An Introduction to Ice Skating at Bracknell

Introduction

This text gives a basic introduction to ice-skating at Bracknell Ice Rink (at the John Nike Leisuresport Complex). It aims to answer some common questions about how to get started , what lessons are available, what the NISA skate levels are, and gives details of Bracknell Ice Skating club. It does not teach you how to skate.

This is a first draft (Nov 2008) so there may be some inaccuracies. If something does not seem to match to reality please email info@bracknell-ice-skating-club.co.uk with details. Thank You.
If you wish to enquire about skating courses, session times, private lessons etc... then please contact the rink directly on 01344 789000.

The following topics are covered below:

New to Ice Skating ? - Introduction to skating including ways to get started:
What to wear - Introduction to what to wear including:
NISA & Skating Levels - Introduction to NISA skating qualifications:
Choosing a Coach
When to Practice - About Public / Patch and Club Patch sessions
- "Patch" Etiquette
"Off Ice" Training
Bracknell Ice Skating Club (BISC)

New to Ice Skating ?

Ice skating is an enjoyable sport with may levels and disciplines. The notes here are tailored to the Bracknell Ice Rink but many rinks will use similar systems and terminology.

If you have never set foot on the ice then there are a few ways to get started:

Try it out on a "public session"
A Skate party
Enrol on a "Learn to Skate" course
Have private lessons either as an individual or as a small group.

The next sections look at each of these in turn, and are followed by an few words on what to wear:

"Public Sessions"

The rink runs public sessions at several times throughout the week. A timetable is available online at:

http://www.bracknellskislope.co.uk/popup/ice_rink_timetable_display.php.

A public session has no restrictions on the lower skill level needed to get onto the ice so can be an ideal way to see if ice skating is appealing to you or not. Some of the public sessions have special names such as "after school skate", some have disco music and lights and some have a special restriction of "no hockey skates".

Note that some of the public sessions can get quite busy, and some are limited to use of only half or 3/4 of the total ice area, so there may be a lot of people on the ice with limited skating skills. Weekend sessions tend to be the busiest. If you are trying out skating for the very first time and are not good with larger crowds then it may be best to try out one of the quieter weekday sessions.

You pay per session (regardless of how long in that session you spend on the ice). The rink also hires out basic skating boots for a small charge. Session prices can be found online at:

http://www.bracknellskislope.co.uk/times_and_prices/ice_rink_activity_prices

Advantages:

There are a number of public sessions run at different times throughout the week
There are usually a number of beginners so you wont feel like the odd-one-out
You can try it out at your own pace
You only pay per session so if you find you do not like it you have not spent much

Disadvantages:

A number of skaters are likely to have limited skills so be prepared that someone might bump into you, or fall over in front of you.
There is no instruction in how to skate correctly.

If you want to try out on a public session then check on the session times above, phone the rink in case of any last minute changes to the ice time, and then just turn up and give it a go.

A Skate Party

You can book skate parties through the rink. These are typically for children but they can be booked for adult groups. This is a good way for a group of people to get a tutored introduction to skating so that you at least get taught the very basics. A coach will take the group into a coned off area on the ice for a period of time, typically 30 minutes, and introduce the basics of skating to the group.

Advantages:

Good to give groups of kids an introduction to the ice so that they learn how to get started safely
Good fun cost effective introduction
Skate hire is included in the cost of the party.

Disadvantages:

You need a large enough group (there is a minimum head count requirement for skating parties)
Not so good if there is a wide mix of skating abilities in the group already.

Contact reception at the rink to check on prices, availability and minimum numbers.

Enrol on a Course

The rink runs "Learn to Skate" courses during most school terms. The courses go from complete beginner and follow through a series of 10 levels of skating which progressively build skills. The courses follow the "NISA Skate UK" programme for teaching basic skating skills. Courses last 6 weeks each and there is an assessment at the end of each course which you must pass to go on to the next level.

The courses typically run weekly on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday evenings, and on Saturday or Sunday mornings. Details can be found at:

http://www.bracknellskislope.co.uk/times_and_prices/ice_rink_course_prices

For your very first lesson you must enrol on the level 1 (beginner) course (unless you already have a "NISA Skate UK" certificate). The coaches are fairly flexible and will move you up to the relevant course if they feel that your skating skills already exceed the level 1 course.

The rink sometimes run the same courses as "crash" courses during school holidays where the course runs for 4 or 5 consecutive days.

Advantages:

You will be coached in a medium sized group and will be introduced to the various elements of skating in a logical progressive order.
Follows a recognised training scheme.
A cost effective way to get taught the key skills.
Skate hire is included in the cost of the course.
A number of the courses allow you to skate on the following public session to practice what you have just learnt (ie: the price of the public session is included in the course price so there is nothing extra to pay)

Disadvantages:

Courses only run at set times on certain days.
There may be a waiting list to get onto a course initially.
You must pay for the complete 6 week course up front.
If you want to learn to skate for hockey then only the first couple of courses are useful. Beyond that the courses focus on figure skating.
If you learn the skills quickly then you may find progression through the courses to be slow compared to private tuition in a small group

Contact reception at the rink to check on course availability, times and prices. It is a good idea to contact well in advance of the course dates as they can get filled up very quickly.

Have private lessons

The rink has a number of coaches who teach from absolute beginner up to various high level standards in different disciplines. Coaches can take individuals and small groups for skating lessons. Advantages:

One on one , or one to small group, focused tuition
May be more flexible for what times lessons can be taken
For small groups this can be more focused and cost effective than the skate courses
Some of the coaches will teach the basics of how to skate in hockey skates

Disadvantages:

For one on one tuition it may seem expensive - at the time of writing coach fees are about £8.50 per 15 minutes and you must pay for ice time separately on top of this. eg: If your lesson is during a public session you must pay for the public session, pay for any required skate hire, and pay for the coach time
It can sometimes be hard to get a coach that has free time available to take on new pupils.

Contact reception at the rink explain your requirements and they will try and get one of the coaches to give you a call back. As coaches can be very busy do not expect to be able to arrange such lessons at short notice. Also see "Choosing a Coach" below.

What to wear

For your first ventures onto the ice you should be prepared to have a few of layers of clothes, preferably with long sleeves and covered legs. Layers are better than a single thick top as you can get quite warm once you get skating. It is also sensible to have gloves. Clothes should not be too tight and should not restrict movement. The basic rule is to dress to keep warm - wear layers that you can peel off as necessary. Scarves and similar long dangling clothing is not permitted on the ice for safety reasons. Dangling jewellery should also be avoided if possible.

As you progress you may want to get specialist skating clothes such as skate dresses, tights etc.. These can be obtained from various skate shops. The BISC Club Table often have a supply of skating tights in stock , and dresses can sometimes be purchased second hand from the BISC Skate Sales or BISC Dress Sales. Details of skate shops, independent dress makers etc.. sometimes appear on the BISC Notice Board or web site under the links section here:

Ice Skating Resource links on the Web

Skates

You will need some skating boots - these can be hired for public sessions, and hire is included in the cost of courses and parties etc.. The hire skates are fine for beginning skating and for the first couple of levels of the skate courses. If you are borrowing figure skating boots then try to make sure that they fit properly. If you push your toes down until they touch the front of an unlaced skate you should be able to just fit your finger behind your foot (so it touches your heel and the back of the boot). The heel of the boot should fit firmly around the ankle. Badly fitting skates can give you a bad first experience on the ice. Lace boots reasonably tightly especially near the top so that they give plenty of support to your ankle , but not so tight as to restrict circulation.

Note: Hockey skates are not really suitable for figure skating. The very basics of skating can still be learnt in hockey skates but hockey skates have a very different design to figure skates and are not suitable beyond the basics.

Buying Skates

Once you have learned the basics of skating it makes sense to get a pair of your own skates. This can be beneficial even for the lower level courses as having your own boots gives consistency to the feedback you get from the ice (Consider what it would be like learning to drive a car but having a lesson in a slightly different model each time!). Figure skating boots come in many styles and prices and can be obtained new or second hand. As a rough guide you would expect to pay upwards of £80 for reasonable quality new adult boots, and upwards of £60 for children.

The most important thing to do when buying skates, new or second hand, is to try them on. Skate sizes vary widely between manufacturers so just buying skates which seem to be your shoe size can be a bad move. To get an idea about fit see the "finger behind foot" note above.

You do not need a top end boot when starting out. The higher priced boots are generally stiffer and give more support and strength for the more advanced skating moves where jumps can put great forces on the skates themselves.

There are different styles of skating blade for the different skating disciplines - skate blades can be changed on boots.

Boots should give support around the ankle. All good makes will give support but if you are tempted to buy a bargain pair from some internet site then do check that the boot has good support around the ankle - if not you might as well wear a pair of wet socks with blades on them. A broken ankle can be painful.

New skating boots do take some time to wear in. When you first venture onto the ice in a brand new pair of skates you may find it harder to do some moves that you could do before - the leather wont have any give and the blades will likely be razor sharp. It can help to wear the skates at home (with protectors on the blades) to help break the boots in.

Bracknell Ice Skating Club (BISC) run second hand skate sales approximately every 4-6 weeks during term times. More information on these can be found at:
- Skate Sales

Skate Care

Once you have some skates of your own be sure to follow a few simple rules to help keep them in good condition:

When you take your boots off remove any ice and dry the blades and boots with a cloth
Once the blades start to get blunt get them re-sharpened:
- A simple guide is to gently scrape your finger nail across the edge of the blade - it should remove a thin layer of your nail. If not then the blade may need re-sharpening. Once you have been skating for a while you should start to notice on the ice when it is time to check the blade sharpness.
- The rink offers a skate sharpening service as do some of the coaches.
Get some blade guards - these are plastic covers which go over the blades and protect them when walking around - ie: when not on the ice. If using blade guards:
- Do NOT then put blade protectors on the boots to store them as these can trap moisture rather than allowing it to evaporate.
- Put the guards on when you put your boots on whilst in the changing rooms
- Be sure to take skate guards off before you get onto the ice (or you will fall over)

NISA and Skating Levels

Once you have got the skating bug then it is helpful to have an idea of the various skating "levels" as these form the basic ladder that take you from complete novice to an accomplished skater.

The "National Ice Skating Association" , or NISA, is the sporting body that represents skating in the UK. NISA is a member of the International Skating Union (ISU) and follows the international guidelines and rules. NISA has defined 3 skating schemes which follow on from each other:

NISA Skate UK programme - Introduces the basic building blocks of skating. Skill levels are assessed by the coaches at the rink.
NISA Skate UK Star programme - also known as the "NISA Passport" scheme - Reinforces basic skills and starts to introduce skills specific to various skating disciplines. Skill levels are assessed by rink coaches.
NISA Standard tests - a test programme which covers skills up to national championship levels. Independent assessment by one or more NISA judges.

More information about NISA can be found at http:www.iceskating.org.uk

Skate UK Programme

The "Skate UK" programme is a 10 stage programme designed to introduce basic ice skating skills which are common to all skating disciplines. Bracknell Ice Rink runs courses on each of these levels - see Enrol on a Course above.

Beginners

1. Sit & Stand up

2. Heel taps

3. Toe Taps

4. Sliding Feet & turn

5. Toes out toes in (moving)

Level 1

1. March forwards with a regular rhythm (30seconds)

2. Forward dip (5metres)

3. Forward two foot glide (5metres)

4. Continuous Forward swizzles (finish with two foot glide)

5. Stationary snowplough

6. Backward Marching (not a tested element)

Level 2

1. Two foot pumps on a circle (L&R)

2. Two foot pumps in a straight line (L&R)

3. Rocking Horse on the spot (one swizzle forwards one swizzle backwards)

4. Continuous backward swizzles (finishing with two foot glide)

5. Moving snowplough stop

6. Beginner Slalom (not a tested element)

Level 3

1. Forward stroking using correct part of the blade (no toes)

2. Backward two foot pumps on a circle (L&R)

3. Backward two foot pumps in a straight line (L&R)

4. Forward one foot glides in a straight line

5. Introduction to backward stroking

6. Backward snowplough stop (not a tested element)

Level 4

1. Consecutive forward inside edges (3seconds)

2. Swizzle crosses

3. Beginner two foot spin both directions (min 1 rev)

4. Forward slalom (correct knee action)

5. Alternating Tap toes

6. Hockey stop (not a tested element)

Level 5

1. Forward crossovers both directions

2. Forward outside edges from moving (3seconds L&R)

3. Introduction to backward inside edges using short axis

4. Backward slalom

5. Two foot change of edge (clockwise & anticlockwise)

6. Bunny hop (not a tested element)

Level 6

1. Introduction to backward outside edges from moving

2. Backward crosscuts (clockwise & anticlockwise)

3. Forward outside three turns (L&R)

4. Forward Chasses (clockwise & anticlockwise)

5. Backward stroking with flow

6. Backward chasses (not a tested element)

Level 7

1. Forward inside three turns (L&R)

2. Consecutive forward outside edges

3. Consecutive forward inside edges

4. Forward crossrolls

5. Half back swizzle, jump feet together

6. Forward drag (not a tested element)

Level 8

1. Backward crossrolls

2. Backward landing postion both directions

3. Introduction to three jump both directions from stand still

4. Forward Inside open mohawks (L&R)

5. Forward outside three turn, back outside edge ( x3 both directions)

6. Forward inside & backward inside pivot (not a tested element)

Level 9

1. Beginner forward spiral on a curve (inside or outside edge)

2. One foot spin ( min 2 revs)

3. Forward one foot slalom (L&R)

4. Backward outside three turn (L&R)

5. Forward outside three turn backward cross exercise

6. Inside spread (not a tested element)

Level 10

1. Forward outside closed mohawk (L&R)

2. Backward one foot slalom(L&R)

3. Inside double three turn

4. Forward inside three turn forward crossover exercise

5. Step sequence

6. Beginner backward spiral (not a tested element)

Once you pass Skate UK Level 8 [Improvers Level 2] you may want to consider joining Bracknell Ice Skating Club (BISC) if you have not already done so. You can join the club before you reach this level but will not be allowed onto club ice.

NISA Skate UK Star (Passport) Programme

Once you have passed "Skating UK level 10" then you progress onto the "NISA Skate UK Star" programme (also known as the Passport scheme). At this level you will typically start to focus on one or more of the following areas of skating:

Figure skating - focus on spins, jumps, footwork and other moves on ice. This discipline is sometimes also referred to as "Free";
Ice Dance - a form of figure skating which draws from the world of ballroom dancing - more focus on dance steps and footwork sequences;
Synchronized Team skating (or Synchro for short) - focus on synchronized skating in groups;
Speed skating - focus on racing skills.
(Bracknell do not currently have any coaches skilled in Speed Skating)

The rink runs courses on Saturday mornings for these NISA Passport levels and covers the "Figure Skating" discipline in these sessions. The courses are broken out into separate groups for each of the levels Bronze , Silver and Gold. You do not need to be a member of Bracknell Ice Skating Club (BISC) in order to participate in these Passport courses. The Skate UK Star scheme requires you to purchase a "Passport Pack" which contains a progress monitoring booklet - the coach/es will sign off various skills in this booklet when they are happy that you can perform them to the required standard. You can also take private lessons with a coach to get passport skills signed off - this can be as an alternative to the rink courses or as a supplement to them.

Passport packs are usually available from the BISC Club Table or can sometimes be obtained directly from the coaches. Alternatively they can be ordered from the online NISA shop where they are listed as "Skate UK Star Registration Document" in the "Skate UK" section. The NISA online shop is located at:

http://www.nisastore.org.uk

The Figure Skating Skate UK Star scheme covers the following skills:

NISA Passport Skate Courses

NISA Passport level Example Figure Skating Skills Required

Bronze

Forward Spiral on either foot
Bunny Hop into forward drag
Two Foot Spin (3 revolutions)
Three jump

Silver

Backward Spiral on either foot
One foot spin (2 revolutions)
Teapot on either foot (forwards or backwards)
Single Salchow jump

Gold

Backward outside one foot spin
One foot spin with correct entry and one foot exit (4 revolutions)
Single Toe Loop Jump
Combination of moves, turns, spins in a short routine (30-60 seconds)

NISA Standard Test Programme

The "Passport" levels are followed by NISA Standard test levels which are numbered from 1 onwards. The various skating levels can seem a little confusing at first, especially as the Standard levels start back at "level 1" [ but you would already be well past the Skate UK level 10 before starting on this level ! ].

The various levels give a progressive improvement programme which covers common basic skills (Skate UK levels 1-10) , advances through building blocks for the main disciplines (Skate UK Star Bronze, Silver and Gold) then takes you into the main skating test levels (NISA standard level 1 onwards). At these levels you have to take independently assessed tests and each level has more than one test - the tests cover different aspects of skating at that level. At the time of writing there are tests in the following areas for the two main disciplines:

Figure Skating:
- Field Moves - A set series of skate moves in a sequence around the rink. (Field moves tests are common to Ice Dance and Figure Skating)
- Elements - testing that you can perform certain skating elements to a required standard
- Free - a free format skate routine to music that must include certain moves
Ice Dance:
- Field Moves - A set series of skate moves in a sequence around the rink. (Field moves tests are common to Ice Dance and Figure Skating)
- Compulsary Dance - Set moves to set music style
- Original / Variation Dance - A routine to a given music style.
  eg: Currently level 1 is a Rhythm & Blues routine, Level 2 is a Tango, Level 3+ is your choice of a recognised dance beat
- Free Dance - Your choice of dance beat/s and music and can include a composition of various beats
- There are also "Pairs" tests for skating in pairs

So, for example, for Figure Skating you need to pass 3 separate tests (Field Moves, Elements and Free) at level 1 to be classed has having achieved a full NISA standard level 1. The tests can be taken at separate times. The above will look a bit complicated if you are new to skating - dont worry as the coaches will explain which routines are elements / field moves etc.. and will prepare you (or your child) for the relevant test.

There is no real guideline time as to how long it takes to attain a particular level as this depends on natural skill, amount of practice etc...

"Academy" Courses

Bracknell Ice Rink runs special "Academy" courses on Saturday mornings for skaters that have passed NISA Passport Gold. Skaters on the academy courses can be working towards NISA level 1 (not to be confused with NISA Skate UK level 1), or can have already passed one or more of the NISA level tests. The "Academy" courses are not intended to teach all the skills needed to pass the NISA standard tests but are more of a supplement to private coaching. Note that you do not have to be a member of Bracknell Ice Skating Club in order to take part in Academy courses, although most people are.

NISA Standard Tests at Bracknell

In order to take a Standard level test you must be a member of NISA. Your coach will tell you when they think you are ready to take a particular test or tests and will give you a form to complete and send to NISA. You should then receive a card or notification telling you the date , time and tests that you have been entered for. Note that often confirmation of your test may only arrive a day or two before the test itself.

NISA Standard level tests are hosted at Bracknell Ice Rink on various dates, usually on a morning from about 7.00am onwards. You should always aim to be at the rink at least 30 minutes before your test time, and be sure that you have any music required with you. (It is a good idea to have a spare copy also in case there is a problem playing a CD). Your coach will usually have arranged to be at the test with you and will generally charge for this.

Please note that only skaters and coaches are allowed on the rink side during tests. Parents / friends can normally sit in the rink side cafe - you may have to walk across the rink side to get into the cafe but should then stay there so as not to disturb proceedings. Often the actual test time will vary from the allocated time.

Choosing a Coach

Bracknell Ice Rink has a number of self employed coaches and there is a standard charging rate set by the rink itself. Once you are at the NISA Standard levels then the coaches tend to specialize in either Figure Skating or Ice Dance so you would normally want a coach which specializes in the discipline that you are interested in following. Many people train in both disciplines and so have two separate coaches. A few things to bear in mind when hooking up with a coach are:

Which discipline they specialise in;
Note that Figure Skating coaches tend to get referred to as "Free" coaches, and Ice Dance coaches as "Dance" coaches.
Availability;
Coaches may take a specific day of the week off, or only be available at certain times, and in particular may have only certain time slots available for taking on new skaters.
Teaching style;
Each coach does have their own way of doing things and so you may want to observe how the various coaches work with their existing students to get a feel for which style may suit you.
How you get on with them;
Coaching and learning is a partnership so you need to get on well.

When to Practice

Whatever skating level you are at it is important to practice. There are four main types of session at Bracknell Ice Rink where you can practice thus:

Public Sessions Suitable for complete beginner up to about Skate UK Star (Passport) level.
It is not permitted to perform higher level skate moves such as jumps, camel spins etc... on public sessions as this can be a safety risk to other less able skaters.
For public sessions you pay in advance for the whole session regardless of how long you spend on the ice. Some of the Skate Courses include the use of ice for the public session immediately following the course. See "Public Sessions" above for additional notes.

Rink Patch Ice The rink has periods marked as "Patch" ice. This ice is for general practice and lessons but there are minimum ability levels for sessions and times so be sure to check with the rink.
Patch Ice is charged in 15 minute chunks and costs approximately £5.60 per hour. There is also an option to buy a Patch Voucher if you are a member of the Bracknell Ice Skating Club which gives unlimited use of patch ice for a month for around £68.75 .
If skating before 8.00am in the morning then you must enter your details on a sign-in sheet at reception.
Please note: Different rink patch sessions have different minimum skate level requirements in order to be allowed to skate. Please see Patch Ice Requirements for the current levels.

Club Patch Bracknell Ice Skating Club (BISC) have periods of time on the schedule marked as club patch. This is ice time which is available for private practice. In order to skate on this ice you need:

to be a member of Bracknell Ice Skating Club
and must have passed at least Skate UK Level 8
See Club Patch below for more information.

Club Lessons Bracknell Ice Skating Club (BISC) have periods of time on the schedule which are generally used for club lessons during school term time. See Club Lessons below for more information.

The rink timetable showing which sessions run when can be found online at:

http://www.bracknellskislope.co.uk/popup/ice_rink_timetable_display.php

Club ice time is split between various activities and details of club ice use can be found at:

Event Times

As is the case with any sport it is good practice to always warm up before you get your skates on and get onto the ice.
eg: Take a gentle jog around the rink itself and then do some stretches.

In addition to practicing on the ice it can be beneficial to take part in off ice training.

"Patch" Etiquette

Whan skating during Patch sessions there are some general rules and guidelines that skaters are expected to follow:

These are practice sessions. All socialising should be carried out off ice prior to or after the session.
Treat other skaters as you would like to be treated.
The lesson on the music has first priority.
All other lessons have the right of way and second priority
Please watch out for skaters doing their programs to music. They have the the right of way. This does not mean you have to stand on the ice and watch!
Programme music must be played from start to finish, once. Please do not stop and restart music as there are others waiting to have their music played. Once everyone who wants their music played has had a chance you may play your music again. Be courteous.
For safety reasons, please practice your spins responsibly and not in the flow of traffic. This does not apply during programme run through.
It is the responsibility of higher level skaters to watch out for skaters of a lower level, when both have similar priority. Lower level skaters need to be aware of speed of other skaters.
Skaters should exercise caution when performing backward manoeuvres.
There will be NO poor behaviour, such as kicking the ice, yelling at other skaters to get out of the way, or foul language. Skaters who behave in such a manner will be asked to leave the ice and there will be no refunds.
Please no gum, food or drinks on the ice. Water bottles only!
Please wear suitable and appropriate clothing - no jeans!

"Off Ice" Training

"Off ice" is training which helps your skating skills by performing exercises when not on the ice. There are various off ice activities which you can take part in including:

Some coaches run their own off-ice sessions;
If you have a private coach then they will usually let you know about any off-ice activities that they run. If you do not have a private coach ask around the coaches to see if some session runs at a time that suits you. The ice rink Reception often will not know days and times of such sessions.

Bracknell Ice Skating Club (BISC) off ice sessions;
The skating club runs various off ice sessions. You must be a club member to take part in these sessions. More details on these can be found below under "Club Off Ice".

Bracknell Ice Skating Club (BISC)

Bracknell Ice Skating Club (BISC) is the resident figure skating club of the John Nike Leisuresport Complex in Bracknell. It was formed in 1988 and is one of the largest in Britain with in excess of 300 members. The club firmly supports Skating for All and believes that every skater, whatever their age or ability, should be encouraged to fulfil their skating ambitions. It also believes in the importance of a broad base of membership leading to a pinnacle of excellence and is therefore proud when members do well in competitions, particularly championships. The club aims to support and promote skating at all levels and runs both on ice and off ice activities throughout the year. Off ice and social activities are open to any member whatever skating level. Details of membership costs, benefits and how to join can be found on our web site at:

Membership

Details of the club timetable of activities can be found on our web site at:

Event Times

The following sections give some introductory information about some of the club activities and facilities along with summary notes about how to join in.

Please Note
For safety reasons on-ice club activities require that members must:

(a) have passed at least Skate UK Level 8 ;
and
(b) have their own ice skating boots

Newsflashes

Members of the club can have their email address added to a "newsflash" email list. This mailing list is used to alert members about schedule changes, competition reminders, requests for help with activities etc..

Joining In:
If you are a BISC member want to receive newsflashes then send an email asking to be added to the newsflash list to info@bracknell-ice-skating-club.co.uk

BISC Notice Board

The club notice board is located at the rink in the changing rooms. It is on the far wall near the doors that go to the rink-side itself between the coaches changing rooms. The notice board gives information about forthcoming events, displays write ups and news items relating to club activities and members achievements and is often used as the location of "sign up" sheets to register interest in various activities. The Synchro section of the club also has its own notice board which is rink side just as you exit the boot changing rooms on the right hand side near the First Aid room.

Club Lessons

BISC have allocations of ice time generally on a Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evening and also on Sunday evening. Some of this ice time is used for club lessons during school term time. The lessons typically run on Tuesday evenings and Thursday evenings and have different areas of focus on the different days. The lessons are usually divided by skating level. These group lessons are 30 minutes long and are part subsidised by the club - there is a small charge of about £2.70 to be paid at reception before joining the lesson. Details of club lesson times are maintained on our website at:

Event Times

Note that the lessons may not run on some weeks due to special events such as club competitions or Panto rehearsals. We try to give advance notice if lesson time is replaced by some other activity. The above link also shows known special events which affect the general ice schedule.

Joining In:
Check that the lessons are running, purchase your ticket before the lesson starts, add your name to the sign in sheet, put your name on your ticket, place in envelope on Reception before getting onto the ice at the lesson start time, join the group of skaters on the ice and the coaches will divide you up into smaller groups for the lessons.

Club Patch Ice

Some of the BISC ice is kept for club patch where members can practice and have private lessons. Also club time during school holidays is usually all club patch as there are no lessons during holidays. Club patch ice should be paid for in advance at reception and is charged for in 30 minute increments. At the time of writing club patch is £2.90 for 30 minutes or £5.60 for 60 minutes. Alternatively a Patch Voucher can be purchased and this covers the use of club patch ice. Details of club patch times are maintained on our website at:

Event Times

Note: In order to skate on this ice you need to be a member of Bracknell Ice Skating Club and must have passed at least Skate UK Level 8

Joining In:
Check that the club ice is available for patch then purchase your ticket at reception before going on the ice.
When skating please be aware of the Patch Etiquette guidelines above.

Patch Vouchers

Patch Ice is generally charged on a pay as you go basis where you should pay for patch time before you use it (at time of writing patch ice is £5.60/hour charged in 15 minute increments). BISC members have the option to buy a Patch Voucher in the first few days of the month. For a one off fee this covers all use of Patch Ice for the entire month, including Club Patch. The patch voucher MUST be purchased at the start of the month usually before the 7th. The voucher covers use of any club patch and rink patch sessions.

Club Off-Ice

BISC arranges off-ice practice sessions for members to take part in for a nominal charge. The off ice sessions include special various jumps practice sessions typically on Tuesday evenings, and sometimes short courses for Pilates , Jazz Dance, Ballet etc... which are usually run on Saturday / Sunday. For times see the general schedule at:

Event Times

For Pilates / Ballet / Jazz dance course details are usually put online at:

Fitness & Dance

Joining In:
Check the general timetable above. For the off-ice jumps sessions purchase an off-ice ticket at reception, sign in on the registration sheet, join the other skaters going to the off-ice session (ask on the night to be directed to the relevant place), hand your off-ice receipt to the coach and join in. For Pilates / Ballet / Jazz Dance these tend to run in 6 week blocks which should be paid for in advance. Check the notice board , newsflashes and our website link above and enrol on the next course. You will generally be allowed one "taster" session for free.

BISC Club Competitions

BISC run several club competitions throughout the year. The competitions cover various aspects of skating and are generally open to all members of the club who have some form of coaching at Bracknell. The aim of the competitions is to give skaters practice in a friendly environment and the competition classes usually range from beginner levels up to advanced levels. Information about a competition usually appears about 3 - 4 weeks beforehand and there is a small charge for each class entered. Forthcoming competitions are shown on our website at:

Competitions

Over the course of a year the club competitions usually include the following:

Field Moves Competition - perfoming field moves
Artistic Competition - Artistic routine to music of your choice
Dance Competition - Dance styles are drawn for various levels to skate
Bonny Garner Competition - Standard level Free skate routines
Spin Spiral Jump - As the name suggest these key elements

There is also sometimes an adult competition, and sometimes an adult "event" which is not a competition but a chance to get feedback from NISA judges.

Joining In:
Competition information is usually advertised a few weeks before the competition. Let your coach know that you want to take part, follow the competition specific entry instructions ensuring any fee is included with the application. A few days before the competition the skate order will usually be shown on the notice board at the rink. Be sure to be ready in plenty of time, and be in competition dress (or at least look smart). There is usually a short warm up period for each class in the competition. Take your turn on the ice when invited and good luck...

BISC Open Competitions

BISC usually run an "Open" competition each year, and an Adult Open competition. These two events may sometimes be combined into a single week, or may be at different times of the year. The "Open" competition is open to all members of NISA and does not require BISC club membership. Most ice skating clubs hold similar competitions so across the year there are a number of such opens that one can enter. BISC members are encouraged to take part in both the Bracknell Open and other club opens. Details of Open competitions are kept on our website at:

Competitions

Joining In:
Competition information is usually advertised a few weeks before the competition. Follow the competition entry information if you wish to enter.
Members are also very welcome to help out at the Opens - dont worry if you do not have any experience as there are lots of jobs which need doing.

Club Gala

Each year BISC organises a Gala event, usually at the end of September. This is a showcase of some of the clubs talent performed for the public who can gain free entry . The skaters included in the Gala are all members and are usually chosen based upon performance at both club and open competitions throughout the previous year.

Joining In:
Performers at the Gala are by invitation only.
Spectators can watch for free (just turn up, find a seat and enjoy)

Club Fun Nights

Club on-ice fun nights take place a couple of times each year. This is where the club session is used for on-ice fun activities. There will typically be a fun night some time around January, and also sometimes at Easter.

Joining In:
Watch the Notice Board and Newsflashes for information about the next fun night then turn up and follow any instruction provided for the session.

BISC Synchronised Skating Teams

BISC has some "Synchronised skating" teams (or Synchro for short) who generally train on club ice on a Friday evening and enter various competitions. This is a special branch of skating requiring great discipline in a team environment. The Bracknell teams have recently done very well and this branch of the club is very active. You must be a member of BISC to join one of the Synchro groups. Synchro has its own special section on the website at:

Synchronised Skating

Synchro also have their own notice board at the rink which is on the rink side (near the first aid room just as you exit the boot changing room). This notice board gives up to date information about the synchro branch of the club.

If you are interested in joining synchro please contact: Jennifer Giannitto - jgiannitto@hotmail.com

Or for the Adult team

Corrina Seabridge - corrinaseabridge@hotmail.co.uk

Training Camps

BISC tries to run a training camp each year during either the Easter or Summer school holidays. There is no set formula for the camps but they tend to involve on and off ice activities and training with some top coaches and have separate days for Free and Dance disciplines.

Joining In:
Watch the Notice Board and Newsflashes for information about any training camp and follow the instructions. Typically there will be a sign up sheet to register interest in a camp on the Notice Board when preparations for a camp begin.

Ice Panto

The rink runs an ice pantomime each year with the skaters in the Panto being made up from BISC members and some of the coaches. This is a really fun event each year and brings lots of skaters at lots of different levels together. The pantomime rehearsals tend to occupy a lot of ice time during November / December and consist of individual and group skate routines in costumes. The club tries to ensure that everyone who wants to skate in the panto does get included but this is not guaranteed.

Families with skaters in the Panto are usually eligible for a set number of reduced rate Panto tickets.

Panto news is put on our website at:

Ice Pantomime

Joining In:
Watch the Notice Board and Newsflashes for information on when to sign up for the next panto, add your name to the sign up sheet. A list of chosen skaters is usually displayed around September time with rehearsal dates following a little later. There is usually an important meeting to help sort out legal forms etc.. for skaters. Turn up to all the rehearsals and enjoy performing in the Panto
Parents are encouraged to also join in by helping with one of the many backstage jobs such as chaperoning the children, helping with props, lighting etc..

Social Events

BISC organises social events including trips to professional ice performances at various times. These are usually at a discounted rate and sometimes have transport included. There are no fixed rules or intervals for such events / trips as it depends on what is being performed where, and what rates we can get as a club. Past trips have proved very popular and enjoyable.

Joining In:
Watch the Notice Board and Newsflashes for information on when to sign up for a social event.

BISC Club Table

The club table is a service run by the club which offers selected new goods for sale. The club table also sometimes sells NISA Passports and may collect money for some of the club off-ice activities. More details can be found under the "Club Table" section at:

Merchandising

Skate Sales

BISC organises second hand skate sales at various times throughout the year. These are open to non club members and are way to sell on those skates that you have outgrown, or to purchase some skates . There are usually some skate dresses available also. More details on skate sales can be found on our website here:

Skate Sales

Dress Sales

BISC occassionally organises second hand skate dress / clothing sales. These are very infrequent but when run usually take place on a club night. They offer club members a way to sell on those dresses / clothes that you have outgrown, and/or to purchase another dress. Details of any dress sale will usually be advertised in advance on the Notice Board and via Newsflashes , along with on our web site at:

Dress Sales

This latter link gives details on how the dress sales operate.

Club AGM

The BISC Annual General Meeting takes place each year in October. Club members are eligible to vote and to stand for election to the committee. An AGM notice and nomination forms (for nominating committee members) are made available on the club website about 1 month before the AGM. The club welcomes fresh ideas and members into the committee.

Joining In:
If you want to join the committee ensure that a nomination form is completed and submitted by the date on the AGM notice. To vote on key matters and for committee members / officers just turn up at the AGM. This is your club & your chance to influence club decisions and activities and to help out.

NISA Passport Skate Courses
NISA Passport level	Example Figure Skating Skills Required
Bronze	Forward Spiral on either foot Bunny Hop into forward drag Two Foot Spin (3 revolutions) Three jump
Silver	Backward Spiral on either foot One foot spin (2 revolutions) Teapot on either foot (forwards or backwards) Single Salchow jump
Gold	Backward outside one foot spin One foot spin with correct entry and one foot exit (4 revolutions) Single Toe Loop Jump Combination of moves, turns, spins in a short routine (30-60 seconds)

Public Sessions	Suitable for complete beginner up to about Skate UK Star (Passport) level. It is not permitted to perform higher level skate moves such as jumps, camel spins etc... on public sessions as this can be a safety risk to other less able skaters. For public sessions you pay in advance for the whole session regardless of how long you spend on the ice. Some of the Skate Courses include the use of ice for the public session immediately following the course. See "Public Sessions" above for additional notes.
Rink Patch Ice	The rink has periods marked as "Patch" ice. This ice is for general practice and lessons but there are minimum ability levels for sessions and times so be sure to check with the rink. Patch Ice is charged in 15 minute chunks and costs approximately £5.60 per hour. There is also an option to buy a Patch Voucher if you are a member of the Bracknell Ice Skating Club which gives unlimited use of patch ice for a month for around £68.75 . If skating before 8.00am in the morning then you must enter your details on a sign-in sheet at reception. Please note: Different rink patch sessions have different minimum skate level requirements in order to be allowed to skate. Please see Patch Ice Requirements for the current levels.
Club Patch	Bracknell Ice Skating Club (BISC) have periods of time on the schedule marked as club patch. This is ice time which is available for private practice. In order to skate on this ice you need: to be a member of Bracknell Ice Skating Club and must have passed at least Skate UK Level 8 See Club Patch below for more information.
Club Lessons	Bracknell Ice Skating Club (BISC) have periods of time on the schedule which are generally used for club lessons during school term time. See Club Lessons below for more information.