The International Falls Figure Skating Club (IFFSC) has four skating levels. Click on a tab, below to learn more about the different levels we offer.
Snowplow Sam invites children age 6 and younger to learn the joys of ice skating in a safe, introductory setting. Young skaters will have fun while learning how to fall and get back up, how to march across the ice and ultimately build confidence in themselves and their abilities.
Upon completing the Snowplow Sam curriculum, skaters can enter Basic Skills at their corresponding level or move on to pursue a specific discipline.
Skaters in Snowplow Sam are strongly encouraged to wear helmets during lessons.
The IFFSC does not test skaters at this level but rather moves them into the Basics Skills program at the discretion of the coaches.
Skaters in this program may choose to enter Basic Skills competitions which are held annually in International Falls and other nearby communities (see the Competitions & Testing page for more information).
Upon completing the Snowplow Sam curriculum, skaters can enter Basic Skills at their corresponding level or move on to pursue a specific discipline.
Skaters in Snowplow Sam are strongly encouraged to wear helmets during lessons.
The IFFSC does not test skaters at this level but rather moves them into the Basics Skills program at the discretion of the coaches.
Skaters in this program may choose to enter Basic Skills competitions which are held annually in International Falls and other nearby communities (see the Competitions & Testing page for more information).
The Basic Skills curriculum is available to skaters over the age of 6 who are taking their first steps on the ice. Instructors use engaging activities to teach the FUNdamentals of ice skating. The six progressive levels introduce forward and backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers and turns with agility, balance, coordination and speed as main focuses. Through these skills, skaters enter the first stage of skills to begin exploring the world of skating.
Testing in this program typically occurs at scheduled testing sessions throughout the skating season and badges are provided to skaters upon completion of each level. Click here to learn more about each Basic and skating skill needed to learn to pass a level.
All skaters in this program may choose to enter Basic Skills competitions which are held annually in International Falls and other nearby communities (see the Competitions & Testing page for more information).
Testing in this program typically occurs at scheduled testing sessions throughout the skating season and badges are provided to skaters upon completion of each level. Click here to learn more about each Basic and skating skill needed to learn to pass a level.
All skaters in this program may choose to enter Basic Skills competitions which are held annually in International Falls and other nearby communities (see the Competitions & Testing page for more information).
The Free Skate, which now includes Pre-Free Skate (Basic 7 and 8 combined), is taught in a group format with the option of additional private lessons; it continues the skater’s instruction via the Free Skate badge program. The IFFSC has adopted five Free Skate levels (Pre-Free Skate & Free Skate 1-4). Each level is divided into four sections: moves in the field, spins, dance/footwork sequence and jumps.
Testing in this program typically occurs at scheduled testing sessions throughout the skating season and badges are provided to skaters upon completion of each level. Click here to learn more and what skating skills are needed to pass current level.
Skaters in this program may choose to enter Basic Skills and other larger competitions which are held annually in International Falls and other nearby communities (see the Competitions & Testing page for more information).
Free Skate Club skaters in Pre-Freeskate and up are required to assist the coaches with the Snowplow Sam program.
Testing in this program typically occurs at scheduled testing sessions throughout the skating season and badges are provided to skaters upon completion of each level. Click here to learn more and what skating skills are needed to pass current level.
Skaters in this program may choose to enter Basic Skills and other larger competitions which are held annually in International Falls and other nearby communities (see the Competitions & Testing page for more information).
Free Skate Club skaters in Pre-Freeskate and up are required to assist the coaches with the Snowplow Sam program.
The Senior Club program is taught in a private lesson only format. Skaters must individually contract with a coach of their choice for lessons. Testing at this level is at the discretion of the skater’s coach. Skaters follow the USFSA’s system of tests which allow a skater to progress through a sequence of logical steps in his or her competitive development. The tests also establish a benchmarking structure for competitive purposes. All USFSA sanctioned competitions group skaters according to levels of tests passed such that skaters of similar abilities compete against each other. At this level, testing is judged by USFSA appointed judges and follows a much more formal process (typically this is done outside of the IFFSC and has associated fees). Test results are forwarded to the USFSA which keeps official records of each skater's accomplishments.
Each level consists of a Moves-in-the-field (MIF) and a Freestyle (FS) test. Moves-in-the-field is a technical discipline designed to improve skater's abilities in areas such as stroking, turns, edge work, etc. It is necessary for all skaters to take and pass the MIF test associated with a particular level before taking the FS test at that level. It is not possible for a skater to "opt out" of the MIF. It is ok to have a higher MIF test level than you do FS level.
Skaters in this program may choose to enter Basic Skills and other larger competitions which are held annually in International Falls and other nearby communities (see the Competitions & Testing page for more information).
For more information click here.
Senior Club skaters in grades 5-6 are required to assist the coaches with the Snowplow Sam program. Senior Club skaters in grades 7-12 are required to assist the coaches with the Basic Skills and Junior Club program.
Each level consists of a Moves-in-the-field (MIF) and a Freestyle (FS) test. Moves-in-the-field is a technical discipline designed to improve skater's abilities in areas such as stroking, turns, edge work, etc. It is necessary for all skaters to take and pass the MIF test associated with a particular level before taking the FS test at that level. It is not possible for a skater to "opt out" of the MIF. It is ok to have a higher MIF test level than you do FS level.
Skaters in this program may choose to enter Basic Skills and other larger competitions which are held annually in International Falls and other nearby communities (see the Competitions & Testing page for more information).
For more information click here.
Senior Club skaters in grades 5-6 are required to assist the coaches with the Snowplow Sam program. Senior Club skaters in grades 7-12 are required to assist the coaches with the Basic Skills and Junior Club program.