Testing and Competing

Test Sessions

The Copper Country Skating Academy typically hosts two test sessions per year. An August high-test session, and a January single panel Low-test session.

• Unless otherwise noted, tests will be held at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena (Google Map).

• All applications will be accepted on a first-come, first served basis with a priority given to home club and associate members.

• Any skater whose home club is not the Copper Country Skating Academy (CCSA) must have test permission from their home club (Download Form).

• Test chair is Debra Charlesworth (debra.charlesworth@gmail.com)
  
  

Test Policies for In Club tests:

• Test applications must be received online through EntryEeze by the deadline shown in the table above.

• Beginning in August 2016, paper forms will no longer be accepted.

• Late applications will be assessed a late fee as shown on the application.

• Non-CCSA members must pay an out-of-club fee.

• Applications must include payment to be considered complete.

• Home club members will receive first priority, followed by: associate members and then non-members (based on application date) in that order. Dances will also have priority when a guest pro partner has been invited.

• The test and partner practice schedule (when applicable) will be emailed to coaches and skaters approximately one week prior to the test session.

• Checks returned for insufficient funds will have results held.  Testers will be responsible for bank fees and will not be eligible to test with CCSA until all fees are paid.
  
  

Coach Information:

• All coaches must be USFS compliant and CER Category A or B.

• Coaches who are not on the USFS compliant coaches list and/or cannot provide a current coaching registration card will not be permitted to coach any skaters during warm up or testing
  
  

Partner Information:

• Skaters must test with the guest dance partner, or contact the test chair for approval to test with a different partner.

• For test sessions when there is not a club-sponsored partner brought in, skaters may test with a partner of their choosing.
  
  

Refund Policy:

Full refunds (minus the convenience fee) will be given in the following cases.  At the test chair's discretion, a credit may be applied to CCSA member accounts that can be used for future club purchases:

1. Tests pulled prior to the application deadline.

2. Tests pulled if the skater is medically unable to skate (must provide doctor's note).

3. Tests pulled after the deadline if the time can be filled by someone from the wait list.

4. Tests pulled by a coach seven days before the test session.

   • If the application deadline is less than seven days before the test session, no refunds will be given after the application deadline.

5. Dances pulled by the out of town partner.

6. Extenuating circumstances (at the discretion of the test chair).
   
   

Schedule Requests:

• All special requests for test time or partner time must be made in writing to a test chair by the application deadline.

• Requests will be considered and accommodated if possible.
  
  

Turkey Trot Competition

The Turkey Trot Competition is held each November. Competitive skating is a fun way for skaters to improve their skills and perform their programs. Skaters at every skill level can register to compete in basic skills, dance, freestyle, artistic, compulsory and interpretive events. Medals and trophies will be awarded.

• Computer Competition registration will be through Entry Eeze this year.

• Competition announcement may also be downloaded as a PDF file.

• For more information contact coppercountryskating@gmail.com

Information about the City of Houghton, and surrounding areas may be found in some of the following links:

• City of Houghton (http://www.cityofhoughton.com)

• Keweenaw National Historical Park (http://www.nps.gov/kewe/index.htm)

• Keweenaw Peninsula Visitors and Convention Center (http://www.keweenaw.info)

• Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce (http://www.keweenaw.org)

• Houghton Lodging (via Google)

Similar competitions that are of interest to the regions skaters:

• Iron Mountain - Iron Mountain Basic Skills Competition - 

  • Mountain View Ice Arena, Iron Mountain, MI

  • Contact icereflections@gmail.com

• Escanaba - Holiday Classic Basic Skills Competition - 

  • Wells Sports Complex, Wells, MI 49894 (www.eafsc.com)

  • Contact marygauthier@chartermi.net

  • http://www.eafsc.com/index.aspx

• Marquette - Ron Carlson Marquette International Open -  

  • Berry Events Center, Corner of Fair Ave and 3rd St., Marquette, MI 49855

  • http://marquettefigureskating.org/competitions/ and www.entryeeze.com

For CCSA club members who are new to Turkey Trot, it is the only competition hosted by the Copper Country Skating Academy. It is a major club event requiring significant help, so volunteers are needed to help with almost everything. The two day event includes a test session on Friday, and competition on Saturday. 

There are many ways to help, including:

• Accounting Room -- help with paperwork, computer entry, etc..

• Music -- push the button to start the music for freestyle and dance programs

• Announcing -- read the names to get skaters on the ice for their events

• Registration -- check off names and hand out registration information

• Ice Monitor -- help get the skaters on the ice for their events

• Runners -- take result sheets from the judges to accounting and to the results board

• Awards -- hand out medals and ribbons

• Practice Ice -- sign up skaters for practice times

• Hospitality -- help keep the judges happy with good food and warm drinks

• Flower Sales -- every skater loves the attention of flowers!

• Clean-up -- after another successful competition