Figure Skating Equipment

The sport of figure skating requires the type of sporting equipment below. It is important for athletes to be able to recognize and understand how equipment for the specific events works and impacts their performance. Have your athletes name each piece of equipment as you show it and give the use for each. To reinforce this ability within them, have them select the equipment used for their events.

Coaches should use the proper equipment and teach the athletes how to use the equipment correctly at all times. Be alert to safety hazards and problem areas, such as damaged ice or damaged mats, and do whatever is necessary to avoid them. In addition, coaches should perform periodic safety checks and preventive maintenance on all pieces of equipment. Often local sporting goods stores are willing to provide new or used skating equipment at cost or no charge to Special Olympics programs.

Skates
The coach or athlete must select a properly fitted boot before attempting to ice skate. The boot should have firm arch support and should allow some movement in the toes. The blade should be positioned under the boot so that the blade runs between the big toe and second toe in front of the skate and intersects the heel in the back. The sharpness of the blade should be checked. When putting on the skates, the lacing should resemble the cross pattern used on shoes. The boot should be snug enough to allow for only one pair of socks, but not so tight as to cut off circulation. The greatest support should occur at the ankle. The boot should be loose enough at the top to barely allow a finger to get inside the boot. Excess lace should be tucked inside the top of the boot. Rollerblades can also be an excellent tool for off-ice training. They can be used to develop power, speed and strong knee action.

Ice Skating Area Preparation
The skating area, whether inside or outside, should be defined and well marked. This permits more time to spend on useful activities and less on disciplinary measures. The surrounding area should provide no physical hazards that might result in injury to an athlete or damage to a rink or its equipment. A smooth skating surface is required. The ice should be cleaned of all debris (i.e., limbs, trash, leaves, etc.) and holes and ruts should be repaired. An indoor rink with the appropriate equipment for making new ice would be best. An uncluttered environment provides fewer distractions to the athlete while learning. Therefore, do not set up equipment until you are ready to use it.

Securing Ice Time
Ice skating can be an expensive sport if one considers the cost of ice time, skate rental and incidentals. It is recommended that the ice skating program director contact an indoor rink manager who will charge a nominal fee per skater, instead of the usual fee per hour. The fee for each skater should include ice time and skate rental. Usually the manager needs to fill hours during the week and should therefore be willing to offer some reasonable accommodations, or possibly donate ice time and skate rental fees.