Q&A
When does the season begin?
Our club follows the U.S. Figure Skating Season (July 1 - June 30) each year. Applications for returning members are usually due around June 15th, while new applications are accepted year round. However, you may want to consider the volunteering and fundraising requirements if planning to join late in the season.
Are there fundraising requirements?
Each Home Club Family will be required to actively participate in at least 1 fundraiser throughout the year, raising $200 per family (and an additional $50 per additional skater), and provide a donation to the Silent Auction in the spring.
A family can elect to “opt out” of the fundraising & silent auction requirement by writing a check to NBNSCFSC for $200.00 for first member plus $50 for each additional family member. This check will be cashed immediately.
Are there volunteer requirements?
Each Home Club family will be required to provide 10 hours of service/volunteer time to the club during the membership year (July 1st- June 30th). For families with more than 1 skater, the volunteer requirement will be an additional 5 hours per additional skater.
​A family can elect to “opt out” of the service/volunteer time requirement by writing a check to NBNSCFSC for $200.00 for first member plus $50 for each additional family member. This check will be cashed immediately.
Do you need to be a member to have an NSC ice show solo?
While you do not need to be a Northern Blades member to participate in the NSC annual ice show, solo requirements are set by the NSC Director each year, and have required Northern Blades Membership to qualify for a solo/step out performance. Questions regarding ice show should be directed to the National Sports Center Skate School.
How do I pick a coach?
Our Club is proud to have excellent and experienced home club coaches. A list of club coaches is available on our website. Please contact the coaches directly for further information about themselves. Your coach is a very influential person in your skater’s life, and the careful selection of a coach is very important. After a coach is chosen, contact the coach and arrange for a meeting to discuss schedules, goals and policies. The coach will set up a lesson schedule acceptable to both parties. The coach will also assist in choosing appropriate equipment and select suitable music for the skater when necessary.
How do I register for ice?
Our club's home rink is the National Sports Center Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota. All ice is contracted directly through the National Sports Center. See Figure Skating "Contracts and Forms" at here.
What is the difference between ISI and US Figure Skating, and when should I join a U.S. Figure Skating Club?
While you do not need to be a Northern Blades member to participate in the NSC annual ice show, solo requirements are set by the NSC Director each year, and have required Northern Blades Membership to qualify for a solo/step out performance. Questions regarding ice show should be directed to the National Sports Center Skate School.
What is TCFSA
Our Club is a member of and sends a delegate to the meetings of the Twin Cities Figure Skating Association (TCFSA), an organization that coordinates activities among the USFSA clubs in the Twin Cities area. The TCFSA website is www.tcfsa.org.