Freestyles are ½ hour sessions dedicated to figure skating practice and must be paid for at the Mid-South Ice House (MSIH) Ticket Office before you step on the ice. There is a maximum of 25 skaters per session. For MSIH Freestyle times, check Mid-South Ice House schedule. Freestyle cards are available for purchase at the Mid-South Ice House Ticket office or you may pay per session at the ticket window.
Each freestyle participant is asked to follow the safety and courtesy rules and guidelines. Failure to follow these rules and guidelines may result in a warning, removal off the ice by a coach, or the loss of ice privileges.
- Who has the Right of Way?
- Skaters/Coaches on the Harness
- Skaters running through program WITH music
- Skaters/Coaches IN a lesson
- Skater’s NOT in a lesson
Etiquette: Skaters should practice spins in the middle of the rink and stay out of the corners where the Lutz jump is practiced. Skaters performing this jump are often skating at high speeds backwards and cannot look behind them the entire set up. Only practice spins in these areas when you are practicing your program.
- If you are a less experienced skater, please be extra careful to stay aware of other skaters and to look ahead of where you are skhyjating to see what others are doing or are about to do.
- If you are an experienced skater, please be patient with the less experienced skaters. Remember – you were new to freestyles at one time, too.
- Please be understanding if someone gets in your way.
Pay attention to other skaters and always be courteous. If you cut off another skater by accident, be sure to apologize. Do not hog the ice or expect everyone to watch out for you. Be aware of what is happening around you always. Respect your fellow skaters, the coaches, the session and the ice.
Music: Skaters that have programs set to music may put their CDs in ‘line’ which is played on a rotational basis. Once the skater has completed their program, their music is moved to the back of the line. Skaters may not stop in the middle of their program and have the music started over. If a skater is in a private lesson, the coach has the right to ‘bump’ the next skater in line so that the student may perform their program. The skater performing their program has the right of way, followed by skaters in private lessons.
Parents: Parents are asked to watch only – do not coach your child on the ice or by the boards during freestyle sessions. Only Coaches are allowed to teach on these sessions.
Attire: Proper skating attire, such as a dress or skating pants, is expected. There is to be no talking, stopping or sitting on the ice. Never chew gum on any practice session, public or freestyle, as it is a serious choking hazard. This is not the time for playing or goofing off. If you must take a break, skate to the corner or step into a hockey box. Skating with electronic devices or headphones is not permitted on busy freestyles for safety reasons.