Figure Skating Competitions

There are many competitive opportunities in the area. This guide will tell you how to prepare, what to expect and where you can to it.

We run two internal competitions at the Chevy Chase Club, the Holiday Classic just before Christmas and the Championships at the end of February. Details of these events will be found here: Figure Skating Events

There are also local events that you can enter at other rinks - see list below.

Firstly, you will need to know what level your skater is - check with your coach if you are unsure - they may want to aim for a higher level than your skater is currently if there is time to prepare.

Read the competition announcement - this will include the rules and regulations including what elements should be included in the program and length of music allowed. There are normally 5-8 elements that the judges will be marking as technical elements. These rules vary each year and sometimes at different competitions too. Visit US Figure Skating Program Requirements for general information about all levels - 'Compete USA' is generally what most skaters will compete at first.

Ensure your skater has practiced what they are going to perform regularly before the event. Running a program in practice is important because any time a skater performs in front of a panel of judges and an audience, nerves are bound to interfere. 

On the day - Plan to arrive early before your skater’s scheduled event. This will give you time to check in, let the coach know you’ve arrived and get used to the space they are going to compete in. Skaters should be fully dressed in costume and ready to warm up off the ice prior to taking the ice - competitions can run early and late. Once your skater is with their coach you can find a seat and enjoy the competition!

Checklist: Skate guards, screwdriver/screws, tape & spare pair of laces. Competition costume and back-up costume. Extra pair of tights/socks, hair accessories and makeup (if applicable). Copy of skaters music. Gloves, warm-up jacket, blanket. Screwdriver and any other

After competing, ask the coach for feedback on the performance and a game plan post-competition.

Awards typically happen shortly after the event, so keep your skater in costume. Congratulate the winner and others for good efforts and encourage your skater to do the same. There is only one winner per event, and you cannot control the level of the other skaters in the competition. Always be proud of your skater’s performance , this is what matters the most not the result. The judges results may not always follow what we see - skating is subjective and whilst some judges may favor technical elements others may favor artistry, musicality, speed, ice coverage etc.. there are many different aspects they will take into account.

Please read the competition announcements carefully and speak to your coach before signing up. This list will be updated periodically.

Ice Gardens Competitive Series, Laurel - https://www.thegardensicehouse.com/gardens-competitive-series - several annual competitions - next one May 31, 2026

Prince William Competition Info - https://www.innovativesportsva.com/page/show/329750-competitions-ice-shows - Blades of Spring https://comp.entryeeze.com/Home.aspx?cid=609 April 12, 2026

Rosebud Classic, Lancaster PA - https://comp.entryeeze.com/Home.aspx?cid=901 - Apr 25, 2026

Dogwood Blossom, Reston VA - https://comp.entryeeze.com/Home.aspx?cid=685 May 16, 2026

White Rose Invitational, York PA - https://comp.entryeeze.com/Home.aspx?cid=123 - May 23-24, 2026

Cardinal Classic, Prince William VA - https://scnv.org/cardinal-classic/ - May 29-31, 2026

Chesapeake Open, Laurel - https://baltimorefigureskatingclub.com/chesapeake-open/ June 25-28, 2026