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:

Assumption of Risk and Responsibility

The 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 illnesses, 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.

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 Coach Aimée or from some other cause.

COVID-19 Warning

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 nor 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.

I HAVE READ THIS ASSUMPTION OF RISK, WAIVER AND RELEASE, AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS AND 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.

U.S. Figure Skating Membership All skaters are expected to have a current U.S. Figure Skating and/or Learn to Skate USA membership to ensure secondary sports accident insurance coverage.  

Skaters that wish to test and/or compete must be current members in good standing of U.S. Figure Skating.  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 must renew your membership for the current year, which begins July 1, in order to test or compete during the 2022-2023 season. If you are new to joining U.S. Figure Skating and are unsure how to join a local club, more information is available for you here.  

You will not be permitted to take any official U.S. Figure Skating tests with a Learn to Skate USA membership!  

To test, you must be a FULL MEMBER (not Basic Skills or Learn to Skate USA member). Learn to Skate USA membership only allows you to compete in Compete USA competitions at the Basic Skills levels. 

Scheduling
All lessons are scheduled via the booking system Wellness Living. Under no circumstances will lessons be scheduled any other way. Once your lesson is confirmed, you will receive an automated email and text message from the booking system. Reminders will also be sent via the automated system via email and text message.

Standing Lessons

Standing lessons occurs each week on the same day and time and are recommended as you always know that when your lesson will take place. HOWEVER, a standing lesson is not optional. Your coach is reserving that time for YOU and you are expected to attend every lesson. If you have a conflict with another activity, or will be away, 2 weeks notice is required. In other words, you should not treat a standing lesson as something that can be cancelled or rescheduled if another activity comes along for that week. 

Your coach is reserving that time FOR YOU and you are expected to keep your commitment to your coach each week. Athletes that cancel or reschedule standing lessons more than three (3) times in a 3 month period will lose the privilege of holding standing appointments.

Lessons are never scheduled verbally.
If you do not receive an automated confirmation and reminder, your lesson is not confirmed.

Please make sure that you have not opted out of receiving these important confirmations!
Lessons are only confirmed through the automated system. If you opt-out, I do not receive any notice that you have done so, and I will not contact you directly to confirm or send reminders. If you do not receive confirmations and reminders, please check to make sure you have them turned on inside your Coach Aimée Wellness Living account!

Please DO NOT respond to automated messages as they will not be received!
Automated text messages are sent from an UNATTENDED phone number. Should you need to make a change, please contact Coach Aimée at +1 973-975-3439 at least 48 hours prior to the confirmed date and time.

Please be respectful of the time when you text or call and refrain from doing so after 9:00 pm!
Coach Aimée has early morning lessons and is usually on the ice by 6 am daily!

Coaching Relationship
Some rinks have coaches sign an agreement that they will not teach students of other coaches. If you have ever worked with another coach (currently or in the past), you must contact that coach and express your reasons for wanting to switch or supplement with another coach before you schedule any lessons with another coach. Coach Aimée may reach out to any other coaches that you have worked with before working with you or your athlete.

From time to time, Coach Aimée may refer skaters for supplemental lessons with specialty coaches that she works with. 

Lessons with partner coaches do not change the primary coach relationship. All parents and athletes agree to educate themselves regarding following the proper procedures when changing a coaching relationship.

Private Coaching Fees
As of July 1, 2022, professional fees are: $45.00 for 30 Minute Session / $67.50 for 45 Minute Session / $90.00 for 60 Minute Session / $147.50 for 90 Minute Session. 

* There is a $10 additional charge for each skater in a Semi-Private Coaching Session: limited to no more than 3 skaters that are SIMILAR IN AGE and are OF THE SAME LEVEL as determined by Coach Aimée.

Program Design Fees

Coach Aimée works with athletes on sport-specific periodized strength, conditioning, nutrition, rest, and recovery. The fee to design a custom program is $450. This includes the initial consultation, design, and program introduction. Additional sessions are billed at the hourly rate of $90. Travel-related expenses may be additional.

You must pay the correct amount BEFORE your lesson begins, according to the rink rules.
At Mennen and SportsCare (Aspen), you pay the front desk - at Mennen, you can also do this online through the rink website.

At Skylands and Virtual, you pay Coach Aimée directly - by Cash, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Cash, or Zelle. You may also pay online with an additional convenience fee here. Checks Are Not Accepted!

The cost of admission to the ice session and any equipment rental is IN ADDITION to the coaching fee.
You must pay for BOTH admission to the ice session and your lesson - BEFORE EACH SESSION. There are no refunds if you decide to end the session early. No exceptions can be made.

Your lesson time begins at the time that was scheduled, regardless of your arrival time. If you arrive late, you still must pay for the full amount of the lesson, and your lesson will not be extended.

Please 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 check your receipt! Lesson payments that are incorrect - either the amount or credited to another coach (at Mennen or Aspen) - may not be discovered for several weeks due to the time lapse in the rink processing payments and statements to coaches.

However, you are responsible for making the correct payment regardless of when a discrepancy is discovered. In the rare cases that this occurs, correct payment is immediately due to Coach Aimée by online payment, cash, Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, or Apple Cash - checks are not accepted.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.  

If you or ANYONE in your household has any of the following symptoms, you may have COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated or have had COVID before:  

• Fever or chills 
• Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 
• Fatigue 
• Muscle or body aches 
• Headache 
• New loss of taste or smell 
• Sore throat 
• Congestion or runny nose 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Diarrhea 

If you have any of the symptoms listed, please advise your coach immediately and stay home until you have a negative PCR test.  

Standard COVID testing is free and available at many locations, including Adams Diagnostic Lab.  

If you arrive for a lesson with any symptoms, you may be turned away at the coach's discretion - full payment will still be required.

For other reasons, a minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to cancel or reschedule - more time is always appreciated! 

Lessons that are canceled or rescheduled inside of the required 48-hour notice are treated as late cancellations, and the FULL AMOUNT of the private coaching fee (as listed in your confirmation) is due immediately by online payment Zelle, PayPal, Apple Cash, or Venmo. 

This policy is to offset the lost income and expenses as we are often unable to book another client in such a short period of time. Each client may have ONE TIME ONLY exception for true emergencies only, such as illness in your household - this policy is strictly enforced. 

Under no circumstances will an exception apply if Coach Aimée is already at the rink! 

If you have a standing lesson and are going to be going out of town on vacation or have another conflict, please provide 2-week's advance notice of the dates. Again, more time is greatly appreciated! 

Clients that have cancellations, late reschedules, or do not show up for their appointments three (3) or more times within a three-month period, will only be permitted to book lessons by making a non-refundable deposit. The deposit will be used for any future late cancellations, late reschedules, or no-show appointments. If the deposit is used as payment, you must make another deposit before you will be permitted to book another appointment. There are no exceptions.

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 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 fewer. 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 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.

In the event of illness, injury or medical or other emergency circumstances while participating in any of the Events and Activities, and if I am disabled or incompetent to make appropriate decisions concerning treatment thereof (and in the case that participant is a minor and minor’s parent or legal guardian cannot be timely contacted to participate in the making of necessary decisions), I, the participant, or if participant is a minor, I as the parent/guardian of said participant, give my consent to U.S. Figure Skating, its agents, officials, employees, volunteers, clubs, instructors, coaches and trainers, and the agents, officials, employees, volunteers, instructors, and trainers at the facility where any of the Events and Activities are taking place, to obtain emergency medical care from any individual that is certified in First Aid/CPR/AED, Licensed Medical Professional, hospital or clinic, including transportation and emergency medical service for myself/ourselves and/or said participant for any injury or illness that could arise from participation in the Events and Activities.

In addition, in conjunction with participation in the Events and Activities, I acknowledge the provisions of and, if circumstances warrant, consent to the implementation of the procedures and precautions contained in U.S. Figure Skating’s Blood-Borne Pathogen Procedures. I further authorize and consent to the release of any pertinent medical information and records regarding my treatment, diagnosis, and/or examination to the U.S. Figure Skating Sports Medicine Committee and the Medical Committee Staff of the Events and Activities in which I am participating.

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.  

The following is general guidance. All athletes and parents are required to follow the rules of each individual rink which may vary.

1. Skaters should be dressed neatly in properly sized athletic attire that is appropriate for skating, preferably black in color, with hair tied back. Gloves should always be worn to protect skaters' hands from injury.
2. Skaters need to stay hydrated during their practice or lesson sessions and should bring water on the ice with them in an unbreakable container, preferably in their rink tote (Kiss & Cry bag). Hot beverages such as tea, coffee, cocoa, and colored beverages such as soft drinks and Gatorade are not permitted on the ice. No skaters should leave the ice to drink a beverage that is not permitted.
3. Gum chewing and eating are not permitted on the ice!
4. While in lesson or practice, it is the skater's responsibility to always be conscientious and aware of other skaters around them - Always look in the direction that you are traveling in. Stay aware of other skaters on the ice and try to anticipate others' patterns. Look both ways when crossing the ice and avoid sudden stops.
5. Skaters must skate with the flow of other skaters and familiarize themselves with the most commonly used areas for jumps and spins.
6. 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.
7. Advanced skaters are expected to exhibit patience toward beginner skaters.
8. Sideline coaching is not permitted by parents or any other individual that is not an approved coach of the facility.
9. Rinks DO NOT PERMIT parents in the music box, hockey team boxes, or to stand at the ice doors!
10. Skaters should not interrupt other skaters or coaches while they are in a lesson.

• Stay within the maximum number of skaters allowed on each session
• Bring only unbreakable containers rink side and keep open hot drinks off the barrier.
• Be patient with less experienced skaters.
• Look both ways before skating across the ice.
• Avoid sudden stops.
• The skater doing a routine or program to music has the ultimate right of way.
• Give way to skaters in a lesson and skaters on harnesses.
• Leave the ice immediately when resurfacing starts.
• Coaches and skaters do not sit on the barrier with skates protruding out.

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

If you skate at Mennen, you must be familiar with its Code of Conduct.

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 through 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 toward 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 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 the 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 by staying away from the ice doors, hockey team boxes, and music boxes.
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 U.S. Figure Skating and teach my child accordingly. 
20. I will support and respect all skaters and their right to participate. 
21. I will keep my child home if they are sick or injured and get them the appropriate medical care.

If you skate at Mennen, you must be familiar with its Code of Conduct.

I release and grant to Aimee Ricca, including its affiliated entities (collective, for purposes of this Release and Consent Agreement, “Coach Aimée”), the right to use my name, likeness, image, photograph, voice, video, athletic performance, biographical information and any other indicia of identity, in any format, medium, technology and platforms whatsoever, from any event or activity in which I participate, and to distribute, broadcast and exhibit (and to permit Coach Aimee’s streaming partners, including but not limited to YouTube and Vimeo, to distribute, broadcast and exhibit) my Identifications, without charge, restriction or liability, in any media now known or hereafter devised (including, but not limited to, television, internet, webcasting, and video streaming) or in various publications (including, but not limited to, SKATING Magazine, the U.S. Figure Skating directory or media guide and marketing materials) into perpetuity, unless otherwise specified and agreed upon. I understand that I will not receive any compensation for any such use of my Identifications. It is also agreed, however, that without my written permission: (a) at no time can my Identifications be used by Coach Aimée that expresses or implies an endorsement of any third party company or its products or services) and (b) at no time may Coach Aimée release or authorize the use of my Identifications to an unrelated third party for the purpose of my endorsement of any commercial property, product, or service without my written permission.

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. due to rink restrictions. Only SportsCare Arena (Aspen Ice) permits lessons to take place on Public Sessions.

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.

Every rink has its own rules regarding Freestyle sessions. Please check with the rink and abide by its 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, doors, 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 “sideline” 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.