Dear Memorial FSC of Houston Members,
September was a busy and exciting month for our club! As school kicked back into session, our skaters also jumped into a full season of activity. We had skaters at Greater Chicagoland Fall Invitational and the Austin Autumn Classic. The Nutcracker auditions showcased talent and enthusiasm for one of our most beloved traditions.
Looking ahead, October promises to be just as full. The Texas Trophy competition in underway, Nutcracker rehearsals will take place on Saturdays, we have a test session planned, and our annual Halloween Party will once again bring fun for all ages. If you are new here, See "How to become a volunteer" for information on how to participate at club events. I hope you will join us in celebrating the season!
Based on feedback from our Annual Meeting in June, we are introducing a General Club Meeting via Zoom in the fourth quarter to give members another opportunity to stay informed and engaged. The meeting is tentatively planned for November 6. This virtual format allows more of our members to participate, share feedback, and hear updates—without the challenge of making an extra trip to the rink. Please put it on your calendar. I encourage all of you to attend and be part of the discussion.
As we move into Fall, I’m proud of the dedication, creativity, and spirit that our members, families, and volunteers bring to every endeavor. Together, we’re building a vibrant skating community where every skater can shine.
With appreciation,
Wendy Barnard
President, Memorial FSC of Houston
Responsibilities: Yifei manages our budgets and bookkeeping to help the club run smoothly, and enjoys supporting fundraisers while making sure the resources go right back into helping skaters thrive. She is a Certified Public Accountant and Sr Accounting Specialist.
Background: When she’s not working with numbers, you’ll find her at the rink cheering on skaters. She’s the mom of Audrey Zhang and proud to be part of the skating community. She’s excited to help our club continue to grow and we are excited to have her on the Board.
(EE'-Fay)
The Nutcracker on Ice Show effort is underway!
The Nutcracker on Ice Show is a joint effort between Ice Skate Memorial City and Memorial FSCH and H.I.T.S. The event is sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating.
Fundraising opportunities: Do you have ideas for fundraising? Both H.I.T.S and MFSCH utilize the annual show to raise funds. Let us know how you can help at MemorialFSCH@gmail.com
Roles and responsibilities can be confusing. Got questions? Reach out to the team:
Rink/Show Director Nicole Nichols at nicole@skatememorialcity.com
MFSCH at MemorialFSCH@gmail.com
H.I.T.S Adam & Barbara Kline, DeDee Gorelick or HITSHoustonMail@gmail.com
Be sure to complete payments to Ice Skate Memorial City for the Performance Show fee and Costume fee.
Merchandise to be available soon for purchase at https://www.iceskatememorialcity.com/nutcracker
Nutcracker Show: Dec 13 - 1 PM Matinee & 6 PM Evening
We're holding a Club-Wide General Meeting November 6, 2025 at 7:15 pm via Zoom. We'll send a link so you can attend the meeting closer to the date. A recording will be shared afterward for those unable to attend.
We want to hear from you!
Please share your questions, feedback, and ideas ahead of the meeting. Your input will help us prepare and make the session more engaging and relevant for everyone.
👉 Submit topics for the meeting and questions here
You can submit the form anonymously by leaving the name and email fields blank.
If you prefer, you can also email questions, feedback, and ideas to memorialfsch@gmail.com.
If you are a high school senior, or parent of a high school senior, please complete the MFSCH graduating senior form to let us know.
Click here for the High School Senior Information Form
Did you know USFS has a Graduating Seniors Award Program? The Program was developed to recognize the achievements of those individuals graduating from high school who have made the commitment to continue their training in figure skating while pursuing their academic studies. Current U.S. Figure Skating members are eligible to apply for this award. Whether you just passed your first skating skills test or are a seasoned competitor, you can apply for this award and get rewarded for your achievements!
To be considered for this award, applicants must complete an online application. The application is available on U.S. Figure Skating’s Members Only website under Skating Opportunities > High School > Graduating Seniors Application. Application Timeline: • Early application deadline (to list award on college applications): October 6, 2025 • General application deadline: March 16, 2026 • Late application deadline: June 30, 2026*
Our next in-person test session is Oct 26, 2025 from 6:00 AM–1:00 PM at Ice Skate Memorial City. As of last week, spots were still open. Please reach out to our Test Chair, Triniti, at test@memorialfsch.org to confirm availability.
Participation at MFSCH test session is strongly encouraged!
Why in-person test sessions are important:
Direct Interaction with Judges: In-person sessions allow skaters to interact with judges in real-time, which can be beneficial for learning and improving skating skills.
Personal Touch: The presence of club staff and fellow skaters can create a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, which can enhance the testing experience.
Official Recognition: Passing an in-person test is a formal recognition of a skater's achievements, which can be a significant milestone in their skating career.
Community Support: In-person sessions provide a sense of community, as skaters, come together to support each other and the testing process.
These factors contribute to the importance of in-person U.S. Figure Skating test sessions, making them a vital part of the skating experience for many skaters.
MFSCH hosts four (4) test sessions each year as a benefit to our Club skaters. The effort includes planning and coordinating the event: sourcing officials, reimbursing travel costs, obtaining ice time and volunteers, feeding officials and coaches, managing the test event, and processing paperwork with USFS.
Are you interested in volunteering at the test session? Email test@memorialfsch.org.
Join us for Halloween on Ice - A costume party & contest. Games, Dancing and Spooky Treats are all in store...See you there if you Dare! October 31st 4-6pm. Club Ice Event - Members can bring a friend!
Club/USFSA/LTS annual memberships begin July 1, 2025 and end on June 30, 2026.
If you have not renewed your membership, please note the Registration Deadline is October 15th, 2025. A late fee of $50 will be charged for renewals on and after October 16th, 2025.
New members may register (without a late fee) through April 30th, 2026.
Are you interested in volunteering at Club activities?
MFSCH thrives through its wonderful and generous volunteers, and we welcome your participation!
Through their SkateSafe program, US Figure Skating asks all aspiring volunteers over the age of 18 to take SafeSport training, as well as complete a Background check.* (Training and background checks are not required of volunteers under the age of 18.)
What is SafeSport?
SafeSport training is a web-based, 90-minute training video created by the US Center for SafeSport. Training is free of charge and can be paused and resumed as needed if you are unable to complete it in one session. SafeSport Training is valid for 1 year.
Background Check Info
The background check is $30 and compliance is valid for 2 years. The fee is refundable through MFSCH. Once your check is complete, please submit an invoice to memorialfsch@gmail.com for reimbursement.
Access SafeSport Training and Complete Background Check
If you are a member of USFS (either as an adult skater, or as a parent or guardian) access SafeSport training through Members Only.
Go to www.usfigureskating.org
Click Login, and use your USFS member ID number.
Navigate to the Members Only section.
Click the SkateSafe icon, to access training and initiate your background check.
See here for detailed instructions.
To ensure you receive proper and timely credit for your training, SafeSport training must be launched through the USFS Members Only portal.
Not a USFS Member?
If you would like to volunteer, and you are NOT YET a member of USFS, you can still access the training with a couple of extra steps. Email safesport@memorialfsch.org for assistance.
Questions?
If you need assistance with SafeSport, SafeSport training, or background checks, please contact Courtney Nicholas via text 614‑302‑9317, or email safesport@memorialfsch.org.
Happy Skating and THANK YOU!
*The general rule of thumb is any adult member of U.S. Figure Skating or Learn to Skate USA® who has regular contact with or authority over a minor athlete(s) requires compliance.
Got great skating pics or videos? 🎥 Share them with us and you might see them on our club Instagram or Facebook! We love it all—fun on-ice clips, learning a new skill, practicing a program, milestone moments, and more! Send as many as you like! We do our best to recognize everyone. Not all submissions are guaranteed to be posted.
Questions? Contact Catherine Ridley at socials.mfsch@gmail.com.
Q: Where are the Bylaws for MFSCH?
A: Access club bylaws:
Login to USFS Home | U.S. Figure Skating Member's Only.
Click the hamburger in the upper left corner and select Account -> Member Profile.
Select the "Memorial FSC of Houston" Tab.
Scroll down to the Club Bylaws.
Q: How do I become a Freestyle Session Ice Monitor?
A: Ice Monitors ensure skaters are checked into Freestyle Sessions on SkateToThePoint.com before taking the ice.
Ice Monitoring is a Rink role. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Skating Director, Nicole Nichols, at nicole@skatememorialcity.com.
Q: Where can I find the MFSCH Code of Conduct?
A: The MFSCH Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics can be found in EntryEeze. It is agreed to at membership/renewal.
Other policies including Ice Etiquette and Safety, and General Rules can also be found in EntryEeze. The USFS Member Code of Conduct can be found on the USFS website CodeofConduct.pdf.
SKATER CODE OF CONDUCT, ICE ETIQUETTE & SAFETY
As a member of our club, all skaters must adhere to this Code of Conduct at all times.
General Guidelines:
Memorial Figure Skating Club of Houston is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for members' physical, emotional and social development and ensuring that it promotes an environment free of misconduct. This Skater Code of Conduct has been established to ensure the safety of all members using our ice to ensure quality practice time for all home club, associate, non-members and guests who purchase ice from the club and who participate in all club-related activities.
All skaters, regardless of whether they hold home club, associate, non-member or guest status, must follow and uphold the provisions in this Skater Code of Conduct regarding behavior on and off the ice. All club members are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship and be courteous toward their fellow skaters, coaches, parents/guardians of skaters, U.S. Figure Skating officials and guests.
Memorial Figure Skating Club of Houston is committed to promoting a positive and friendly environment for all skaters. Remember The Golden Rule — treat other people like you want to be treated — with respect.
CLUB CODE OF ETHICS
I will enjoy my/my child's opportunity to experience the benefits of figure skating
I will respect my/my child's coach and support his/her efforts
I will respect the officials and their authority during any MFSCH event or activity
I will be responsible for obtaining a USFSA rule book and abiding by said rules
I will be responsible for obtaining copy or copies of MFSCH rules and regulations
I will never demonstrate threatening or abusive behavior or use foul language.
I will show respect, caring, honesty, safety and good sportsmanship at all times
I will be responsible to report to the MFSCH Board, in writing, any perceived misconduct by any member of the MFSCH so that it may be dealt with in the appropriate manner
Subscribe to the Google MFSCH Public Calendar to see upcoming events!