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U.S. Figure Skating

SYNCHRONIZED SKATING

 

Synchronized skating offers athletes the chance to compete with a team and learn the value of teamwork and camaraderie. Formed in 1956 by Dr. Richard Porter, the sport was known as “precision skating” for the intricate moves skaters perform on the ice together.

 

Synchronized skating offers athletes the opportunity to compete as part of a team while developing the skills, trust and camaraderie that come from working together on the ice. First formed in 1956 by Dr. Richard Porter, the sport was originally known as “precision skating” for the intricate formations and synchronized movements performed by teams.

Today, synchronized skating is a popular discipline both in the United States and around the world. U.S. Figure Skating held the first U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships in 1984 and hosted the first ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships in 2000. More than 600 synchronized teams are currently registered with U.S. Figure Skating, and thousands of athletes participate in sectional competitions each year.

Teams of eight to 20 skaters perform programs together featuring speed, precise formations and challenging step sequences. Competitions use the same judging system as singles, pairs and ice dance. All teams perform a free skate with required elements, while junior and senior teams also perform a short program consisting of additional required elements.

For many athletes, synchronized skating combines the excitement of figure skating with the rewarding experience of competing as part of a team.

Chart with information regarding the various synchronized skating levels

ASPIRE SYNCHRO

  • Learn to Skate USA badge program designed for group classes
  • Aspire 1, Aspire 2, Aspire 3 and Aspire 4 are the beginning levels of synchronized skating that are offered at synchronized skating nonqualifying and Compete USA competitions.

DEVELOPMENTAL LEVELS

  • Preliminary, pre-juvenile, open juvenile, open collegiate, open adult and open masters
  • Can compete at any nonqualifying synchronized skating competition
  • These levels are offered at the U.S. Synchronized Sectional Championships

COMPETITIVE LEVELS

  • Juvenile, intermediate, novice, junior, senior, collegiate, adult, masters and senior elite 12
  • Can compete at any nonqualifying synchronized skating competition
  • Enter their respective sectional championships to qualify for the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships
  • Top-performing teams at the junior, senior and senior elite 12 levels can earn the opportunity to be part of Team USA, with two teams going on to represent the United States at the ISU World Junior and ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships

GET STARTED WITH SYNCHRONIZED SKATING

Synchronized skating is open to individuals of all ages and levels. To keep consistency on a national scale, there are test requirements for each level.

CONTACT U.S. FIGURE SKATING TO FIND A TEAM NEAR YOU