [[Free dance (figure skating)|free dance]] and [[pattern dance]] discipline. Each member of a synchronized skating team must pass the appropriate test of single's competitor.

Tests must be completed in the order of increasing difficulty. They may not be taken out of turn.<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/Content/201112TestsBook.pdf#page=6 "Moves in the Field Tests, TR19.01, p. 6"], ''2011–12 TESTS BOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 25, 2011).</ref> However, a singles skater may take as many moves-in-the-field tests before taking any free skate tests.<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/Content/201112TestsBook.pdf#page=6 "Moves in the Field Tests, TR21.01], ''2011–12 TESTS BOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 25, 2011).</ref> Once a free skate test is passed, a competitor may only compete at that level at qualifying competitions. There are four (4) test levels specific to adult figure skating.<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/Content/201112TestsBook.pdf#page=6 "TR19.02, p. 6"], ''2011–12 TESTS BOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 26, 2011).</ref> Adult skater must be twenty-one (21) years of age or older.<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/Content/201112TestsBook.pdf#page=3 "TR2.01 A., p. 2"], ''2011–12 TESTS BOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 26, 2011).</ref>

===Standard track levels===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|- style="background:#EFEFEF"
! Moves in the field !! Free skate !! Pairs !! MIF, FS, Pairs<br />panel<sup>1</sup> !! Free dance !! Free dance<br />panel<sup>2</sup>
|-
| Pre-Preliminary || Pre-Preliminary || || Bronze<sup>3</sup> || ||
|-
| Preliminary || Preliminary || || Bronze<sup>4</sup> || ||
|-
| Pre-Juvenile  || Pre-Juvenile  || Pre-Juvenile  || Bronze || ||
|-
| Juvenile  || Juvenile  || Juvenile  || Bronze || Juvenile  || Bronze<sup>5</sup>
|-
| Intermediate  || Intermediate  || Intermediate  || Silver || Intermediate  || Bronze<sup>5</sup>
|-
| Novice || Novice || Novice || Silver || Novice || Bronze
|-
| Junior  || Junior  || Junior  || Gold || Junior  || Silver
|-
| Senior || Senior || Senior || Gold || Senior || Gold
|}
<sup>1</sup>The test panel consists of three test judges of these levels or higher, appointed in single/pairs or dance for MIF or in single/pairs for FS.<br />
<sup>2</sup>The test panel consists of three dance test judges of these levels or higher.<br />
<sup>3</sup>A single bronze or higher test judge, appointed in single/pairs or dance for MIF or in single/pairs for FS, may also judge this level.<br />
<sup>4</sup>A single silver or higher test judge, appointed in single/pairs or dance for MIF or in single/pairs for FS, may also judge this level.<br />
<sup>5</sup>A single silver or higher dance test judge may also judge this level.

===Adult track levels===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|- style="background:#EFEFEF"
! Moves in the field !! Free skate !! Pairs !! MIF, FS, pairs<br />panel<sup>1</sup> || Free dance !! Free dance<br />panel<sup>2</sup>
|-
| Adult Pre-Bronze  || Adult Pre-Bronze  || || Bronze<sup>3</sup> || Adult Pre-Bronze  || Bronze<sup>4</sup>
|-
| Adult Bronze || Adult Bronze || Adult Bronze || Bronze<sup>5</sup> || Adult Bronze || Bronze<sup>4</sup>
|-
| Adult Silver || Adult Silver || Adult Silver || Bronze || Adult Silver || Bronze
|-
| Adult Gold  || Adult Gold  || Adult Gold  || Silver || Adult Gold  || Silver
|}
<sup>1</sup>The test panel consists of three test judges of these levels or higher, appointed in single/pairs or dance for MIF or in single/pairs for FS.<br />
<sup>2</sup>The test panel consists of three dance test judges of these levels or higher.<br />
<sup>3</sup>A single bronze or higher test judge, appointed in single/pairs or dance for MIF or in single/pairs for FS, may also judge this level.<br />
<sup>4</sup>A single silver or higher dance test judge may also judge this level.<br />
<sup>5</sup>A single silver or higher test judge, appointed in single/pairs or dance for MIF or in single/pairs for FS, may also judge this level.

===Pattern dance===
The [[Compulsory dance]] was renamed pattern dance.<ref name="ISUCD" group="PatDncFN" /><ref name="USFigSkgCD" group="PatDncFN" />

Each level of pattern dance, with the exception of international, consists of three or four individual dances. Preliminary skaters must pass the Dutch Waltz, Canasta Tango, and Rhythm Blues,<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/Content/201112TestsBook.pdf#page=20 "Preliminary Pattern Dance Test, TR49.01], ''2011–12 TESTS BOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 25, 2011).</ref> while gold-level skaters must pass the Viennese Waltz, Westminster Waltz, Quickstep, and Argentine Tango.<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/Content/201112TestsBook.pdf#page=21 "Gold Pattern Dance Test, TR49.07], ''2011–12 TESTS BOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 25, 2011).</ref> There are currently ten dances at the international level.<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/Content/201112TestsBook.pdf#page=21 "International Pattern Dance Test, TR49.08], ''2011–12 TESTS BOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 25, 2011).</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|- style="background:#EFEFEF"
! Level !! Panel<br />ex. Solo<sup>1</sup> !! Panel<br />Solo<sup>2</sup>
|-
| Preliminary, Solo Preliminary || Bronze<sup>3</sup> || Bronze
|-
| Pre-Bronze, (Standard, Adult, Masters and Solo) || Bronze<sup>4</sup> || Bronze
|-
| Bronze (Standard, Adult, Masters and Solo) || Bronze || Bronze
|-
| Pre-Silver (Standard, Adult, Masters and Solo)  || Bronze || Bronze
|-
| Silver (Standard, Adult, Masters and Solo) || Silver || Silver
|-
| Pre-Gold (Standard, Adult, Masters and Solo) || Silver || Silver
|-
| Gold (Standard, Adult, Masters and Solo)  || Gold || Gold
|-
| International (Standard, Adult and Masters) || Gold ||
|}
<sup>1</sup>The test panel consists of three dance test judges of these levels or higher.<br />
<sup>2</sup>The test panel consists of one or three dance test judges of these levels or higher.<br />
<sup>3</sup>A single bronze or higher dance test judge may also judge this level.<br />
<sup>4</sup>A single silver or higher dance test judge may also judge this level.

===Synchronized skating===
[[File:Haydenettes 2006.jpg|500px|right|thumb|alt=refer to caption |{{center|Synchronized skating team the [[Haydenettes]] in 2006.}}]]
Synchronized skating teams are not required to pass any tests as a whole. Each individual team member must have passed the appropriate moves-in-the-field test.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content/2012-13%20Rulebook%20for%20CD%20&%20Web.pdf#page=165 "Technical Requirements, Sections 7200-7520"], ''THE 2013 OFFICIAL U.S. FIGURE SKATING RULEBOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed July 30, 2012)</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|- style="background:#EFEFEF"
! Team !! Individual
|-
| Senior || Novice
|-
| Junior || Intermediate
|-
| Novice || Juvenile
|-
| Intermediate || Pre-Juvenile
|-
| Juvenile || Preliminary
|-
| Preliminary || ''(none)''
|-
| Collegiate || Juvenile
|-
| Adult || Adult Bronze<sup>1</sup>
|-
| Masters || ''(none)''
|-
| Pre-Juvenile || ''(none)''
|-
| Open Juvenile || Pre-Preliminary
|-
| Open Adult || ''(none)''
|-
| Open Collegiate || ''(none)''
|}
<sup>1</sup>Preliminary moves in the field, dance, or figure is also acceptable.

==Qualifying and international competitions==
[[File:Ladies Podium 2008 US Nationals.jpg|350px|right|thumb|alt=refer to caption |{{center|The senior ladies podium at the [[2008 United States Figure Skating Championships|2008 U.S. Championships]]. Gold: [[Mirai Nagasu]]; Silver: [[Rachael Flatt]]; Bronze: [[Ashley Wagner]]; Pewter: [[Caroline Zhang]].}}]]
Every year, U.S. Figure Skating sanctions numerous non-qualifying competitions, shows, and carnivals.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content/2012-13%20Rulebook%20for%20CD%20&%20Web.pdf#page=53 "p. 94, SR 1.02 Sanctions"], ''THE 2013 OFFICIAL U.S. FIGURE SKATING RULEBOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating (accessed July 30, 2012).</ref> In addition, it annually sanctions qualifying regional and sectional competitions,<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content/2012-13%20Rulebook%20for%20CD%20&%20Web.pdf#page=78 "p. 144, 2000 Qualifying Competitions - Sanctions"], ''THE 2013 OFFICIAL U.S. FIGURE SKATING RULEBOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating (accessed July 30, 2012).</ref> in various disciplines, that lead up to championship competitions. The Association also selects those athletes and officials that represent the United States at international competitions.

===Regional competitions===
The following regional competitions are held in singles skating:<ref name="QualComp">{{Cite web |title=U.S. Figure Skating Qualifying Structure |url=http://www.usfigureskating.org/Events.asp?id=490 |access-date=August 25, 2011 |website=US Figure Skating}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|- style="background:#EFEFEF"
! Singles
|-
| New England Regional Figure Skating Championships
|-
| North Atlantic Regional Figure Skating Championships
|-
| South Atlantic Regional Figure Skating Championships
|-
| Eastern Great Lakes Regional Figure Skating Championships
|-
| Upper Great Lakes Regional Figure Skating Championships
|-
| Southwestern Regional Figure Skating Championships
|-
| Northwest Pacific Regional Figure Skating Championships
|-
| Central Pacific Regional Figure Skating Championships
|-
| Southwest Pacific Regional Figure Skating Championships
|-
|}

===Sectional competitions===
The following sectional competitions are held in singles, pairs, ice dance, adult, and synchronized skating:<ref name="QualComp"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Programs |url=http://www.usfigureskating.org/Programs.asp?id=46 |access-date=August 12, 2011 |website=www.usfigureskating.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Synchronized Skating |url=http://www.usfigureskating.org/Programs.asp?id=44 |website=www.usfigureskating.org}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|- style="background:#EFEFEF"
! Singles, Pairs, Ice Dance !! Adult !! Synchronized
|-
| [[Eastern Sectional Figure Skating Championships|Eastern Sectional<br />Figure Skating Championships]] || Eastern Adult Sectional<br />Figure Skating Championships || Eastern Synchronized Skating<br />Sectional Championships
|-
| [[Midwestern Sectional Figure Skating Championships|Midwestern Sectional<br />Figure Skating Championships]] || Midwestern Adult Sectional<br />Figure Skating Championships || Midwestern Synchronized Skating<br />Sectional Championships
|-
| [[Pacific Coast Sectional Figure Skating Championships|Pacific Coast Sectional<br />Figure Skating Championships]] || Pacific Coast Adult<br />Sectional Figure Skating Championships || Pacific Coast Synchronized Skating<br />Sectional Championships
|-
|}

===Championship competitions===
The following championship competitions are held in singles, pairs, ice dance, synchronized, adult, and collegiate skating:<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/Events.asp?id=147 "U.S. Figure Skating Championships"], U.S. Figure Skating (Accessed August 25, 2011).</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
| [[U.S. Figure Skating Championships|U.S.<br />Figure Skating<br />Championships]]* || [[U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships|U.S. Synchronized<br />Skating<br />Championships]] || U.S. Adult<br />Figure Skating<br />Championships || [[U.S. Collegiate Figure Skating Championships|U.S. Collegiate<br />Figure Skating<br />Championships]] || U.S. Intercollegiate<br />Figure Skating<br />Championships
|-
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki> Effective September 1, 2012, the U.S. Junior Championships (for Juvenile and Intermediate level competitors) was eliminated and those levels are held in conjunction with the U.S. Championships.<ref>{{Cite web |title=84.2 |url=http://www.usfigureskating.org/Content/201011CombinedRoA.pdf#page=17 |access-date=June 24, 2011 |website=U.S. Figure Skating}}</ref>

===International competitions===
U.S. Figure Skating selects the athletes and officials that represent the United States at international figure skating competitions (Team USA). These competitions include the [[ISU Junior Grand Prix]], [[Four Continents Figure Skating Championships]], the [[ISU Grand Prix]], the [[ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships|World Synchronized Skating Championships]], the [[World Figure Skating Championships]], and the [[Figure skating at the Olympic Games|Olympic Games]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Figure Skating |url=http://www.usfigureskating.org/Athletes.asp?id=209 |access-date=July 19, 2011 |website=www.usfigureskating.org}}</ref> Although the participants for Worlds and the Olympics are most often the top placers at US Nationals, there have been several times when other skaters have been selected due to injuries preventing them from competing at Nationals; Nancy Kerrigan being selected for the 1994 Olympics over 2nd-place finisher [[Michelle Kwan]] is one example. Most recently 2014 4th-place finisher Ashley Wagner was selected over 3rd place Mirai Nagasu ostensibly because of Wagner's more consistent international record; however, because of Wagner's many endorsement contracts, her selection has raised concerns about the fairness of the process (since U.S. Championships are not used as a straightforward Olympic trials).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/01/13/ashley-wagner-mirai-nagasu-off-olympic-figure-skating-team-here-why/0juHqvjYXdlM28Ozef8U0O/story.html|title=Ashley Wagner on, Mirai Nagasu off Olympic team - the Boston Globe|website=[[The Boston Globe]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014 |title=Real Winner Isn't Ashley Wagner it's Her Sponsors |url=http://www.thewire.com/culture/2014/01/real-winner-isnt-ashley-wagner-its-her-sponsors/357009/ |website=www.thewire.com}}</ref>

==Media==

* ''Skating'' magazine is the official publication of U.S. Figure Skating. Established in 1923, 11 issues are published annually.<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/About.asp?id=467 "Skating Magazine"], U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed August 25, 2011).</ref><ref name="hines-xxiii"/>
* The association also houses the World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame at its headquarters building in [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]].
* U.S. Figure Skating maintains two Internet domains, usfsa.org, established in 1997<ref>[http://www.networksolutions.com/whois/registry-data.jsp?domain=usfsa.org "Registry Data"], Network Solutions, (accessed August 17, 2011).</ref> and usfigureskating.org, established in 2003.<ref>[http://www.networksolutions.com/whois/registry-data.jsp?domain=usfigureskating.org "Registry Data"], Network Solutions, (accessed August 17, 2011).</ref>

===Ice Network===
In 2005, U.S. Figure Skating partnered with [[MLB Advanced Media]] to set up Ice Network, LLC. Ice Network, LLC is a wholly owned by U.S. Figure Skating.<ref>[http://web.icenetwork.com/about/index.jsp "Overview"], icenetwork.com, (accessed 14 April 2014).</ref> In 2018, Ice Network's website closed.

==Memorial fund==
===Formation and purpose===
On February 15, 1961, the entire United States figure skating team was killed when [[Sabena Flight 548]] crashed en route from New York City to Brussels, Belgium.<ref>{{Citation | title = 18 U.S. SKATERS AMONG 73 DEAD IN A JET CRASH | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 16 February 1961 | url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1961/02/16/97588203.pdf }}</ref> The team was going to participate in the 1961 World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Among the team members that perished were 18 athletes, seven coaches and managers, three judges and referees, and six team family members.<ref>[http://gofigureskating.com/people/sabena548.html "1961 Sabena Flight 548"], Go Figure skating, (accessed July 4, 2011)</ref> Within one week of the tragedy, the association announced the formation of a memorial fund in honor of the lost team members.<ref>{{Citation | title = Memorial Fund for Skaters | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 23 February 1961 | url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1961/02/23/118023605.pdf }}</ref>

"The mission of the Memorial Fund is to provide qualified U.S. Figure Skating members in need of financial aid with monetary assistance to pursue their goals both inside and outside the competitive arena. The fund is committed to awarding skating and academic scholarships to those athletes who have demonstrated excellent competitive results and/or academic achievements, and who have potential in national and international competitions."<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/content.asp?menu=donate&id=125 "The Memorial Fund"], U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed July 4, 2011)</ref>

===Potomac River crash===
On January 29, 2025, 14 members of US figure skating community died in the [[2025 Potomac River mid-air collision|crash]] of American Eagle flight 5342.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-30 |title=14 from figure skating community killed in plane crash, six of them from Boston club |url=https://apnews.com/article/dc-helicopter-jet-crash-figure-skaters-391a4c7bd0e617a08d9532a8faab206b |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-30 |title=14 linked to figure skating were on crashed plane |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/43621460/figure-skaters-onboard-plane-crash-washington-dc |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

===RISE===
In 2009, U.S. Figure Skating commissioned the production of a full-length feature documentary film commemorating the 50th anniversary of the loss of the 1961 U.S. World Figure Skating Championship team and exalting figure skating in the U.S.<ref name="USFigSkRISE">{{Cite web |title=RISE |url=http://www.usfigureskating.org/content.asp?menu=donate&id=474 |access-date=August 11, 2011 |website=www.usfigureskating.org}}</ref> The movie, RISE, was produced and directed by the Emmy-award-winning company, Lookalike Productions of Englewood, NJ.<ref>[http://www.lookalikeproductions.com/work_documentaries.html "Documentaries"], Lookalike Productions, (accessed July 4, 2011)</ref> The film was released on February 17, 2011, for a one-night presentation through [[National CineMedia|NCM Fathom]].<ref>[http://fathomevents.com/sports/event/usfs_rise.aspx "RISE"], Fathom Events, (accessed August 24, 2011)</ref> It was shown
again for an encore presentation on March 7, 2011.<ref>[http://www.fathomevents.com/sports/event/riseencore.aspx "RISE Encore"], Fathom Events, (accessed August 24, 2011)</ref> Proceeds of the movie were used to further the mission of the Memorial Fund.<ref name="USFigSkRISE"/>

==Footnotes==
<references group="PatDncFN">
<ref name="ISUCD">In June 2010, the ISU replaced the name "compulsory dance" with "pattern dance". [http://isu.sportcentric.net/db//files/serve.php?id=1893 p.2] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709070608/http://isu.sportcentric.net/db//files/serve.php?id=1893 |date=2011-07-09 }}, Section I.1.1.b), "ISU Communication 1621", International Skating Union, (accessed July 19, 2011).</ref>
<ref name="USFigSkgCD">U.S. Figure Skating also adopted the name "pattern dance" in 2011. [http://www.usfsa.org/Content/201112TestsBook.pdf#page=18 p.32], "2011–12 Tests Book", U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed July 19, 2011).</ref>
</references>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book|title=Skating In America (1921–1996) The 75th Anniversary History of the United States Figure Skating Association|last=Wright|first=Benjamin T.|year=1996|publisher=The United States Figure Skating Association|location=Colorado Springs, Colorado}}
* {{cite magazine|first=E.M.|last=Swift|title='The Day The Music Stopped': Fifty years ago, a fiery plane crash destroyed an entire generation of U.S. figure skaters and some of the sport's most celebrated coaches, including a grande dame whose influence is still felt today|date=February 21, 2011|publisher=Time Inc|magazine=Sports Illustrated|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1182018/index.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221114749/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1182018/index.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 21, 2011|access-date=2011-02-21}}

==External links==
<!-- per [[WP:ELMINOFFICIAL]], choose one official website only -->
* {{Official website}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101118005544/http://www.rise1961.com/ RISE - Can the end of one dream give rise to another?]

{{Figure skating}}
{{Sports governing bodies of the United States}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Figure skating in the United States]]
[[Category:Figure skating organizations]]
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[[Category:Sports organizations established in 1921]]
[[Category:National governing bodies for figure skating]]
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