The information on these pages is based on USFSA rules, various individual competition rules (within the USFSA) and personal experience as an adult skater. If you have any questions as to the actual USFSA rules and requirements, please consult the current USFSA rulebook or visit the USFSA website. Anything on these pages that is not in the USFSA rules has been taken from USFSA-endorsed competition announcements and registration forms, with the exception of the Basic Skills suggestions, which are based on personal experience with adult events at Basic Skills competitions.

These pages are intended for adult skaters, coaches of adult skaters, and organizers of adult clubs and adult competitions.

Please be sure to check out the links to other sites with adult skating information!

The following are links to the USFSA test requirements for Adult Moves-In-The-Field and Adult Freestyle. All requirements for competitive events should be based on the levels set forth by the USFSA.

Figure Skater's Website: Adult Moves-In-The-Field Test Elements

Figure Skater's Website: Adult Freestyle Test Elements

An important part of adult skating is the division of skaters into age groups. While a 25-year-old and a 50-year-old may be skating the same elements, in general the 50-year-old will probably exhibit less agility and "flow" overall.

To compensate for the difference in physical ability of adults as we age, the USFSA has instituted four age groups in adult competition. A fifth group, "Young Adult", is also in use at some competitions. Groups should be divided by age whenever entries are sufficient to create groups of two or more skaters in each age category.

Now, with the test elements and age divisions in mind, we can look at how to set up an adult competition in such a way as to attract the maximum number of adult skaters and keep the arrangement as fair as possible to skaters of all ages and ability levels.

But first, a word about adult beginners.

People who begin skating as adults -- particularly in their 40's and later -- are not only less flexible and agile than skaters who begin younger, they are also more fearful. They tend to progress more slowly through learning the elements of skating, and it is helpful and encouraging to them to have competitive events offered at their level. As such, I am including a page especially for organizers of Basic Skills competitions who wish to include adults in their event offerings.

Adult Basic Skills Competitive Events

Test Requirements For Adult Competition

Adult Competitive Events

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