Announcement

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Falling Leaf Classic October 20 & 21, 2023

Hosted by the San Diego FSC

San Diego, CA

I. COMPETITION OVERVIEW

The Falling Leaf Classic will be conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations of U.S. Figure Skating, as set forth in the current Compete USA handbook as well as any pertinent updates that have been posted on the U.S. Figure Skating website.

This competition is open to all eligible, restricted, reinstated or readmitted persons as defined by the Eligibility Rules.

Skaters must be a currently registered member of a U.S. Figure Skating member club or Learn to Skate USA member, a collegiate club or who is an individual member in accordance with the current rulebook. For non-U.S. citizens, please refer to the rulebook for more information.

II. ELIGIBILITY

TEST LEVEL:

As of December 1, 2022, singles athletes may opt to accelerate their test progression within U.S. Figure Skating and thus compete at level(s) best suited for their technical skillset. Athletes must still meet the minimum requirements for each level and additionally, if participating within the National Qualifying Series (NQS) or National Excel Series (Excel), they will establish a competitive floor (i.e., the lowest level they can compete at).

The competitive floor is determined only by the level selected through the EMS Series Application for NQS or Excel and is not uniquely tied to competition registration (regardless of series participation).

Example, if an athlete passed their junior free skate test in November and competed in the 2022-23 NQS as a Novice from July – September, they may register for either novice or junior in excel or well-balanced events. The novice level will remain their competitive floor until they complete an EMS Series Application at the junior level or higher for NQS or Excel.

Example #2, if an athlete passed their juvenile free skate but has not competed in NQS or Excel (i.e., they have not established a competitive floor), they have the option to compete pre-preliminary – intermediate (if skate up is permitted). While the options are wide, U.S. Figure Skating entrusts the coach to guide the athlete to the select the appropriate level for the athlete based on their technical skillset.

Eligibility Notes:

1. The singles free skate test levels will remain as a minimum requirement to compete.
2. Athletes may not skate down in any event.
3. This update does NOT apply to Adult, Showcase and Solo Dance.

If an athlete, coach, parent and/or guardian needs assistance with confirming their eligibility, email events@usfigureskating.org or refer to information sheet HERE.

• For synchronized skating teams, this competition is not requiring that moves-in-the-field test requirements for the team’s level be met, with the exception of the maximum allowed at the Compete USA levels (Snowplow Sam Synchro and Aspire levels).

EVENTS OFFERED:

Program requirements for the events listed below can be found here: usfigureskating.org – Skate – Compete – Program Requirements

NOTE: Skaters may not enter an Excel and Well-Balanced free skate events at the same competition.

COMPETE USA TEAM COMPULSORY EVENT

Format: Each team will choose a team name and is encouraged to dress in a group costume. A separate award will be given to the team with the best costume.

For the compulsory event, the designated skater from each team will perform their chosen element in sequence on full ice, with no music, and will follow this format:  

1. Minimum of three (3) skaters on a team; maximum of five (5) skaters on a team; each skater will do at least one required element.
2. Each level will have at least five (5) minutes to warm up on the ice when the event is called.
3. Teams will be directed to find a “base” for their team along the boards, on the announcer side, on the ice where they will stay for the remainder of the event. Teams will face the audience.
4. The announcer, referee or judge-in-charge will call the first element (e.g. jump or stop) to be performed.
5. The team member performing the element will step forward and execute the skill, with the element first being performed by the skater on team one, then team two, then team three and so on
6. Once all the teams have had their skaters complete the element, the next element will be called.
7. Judging is done with one mark for each element (skater) for total team points.
8. Repeat #4-7 above as this will be done in sequence until all the elements at each level are completed.
9. Elements may not be repeated, EXCEPT jumps at the High and Advanced levels, which may be attempted twice with the best attempt being counted.

SKATESAFE COMPLIANCE:

For full details about SkateSafe compliance at U.S. Figure Skating competitions, refer to the U.S. Figure Skating SkateSafe webpage: www.usfigureskating.org/skatesafe.

COACHES

To be an eligible coach at a nonqualifying competition, coaches must meet the applicable compliance requirements and verified by U.S. Figure Skating. Coach compliance falls into three categories, Coach/Choreographer, Learn to Skate USA Instructor, or Foreign Coach/Choreographer. Details regarding compliance requirements can be found HERE. All compliance requirements must be met at the time of check-in to access the competition, no exceptions.

TEAM SERVICE PERSONNEL

Teams are permitted a maximum of two team service personnel. Team service personnel must have a green lighted background check and completed SafeSport™ training. All compliance requirements must be met at the time of check-in to access the competition, no exceptions. Team service personnel is defined as those indicated as a team manager and/or team service personnel planning to attend the competition with the team.

 MANDATORY ATHLETES

Athletes age 18+ as of the competition start date who will be competing on a team (i.e., synchro, ice dance, pairs, shadow dance, theatre, etc.) with at least one Minor Athlete must complete SafeSport™ Training. *

Minor athletes who turn 18 mid-season are encouraged to seek parental consent to take the online SafeSport™ Training early to avoid any disruptions in their ability to participate as the training is required upon turning 18. The athlete will not be SkateSafe compliant until they have completed the training and their Members Only portal reflects completion. Please email skatesafe@usfigureskating.org for instructions or questions regarding parental consent.

III. REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Entries must be submitted online via Entryeeze (www.entryeeze.com) by midnight (PDT) September 15th, 2023. San Diego FSC requires “on-line” entry. Entries will be accepted online via EntryEeze with credit card only. Each transaction includes a credit card fee. Processing fees are not refundable, even if the event is canceled or skater withdraws before close of entries. For questions or concerns, please contact Chea Hutton-Chitwood for assistance at Registrar@SanDiegofsc.org    

Credit Card Disputes: San Diego FSC reserves the right to charge an additional fee of $40.00, in addition to the entry fee to resolve any disputes to the credit card charge.

Registration Deadline:

11:59PM (PDT) –September 15th, 2023. Late registrations will only be accepted at the discretion of the LOC and will be subject to a $55 late fee.

CRITIQUES

Exhibitions will be offered for any skaters or teams Pre Juvenile and above. If time permits, critiques will be added in addition.  There will be a $20 charge for exhibitions or critiques.

MUSIC SUBMISSION/UPLOAD:

For the San Diego Falling Leaf Classic, music is accepted ONLY online via Entryeeze. After you have paid for your events, the system will prompt you to upload your music for each event that requires music. If your music is not available at that time, you can log out of your account and return later to upload your music by going to the “Competition” tab and then selecting “My Music.” Please be sure you are uploading the correct music for the correct event segment.

The deadline for uploading music is Thursday, October 5, 2023, 11:59pm PDT- There is a $15 late fee charged for manual uploads after the deadline.

Competitors must also have available a backup copy of their competition music on a cell phone and it must be immediately available rinkside whenever the skater competes. Coaches/ skaters are responsible for providing their own adaptor if cell phone backup is required.

REFUND POLICY

Entry fees will not be refunded after entry deadline unless no competition exists or the event is canceled. There will be no refunds for medical withdrawals. Processing fees are not refundable, even if the event is canceled or skater withdraws before close of entries. There will be no refunds for any reason after the close of entries.

LIABILITY:

U.S. Figure Skating, Learn to Skate USA, SDFSC and San Diego Ice Arena accept no responsibility for injury or damage sustained by any participant in this competition. This is in accordance with Rule 1600 of the official U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook.

IV. COMPETITION DETAILS

FACILITIES:

San Diego Ice Arena

11048 Ice Skate Place

San Diego, CA 92126

www.sdice.com

Ice size is 200 x 85

LOCKER ROOMS AND CHANGING AREAS:

 TEAM LOCKER ROOMS:

Locker rooms and changing areas will not be available for individuals and teams at this competition. All athletes are expected to arrive at the arena ready (costumes, hair, make-up etc.). Athletes will be provided with an area to put skates on but changing will not be permitted in these spaces.

U.S. Figure Skating Travel Policy:

All travel must strictly adhere to Two-Deep Leadership requirements. An Adult Participant cannot transport a Minor Athlete one-on-one and Two-Deep Leadership requirements must be adhered to at all times during In-Program travel, by transporting at least two minors or a second Adult Participant. An Adult Participant cannot share a hotel room or other sleeping arrangement with a Minor Athlete(s). Full details of the SkateSafe Travel Policy and any exceptions can be found starting on page 12 of the SkateSafe Handbook.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE & UPDATES:

The official schedule of events will be posted on Entryeeze and the Falling Leaf Classic website (www.fallingleafclassic.org). It is the responsibility of each competitor, parent and coach to check the websites listed above frequently for any schedule changes and/or additional information. During the competition, updates will be posted through the on-line portal and will supersede all other schedules. Notices posted on the San Diego FSC website will be considered sufficient notice to all skaters. No schedules will be mailed. Skaters are requested to arrive 60 minutes prior to the scheduled time of their event. A tentative schedule of events will be posted as noted above prior to the competition.

 It is the responsibility of each competitor, parent and coach to check the website frequently for any schedule changes and/or additional information pertaining to the competition.

SCHEDULE

Competitors may be scheduled on any day or time during the announced dates of the competition. The competition and practice ice schedule will be available after the close of entries. All participants will be notified via email once available.

PRACTICE ICE:

Practice ice may be offered if time permits. If available, sales will be offered through Entryeeze. Check the SDFSC website for updates.

ONSITE CHECK-IN:

A registration desk will be set up in the entrance area of the San Diego Ice Arena during the competition. All skaters are required to register a minimum of 60 minutes prior to the scheduled time for each event or segment.

AWARDS:

Medals will be awarded to skaters 1^st-6^th place. Awards may be picked up at the photographer’s podium. A separate special award is granted to the team with the best group costume in the Compete USA Team Compulsory Event(s).

PHOTO/VIDEO:

Coronado Video (http://coronadoproductions.tripod.com) will be the official videographer. A professional photographer (http://cynthiaslawterphotography.com) for award and action photographs will be at the rink. All other videotaping and photography is restricted to hand-held battery operated equipment, without tripod. No photography or videotaping, except by the official photographer, without the express permission of the person being photographed or videotaped is allowed. Solicitation by any photographer, or agent, of anyone to be the subject of still or video photography is not permitted. NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY DURING THE EVENTS IS ALLOWED.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

–  Official hotel accommodations:

Springhill Suites San Diego Rancho Bernardo/ Scripps Poway

12032 Scripps Highlands Drive

San Diego, CA 92131

1-858-635-5723

Rate for competitors: $169 per night

Vendor information will be emailed prior to the start of the competition.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For questions, please contact the following individuals: