One of the primary goals of the San Diego Figure Skating Club's Synchronized Skating Teams is to train and prepare for competition at the Sectional, National, and International level.  Our competitive year begins May 1, 2000 and ends April 30, 2001.

    Becoming a member of a competitive synchronized skating team requires that you make a personal commitment to your coach and teammates that you will dedicate yourself to providing the time, energy, and skill level required of a team skater.  A team functions as a unit and just one person missing from a practice or performance can cause that unit to not function properly.  Being a member of a team can be a very rewarding experience that includes travel, competition, team spirit, and new friends.  There are however, riles and procedures to follow to maintain a competitive team.  Please read the following information and consider seriously your willingness to comply with these requirements before making any commitment.

1.  ELIGIBILITY

A.  All participants must be eligible and registered USFSA skaters.  They must comply with USFSA Eligible Skater Status rules.

B. All team members must be members of the San Diego Figure Skating Club, but need not be home club members.

C.  Each team will be assigned a particular Moves in the Field test level requirement.  It is anticipated the coach will add an increased testing level each year until the teams are at their appropriate level, i.e., Senior team = Senior MITF.

D.  The coach will make all team placements.  Testing at the appropriate level is not a "guarantee" of placement on a particular team, but rather it is one of the requirements.  Overall skating ability, stamina, strength and maturity are also factors taken into consideration in selection team members.

E.  The age limit for senior teams is defined as a minimum age of 14 as of the preceding July 1, and there is no maximum age limit.  All placements on the senior team will be made by the coach.  Intermediate team members must be 15 years of age or younger on the preceding July 1.  Skaters who reach the age of 16 prior to the preceding July 1 are ineligible.  Novice team skaters must be 14 years of age or younger on the preceding July 1.  Skaters who reach the age of 15 prior to the preceding July 1 are ineligible.  Juvenile team members must be 11 years of age or younger on the preceding July 1.  Skaters who reach the age of 12 prior to the preceding July 1 are ineligible.  A copy of the skater's birth certificate must accompany this contract.  Note: Senior skaters must provide a copy of the long version birth certificate - not an abstract.  Due to the senior team's international status passports must be obtained and you must have the long version birth certificate.

F.  If you double skate on a higher team you must remain a member in good standing of your initial team. (Intermediate skaters may not double skate on senior).

G.  "Alternate" is a team member who does not have an assigned place on the team "line."  Any member  can become an "alternate" at any time.

2. PRACTICE

    A.  Practice Ice.  All team members are required to arrive 15 minutes prior to "on ice" practice for off-ice warmup.  Skaters will meet in a designated hockey dressing room to put skates on, during which time the coach or managers can make announcements or provide additional instruction.  Arriving 10 minutes prior to the "on ice" time is considered late.

    B.  Behavior.  Good team spirit grows from respect for each other.  Constructive suggestions after practice or when requested are always welcome.  No socializing on the ice.  NO GUM.  Foul language or derogatory statements about another team member, the routine, coach, or adult helpers is prohibited.  Should a behavior problem arise that cannot be handled by the coach or coordinator the matter may be taken to the SDFSC Board of Directors in accordance with the By-Laws of SDFSC, Article 12, Section 1.  Give the coach your full attention, listen to instruction, be ready to move quickly to your position and do your best every time through the routine.  Individual jumps and spins are prohibited during team practice and you will be ordered to take laps or leave the ice if this rule is violated repeatedly.

    C.  Attendance.  Four (4) missed practices for any reason, can reduce the skater to alternate status.  Tow (2) "no show, no calls" can result in dismissal from the team.  The three (3) weeks immediately prior to an exhibition or competition are not to be missed or the coach may remove the skater from that event.  It is important that you call your team manager if you will miss a practice.  NO VACATIONS MAY BE TAKEN BETWEEN JANUARY 1 AND NATIONALS (Mid-March).  SENIOR SKATERS MAY NOT TAKE VACATIONS BETWEEN DECEMBER 1 AND NATIONALS.  IF THE SENIOR TEAM SHOULD QUALIFY FOR THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS NO VACATIONS MAY BE TAKEN UNTIL AFTER WORLDS (mid-April).

    D.  Payment of ice fees.  Ice fees are due the first of each month and are considered late after the 15th of the month.  A $15.00 late fee will be assessed after the 15th of the month.  A $20.00 fee will be charged for returned checks.  Any skater who has not paid the monthly ice fee by the 1st of each month will not be allowed on the ice until payment is made.

    E.  Team assessment fee.  The assessment fee covers the cost of dresses, skate bags, music and other miscellaneous team expenses.

    F.  Practice dress code.  Practice dress outfits for all three teams will consist of a black leotard, black skirts, black tights, and black fleece jacket (team issued|).  Leotards may not be lowcut and must be worn with a black sports bra, if applicable.  Visible bra straps and other violations of the dress code will result in the assessment of fines.  Hair must be pulled back with elastic bands.

3.  COSTUMES AND EQUIPMENT

A.  Competition dress.  The team competition dress is the property of the team and will be kept in the possession of and laundered by team managers.  Dresses will not be given to the skaters at the end of the competition year unless an exception is granted to all team members that particular year.  Each skater is responsible for the care of her dress while said dress is in her possession, and she is financially responsible for the cleaning and/or repair of the dress if it is damaged while being worn (on-ice skating accidents excluded).

B.  Tights.  Each skater will be provided a specified number of over-the-boot tights as part of their assessment fee.  Each skater will be responsible for providing her own "under" tights.  If the tights are damaged or lost it will be the skater's responsibility to purchase additional tights from her team manager.  Each skater must have a minimum of two pairs of each kind of tights at all times.

C.  Warmups and traveling clothes.  Every skater is required to purchase the official Team del Sol warmup outfit.  This outfit will be kept clean and in good condition at all times.  Skater will be required to replace the outfit at their own expense in the event of loss or damage.  When taking part in any team function, competition, or during travel you must be presentable.  (Shirts tucked in, pants worn correctly, hair neat, etc.)

D.  USA warmup outfit (senior team).  Upon the appointment of international status, as is the case again this year, USFSA will outfit the senior team with USA outfits which do not become the property of the skater until actual travel to and competition at the assigned international competition.  The actual cost to the skater is made on a year-to-year basis by USFSA.  Special Note:  Those skaters returning to the senior team this year who have already been assigned USA outfits, MUST immediately have their outfits cleaned and turn in to Coordinator for storage until this year's international competition per USFSA.  New skaters will be assigned new outfits.  Returning skaters are required to keep their outfits in pristine condition, thus the requirement to return to the team for storage.  These outfits, if in less than excellent condition, are required to be replaced by the skater at a cost of $350.00 PRIOR TO INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION.

E.  Hair.  During competition, hair will be styled in the manner designated by the coach at the beginning of the skating season.  For practice, long hair should be up and out of the face.  Hair must also be a "natural" hair color (not pink, purple, etc.)  Hair styles that are impossible to put into the designated competition hairstyle (buns or braids) should be avoided.  Hair should always be clean and tangle-free.

F.  Makeup.  Makeup for competitions and performances will be provided to you as part of the assessment fee.  Colored nail polish is prohibited and you will be instructed to remove it prior to competition.  Clear polish or French manicures are acceptable.

G.  Jewelry.  Jewelry is not to be worn on the ice and do not expect others to be responsible for your jewelry while you skate.  Leave it at home!  Pierced earrings are to be removed prior to competition.  When deciding to pierce your ears take into consideration whether or not you have a competition within the healing process time.  We will no longer tolerate the excuse that it cannot be removed because it is new and not healed.  It will be removed.  Tongue, nose, and any other facial rings/studs are prohibited.  Bellybutton rings are not preferred but if you have one make sure we cannot see it an any time.

4.  SCHEDULES AND INFORMATION    

Schedules and information pertaining to competitions, performances, practices, and attire will be provided to each team member in a bulletin well in advance of the event.  Each team member is responsible for following all instructions.  (If a parent wished these instructions mailed please give the team manager some self-addresses, stamped envelopes.)

5.  PHYSICAL FITNESS

EACH SKATER MUST BE FIT AND TRIM.  The coach maintains the right to oversee the physical appearance of all team members.  This may include regular "weigh-ins."  If a skater becomes overweight the coach can remove the skater from the line and/or team.  We emphasize the importance of all members skating at least twice per week to maintain the speed, endurance and skills that are needed to be competitive.  A skater may be reduced to alternated status due to lack of stamina and endurance.

6.  TRAVEL

A.  Competitions.  All Members of the team are required to be at all competitions and performances. (A change in the line makes for a non-cohesive program).  Dates of all competitions and performances will be provided early in the season.  Please be aware that we have entered local ISI competitions on short notice if we determine a team needs additional experience.  If you anticipate a problem which could result in your not being able to attend an event, THE  COACH MUST BE NOTIFIED EARLY IN THE SKATING SEASON.  Last minute notification of unavailability can result in the skater being assigned to alternate status regardless of skating ability.  ANY SKATER WHO MISSES THE LAST PRACTICE BEFORE A COMPETITION OR EXHIBITION WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SKATE THAT EVENT!

B.  Traveling with the team.  All skaters are required to travel to and from the competition as a group and may not travel separately.  Parents and other family members are welcome to travel with the teams and will be advised of the airline and hotel accommodations as soon as possible so travel arrangements for families can be accomplished.  Due to the continued growth and time constraints required to complete the teams' travel arrangements, family members will now be responsible for their own air and hotel accommodations.  The Coordinator and Managers will continue to assist family members in the purchase of competition admission tickets and ground transportation whenever possible.  All travel and hotel arrangements for the skaters will continue to be organized by the Coordinator.  Skaters who have parent(s) traveling with our group must remember that they are with the team - not their parents.  All skaters are assigned to a chaperone and will stay in a hotel room with their chaperone.  The only exception to this pertains to the senior team.  (See "c" below.)

C.  Senior team travel.  The senior team is chaperoned by the two team managers and program coordinator.  At competitions skaters are assigned to hotel rooms which are monitored by the chaperones, but will not necessarily contain the chaperones.  In the event a younger skater is accepted onto the senior team it is expressly understood that the skater and parents agree to this chaperone structure.  Any specific concerns in the area may be addressed to the program coordinator.

D.  Travel expenses.  Your travel expenses (transportation, hotel, coach fee, chaperone expense, entry fee, etc.) are deducted from the travel fund.  It is your responsibility to make sure enough income has gone into your travel fund to cover all expenses.  ALL MONIES ARE DUE IN THE TRAVEL FUND A MINIMUM OF THIRTY (30) DAYS PRIOR TO TRAVEL.  Parents are often reluctant to pay the estimated cost of a trip until they receive an itemized breakdown of the expenses.  As more particularly stated in Section 8 below, we are often required to begin paying for these expenses BEFORE we receive the actual costs from the competition.  Skaters must pay the ESTIMATED LUMP SUM amount given at the beginning of the season.  If overpayment occurs the skater can use those funds for the next trip OR if it is the last trip of the year, request a refund.  If underpayment occurs we will request payment of the difference.  (Special note regarding airfare:  We are often able to obtain low rates on airfare if we purchase tickets well in advance of our trips.  For this reason we would require the estimated airfare amount deposited into your travel fund no later than November 1.  Airline deposits may be requested even earlier.  travel expenses for family members may NOT be deducted from the skater's travel fund and must be paid separately when due.

7.  TRAVEL FUND

A.  Fund Raisers.  Monies are raised by the team members and credit given to the skaters' individual travel fund accounts.  These monies must be used for expenses incurred in traveling with the team.  Information will be provided concerning current fund raising opportunities and it is the responsibility of the skater to provide this information to her parents.  We provide two types of fund raising:

(1) Individual:  These funds are earned by the individual skater by selling candy, holiday greenery, store scrip, etc.  These funds are credited directly to the individual skater's travel fund.
(2) Group: This type of fund raising consists of street fairs, bake sales, carnivals, etc.  Some group opportunities are optional and others are mandatory.
(3) Grants:  Grants will be distributed among the teams and skaters as specified by the Grantor.

8.  FINANCIAL REPORTING

Team members and/or their parents may expect the following financial documentation throughout the competitive season as indicated below:

A.  Synchronized Team Program

(1) An "Estimated Program Budget" to be distributed at the annual Parent Meeting scheduled shortly after the formation of this year's teams;
(2) An annual program "Statement of Revenue and Expenses" to be distributed to the skaters at the annual meeting of the San Diego Figure Skating Club.  It is included in the SDFSC Annual Meeting program and report.

B.  Travel Fund

(1) Monthly statements of skater's personal travel fund will be provided to you on the Saturday following the 10th of the month.  This statement will reflect all transactions reported the the accountant as of the last day of the previous month.  Any fund raised monies or deposits made after the last day of that month will not show until the following month's statement.  Skaters and/or parents may verify the receipt of these funds with the fund raising chairman or with the team manager responsible for collecting all monies for your account.  If by the second month you do not see a credit or debit that you expect to see, it is your responsibility to contact your manager or Jim Stark to verify those funds for correcting future reports.
(2) A final year end statement of skater's personal travel fund will be provided within thirty (30) days following the end of the month after returning home from the National Championship.  Should the senior team qualify for a World Championship, year end statements for all teams will not be available until 30 days following the month end after returning home from the World Championship.

C.  Travel Expenses (Competitions)

Skaters will be provided the following information with respect to cost of travel and competition:

(1) Estimated Travel and Competition Expense Report for each trip planned by each team.  This expense will be shown in Column 1 in the report as a bump sum estimate, i.e., Pacific Coast Championship - $250.00; National Championship - $800.00, and so on.
(2) Estimated and Itemized Travel and Competition Expense Report for each trip planned for each team.  This breakdown will be in Column 2 of the report previously provided with the lump sum estimate.  The Estimated and Itemized Travel and Competition Expense Report will be provided within 2 to 4 weeks (or more) of the actual travel date.  This expense breakdown cannot occur until we have actually received the competition entry forms that include the needed prices, and until airline and hotel arrangements have been made.
(3) Final Itemized Travel and Competition Expense Report will be added to Column 3 and provided to the skater within 30 days of returning home from each competition, IF POSSIBLE.  Our teams have several trips, all between December and March.  If it is possible to gather the final accounting information within this 30 day period due to ongoing and closely scheduled trips, the final competition expense breakdown will be provided as soon as possible.  Every effort will be made to adhere to the 30 day period.

9.  GENERAL BEHAVIOR AND APPEARANCE

The skater must behave properly at all times, especially when in team uniform.  Boyfriends and/or husbands of skaters are not encouraged to attend competitions, practices, or fund raisers as skaters must remain WITH THE TEAM.  However, in the event they do attend they may not be with the skater (a) at the ice rink, (b) on the airplane, (c) at the hotel, or (d) during any team function.  Hugging, kissing, etc. are not appropriate when in team uniform and with the team.

Smoking is prohibited when in the presence of the team or when wearing a team outfit.  Illegal drug use or underage drinking is prohibited and grounds for dismissal.  Alcohol consumption by skaters of legal drinking age is also prohibited when in the presence of the team or at any time during competition.  Any skater on a prescribed medication should inform the coach and managers at the beginning of the season or as soon as medication is prescribed.

Tattoos and body piercing is prohibited as more particularly described in 3F of this Agreement.

10.  MANDATORY DRUG TESTING

A.  All Senior skaters will agree to a urine drug screen at any given time throughout the competitive year and with no notice given.  This drug screen will be conducted by Senior team management personnel in cooperation with Children's Hospital and Health Center.  Positive results received by Children's will be sent to an outside and independent laboratory for confirmation and verification.  Positive results of a banned substance may result in immediate termination from the team so it is imperative that the skater inform the testing agent of any medications or substances taken PRIOR to the test.
B.  Any skater on any team suspected of drug or alcohol use will agree to be tested, again without notice, and following the same testing guidelines as more particularly described above.
C.  Any skater on any team who refuses a urine drug or alcohol screen WILL be terminated from the team.

11.  WRITTEN WARNINGS AND POTENTIAL TERMINATION FROM TEAM

A.  A skater may be immediately terminated from the team for theft, unsportsmanlike behavior, or any other behavior deemed by the coach to be a detriment to the team.  It is the coach's discretion as to whether or not written warnings will be issued in each instance.  Upon an immediate termination the coach will conduct a meeting with skater and parent(s) ( if skater is under 18 years of age) to explain the circumstances of the termination and options, if any.  The coach may request the coordinator, manager, or other involved party to attend the meeting if necessary.

B.  A skater can receive written warnings for violation of any section of this contract.  Further, upon final decision by the coach, the skater may face the possibility of termination from the team for repeated violations.  The following procedure will be implemented when warning or terminating a skater from a team:

(1) 1st Offense -  Skater will be given a written warning to be signed by skater and parent/guardian and returned to the coach.

(2) 2nd Offense - Skater will receive second written warning during a coach/skater/parent conference and the coordinator and/or team manager will also be present.  Copies of the first and second warnings will be forwarded to the SDFSC Board of Directors.

(3) 3rd Offense - Termination from the team by the coach along with a Notice of Release form being provided to the skater and parent.  A copy of the termination will be forwarded to the SDFSC Board of Directors.

12.  TRAVEL CONDUCT

A. Conduct.  Each member of the team is a representative of the San Diego Figure Skating Club and must conduct themselves properly when traveling with the team.  What you do, say, and how you present yourself reflects on the team, the San Diego Figure Skating Club, the United States Figure Skating Association, and the City of San Diego.

B.  Curfew.  A curfew is set to ensure all skaters are well rested and in good physical shape for competition.  All skaters, regardless of age, will observe the curfew stated in their travel schedule and a bed check will be made.  Note: Parents, family members and friends are expressly forbidden from contacting their daughter's room after curfew.  You not only wake up your daughter - you wake up the entire room.  We have had repeated violations of this in the past and future violations will not be tolerated.  If an emergency arises please contact the program coordinator and she will quietly contact the skater.  Parents are also asked to limit their visits to their daughter's room.

13.  PARENT PARTICIPATION

A.  Parents' conduct.  Each parent is indirectly a representative of the San Diego Figure Skating Club.  The parents' behavior and attitude reflects not only upon the San Diego Figure Skating Club and the United Figure Skating Association, but also upon the behavior and attitude of the skaters.  Parents are to keep their differences with other parents among themselves.  If a parent consistently creates problems or is consistently abusive they will be banned from practice by the program coordinator upon approval of the coach.  If is expressly forbidden for non-management parents to approach a skater other than their own regarding any problems.  Any problems between skaters must be handled by the coach or program coordinator.  In some cases, the coach or coordinator may direct a team manager to handle a particular problem.  Parents are not to drink alcoholic beverages or smoke while in the presence of the teams.

B.  Committees.  In order to help the teams travel, obtain the required uniforms, and support team activities, parents are asked to volunteer to become involved in fund raising, publicity, sponsors, telephone trees, etc.

C.  Chaperones.  The coach will select all juvenile,  intermediate, and novice team chaperones from a list of volunteers based upon established criteria.  Examples of the criteria are (1) "surrogate mom" personality, (2) good personal hygiene, (3) positive attitude, (4) ability to get along with other parents, and (5) physical ability.  If you are selected to travel as a chaperone you will be required to travel with the skaters and not deviate from the travel schedule.  Each team will have a set of chaperone guidelines to follow.  Chaperone selection will not take place until we are ready to book airline tickets.  Parents must make a decision as to whether they will travel or not, regardless of chaperone selection.  Chaperones are not selected for the senior team.

14.  PUBLICITY

For the protection of the teams and to encourage accuracy, the coach or program coordinator must be present when giving interviews to the media and all information provided must be pre-approved.  It is also important that all teams be included in any press release or media attention, however we do understand there may be an occasional story about a particular team's accomplishments.

15.  FUNDRAISING COMMITMENT

Each skater may be required to participate in a major fund raising project each year.  The juvenile skaters may substitute a parent to fulfill their obligation, however the intermediate and senior skaters must themselves fulfill their own obligation.  Also, multiple family members may not work at the same time to complete a skater's assigned time slot.  For example, if a skater is required to contribute 5 hours of time over the course of the year she may not bring 4 additional family members to work for 1 hour each at the same time to meet the 5 hour requirement.

16.  SOLICITATION OF FUNDS

The receipt of funds from corporate sponsors or local businesses is crucial to the success of any team.  In accordance with this, we have found it necessary to establish a list of guidelines and procedures to follow in order to ensure that all skaters and/or teams are treated equally.

Skaters and/or their parents may not solicit funds from local businesses or corporate sponsors for their child's personal travel fund in the name of the teams.  These contributions are not tax deductible for the business making the donation and in most cases it is the business' intention to donate money to the team itself.  Checks from corporate and small business sponsors will be deposited into the general account for use by all teams Special circumstance may arise and these will be discussed by the coach, treasurer, coordinator, and team managers.  Anyone interested in soliciting funds on behalf of the teams must adhere to the guidelines as set forth by the Precision Committee and the San Diego Figure Skating Club.