My Report From Scottsdale ....

[Adultsk8r509]

I attended Scottsdale (as a spectator) this year.  It was fabulous.  My friends Hank and Sheila skated as singles (they used to be pairs). 
Hank got 3rd in Adult Mens Silver IV and Sheila got 2nd in Adult Ladies Bronze V ... way to go.  My photos are too large to put here - check my blog.

I can't wait to go next year.


diane@waltzjump.com

[TreSk8sAZ]

How funny, I was ice monitor for Hank's event!

[Adultsk8r509]

What does an ice monitor do?

[FigureSpins]

Ice Monitors are volunteers who "work the gate" to the ice surfaces.  They check-in skaters for practice and warmup sessions, then allow one skater at a time to compete based on the skate order.  If someone is missing, they help locate the skater and/or confirm if they've scratched from the event.

At our rink, I also think of them as "gatekeepers."  They control access to the ice by opening/closing the rink access door.  That way, only one skater is performing at a time and isn't interrupted by someone getting on in error. 

It's actually my favorite volunteer role because you get to see everything up close.  I keep tissues, sanitizer, safety pins and a first-aid kit handy, just in case skaters need some assistance.

The only part I dislike is that coaches constantly come up and ask "are we running on time?"  "What event are we up to?"  While it's important for them to know, it's distracting and time-consuming when you have to get the door open for the finished skater and put the next skater on the ice. 

[Adultsk8r509]

Thanks, I guess I knew that had I thought about it...  You are right..great volunteer job.