Warwick Figure Skaters proudly participates in the United States Figure Skating (USFS) program development for the sport of Figure Skating.
This program is designed to further develope skaters' skills by introducting them to training programs and different skating disciplines. The WFS Above Basics program teaches our skaters' what is required for the next level after Basic Skills in accordance with the USFS Figure Skating Pipeline.
There are five separate disciplines in the sport of figure Skating: Ladies/Mens singles; pairs; ice dancing and synchronized skating. Within each discipline there is a unique test structure and competitive pipeline that takes our skaters who have completed our Basic Skills Program to the elite levels of figure skating. CLICK HERE to obtain a copy of USFS' Program/Development Pipeline.
WFS has contracted with qualified professional instructors (coaches) to teach our skaters the skills needed to advance through the US Figure Skating Pipeline by offering private lessons that are taught on our Above Basics sessions. For a list of our coaches, please visit our Meet Our Coaches webpage.
Above Basics Terminology and Acronyms
For our skaters who are new to Above Basics it may be a bit confusing learning all the new terminology and acronyms of our Above Basics Program. Click on the read more below for a list of frequently used terms and acronyms.
Above Basics (AB) - refers to our skaters who have completed our Basic Skills (Learn To Skate) program and/or have passed specific Basic Skills badges where they are eligible to purchase additional Above Basic sessions.
Free Style (FS) - used interchangeably with Free Skate and generally refers to Ladies/Mens single and pairs program. Free Style incorporates jumps, spins, and connecting steps within an individuals' or pairs' program.
Moves In the Field (MIF) - refers to figure skating footwork such as proper stroking, correct use of edges, turns and step sequences. Per USFS, a skater must test in MIF in order to continue with other disciplines.
Dance - also know as ice dancing. Ice Dancing consists of either a structured Dance or free style Dance that can be performed as an individual (solo) or as pair (parnters). Structured Dance is ice dancing in accordance with specific dance routines such as a Dutch Waltz or Foxtrot whereas free style Dance is ice dancing where the skater and coach develope a free form dance routine in accordance with USFS regulations.
Synchronized Skating - a team sport in which 8-20 skaters perform a program together and is characterized by teamwork, speed, intricate formations and challenging step sequences.
Test Level - while your skater was in Basic Skills, your skater was "tested" at the end of each season for elements learned in the particular badge level. In Above Basics, your skater will be tested according to the required elements of each test level in Above Basics within each discipline your skater participates in. You and your coach will determine when it is time for your skater to be tested. Testing in Above Basics is conducted with USFS Judges and your skaters testing history is maintained with USFS. Testing and Test levels are important for progression through the USFS pipeline as well as competing.
Nonqualifying Competitions - Figure Skating Clubs throughout the area and the country conduct nonqualifying competitions, for example the Ocean State Open or the Providence Open. "Nonqualifying" is a designation that it is a Figure Skating Club hosting/sponsoring the competition and does not "qualify" the skater for US Figure Skating "qualifying" competition.
Qualifying Competitions - These competitions are conducted by US Figure Skating such as Regionals, Sectionals and Nationals. Qualifying competitions begin at the Juvenile level and above. A skater begins with Regionals and progresses to Sectionals and Nationals assuming the skater finishes in the top 4 of each qualifying event.