S.T.A.R.S. - US Figure Skating

S.T.A.R.S.
(STANDARDIZED TESTING OF
ATHLETICISM TO RECOGNIZE SKATERS)
is a series of off-ice physical challenges
that measure your fitness in three key areas:
1) Agility/Balance/Coordination
2) Strength/Power
3) Flexibility
ê S.T.A.R.S. will help you and your coach
identify which areas of your athletic
development need improvement.
ê S.T.A.R.S. will compare how your
athletic skills are developing vs.
other athletes nationwide.
ê S.T.A.R.S. helps athletes train ahead
of the skills curve on the ice, and
seeks to reduce the risk of injury
by keeping your body fit.
ê S.T.A.R.S. will introduce you to
expert Certified Strength and
Conditioning Association
trainers in your area.
ê S.T.A.R.S. participants and
high achievers will appear
in SKATING magazine and
on usfigureskating.org!
2012 LOCATIONS (subject to change)
Aliso Viejo, CA ê Atlanta, GA ê Blaine, MN ê Boston, MA ê Charlotte, NC ê Chicago, IL ê Dallas, TX ê Denver, CO
Detroit, MI Houston, TX ê Louisville, KY ê Newark, DE ê New York, NY ê Riverside, CA ê Rochester, MN
Salt Lake City, UT ê San Jose, CA ê Seattle, WA ê Washington, D.C. ê Adult Nationals (Chicago)
ê For athletes 6 and up
who have passed
Pre-preliminary Moves.
REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 16
For more information, exercise guides, and how you can become
involved with the 2012 S.T.A.R.S. Program, go online to
www.STARScombine.org

Q: What is S.T.A.R.S.
A: S.T.A.R.S. (Standardized Testing of Athleticism to Recognize
Skaters) is a U.S. Figure Skating program designed to standardize
testing of the athletic abilities that support development of
on-ice skills. S.T.A.R.S. consists of 15 off-ice tests organized into
a one-day testing Combine. The goals of S.T.A.R.S. are to promote
the athletic development of our athletes and keep them
safe and injury resistant by training their bodies ahead of the
on-ice skills curve.
Q: Why should my skater participate in a S.T.A.R.S. Combine
A: S.T.A.R.S. is fun! It is also motivating, challenging and personally
rewarding! This is a great program to identify areas of improvement
in athleticism with the goal being to improve skills
relevant to on-ice performance and to keep athletes healthy
and injury-free by training the body’s athletic abilities ahead of
skills on the ice.
Q: What areas of fitness are measured during the S.T.A.R.S. tests
A: There are three primary areas measured: 1) Agility/Balance/
Coordination, 2) Strength/Power, and 3) Flexibility.
Q: Who conducts S.T.A.R.S. tests
A: Although all skating-involved trainers are
invited to participate regardless of certification,
the trainers who administer S.T.A.R.S.
must have a current National Strength and
Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified
Strength and Conditioning Specialist
(C.S.C.S.) To learn more about the
C.S.C.S. credential, visit the
NSCA’s website at
www.nsca-lift.org.
Trainers interested in participating in the
S.T.A.R.S. program should contact Peter Zapalo at
pzapalo@usfigureskating.org.
Q: What is the purpose of S.T.A.R.S.
A: The objectives of S.T.A.R.S. are to promote and
enhance athleticism and athletic ability in all figure
skaters through assessment, recognition and
opportunity. Additionally, off-ice training can
help reduce the rate of injury in all skating disciplines
and competitive levels. The feedback
received from the S.T.A.R.S. test endeavors to
help coaches and parents in developing and
guiding a skater’s athletic development.
Q: Who may participate in the S.T.A.R.S. program
A: All athletes must be: 1) At least 6 years old at the time of
the S.T.A.R.S. Combine; 2) Have passed at least Pre-preliminary
Moves in the Field; 3) Have the required medical clearance.
Q: How can a skater prepare for the S.T.A.R.S. Combine
A: Skaters are encouraged to review the S.T.A.R.S. Program
Exercise Guide. This guide is meant to be a starting point for
athletes, coaches and trainers to work on the athletic attributes
important to on-ice skills development. The exercise guide may
be downloaded at www.STARScombine.org.
REGISTRATION & PARTICIPATION
Q: How do I register for a Combine
A: Registration for the 2012 season opens April 16, 2012, and
will be available online at www.STARScombine.org. The cost is
$39 and includes the testing session, a personalized results report
(delivered online), and a S.T.A.R.S. T-shirt.
Q: How long does the S.T.A.R.S. testing take
A: Participants are scheduled for a one-hour window and are
asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to the assigned time. For example
if you are scheduled for 10 a.m., plan to be at S.T.A.R.S.
from 9:45-11 a.m. At busy times, testing may take longer.
Q: May a coach accompany his/her student through
S.T.A.R.S. tests
A: U.S. Figure Skating invites
coaches to observe testing to
learn about how the tests are
conducted. Coaches who wish to observe testing must
contact the S.T.A.R.S. administrator in advance to set up
an appointment. In the interest of fairness, coaches are
not allowed to communicate with or “coach” any athlete
during S.T.A.R.S. testing.
Q: We would like to have S.T.A.R.S. in our
area/rink/facility. How can we host a
Combine
A: S.T.A.R.S. locations for 2012 are set but
U.S. Figure Skating is very interested in clubs, rinks and coaches
helping us to expand the program for 2013 and beyond. Please
contact Naama Kellman at nkellman@usfigureskating.org to be
considered for future combines.