A broken skate lace, a missing hair piece or a faulty musical tape can have a great affect on how well you skate and how well you are evaluated in regional competitions. The smallest of details can mean the difference between standing on the victory stand and sitting on the sidelines.

To prevent problems at ISI and USFSA competitions this year, Piney Orchard Figure Skating Team members are highly encouraged to check their bags before heading out to any competition this season.

With the competition schedule now underway, it’s always good to refresh your memory and remind yourself of what you need to take with you in order to compete with confidence.

The team emphasizes that skaters always bring skate guards, extra laces, an extra tape of their music, and their team jacket.

Skaters must also bring their ISI/USFSA membership cards wherever they compete -- members must have the card in order to compete in ISI or USFSA events.

In addition to the basics, skaters should have a separate bag with a variety of small, but necessary items. For girls and women, the team suggests bringing such items as make-up, hair spray and accessories, extra tights, safety pins, white gloves and a white sweater.

Men and boys should bring similar items needed for their events.

In addition to personal preparation, the team has other suggestions important to competing on the road. Skaters should arrive at least an hour before warm-up time and check in at the registration desk upon arrival. Skaters should be dressed to compete at least 30 minutes prior to warm-up and that skaters polish skates and wash laces the night before competition.

However, there are items of importance that should not be done before competition. Skaters should never sharpen their skates less than a week before competition, nor should they buy new skates for competition until the skates have had a chance to "break-in".

Coaches should never be surprised by a costume and skaters should obtain approval on all outfits. USFSA does have specific guidelines for attire that must be followed.

Although many parents want to be close to their skaters, they should remain behind the scenes to allow the coaches and competition officials to run the programs. Friends can sit in the bleachers -- they have no reason being in the preparation area unless they are a competing skater.

Finally, as in all sporting competitions, fair play and sportsmanship is vitally important -- both to the image of the skater and the team. Always accept awards gracefully and accept defeat graciously. You’ll be competing against skaters from other rinks throughout the season -- good sportsmanship fosters good competition and builds friendships.