Rules & Policies

All competition and show performance attire must be approved by your coach in advance of the competition or show.

Show & Competition Fees 

It is customary for a skater's primary coachs to be onsite at competitions to "put them on the ice." Parents are not permitted rink side at any competition and may to put skaters on the ice.

• The coaching fee for competitions is $125 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.
• For multi-day trips, $375 per diem, in addition to expenses (as outlined below), may replace the coaching fee.
• Any competition that requires three hours or more onsite may require meal reimbursement. 
• 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 of driving distance of Parsippany, NJ, or anywhere outside of New Jersey require travel reimbursement in addition to coaching fees. 
• Competitions within driving reasonable distance require roundtrip mileage reimbursement or rental car reimbursement. Roundtrip mileage from the coach’s home address is calculated using the IRS mileage reimbursement rate in place at the time of the event. 
• Whenever possible, parking will be on-site or at the closest available parking site. Coaches will not park off-site to reduce costs.
• For any competition that requires six hours or more travel and onsite time, hotel reimbursement is required. Lodging must be according to SkateSafe policies.
• Competitions outside of reasonable driving distance require reimbursement for roundtrip airfare and baggage fees in premium economy or better on United Airlines only, whenever possible. 
• Roundtrip private car service (not Uber or Lyft) to the airport or airport parking fees must also be reimbursed.
• Travel days require meal reimbursement.
• All fees are due 30 days before the competition or after the competition schedule is posted and invoiced. You must make payment by Venmo, PayPal, or Cash - do not pay the rink! You are still responsible for the fees if you withdraw from the competition after registering.
• Coaches are required to approve all competition entries. 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.
• Occaisonally, when Coach Aimée is unavailable for a competition she may partner with another coach to stand in for her on-site. However, it is not appropriate for parents to shop around for another coach that is going to a competition to stand in when Coach Aimée is available.
• 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.
• All music selected for competition programs must adhere to U.S. Figure Skating's Music Policy.
• 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:

• All testing attire must be approved by your coach in advance of your test.
• You must be a member in good standing of U.S. Figure Skating (not Learn to Skate USA or a Basic Skills membership). 
• U.S. Figure Skating Aspire Memberships are permitted for testing the following tests, and no higher tests: Pre-Preliminary Skating Skills, Adult Pre-Bronze Skating Skills, Pre-Preliminary Singles, Adult Pre-Bronze Singles, and Preliminary Pattern Dances (partnered and solo, lead and follow).
• You must 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).
• U.S. Figure Skating Aspire Memberships are permitted for testing the following tests, and no higher tests: Pre-Preliminary Skating Skills, Adult Pre-Bronze Skating Skills, Pre-Preliminary Singles, Adult Pre-Bronze Singles, and Preliminary Pattern Dances (partnered and solo, lead and follow).
• You must 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 $100 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 or in another state)
• 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 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 due to rink restrictions. Only Ice Vault Arena and SportsCare Arena (Aspen Ice) permit lessons to take place on Public Sessions.

General Rules for Public Sessions:

a. Throwing snowballs is not permitted.
b. Patrons are not allowed in the bleachers with skates on.
c. No patrons are allowed on the ice during resurfacing.
d. Exits are to be kept clear at all times.
e. Patrons must not sit on, lean over or leave articles on the dasher boards.
f. No eating, drinking, or smoking is permitted on the ice surface.
g. No backward skating or figure skating is permitted except in designated areas. 

h. While on the ice, skaters must keep moving at all times.
i. No one is permitted on the ice without skates.
j. No more than two people may skate together.
k. No tag or games of any kind are permitted on or off the ice.
l. Roughness, excessive speeding, or weaving through other skaters is prohibited.

Specific rules may vary by facility. Please check with the rink for its rules.

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 are expected to have a current U.S. Figure Skating or Learn to Skate Membership to skate on Freestyle sessions.

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.
• Skaters may not leave the ice to eat or drink. Only water is permitted on the ice. Skaters should bring a water bottle to practice. Food is not permitted on the ice. Skaters may not have anything (gum, cough drops, etc.) in their mouth on the ice!
• 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.