The Saranac Lake Figure Skating Academy began with a heart's desire that simply any child
in the local area could have the opportunity to ice skate. This desire belonged to Tammy
LaLande, SLFSA's current Director and Head Professional, who led the way for the club to be
formed and later be officially sanctioned by the United States Figure Skating Association. The
club's emphasis has remained the same over the years: to provide quality skating programs for
youth that are affordable and fun. Because of that commitment, the club has grown to include
membership of over 100 skaters.
Sportsmanship, teamwork, responsibility and commitment are some of the character traits that are
encouraged by the club in an effort to instill a strong work ethic in each skater. In addition to
practice time and ice show participation all club members are asked to assist with fundraising
activities. This allows them to make a contribution to the club as a whole and assist in reaching it's
goals.
SLFSA is a non-profit organization, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, and sanctioned
by US Figure Skating.
Whether the individual goals are recreational or competitive, our program enables all
interested skaters to follow their dreams. These objectives are carried out in accordance with the
policies of the US Figure Skating.
Dual Membership in US Figure Skating and SLFSA
The Saranac Lake Figure Skating Academy (SLFSA) is a member of US Figure Skating, the
governing organization for the sport. Accordingly, all SLFSA members must also be members of US
Figure Skating. To do this, each person who applies for home club membership in the SLFSA will
also be applying for US Figure Skating membership. The US Figure Skating Membership Registration,
performed by the SLFSA Membership Chair, is completed using the information on the SLFSA
Registration form. The fee for US FIgure Skating for all SLFSA Home Club members and coaches are
indicated on the registration forms. Your US Figure Skating membership includes a subscription to US
Figure Skating’s monthly magazine entitled “Skating”.
Members are responsible for being familiar with US Figure Skating rules. Moreover, members should
also be familiar with the SLFSA Rules of Ice Conduct (to be posted at a later date). The membership
year for the US Figure Skating season runs from July 1 through June 30.
What is US Figure Skating?
Under federal law, at the national level, US Figure Skating is the governing body for amateur figure
skating on ice in the United States. It was formed in 1921 and had seven original members. Today,
US Figure Skating has hundreds of member clubs such as SLFSA and thousands of individual
members located throughout the United States. US Figure Skating is the principle organization in the
United States that develops and prepares skaters for U.S. qualifying competitions. Internationally, US
Figure Skating is a member of the International Skating Union (ISU), which establishes rules and
venues for international competitions such as the World Championships and the Olympics.
Why join SLFSA?
Your joint SLFSA/US Figure Skating membership allows you to take US Figure Skating proficiency
tests as well as compete or participate in US Figure Skating qualifying competitions, open
competitions and other US Figure Skating sanctioned events such as ice shows and exhibitions. The
SLFSA's home ice rink is the Saranac Lake Civic Center, Ampersand Avenue, Saranac Lake, NY
12983.