Formation and Aspire Synchro Team Placement FAQs
1. Is my skater ready to join a synchro team?
We are seeking newer / younger skaters to join our Synergy Formation and Aspire teams. Skaters typically on Formation range in age from 5-10 years as of July 1, and are new to skating. We would consider skaters as young as four for our Formation team. Aspire skaters are typically five years old and older as of July 1, and have a little more experience on the ice.
2. Must I register online?
Yes. All skaters, returning and new, must complete the online registration form before they attend their first team placement event. While we will have a laptop available for true walk-in registrations, registering prior to the events will help to expedite the check in process. The information entered now will be used to fill competition entry forms and team rosters for the 2021/22 season, so please make sure everything is entered correctly.
3. Is synchronized skating experience required?
No! At the developmental level, there are many skaters new to both skating and synchronized skating.
4. I am trying to plan out my skaters’ activities. When do the teams generally practice?
Formation typically meets on Wednesday evenings at the Webster Groves Ice Arena, while Aspire will generally meet on Wednesday evenings at Webster and Sunday midday at the Brentwood Ice Arena. Our team calendars are posted at the club’s website (MetroEdgeFSC.org/Formation-Team and MetroEdgeFSC.org/Aspire-Synchro). Please note that occasionally additional practices are added around competitions and times can be altered slightly due to ice availability. Coaches and team managers will communicate any changes to the practice schedule.
5. There is a lot I need to learn about skating on a Synergy synchro team. How will I get this information?
We will be holding two parent info meetings via Zoom to help families get started with our program. We’d like to have at least one parent or guardian from each family attend one of the two meetings.
- Sunday, August 29 at 7:00PM
- Tuesday, August 31 at 7:00PM
This meeting will include an informative presentation outlining the scope of commitment for the team, including: general practice and competition schedules, financial obligation and payment options, and important club policies. It’s very important to attend this meeting. We will email a zoom link for the meetings to the email address listed when you registered your skater for team placement events.
6. How do I pay the fee for the Team Placement Events?
We will be collecting a fee of $25 for non-MEFSC members to attend the team placement events. This fee covers BOTH event dates and includes skate rental, if needed. A day or two after registering online, you will receive a Square Invoice via email. If you would prefer to pay with cash or check, you may do so at check in.
7. Why do I have to list my skater’s birthdate when we register for the Team Placement events?
U.S. Figure Skating rosters are determined by skaters’ ages on July 1st.
8. Are skaters required to attend both placement events?
No, but it is strongly suggested and in the skater’s best interest to attend both sessions. Each session gives skaters and coaches more time together and helps skaters gain confidence.
9. What is the format for the Team Placement events?
The placement events feature on-ice instruction from the Synergy coaching staff. Skaters are typically grouped in lines, with a mix of returning and new skaters.
10. What time should I arrive for the team placement events?
We suggest arriving approximately 30 minutes beforehand to allow your skater to be checked in and get their skates on.
11. Can parents watch clinics/auditions?
No. This allows the skaters to focus on the coaches and the auditions.
12. What should my skater wear to team placement events:
Beginner skaters can wear comfortable skating clothing.
13. How and when are the team placements announced?
Placements will be sent to the parent email used in your online registration form September 3, 2021.
14. What happens next?
The placement email will contain (a) the skater’s team placement, (b) important information that was reviewed at the parent info zoom meetings, and (c) an outline of how you commit to a team. Formation and Aspire team practices will officially begin on September 8, 2021.
15. I am interested in Synergy but cannot make the team placement dates.
While we prefer to evaluate the skaters in groups, we can arrange alternative auditions. This could include evaluating skaters privately. Please contact our Directors Karen Giedeman and Ramona Peterson to discuss optimal schedules: kask8@yahoo.com Rpsk8dance@aol.com
16. What if my question is not listed?
Please email our Membership Chair, Rachel Shelton at Synchro@MetroEdgeFSC.org
