Annual · members only
William E. Gilbert Sr. Memorial Club Competition
The club-internal competition for PHFSC members. A friendly, supportive way for skaters to get a competitive experieince close to home with family and friends to support them.
Competing
Take your skating to the competition floor.
Competitions are how PHFSC skaters challenge themselves against their peers, earn placements, and represent the club beyond Port Huron. The path runs through your private coach.
What competitions are
Competitions are USFS-sanctioned events where skaters perform a prepared routine and are scored by certified judges. They're organized by level — from beginner Compete USA events (Snowplow Sam through Basic and Aspire 1–4) up through Pre-Preliminary and beyond into the testing track (Freestyle, Dance, Pairs).
PHFSC skaters compete locally and travel regionally for Tri-States and Detroit-area events. As higher-level skaters progress, opportunities to compete at USFS Regionals, Sectionals, and Nationals are possible.
Prerequisite
Competing requires a professional coach.
Any skater may compete. A professional coach picks the event, prepares your routine and music, ensures eligibility, and is required to be on-site with you on competition day. Skaters register once you've coordinated with a coach. If interested in competeing, contact our professional coaching staff.
Getting ready
Talk to your coach early.
Competing well takes lead time. The earlier you commit, the more options you and your coach have on event choice, routine prep, and travel scheduling.
- 01
Tell your coach early
As soon as you're thinking about competing, talk to your coach — ideally months ahead of the event. They'll factor it into your training plan and check their own schedule.
- 02
Pick the event together
Your coach selects the competition and level that match your test track and current skills, then helps you choose music and choreograph a routine.
- 03
Register on time
Most competitions have firm registration deadlines weeks before the event. Your coach will guide you through the registration process.
- 04
Sort out travel logistics
If the event is out of town, coordinate with your coach about mileage and lodging — talk to your coach about competition fees (see costs below).
Costs
Three things to budget for.
Competing adds a few costs on top of regular lessons and ice. Your coach gives you the full breakdown before you commit to an event.
- 01 · Paid to the host club / organizer
Competition entry fee
Set by the event. Varies by competition and how many events you enter. Paid at registration, weeks before the event.
- 02 · Paid to your coach
Coach travel expenses
Mileage, daily per-diem, plus lodging if the event is overnight. Speak with your coach for more information.
- 03 · Paid to your coach
Per-event coaching fee
A separate fee on top of your regular lesson rate. Covers your coach's time at the venue — warm-up, rinkside coaching, debrief. Rate varies by coach.
Heads up: these three costs are separate from your regular weekly lesson rate and ice fees. They're competition-specific. Confirm totals with your coach before signing up.
On the day
What a competition day looks like.
Schedules vary, but the general flow is consistent. Some events run multiple days; talk to your coach about call times.
- 01
Check in
Arrive at the venue, register at the table, pick up your bib or wristband. Coaches usually have the schedule and any last-minute changes.
- 02
Practice ice
Most competitions offer a short on-ice practice session before the event. Use it to feel out the rink and visualize your program. Coordinate with your coach before booking practice ice.
- 03
Warm-up group
You'll skate a warm-up group with the other competitors in your event right before the routines are skated. Quick on-ice run-through; your coach gives you final notes at the boards.
- 04
Skate your event
When your name is called, take the ice and perform your program. The judges score from rinkside.
- 05
Results & awards
Scores post after the panel finishes the group. Awards ceremonies are usually held at the end of each event level or at the end of the day.
PHFSC-hosted competitions
We host our own, too.
Common questions
Competitions FAQ
What about competition dresses?
The Club tries to host a Used Dress, Skate, and Apparel Sale each year before the Club Competition. There's also an album for this in the PHFSC Basic Skills Program Facebook Group. For custom dresses, Audrey at Dancer's World can help; many resources online exist as well. Check with your private coach first in case they have a preference.
Do I need a coach to compete?
Yes. Competing requires a private coach. The coach picks the right event for your level, prepares your routine and music, registers you, and is required to be on-site to coach you through warm-up and the event itself. Skaters in the Aspire group program alone can't compete in USFS events — the coaching and individual prep are non-negotiable. If you're not yet in private lessons, the next step is to find a coach (see the Coaches page).
What does it cost to compete?
Three separate costs to budget for. (1) Competition entry fee — paid to the host club or organizer when you register, varies by event. (2) Coach travel expenses — you pay your coach for mileage to the venue, plus lodging if the event is overnight. (3) Per-event coaching fee — coaches charge a separate fee to be at the competition, on top of your regular lesson rate, covering their time at the venue. Your coach will give you the full cost breakdown when you commit to an event.
Does my coach come to the competition with me?
Yes — coaches are required to be on-site with their skater at each event. They coach you through warm-up, give last-minute notes, and are present rinkside during your performance. Because they travel to the event, skaters cover the coach's travel expenses (mileage, plus lodging when overnight) and a per-event coaching fee separate from regular lessons. Coordinate dates with your coach far in advance — they may already have other students competing the same weekend.
What competitions do PHFSC skaters compete in?
PHFSC hosts two of its own annually: the Edith Scheonrock Memorial Invitational (first Saturday in February, open to PHFSC members at basic level and above) and the William E. Gilbert Sr. Memorial Club Competition. Skaters also travel to regional events — Tri-States (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, often Canadian competitors as well), Detroit-area competitions, and USFS Regionals depending on level. Your coach will recommend events that fit your level and goals.
Ready to start competing?
The first step is a private coach. Already have one? Talk to them about the next event that fits. New to the club? Start with the Aspire program and work your way into private lessons.