Rules & Policies

All participants (or their parents) accept these Rules, Policies, Fees, Waiver, and Codes of Conduct by scheduling a lesson.

By booking a lesson, you AGREE TO ASSUME THE RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY, TO RELEASE AND TO INDEMNIFY Aimée Ricca, her affiliates, sponsors, representatives, agents, successors and assigns, including the ice rink, host club, local organizing committee and any other entity responsible for the hosting and/or conduct of the Events and Activities (collectively referred to herein as "Coach Aimée"), as follows:

1. Assumption of Risk and Responsibility. Participant fully understands and appreciates the risks of injury that may occur in ice skating or in the course of preparing for, participating in and traveling to or from the Events and Activities. The risks of injury that may occur include, but are not limited to, the risk of, serious bodily injury, viral infections, bacterial infections and risk of other communicable diseases and illness, permanent disability, paralysis and death (collectively referred to herein as “Risks”). Participant acknowledges that Participant voluntarily engages in such Events and Activities with adequate knowledge of such Risks; and agrees that Participant fully assumes all such Risks and all legal and financial responsibility for (a) any and all injuries or damages, whether to person or property, that Participant may in any manner sustain in connection therewith or in the conduct and management of the Events and Activities, including such injury or damage that may result from the negligence of Coach Aimée or from some other cause and (b) all treatment, hospitalization and other care rendered to Participant in the event of Participant’s illness, injury or other emergency circumstance in connection with participation in the Events and Activities, subject to any applicable insurance coverage. 
2. Release and Indemnification. Participant hereby fully and forever releases, discharges, holds harmless, and agrees to indemnify Coach Aimée from and against any and all liabilities, claims, demands, lawsuits, damages, and judgments, present or future, known or unknown, valid or invalid, direct or consequential, together with reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees, which result directly or indirectly from damages, losses, injuries or death to Participant, Participant’s property, other persons or property incurred during or in connection with any activities associated with or being a part of the Events and Activities and the conduct and management thereof, including any participation, travel or medical treatment, hospitalization or other care rendered in connection with the Events and Activities, whether such loss, damage, injury or death results from the negligence of U.S. Figure Skating or from some other cause. 

I HAVE READ THIS ASSUMPTION OF RISK, WAIVER AND RELEASE, AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I AND THE MINOR PARTICIPANT (IF APPLICABLE) HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY AGREEING TO BOOK LESSONS WITH COACH AIMÉE. I HAVE AGREED TO THIS VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT OR ASSURANCE OF ANY NATURE. I INTEND IT TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW AND AGREE THAT IF ANY PORTION OF THIS AGREEMENT IS HELD TO BE INVALID THAT THE REMAINING PROVISIONS SHALL CONTINUE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.

All skaters have expected to have a current U.S. Figure Skating membership to ensure that you are covered by the sports accident insurance. 

You may join U.S. Figure Skating directly, or through your local club.

All U.S. Figure Skating Memberships expire after June 30 of each year. You are expected to renew your membership for the current year that begins July 1, before you have a lesson.

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. People who show no symptoms can spread COVID-19 if they are infected. 

Due to the indoor environment, varying ventilation systems, colder temperatures, humidity levels, and proximity to other people ice rinks may present a high-risk environment. 

Neither the rinks or your coach are able to guarantee that you will not be exposed during your visit. You should evaluate your risk in determining whether to skate and take lessons. 

By booking a lesson and visiting the rink you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and release Coach Aimée from any and all liability related thereto.

Private Lessons, Personal Training, and Nutrition Coaching Fees*: 

• 30 minutes - $42 | $45 at Mennen Sports Arena & Virtual 
• 45 minutes - $63 | $67.50 at Mennen Sports Arena & Virtual 
• 60 minutes - $84 | $90 at Mennen Sports Arena & Virtual 
• Semi-Private Lessons are limited to no more than 3 skaters that are similar in age and are at the same level. There is a $10 additional charge for each skater.

* Beginning July 1, 2022, pricing for ALL RINKS will be the same as the current pricing listed for Mennen and Virtual.

The cost of admission to the ice session is IN ADDITION to the private lesson rate. You must pay for BOTH admission to the ice session and your lesson - there are no exceptions.

Admission to the ice session will vary depending on the type of session and the rink. Be sure to check with the respective rink for ice session schedule and pricing.

Aimée is an independent contractor and not employed by the rinks. I am only paid when you pay for your lesson.  

Please check your receipt and ensure that you have paid the proper amount for your lesson (as listed in your confirmation) as well as for admission to the ice. If you fail to pay the correct amount, your coach will not be paid appropriately.

Coaches pay a commission to the ice rinks in order to the use the ice. We also pay our own expenses including but not limited to PPE, mileage, liability and health insurance, required professional licenses, credentials, equipment, and taxes. 

Lessons can only be taught when the rink makes ice available for public or freestyle sessions, provided that Aimée is also available. For the best availability, it is recommended that you book a week, or more in advance. Standing lessons, that occur weekly - or several times a week, have priority.

All lessons are subject to the rink schedules. The rinks can, sometimes do, change their schedules. Any changes made by the rink to their schedule may cause a confirmed appointment to change. We do our best to keep up with rink schedules and adjust appointments as may be necessary.

To keep expenses in check, Aimée's schedule will vary from the rink's schedule. Unless another lesson is booked back to back, a one-hour minimum lesson may be required. The best way to book your lessons is online.

Each rink has slightly different payment policies: Please view the payment page for details.

Ice sessions must be paid before they begin and there are no refunds if you decide to end the session early.

The pricing for ice sessions, and rental skates if you need them, are not included in the private lesson fee and varies depending on the rink and the type of session.  

Your lesson time begins at the time that was scheduled, regardless of your arrival time. 

If you arrive late, you will be charged for the full amount of the lesson and your lesson will not be extended. Be ready, with skates, helmet, and gloves on, and prepared to skate at the time  scheduled, as often lessons are scheduled back to back. 

Please note that most rinks do not rent helmets and beginner skaters are required to provide their own. Please read the page about equipment here.

* Lesson Cancelation Policy

• Weekdays lessons require at least 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule a scheduled lesson.
• Weekend lessons require at least 48 notice to cancel or reschedule a schedule lesson.
• Each skater may have 1-time only exception for emergencies only, such as  illness in your household - this policy is strictly enforced.
• Cancellations or rescheduled lessons with less than the required notice, require FULL payment for the lesson as listed in your confirmation.
• If you are going to be going out of town on vacation, or have another conflict, please provide 2-weeks advance notice of the dates.
• Skaters that cancel or reschedule more than 3 times in a three month period will not be permitted to have standing lessons in prime spots and will be placed on a space available basis for times that are in less demand.

Competition Fees 

• The coaching fee for competitions is $90 for each event and for each official practice. These fees are in addition to the cost of registering for the competition and coaching sessions leading to the competition. If more than one skater and/or event is scheduled within the same hour, the fee may be split between all the skaters.
• Additionally, a loss of income fee may be added to the competition coaching fee, per skater per day, when competition schedules conflict with group lessons, or lessons for other skaters. 
• Competitions taking place outside 25 miles driving distance of Parsippany, NJ, will require hotel and transportation fees in addition to coaching fees. All fees are due 30 days before the competition, or as soon as the competition schedule is posted and invoiced. You must make payment by Venmo, PayPal, or Cash - do not pay the rink! If you withdraw from the competition, after registering, you are still be responsible for the fees.
• Coaches are required to approve all competition entries. In order for Aimée to approve your entry, you must have a minimum of one (1), 30-minute private lesson each week with Aimée for the three (3) months leading to the competition. However, at least two (2) - three (3) lessons each week are highly recommended. Aimée will not approve competition entries for skaters that do not have lessons scheduled weekly leading into a competition or those that schedule lessons and repeatedly cancel or reschedule. Skaters that cancel lessons often and at the last minute will not have their entries approved.
• A skater must practice at least two (2), one (1) hour freestyle sessions each week for three (3) months leading to the competition. Daily practice sessions are highly recommended. Aimée will not approve entries for skaters that do not practice regularly.
• The minimum music editing fee for a basic skills program is $100. Depending on the complexity of the music, and for more advanced programs pricing may vary.
• To compete at Compete USA competitions you must be a member in good standing of U.S. Figure Skating or Learn to Skate USA.
• To compete at levels above Compete USA, you must be a member in good standing of U.S. Figure Skating (not Learn to Skate USA or Basic Skills).

Virtual Testing Fees & Information:

• You must be a member in good standing of U.S. Figure Skating (not Learn to Skate USA or a Basic Skills membership), and provide a Permission Form from your club in order to participate in a U.S. Figure Skating test session at a club other than his/her home club. This form must be completed by an officer of the skater’s home club and provided to the club hosting the event. Most clubs include a blanket permission form in your EntryEeze account that you can download.
• You must pay for your lesson as you normally would.
• There is an additional charge administrative charge of $50 for the videography and paperwork filing. This payment must be made by Venmo, PayPal, or Cash, immediately upon receiving an invoice.
• Virtual testing may only take place on freestyle sessions where there are 8 skaters or less. U.S. Figure Skating does not permit virtual testing on sessions with more than 8 skaters present.
• Aimée will only submit tests that in her opinion have a good chance of passing. There is no guarantee that you will pass your test. It is up to the entirely up to the judges.

In-Person Testing Fees & Information

• You must be a member in good standing of U.S. Figure Skating (not Learn to Skate USA or a Basic Skills membership), and provide a Permission Form from your club in order to participate in a U.S. Figure Skating test session at a club other than his/her home club. This form must be completed by an officer of the skater’s home club and provided to the club hosting the event. Most clubs include a blanket permission form in your EntryEeze account that you can download.
• The coaching fee is $90 per test - this is in addition to the cost of the test registration and coaching sessions leading to the test. If more than one skater and/or is scheduled within the same hour, the fee may be split. 
• It is not recommended that skaters register for in-person tests outside their local area (greater than 25 miles outside of Parsippany, NJ)
• Testing is done during scheduled test sessions.
• Registration is typically due no later than 2 weeks prior to the test date.
• Skaters may likely miss school for test sessions.
• Skaters should dress as if they are competing.
• Skaters should be dressed and ready to go 1 hour before the scheduled test time.
• Coaches are required to approve all test registrations. If a skater is not ready to test, Aimée will not approve your registration.
• A skater must have a minimum of one (1), 30-minute private lesson each week with Aimée for the three (3) months leading to the test. Two (2) - three (3) lessons each week are highly recommended.
• A skater must practice at least two (2), one (1) hour freestyle sessions each week for three (3) months leading to the test. Daily practice sessions are highly recommended.
• Aimée reserves the right not to approve of test registrations by skaters that are not adhering to the practice and lesson schedule.

All skaters must adhere to this Code of Conduct at all times.   

Coach Aimée is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for skaters physical, emotional and social development and ensuring that she promotes an environment free of misconduct. This Skater Code of Conduct has been established to ensure the safety of all skaters working with Aimée to ensure quality practice time for all. 

All skaters must follow and uphold the provisions in this Skater Code of Conduct regarding behavior on and off the ice. All skaters are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship and be courteous toward their fellow skaters, coaches, parents/guardians of skaters, U.S. Figure Skating officials and guests.  

Remember “The Golden Rule:” treat other people like you want to be treated — with respect.  

Ice Etiquette and Safety:  

1. While in lesson or practice, it is the skater's responsibility to always be conscientious and aware of other skaters around them. 
2. Skaters must skate with the flow of other skaters and familiarize themselves with the most commonly used areas for jumps and spins.
3. The only time a skater has the SOLE right of way is when they are skating their program to music. When you hear another member's music, please extend that person the courtesy and move out of their path momentarily. This only takes a moment and you will enjoy the same courtesy while you are performing your program. 
4. Advanced skaters are expected to exhibit patience toward beginner members of the club. Remember, you were an inexperienced skater once, and it takes time for our future generation to advance to the point where they are completely comfortable skating with all levels of skaters.  

Unsafe or discourteous behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. 

All parents must adhere to this Code of Conduct at all times.

Coach Aimée is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for skaters’ physical, emotional and social development and ensuring that she promotes an environment free of misconduct.  

Parents hereby agree that:  

1. I will encourage good sportsmanship by my actions, demonstrating positive support for all skaters, coaches and officials at every practice, competition and test session. 
2. I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child and others ahead of my desire to win. 
3. I will encourage my child to skate in a safe and healthy environment by maintaining a respectful and courteous attitude to others. 
4. I will promptly inform my child’s coach of any physical/mental disability or challenge affecting my child that may affect the safety of my child or others. 
5. I will teach my child that doing his/her best is more important than winning. 
6. I will do my best not to ridicule, bully, blame, or yell at my child or other skaters, coaches, officials or volunteers in response to a poor performance or for any other reason. 
7. I will do my best to make skating fun at all times and will remember that my child participates in sports for his/her own enjoyment and satisfaction. 
8. I will teach my child to treat other skaters, coaches, fans, volunteers, officials and rink staff with respect, regardless of race, creed, color, sexual orientation or ability. I will also take action and report any acts of bullying, harassment or abuse to the appropriate authorities. 
9. I will applaud any effort in both victory and defeat emphasizing positive accomplishments and learning from mistakes. 
10. I will teach my child to resolve conflicts calmly and peacefully without resorting to hostility or violence. 
11. I will be a positive role model for my child and others. 
12. I will demand a figure skating environment for my child that is free of drug or alcohol abuse and agree that I will not use or provide to a third-party any illegal drug prohibited by applicable federal, state or municipal law. 
13. I will not assist or condone any athlete’s use of a banned substance as described by the International Olympic Committee, International Skating Union, United States Olympic Committee or U.S. Figure Skating, or, in case of athletes, to use such drugs or refuse to submit to properly conducted drug tests administered by one of these organizations. 
14. I will expect my child’s coach to be compliant with all requirements of U.S. Figure Skating and the Professional Skaters Association, to continue their education and training through programs offered by U.S. Figure Skating, the Professional Skaters Association and other accredited organizations. 
15. I will respect my child’s coach and refrain from “side line” coaching my child or other skaters. 
16. I agree to educate myself regarding the proper procedures to follow when establishing or terminating a coaching relationship. 
17. I will respect the decisions of officials, their authority and decisions during competitions and test sessions and teach my child to do the same. 
18. I will show appreciation and recognize the importance of those who volunteer, including officials. 
19. I will become familiar with the rules of the U.S. Figure Skating and teach my child accordingly. 
20. I will support and respect all skaters and their right to participate. 

Public Skating sessions are the least expensive and acceptable for beginner skaters. Please check the public session schedule for each rink's times and pricing - this can vary from week to week.

As a skater progresses, it can become difficult to practice some skills, such as backward skating/spirals/lunges/spins/jumps, during a Public session and Freestyle sessions are recommended.

Competitive or testing programs (routines) may not be practiced on Public sessions.

Each rink has rules regarding Public sessions. Please check with the rink and abide by the rules.

Aimée does not teach on Public skating sessions at Mennen Arena or Skylands Ice World at this time.

Once a skater has progressed to the elements in Learn to Skate Basic 4, or is working on a competitive or testing program (routine), Freestyle Ice is recommended.  

Please check each rink's Freestyle schedule for times and pricing - this can vary from week to week.

Please view U.S. Figure Skating's guidelines for Freestyle Etiquette and Safety Rules. Additionally, every rink has its own rules regarding Freestyle sessions. Please check with the rink and abide by the rules.

All skaters must have a current U.S. Figure Skating Membership to skate on Freestyle sessions - there are no exceptions!

Parents please note the following:

• Parents, skaters not in the session, or other spectators should not loiter rinkside. This is unsafe and it interferes with a constructive training session.
• Coaching by parents from the bleachers, benches, door, or dashers is not allowed at any time. Parents will be asked to leave the arena if this happens. Parents agree to respect the coach and refrain from “side line” coaching their child or other skaters.
• The benches by the ice are to be used by the skaters and coaches only.
• If skaters must talk to someone off the ice, even if for a brief time, they need to get off the ice to do so or the skater will be asked to leave the ice.
• Videotaping anyone other than your own skater is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Anyone engaging in this behavior will be asked to leave the arena for an indefinite period of time.