Floyd Hall Arena Floyd Hall Arena - Ice Skating Institute

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006

Benefits of Computerized

SystemsComparing

MechanicalControls

5 Steps to a StrongerParty Program

Floyd Hall ArenaA Unique Public/Private Partnership


PublisherIce Skating Institute

EditorLori Fairchild

Editorial AdvisorsPeter MartellPatti Feeney

Print Production andAdvertising Sales Manager

Carol Jackson

Art DirectorCindy Winn Livingston

ContributorsGerry Fitzsimmons

David JacobsonRob McBride

Frank W. PriceRichard Wise

The ISI EDGE (USPS 017-078,ISSN 1522-4651) is publishedbimonthly; January/February,March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October,November/December; by theIce Skating Institute, 17120N. Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 140,Dallas, TX 75248-1187.Annual Subscription Rateis $24.00 per year.Periodicals postage paid atDallas, TX, and at addi-tional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER NOTE: Sendaddress changes to ISI EDGE,c/o The Ice Skating Institute,17120 N. Dallas Pkwy., Ste.140, Dallas, TX, 75248-1187.Printed in the U.S.A.

Subscriptions availablethrough membership only.

©2006 by the Ice SkatingInstitute. Reproduction inwhole or in part is prohibit-ed unless expressly autho-rized in writing by publish-er. All rights reserved.Opinions expressed by con-tributors do not necessarilyrepresent the views of theIce Skating Institute, thepublisher or the advertisers.Submissions of manuscripts,materials, photographs, andartwork are made at mailer’srisk and must include self-addressed envelope with suf-ficient postage for return.No responsibility will beassumed for unsolicitedmaterials. ISI reserves theright to edit material sub-mitted for content andspace consideration.

Volume 9, Number 21 September/October 2006

D E P A R T M E N T SMessage from the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Power Ice with Wendy Marco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

ISIA Education Foundation Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Coaches’ Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Ice Arena Association News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Calendar ISI-Endorsed Competitions & Shows/Exhibitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

And Another Thing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Electro-Mechanical vs.Direct Digital Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . 6by Gerry Fitzsimmons

Get with the Program! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Advantages of computerizedsystems in the ice arenaby Richard Wise

Rethinking Your Party Program . . . . . .145 principles for gainingthe edge in your marketby Frank W. Price

New iAIM Initiatives . . . . . . . . . . 18Bringing professional training within reach of the entire industryby Rob McBride

ISI Profile: Paige Scott . . . . . . . . . 22by Lori Fairchild

COVER FEATUREFloyd Hall Arena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24A unique public/private partnershipby Lori Fairchild

ISI District Fall Seminar Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Developing Competitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Part 1 of a 2-part seriesby David Jacobson

ISI 25-Year Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

OPERATIONS

MANAGEMENT

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006

Benefits of ComputerizedSystemsComparingMechanicalControls5 Steps to a StrongerParty Program



CONTENTS

COVER FEATURE: Floyd Hall Arena, page 24

Floy

d H

all A

rena

PROGRAMMING

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Dedicated to providing leadership,education and services to the

ice skating industry.

ICE SKATING INSTITUTE17120 N. Dallas Parkway, Suite 140

Dallas, TX 75248-1187Phone: (972) 735-8800

Fax: (972) 735-8815e-mail: [email protected]

www.skateisi.org

ISI INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

Executive DirectorPeter Martell

Managing Director, Member Programs & Services

Patti FeeneyNational Events &

Skating Program CoordinatorBarb Yackel

Administrative AssistantKathy Chase

Controller & Tradeshow ManagerKaren Schaffer

Membership CoordinatorKimberley RusselleAdvertising Sales &

Print Production ManagerCarol Jackson

Sponsorship Sales ManagerStuart Sedransky

Information Services CoordinatorJeff Anderson

Customer Service CoordinatorAngela Tooley

ISI OFFICERS

President Jim Hartnett1st Vice President Mike Paikin2nd Vice President Janice ForbesTreasurer Richard ArenellaSecretary Margy BennettImmediate Past President Jim LangePast President Boyd Wietecter

DIRECTORS

District 1 Katy HaydenDistrict 2 Robyn BentleyDistrict 3 Lisa FedickDistrict 4 Christine Wilson BrintonDistrict 5 Shane DouglasDistrict 6 Toni CooperDistrict 7 Maria KomanDistrict 8 Tom HickeyDistrict 9 Dan SmithDistrict 10 Char MartinDistrict 11 Liz MangelsdorfDistrict 12 Debbie LaneDistrict 13 Cindy JensenDistrict 14 Paige ScottDistrict 15 Bert BlanchetteDistrict 16 Cindy SolbergDistrict 18 Glyn JonesHockey Kevin McCormackBuilders & Suppliers Doug PetersInstructors David SanteeCommercial Facilities Scott SlavenskyPublic/Not-for-Profit Facilities Pete CarlsonSchools, Colleges, UniversitiesiAIM Chair Rob McBridePSA Representative Gerry LaneUSFS Representative Homer HagedornISIAsia Representative Raul GomesAMMA Representative Trudy IvoryMAMA Representative Rob MuellerMIAMA Representative Russ RoseMIRMA Representative Judy SniffenWIAMA RepresentativeEducation Foundation Don BartelsonLifetime Honorary Member Carol Zdziebko

When my predecessor, Jim Lange, con-vened the first ice arena industry sum-mit meeting on Feb.16, 2005, it was his

hope that it would be the first step toward bring-ing together all of the related organizations toaddress the many issues and challenges that weshare in the ice sports industry. I think all willagree that the meeting was a significant step inthat direction.

It was agreed at the conclusion of the sum-mit that we should try to identify a project orinitiative that we, as a group, could accomplishas a result of our historic gathering. After somediscussion it was decided that before we could do anything to furtherdevelop interest and encourage continued participation in ice sports,we needed to conduct a survey to learn more about the demograph-ics of our current members and customers, their likes and dislikes,and patterns of participation. A committee was formed under theleadership of Tom Hillgrove of Rink Management Services Corp.,funding was secured from the five leading industry organizations andan independent research company was hired.

I am pleased to report that the survey has been completed andsoon will be ready for distribution. While the results do not presentany shocking revelations, there is, for the first time that I know of,independent, statistical confirmation of figure skating and ice hock-ey customer profiles. It is important to note that the survey samplegroup consisted almost exclusively of USA Hockey and U.S. FigureSkating past and current members and did not include new or entry-level users.

Some of the information gleaned from the survey includes:• 77 percent of all user families had household incomes of

$75,000 or more per year.• Having “fun” is the most important and greatest benefit

received from participation.• Cost and parental time demands are the two major barriers

to participation.• There is too much travel involved in ice hockey, and figure

skating is viewed as being an “elitist” sport.• Loss of interest by and time demands of the children are the

two leading reasons for discontinued participation.

Completion of this project is a significant accomplishment andthe sponsoring organizations are to be commended for their com-mitment. However, it is not an end unto itself. If we are to worktoward what we all agree is the ultimate objective — developinginterest and increasing participation in the ice sports — then we musttake it to the next step, which is to survey the casual participantsand non-participants about their perceptions of our activities andwhy they do not participate more. This next step will be even moretime- and cost-intensive, and will require additional commitmentsfrom other stakeholders within our industry. As your professionaltrade association, we will continue to press forward in the spirit ofcollaboration — not duplication.

Members who would like a copy of the survey e-mailed to themshould contact the ISI office at (972) 735-8800.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Jim HartnettPresident,ISI Board of Directors

ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006

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1 Floor Slab Tempera-ture) as the slab tem-perature rises (indicat-ing a rising ice surfacetemperature) at a pre-determined set point(e.g., 24 degrees Fahren-heit), and a set of con-tacts closes and startsthe refrigeration plant(Fig. 2, Cold GlycolPump No. 1). EMC con-trols have a predeter-mined dead band (e.g.,between 23 F and 25 F)in which no actiontakes place. Once theset point is achieved,the control turns offthe refrigeration plant.

The logical controlsequences for an EMCsystem reside withinthe control and thewiring between variouscomponents. The mostdifficult challenge withthis system is the con-straint on control strategy.

Then, along came direct digital control systems.

Direct digital control (DDC) systemsAlthough the EMC systems provide basic operation, the tech-nology boom has yielded more sophisticated electronic con-trols. The transistor patent was completed in 1928, but it wasnot until 1948 that Bell Labs produced working models andset the digital revolution in motion. Over the next 50 years,these products progressed and became commercially viable,allowing the use of digital controls for everyday functionsand equipment.

A key difference with a DDC system is the ability to sep-arate the control strategy and system logic from the controldevices, components and wiring. With DDC systems, con-trol strategies are only limited by the knowledge and imagi-nation of the system designers. How is that possible?

DDC systems are set up under a completely differentarchitecture. The systems are divided into three functionalblocks. The first block is inputs. Inputs are all types of mea-sured parameters (temperature), date and time functions, vir-

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The world continues to move along at a torrid pace, withdigital everything taking over. But what is this all aboutand how does it impact ice arena operations? Let’s look atboth electro-mechanical and direct digital control systemsin order to provide a better understanding of the benefitsof each system.

Electro-mechanical (thermostatic) control(EMC) systemsElectro-mechanical components and systems have beenaround since 1885, when the Buzz Thermo-Electric RegulatorCo. registered a patent for a thermostatic system that auto-matically adjusted room temperatures in a residential build-ing. In 1924, another pioneer named Mark C. Honeywelldeveloped a clock-controlled thermostat. This was the start ofthe electro-mechanical control industry as we now know it.

EMC controls are individual controls that measure a sin-gle parameter, such as temperature or pressure, and throughsome mechanical action use this force to cause a mechani-cal/electrical switch to operate (for this discussion, ther-mostats are included as electro-mechanical devices due totheir singular control functionality). With an electrical powersource and relays connected to these controllers, variouspieces of equipment are started and stopped. The earliest ver-sions were completely mechanical, with moving parts includ-ing springs, levers and mercury switches (Fig. 1). Over time,

new technology re-placed many of themechanical compo-nents, reducing thecosts and improvingthe reliability of thecontrollers.

Although the hard-ware has improvedover the years, thebasic system architec-ture has remained thesame. These devicescontinue to measure asingle parameter and,through a manual set-ting, have a singlestage of control.

For example, in anarena, a temperaturecontroller measuresthe rink slab tempera-ture (Fig. 2, Rink No.

Continued on page 8

Electro-Mechanical vs. DirectDigital Control Systems

Decoding the Differencesby Gerry Fitzsimmons

Figure 1: Reverse acting high-pressurecontroller

Figure 2: Two-stage slab tempera-ture controller


tual inputs (set points and desired operating temperatures orpressures), status points (pump on) and positional points(valve is 75 percent open).

The second block is outputs. Outputs are signals andinformation leaving the DDC system, including equipmentstop/start signals, variable signals to modulate valves andpumps, and equipment status for other control equipment.

The third and most important piece of the puzzle isthe programming, or intellectual property, component. TheDDC controllers have no built-in intelligence and require a

Continued from page 6

EMC and DDC SystemComparisons

EMC

Advantages• Lower initial cost• Interchangeable components• Larger labor service pool• Generic vendor options• Troubleshooting ease

Disadvantages• Inflexible• Limited capability• Single function• Single-facility oriented• Limited measured parameters• Adjustment requires manual intervention• Manual changes will not revert back• Calibration points move with time

DDC

Advantages• Lower life-cycle cost• More energy-efficient operation• Multi-facility capability• Very flexible• Programmable logic• Better operating conditions• Ability to look ahead• Intelligent data management• Built-in operational protection• Improved remote communication capability

Disadvantages• Proprietary systems• More difficult to troubleshoot• Smaller/specialized service labor pool• Higher first-time costs

human to tell them what to do in every situation. For exam-ple, the DDC programmer tells the DDC controller to startthe refrigeration system if the ice surface temperature isgreater than 22 F, and to shut it off if the surface temperaturegoes below 18 F. The logical controller will continue auto-matically performing this and many other functions untilprogrammed otherwise. Figure 3 shows the relationshipbetween inputs, outputs and system intelligence.

The DDC hardware (Fig. 4) resembles the block dia-gram, with the various system inputs wired on the left sideand the resulting outputslocated on the right. TheDDC controller containsall the programming andsystem intelligence.

Both EMC and DDCsystems have their place inice rink applications. Asan arena owner, ensurethat you completelyunderstand the long-term advantages and dis-advantages prior to mak-ing important decisionsregarding your controlsystem. Using either sys-tem with an effective pre-ventive maintenance pro-gram, you will realize the maximum operational perfor-mance available.

Gerry Fitzsimmons, P. Eng., is the business development manag-er-service for Cimco Refrigeration.

Figure 4: DDC hardware

8

Figure 3: Direct digital controller


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Get with the Program!Advantages of Computerized Systems

in the Ice Arenaby Richard Wise

Anyone who works in the ice skat-ing industry will probably agreethat the majority of us are stuck

in the dark ages when it comes to fullyutilizing technological advancementsto improve and streamline our day-to-day facility operations. This is becausemost ice arenas still lack inexpensive,out-of-the-box, user-friendly solutionsthat can tie together all the facets of ourdaily operations.

In most skating facilities, outsourc-ing technology upgrades is not eco-nomically viable; therefore, arena oper-ators are forced to take on myriad roles,including that of the information tech-nology specialist. It isn’t easy to findthe rare individual who is not only acareer ice arena professional but alsoa mechanic, electrician, plumber,accountant, marketing guru, humanresources manager and, last but notleast, techno-savvy computer geek.

Like so many other arena man-agers, I frequently struggle to find waysto improve the efficiency of our dailyoperations through automation in away that is economically practical andbeneficial to both the company and thebottom line. The most common chal-lenges I am faced with today in imple-menting new technologies are finding:• applications that are (or can be cus-

tomized to be) pertinent to our indus-try and that actually improve opera-tions while justifying their costs

• new technologies that are easyenough to use so that when com-bined with reliable employees theyare fully implemented and adminis-tered, not put on the back shelf anddemoted to the functions of a glori-fied paperweight

PC-based POS systemsFortunately, while operational costs aresteadily rising, off-the-shelf technologycosts are coming down. There are count-less advantages to utilizing computer-ized technologies in the skating arena.

Consider the point of sale (POS) sys-

tem. Many immediate benefits can berealized from investing in a PC-basedPOS system versus a standard dedicatedcash register/keypunch system. First andforemost is the accuracy and efficiencyin transaction processing, reducing thechance of human error. Transactions areless complicated for the cashier, who isassisted visually step by step, often withadded helpful tips that are simultane-ously displayed on the computer screenas the transaction data is keyed in orscanned. Less training and memorizationare needed; the byproduct is a significantreduction in the cost of educating newemployees or retraining existing ones.

Another benefit is that even thesimplest of PC-based POS systemsinclude some form of employee track-ing for added security and assistancewith reconciling daily balances. It alsohelps eradicate any temptation to steal.Depending on the system, you may alsobe able to automatically transfer yourdaily cash register activity into a back-end accounting system that generatesyour daily and monthly income reports.

Implementing a combined PC-basedPOS and accounting system will allowyou to spend more useful time on thefloor or out in the community generat-ing awareness of your facility.

Perhaps a PC-based POS system’smost valuable tool is the ability toretrieve and maintain customer data,allowing for the ability to create catego-rized mailing lists and accurately track acustomer’s spending habits in your facil-ity and other statistical data. This mightassist you in developing and maintain-ing a customer rewards program for yourloyal patrons or an informational tool toassist a cashier when customers enroll innew programs. Many POS systems giveyou the option to track customer dataonly when necessary, so a cashier is notinundated during peak hours withinputting customers’ contact informa-tion into the system.

There are even more customizedall-in-one applications developed byseveral companies to address some ofthe challenges facing the skating indus-try, although not always without a hefty

A PC-based POS system offers numerous benefits, including accuracy, efficiency and reducedtraining costs.

Thomas E.B

lackburn

Continued on page 12

12 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006


price tag. These applications, in addi-tion to functioning as your POS system,may also include the ability to processclass enrollments, manage facilityscheduling, process contract rentalagreements, generate customer billing,process employee time-clock functions,monitor safety equipment, etc. Someare even modular, so you can reduce thecost of the entire software package byeliminating the functions you don’tfind necessary. You also have the optionof implementing one module at a timein order to spread out the cost and easethe burden of having to train youremployees on too much all at once.

ISI applicationsThe Ice Skating Institute recently show-cased its new weSKATE application atthe 2006 iACT event in Boston. Thiscomprehensive program assists a skat-ing director with program develop-ment, student enrollment and individ-ual skater histories. Among its mostattractive features are the ability toprocess and manage ISI membershipsand automatically update ISI test andmembership transcripts via the Inter-net, specific to your own arena. Gone

will be the days of scouring through anindex card file for a skater’s test records.No more frantically calling ISI for themembership status or test history of askater to see if she is eligible to com-pete. The weSKATE program also printsyour instructor class sheets for youalong with a predefined, yet customiz-able, class curriculum.

An application that has been fine-tuned and readily available for sometime is ISI’s Edge competition software.In a nutshell, this is an ISI competitionorganizer, scheduler and scoring calcu-lator that takes you from the start ofyour competition to the finish. Once

you have completely entered all theinformation from your event registra-tions, you can quickly and easily createa minute-by-minute competitionschedule using a built-in automaticscheduling feature. It will even warnyou of potential schedule conflicts forskaters who are participating in multi-ple events. Pre-designed event cate-gories and judges’ scoring criteria(based on ISI competition judging stan-dards) take the guesswork out of settingup and printing score sheets for judges.

The Edge software even has a quickentry feature for event scores thatallows you to post results within min-utes of an event’s completion. At theend of the day, it tallies the team scoresin just seconds. The bottom line is thatit saves you hours of tedious paperpushing and number crunching, elimi-nating the headaches brought on bydreaded scheduling and scoring errors.

Reduced labor costs, paperworkAmong the other obvious benefits ofcomputerized systems — whether anall-in-one package or several individualapplications categorized by function —is the reduction of labor costs associat-

ed with managing and pro-cessing data, not to mentionthe significant reduction ofpaperwork. All-in-one cus-tomized software packagesfurther help to eliminateredundancies often createdby utilizing applicationsdeveloped by different com-panies that might haveincompatible data formats.

In the back office, com-puters and their accompany-ing graphic design softwarecan turn the amateur artistinto a regular Picasso whilehelping create vibrant, eye-catching flyers and brochures

with ready-to-go, pre-designed tem-plates plus extensive, built-in tutorialsto guide the artist with the project. Sim-ilar to graphic design applications areWeb design applications that allowanyone with little or no graphic designknowledge to easily create and main-tain their own Web site, enabling cus-tomers to view general informationabout your facility on the Internet.

Taken a few steps further, cus-tomers can submit personal informa-tion that automatically gets stored inyour client database for future refer-ence, purchase advance-sale admissiontickets or even enroll in a skating

school class and a hockey league, allprior to setting foot in your facility.

Safety monitoring systemsFor safety issues, equipment monitor-ing systems alert you via pager if one ofyour compressors goes offline or COlevels in the arena area are reachingharmful levels. Maintenance logs andchecklist databases allow your shiftmanagers to record the day’s events andstay on track with preventive and gen-eral maintenance.

With the recent introduction ofinexpensive digital video recorders(DVRs) and cameras, anyone can affordto install a high-tech surveillance sys-tem to monitor their entire facility andreplay in a matter of seconds an eventthat took place weeks ago — all withjust a few keystrokes and without lossof video quality. If you want to get real-ly fancy, you can link your cameras toyour Web site so your customers canview the arena online, perhaps towatch a hockey game or skating com-petition in real time.

Music innovationsAnother new innovation showcased atiACT was RinkMusic’s automatedmusic-queuing system that allows fig-ure skaters to play their music just bywaving a unique key tag in front of asensor built directly into the barrierson the ice. The complexity of the soft-ware that drives the system allows forthe queuing of music to be prioritizedbased on pre-set criteria determinedby you, such as when a skater’s pro-gram music was last played. Thecoaches even get a key so that, basedon your customized settings, they canbump a skater’s music to the next linein the queue during lesson time. Thesystem acts as the music moderator,eliminating the need for a rink atten-dant or skating parent to be availableto play tapes. How about no morecoaches and skaters fighting overwhose music will get played next?That’s music to my ears.

In the long run, computer technologywill only help to improve your “well-oiled machine.” The majority of the iceskating industry is still catching up. Thetools we need are here now. We justhave to start using them.

Richard Wise, CAM, CAO, CAP, MCSE, isvice president of facility operations forVSC Sports Enterprises Inc. in ShermanOaks, Calif.

The tools we need are

here now. We just have

to start using them.

2


Add intangible value.Commercial birthday businesses have forgotten about themost important ingredient of a memorable birthday party.Where’s the TLC?

The next generation of party services must be deliveredthrough an experience, meeting individual needs. No longercan ice rinks count on a perpetuating market that continuesto attract new customers. New facilities generate curiosity,but not enough to maintain repeat visits. Great service isexpected — not always delivered — but no longer sets youapart. It’s the “human touch” that make your parties special— particularly since party parents tend to lose the ability toadd this when they host a party outside the home.

The factor that distinguishes the best of the best is not thephysical environment or even the quality of the birthday offer-ing. It’s the interaction and relationships developed betweenyour party team and your guests. Your team of party expertsmakes any environment come alive with energy, personalimpact and an emotional attachment. This interaction betweenindividuals makes each party experience unique and special.

Experience-based birthday businesses are creating newsources of value in the minds of their consumers. They areengaging guests in a personalized way, creating experiencesthat will remain top of mind and live longer through storiesrepeated over and over.

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Rethinking Your Party Program5 Principles for Gaining the Edge in Your Market

by Frank W. Price

1

Recreation and leisure businesses involving families areevolving at a rapid pace. Owners and operators needto be open to change if they are to maintain and grow

their business. The demand for ice time for traditional iceactivities also is changing. Hectic schedules, inconvenientice times and even the cost of ice have deterred many fami-lies from these activities, making it harder to offset opera-tional expenses, not to mention profitability.

Birthday parties, though, are in high demand. They areconsistent throughout the year. They are also profitable andbecoming a dominant source of income. Here are five thingsice arena managers need to remember in order to grow theirparty business.

Birthday parties are not about skating.Create your party concept around FUN. It’s not the facili-ty, the act of skating or any other “play attraction” thatmakes a commercial birthday party special. Hockey or fig-ure skating draws a select group, whereas fun appeals toall. The ice rink is merely a stage for the birthday presen-tation. Skating is just one of the activities that assists inmaking it more fun. The human interaction that surroundsthe skating makes the party memorable and talked aboutfor a long time. Family, friends and your party team arekeys to this success.

3 5

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Charge more!Satisfied party parents, touched by positive emotions asthey leave with lasting memories, never ask how much itcosts.

The value of your birthday offering increases as itsaves the consumer time and energy while eliminatingfrustrations. When your party achieves these, you cancharge more. Today’s time-starved families are willing topay top dollar for a personalized, positive experience,especially when it comes to their child’s happiness. It’sall about their perception. If their perception of youroffering doesn’t match the value they paid, your partybusiness will suffer. They won’t come back!

Be unique. Eliminate frustration. Save them time.Create convenience.

View your ice rink as an entertainment center.Offer FUN as well as sports-related activities. Find theright mix. The market for recreational skating, sharedfamily activities and non-competitive sports is much larg-er than the market for traditional ice activities. Skatingaround in an oval in a noisy, uncomfortable, run-downand cold environment is not the formula for repeat visits.Add on-ice games, costumed characters, social activities,soft-play sport games (non-competitive), fun relay races,music games and live interactive entertainment facilitat-ed by your DJ.

Break out of the box.Some of the best new ideas are simply old ideas borrowed from thepast or from completely different industries, transformed in a brandnew way.

The question to ask yourself is: “Why must I grow my businessusing the same methods my competition is using?” The answers arefound by thinking out of the box. Use dramatically different market-ing and operational methods, totally foreign to your industry. Whenvisiting other businesses or organizations, look closely at what they dodifferent from or better than you. This can be any type of organiza-tion, from a manufacturing plant to a professional baseball team to adry cleaners. Look at their success methods; then interpret, adapt andadopt them to fit your business. Rather than assuming that whatworks for a different industry could never apply to yours, engage in“possibility thinking” — consider how you can modify their methodsto make them work for you. You’ll stand out and be far more effective,more successful, more productive and more profitable.

Use these five principles as the foundation for change. They willenable you to re-engineer your party business and maintain or estab-lish a significant edge within your market or industry.

Frank W. Price is the founder of Birthday University, a national tour-ing school that educates children’s and family-oriented enterpriseson the business of producing memorable and profitable birthday par-ties. His session at the 2006 iACT was one of the conference’s most pop-ular presentations. For more information, call (919) 387-1966, [email protected] or visit www.birthdayuniversity.com.


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These are exciting times for the IceArena Institute of Management(iAIM), ISI’s education and certi-

fication program for ice arena man-agers, operators and programmers.iAIM has embarked on a series of newinitiatives to expand program offeringsand update delivery methods.

These initiatives will make it even

easier and more affordable for arenaprofessionals to participate in iAIM cer-tification programs and schools. Withoptions available for regional trainingseminars, online certification coursesand specialized and advanced executiveclasses, iAIM is bringing professionaltraining within reach of everyone inthe industry.

With the support of industry spon-sors, iAIM is able to keep tuition feesaffordable for even the most limited bud-get. In fact, with most ice arena insurersnow offering substantial premium cred-its to facilities that are managed andstaffed by iAIM graduates, the certifica-tion program is one of the best financialinvestments an arena can make.

Following are details of the newinitiatives.

Web certification exams on iAIM OnlineiAIM Online is the industry’s only Web-based ice arena education and certifica-tion program. It was created to providethe same professional developmentcourses that students receive at iAIMschools, in a convenient and affordableonline distance-learning format.

The online courses have allowed icearena professionals from around theglobe to expand their knowledge andproficiency in all aspects of arena man-agement, operations and programming.Students receive the comprehensive iAIMeducation on a timetable and pace thatthey can adapt to fit their busy schedule.

The program is being retooled toallow participants to complete theircertification through a secure onlineexamination. By early this fall, studentsin all three certification tracks will beable to complete the coursework, taketheir exam over the Internet andreceive their professional certificationfrom the comfort and convenience oftheir arena or home.

Fall training seminarsiAIM is offering three one-day regionaltraining seminars for arena managersand operations staff. The seminars offer acombination of classroom instructionand technical “hands-on” training in keyareas of arena operations and mainte-nance. They are being held at ice arenasto allow participants to learn the theory

New InitiativesBring Professional Training Within

Reach of Entire Industryby Rob McBride


Chairman’s ViewI had the honor of being appointed chair of the iAIM board of regentsin May, and I eagerly look forward to working with Director Jack Vivianand the other regents to achieve iAIM’s mission of educating and sup-porting ice arena professionals.

Having participated at all levels of the iAIM program, I have seenfirsthand the real benefits that it provides to our industry. Even some-one like myself, with more than 20 years of experience, will learn newtheories and practices that lead to greater success and personal growth.

To me, what separates iAIM from other industry training programsis the comprehensive approach to all the responsibilities and proficien-cies required to be a successful arena professional. The program cur-riculum doesn’t simply teach technical skills; along with those skills itteaches you to be an effective manager and leader.

Whether our facilities are publicly owned or private, we all facechallenging times in our industry. To be successful, we will need tooperate our facilities in a more cost-efficient manner, invest more ofour budgets in maintaining the building and equipment, be effectiveat recruiting and motivating a quality staff, provide a consistentlyexceptional experience for our customers and become more activelyinvolved in managing and marketing the activities that take place onour ice and in our facility.

In short, we will need to be well educated on all aspects of our indus-try and committed to achieving the highest possible standards for our-selves and our facilities.

As I look ahead, my primary goal as iAIM chair is to raise awarenessthroughout our industry of the critical influence thatprofessional education will have on the future stabili-ty of arenas and the growth of ice sports.

Rob McBride, CAE, is the founder and CEO of Norwell,Mass.-based Facility Management Corp., which leases andoperates 23 publicly owned ice arena facilities. He is anactive, award-winning ISI member with 24 years of expe-rience in all facets of ice arena management, operation,programming and renovation.

regional seminar at your arena in thefuture, please contact Peter Martell atthe ISI office, (972) 735-8800 [email protected].

2007 schools:A new course and venuePlans for 2007 iAIM schools are beingfinalized, with an exciting new courseoffering as well as a weeklong Certifi-cate of Arena Operations (CAO) school.Both schools will be offered May 6-11at Adrian College in Adrian, Mich., justoutside Detroit.

A new advanced course that cov-ers the design, construction and ren-ovation of ice arenas will be offeredto arena professionals, designers andconsultants as well as public recre-ation agencies. Participants will learnthe steps required for a successfulproject, from concept to completion.

The Adrian College campus com-bines excellent dormitory, dining andathletic/recreational facilities for par-ticipants, with a new state-of-the-art icearena training center that will serve asthe home base for iAIM.

Look for more information onthese schools to be available soon.


and principles in a classroom setting,and then experience their practical appli-cation in an operating ice arena.

The first of the seminar series, onthe topic of ice installation and main-tenance, was held Aug. 22 in Chicago.Arena managers and operations stafffrom throughout the upper Midwestattended. All aspects of ice installation,painting and maintenance were cov-ered, including hands-on instruction inthe art of ice painting.

The second seminar in the series,set for Sept. 22 in Bridgeport, Conn.,will cover basic refrigeration andHVAC. This seminar will take partic-ipants from the principles of basic

refrigeration to modern refrigerationcontrols and dehumidification.Refrigeration room safety and system

troubleshooting will betaught in the facility’s state-of-the-art mechanicalroom. Participants will alsohave the unique opportuni-ty to see a new ice floor sys-tem during the construc-tion process.

The final seminar in thefall series will be held Sept. 26in San Jose, Calif., on the sub-ject of ice resurfacer mainte-nance and operation. Thisseminar will give participants

an in-depth understanding of properice resurfacer and ice edger mainte-nance, operation, safety and operatortraining.

The registration fee for each sem-inar is $75 per person. A group dis-count is offered for multiple registra-tions from the same arena ($125 fortwo; $50 per person for three ormore). Each registrant will also receivea $25 coupon redeemable for anyupcoming iAIM school or online cer-tification program.

If you are interested in hosting a


The iAIM certificationprogram is one of the bestfinancial investmentsan arena can make.

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Ican’t believe I’ve gone from wearingfishnets and feathers to reading com-pressor gauges and changing an auger

chain in a resurfacing machine!”

That’s howPaige Scott de-scribes her reac-tion when shefirst cracked openthe iAIM opera-tions manual. Alifetime performerwho inherited herparents’ love of the spotlight, Scottis one of the few in the ice arenaindustry who truly has worn all theproverbial hats (and costumes).Attaining the full complement ofiAIM’s programming, managementand operations certifications wasone more feather to add to her col-orful wardrobe.

Each of those disciplines gets aworkout in Scott’s daily life. WhenSan Francisco’s Yerba Buena Ice Skat-ing Center opened in 1998, she washired as its skating director. Withinsix months, she had become its gen-eral manager. Perhaps the writing wason the wall several years earlier, whenshe was driving a Zamboni a weekafter giving birth.

Making the leap from skating direc-tor to arena manager was a “hugestretch,” Scott says. “But I guess it justcomes from being bossy. Choreograph-ing, directing, producing, running com-panies and managing a small troupe ofskaters with large attitudes gave me somegood background. It’s been challenging,but if I stop learning, I get bored.”

In addition to running YerbaBuena, Scott is the head coach of theSan Francisco Tremors synchronizedskating team and the District 14 repre-sentative on the ISI board of directors.She is well known for the creative char-acters she and her colleague ShaneDouglas portray at ISI annual confer-ence closing parties.

“Paige is a people person from theword ‘go,’” says Michael Paikin, presi-dent of VSC Sports Enterprises Inc.,which manages Yerba Buena Ice Skat-ing Center. “She’s very innovative, pos-itive and enthusiastic, and can work

with any person at anyage, male or female.”

A native San Francis-can, Scott was born intoshow biz. Her late moth-er, Elizabeth Mae Huber,was a silver medalist ice

dancer at Easterns who went on to tourwith the Ice Follies and run the skatingschool at Belmont Iceland. Her father,James (“Happy”) Carroll was a stagehand at San Francisco’s legendary Win-terland venue and later became thestage manager of the San FranciscoSymphony. And her stepmother, JanetCarroll, was a costume designer for theRingling Brothers.

Scott was a childhood ISIA mem-ber when she learned to skate andbegan competing in her mother’sschool at Belmont Iceland. She pro-gressed to FS 8 and turned professionalon plastic ice in a polar bear costume.

“I was making $50 an hour, and at 13,I thought ‘Wow, this is IT,’” she recalls.

By age 14, she had choreographedher first show for the San Francisco ShowPlace, exhibiting her talent for design.Immediately after high school came atwo-year stint with the Ice Capades, fol-lowed by small traveling shows in whichshe started choreographing new num-bers for the producers. World-renownedchoreographer Karen Kresge hired Scottas her assistant at the Redwood Ice Arenain Santa Rosa, providing the learningexperience of a lifetime.

Scott served as assistant choreogra-pher of the opening and closing cere-monies of the 1992 World Figure Skat-ing Championships in Oakland, Calif.and four years later produced, directedand choreographed the opening andclosing ceremonies at the National Fig-ure Skating Championships.

She continues to get her showproduction fix with several annualevents at Yerba Buena, including theHolidaze Ice Show and a fundraiserbenefiting an AIDS wellness center.Her arena also hosts several competi-tions as well as the Mayor’s YouthHockey Program for at-risk youth andthe Brian Boitano Youth Program.

Plume Productions is Scott’s plasticice company, which produces shows forsmall events and private parties. “Theydon’t make what I have anymore,” shesays of the Fiberglas Teflon squaressprayed with glycerin. “I load it up inthe back of my Ford Explorer, pull upto a venue, unload it, lay it down, puton a costume and skate.”

She recently recruited her 10-year-old daughter, Erin, to skate onthe plastic ice at a health and fitnessfair to promote the ice arena.

Scott and her engineer husband,Mark, also have a college-age daugh-ter, Natalie.

If life with Paige Scott is anythinglike a conversation with her, there’snever a dull moment. She sums up hercoaching philosophy in an acronym:PACE (Positive Attitude ChangesEverything). And her managementstyle? “Interpretive isn’t just an eventin a competition. Life throws curveballs; think fast.”

All the World is Paige’s Stageby Lori Fairchild

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When former Target and K-Mart CEO Floyd Hall wasconsidering ways to give back

to the communities of Montclair andLittle Falls, N.J., two primary goalsemerged: to provide first-class facilitiesfor the local university and to createwholesome activities for local families.The result was a unique public/privatepartnership formed 10 years ago, withYogi Berra Stadium and Floyd HallArena built on Montclair StateUniversity property and Floyd Hall

Enterprises funding all constructioncosts. Hall donated both facilities to theuniversity when they were completedin 1998, and his company was granteda long-term lease to operate them.

The partnership has proved coop-erative and mutually beneficial, saysKevin McCormack, vice president ofarena operations for FHE. “Throughthe arrangement to have the rink oncampus, the university receives 750hours of free ice time each year, pri-marily for its club hockey program and

ice skating classes. In addition, stu-dents, faculty and staff receive freepublic skating admission Mondaythrough Friday,” McCormack explains.“This is good for us, because the uni-versity uses many hours of ice duringthe day, when the facility would nor-mally be quiet. The partnership has

Floyd Hall Arena

Floyd Hall Arena staff includes: (from left,front) Jon Sagui and Rosemarie Pallino; and(from left, back) Brian Miller, Al Karl, KevinMcCormack, Patty Ensign, Catherine Hack-er and Kristen Vanorski.


by Lori Fairchild

All photos courtesy of Floyd Hall Arena

ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 25

also allowed the arena to use universi-ty dormitories as housing for summercamps and visiting figure skaters.”

The arena offers year-round part-time employment opportunities andinternships for university students. Inaddition to servicing the university, thefacility provides ice time to four commu-nity travel/recreational hockey programs,four high schools and its own girls’ andwomen’s travel hockey program.

“The biggest challenge we facewith the arrangement is the fact thatwe are a private for-profit entity on apublic university campus. Sometimesthe two organizations work at differ-ent speeds, but overall, we have beenable to get past that and create a pos-itive relationship for both of us,”says McCormack.

In addition to Floyd Hall Arena,company holdings include DanburyIce Arena, the Sussex Skyhawks minorleague baseball team and the EssexEquestrian Center.

Facts and figuresOpen 362 days a year and 18 hours aday, Floyd Hall Arena attracts morethan 500,000 visits annually. It hasserved as a practice and training sitefor more than 20 NHL teams andnumerous international figure skatingchampions, including 2006 Olympicgold medalist ice dancers TatianaNavka and Roman Kostomarov.

The 85,000-square-foot ice arenaincludes two NHL-size rinks, an off-icetraining area, meeting rooms, a conces-sion area, a pro shop, nine locker rooms,a dance studio and a party room.

The main rink seats 500 specta-tors, and has hosted the New JerseyYouth Hockey League playoffs, theGarden State Games, elite-level skatingexhibitions, New Jersey Devils alumnicharity hockey games and theMIRMA/ISI District 3 Skate forKnowledge competition.

The 15,000-square-foot lobby andparts of the rink areas recently receivednew Nora rubber flooring fromAthletica, Freudenberg Building Systemsand Phazer. Additional flooring will beinstalled in stages over the next threeyears. New 6-foot double-gate entrancedoors and new kick plates were alsoamong the recent improvements.

On the operations side, the facilityuses an EI Solutions energy manage-ment system, natural gas engines todrive the compressors and two MuntersAM30 dehumidification units. “We are

Floyd Hall Arena offers a variety of ISI skating and hockey instructional programs on twoNHL-size ice rinks.

A busy concession area is one of many amenities in the 85,000-square-foot arena building.

The 2006 Olympic buzz started a full year ago at Floyd Hall Arena, which continues to see solidnumbers for its learn-to-skate and public skating programs.



in the process of installing an EISolutions automated building energymanagement system with heat recovery,which we expect to pay for itself withintwo years through reduced energycosts,” McCormack notes.

With both natural gas and electric-ity now deregulated in New Jersey,McCormack says his arena is ready tocomparison shop for better utility rates.

People and programsFloyd Hall Arena’s staff comprisesseven or eight full-time employees and50 to 75 part-timers, many of whomare Montclair State University studentsand graduates.

“Our general manager, BrianMiller, and our operations manager,Kenny Conlon, were university gradu-ates who had worked as part-time shiftsupervisors before becoming full-timemanagers,” McCormack says. “Wehave had more success growing stafffrom within the company than wehave had hiring from outside. We alsocross-train many of our staff to give usthe most flexibility.”

Kristen Vanorski has been thearena’s party coordinator for lessthan a year but already has boostedparty and group revenues by morethan 30 percent.

Hockey director Tommy Gross is

known for his infectious personality aswell as his excellent power skatinginstruction, which draws studentsfrom miles around.

The arena’s skating department iscomposed of three part-time positions:skating director Patty Ensign, learn-to-skate on-ice director Diane Cross andskating program administratorCatherine Hacker.

The programming philosophy atFloyd Hall Arena encompasses a broadmix of figure skating, hockey, adultleagues, rental groups, in-house pro-gramming and specialized programssuch as adult-only public skating. “Wetry to run as many things in-house aspossible to maximize profitability, butwe realize that we need a core group ofice rental customers for revenue stabil-ity,” says McCormack.

Both the Floyd Hall and Danburyarenas have been administrative mem-bers of ISI since opening. Floyd HallArena alone registers 1,200 to 1,500players and skaters each year in ISIhockey and learn-to-skate programs.

“We have found the ISI programto be easy to administer and a muchbetter value than other programs,”McCormack notes. “The insurancecoverage is unmatched and we believethe ISI has contributed positively tothe growth of our facility.

“We are also a big believer in theiAIM program and the ISI annual con-ference,” he adds. “The education thatISI and iAIM provide is incredible. Ourmanagers have gained valuable knowl-edge and important ideas that they usein their jobs every day, and we like thefact that the programs are structuredwith the manager, owner and usergroups in mind.”

Located just 30 minutes from mid-town Manhattan, with some 3 millionresidents within a 10-mile radius,Floyd Hall Arena has a customer data-base of more than 20,000 names.

“We are close to some of the morewealthy areas of New Jersey, but werealize that we need a broad reach toall demographics to be successful,”McCormack says, adding that ninenew sheets of ice have opened within30 miles of Montclair in the last fiveyears. “The demand is starting to catchup with the oversupply of rinks andrecreational opportunities in the area.We have also adapted to demand bycutting back some programs andincreasing others. We’re working atour business more, rather than waitingfor business to come to us.”

Open Door, Open Mind

Astaff that enjoys coming to work is not a gift; it’s a reward for strongmanagement practices. And it’s one that Kevin McCormack hasearned, says his hockey director, Tommy Gross. The two have worked

together at three different rinks over the last 18 years.“Kevin’s greatest strength is how personally he takes things,” Gross notes.

“He truly loves his staff and goes more than the extra mile to make sure every-one is contributing and giving their best efforts. When there are bumps, henever points fingers, but instead takes the responsibility as if he didn’t doenough. He cares how we all feel and how much we enjoy coming to work.”

As vice president of arena operations for Floyd Hall Enterprises, he super-vises operations at both Floyd Hall Arena in Montclair, N.J. and DanburyIce Arena in Danbury, Conn.

While earning a biology degree at State University of New York in Brock-port, McCormack worked as a rink guard. After graduation, he became an assis-tant manager at the Bryan Trottier Skating Academy and later moved to Long

Island Skating Academy, where he eventually was pro-moted to general manager. He has held various posi-tions for Floyd Hall Enterprises for the last nine years.

McCormack has been actively involved with theMetropolitan Ice Rink Managers Association (MIRMA)for 15 years and now serves as its second vice presi-dent. He is also the hockey section representative onthe ISI board and serves on its membership and strate-gic planning committees as well as the iAIM board ofregents. Last year he was recognized with the ISI Dis-trict 3 Merit Award.

“I bring an open mind to listen to what all groupsand individuals have to say,” he notes. “I have beenin the industry for a long time and I have learnedmany things, but I do not know everything. I hope to

grow and increase membership in the ISI hockey program, and my currentgoal is to finish the revamped ISI hockey manual.”

He also has a clear goal for the ice arena industry. “We can bring togeth-er the great minds in this business and work together on common challengesrather than dividing and fracturing the industry, creating separate agendasand working against each other. I see the professionals in ISI as being theforce that will bring people together.”

McCormack and his wife, Patti, live in Pearl River, N.Y. and enjoy trav-eling, their extended families, antiques, golf, gardening and the outdoors.

— Lori Fairchild

Kevin McCormack



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The following ISI district seminars have been scheduled.For more information and updates received after press

time, go to skateisi.org and select “educational programs,”or contact your district representative, listed below.

District 1District Rep: Katy Hayden

(781) [email protected]

Instructor: Oct. 1Radisson Hotel, Rockland

Contact: Katy HaydenManager/Operator: Oct. 3, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

* NOTE: Districts 1,2 & 3 welcome *Radisson Hotel, Rockland

Contact: Scott McCoy(781) 982-8166, [email protected]

—————District 2

District Rep: Robyn Bentley(315) 685-1678

[email protected]: Sept. 17

Thomas Creek Ice Arena, FairportContact: Robyn Bentley


District Rep: Lisa Fedick(203) 576-8118, [email protected]

Instructor: 3 seminars, TBAParkwood Ice Rink, William Mennen Arena,

Sky Rink@Chelsea PiersContact: Lisa Fedick

Manager/Operator: Oct. 24The Rinx

Contact: Judy Sniffen, (516) 281-2335, [email protected]—————District 4

District Rep: Christine Wilson Brinton(401) 827-7764, [email protected]

Instructor: Sept. 17Bowie Ice Arena

Contact: Christine Wilson Brinton—————District 5

District Rep: Shane Douglas(601) 941-3365, [email protected]

Instructor: Sept. 24Iceland Irmo

Contact: Bethany Raymond(803) 407-7737, [email protected]


District Rep: Toni Cooper(313) 383-6957, [email protected]

Instructor: Sept. 24, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.Taylor Sportsplex

Instructor: Oct. 8, 10 a.m.Wings Stadium, Kalamazoo

Contact: Toni Cooper—————District 7

District Rep: Maria Koman(330) 707-2187, zoominternet.net

Instructor: Oct. 1Chevrolet Centre, Youngstown

Contact: Maria Koman

ISI District Fall S


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District 8District Rep: Tom Hickey

(847) 821-7465, [email protected]—————District 9

District Rep: Dan Smith(816) 505-2428, [email protected]

Instructor: Oct. 1Washington Park Ice Arena

Contact: Dan Smith—————District 10

District Rep: Char Martin (612) 386-8619, [email protected]

Instructor: Sept. 17Schwan Super Rink

Contact: Jane Schaber(763) 717-3891, [email protected]


District Rep: Liz Mangelsdorf(972) 758-7528, Ext. 237


Aerodrome WillowbrookContact: Andrew Foland

(281) 847-5283, [email protected]—————District 12

District Rep: Debbie Lane(303) 798-7881


District Rep: Cindy Jensen (541) 682-7363


Kent Valley Ice CentreContact: Cindy Jensen


District Rep: Paige Scott(415) 725-7635

[email protected]: Oct. 9

Vacaville Ice SportsContact: Paige Scott


District Rep: Bert Blanchette(818) 501-7252, [email protected]

Instructor & Manager/Operator:Oct. 17, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Pickwick Ice CenterContact: Bert Blanchette


District Rep: Cindy Solberg(907) 694-7328

[email protected]—————District 18

District Rep: Glyn Jones(813) 854-4010, [email protected]

Instructor: Sept. 24Fort Myers Skatium

Contact: Glyn Jones, (813) 854-4010or Cindy Sokolis, (239) 461-3145

Seminar Schedule

30 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006

In Positive Coaching Alliance’s “Developing Competi-tors” workshops, we define “competitors” as those whostrive to make themselves better, make teammates betterand make the sport better. You can begin by consideringyour own view of “competition” and considering youranswers to these questions:

• Does competition mean “striving with” — in keep-ing with the word’s Latin root — or does it mean“seeking domination”?

• Do you view competition as a partnership or as awar?

• Are opponents gifts who inspire your skaters’ besteffort, or are they enemies?

• Do you see officials and judges as facilitators or asobstacles?

• Are rules an imperfect guide to fairness or are theypartially tolerated restraints?

• Is your goal to help skaters achieve mastery and excel-lence or to win at all cost?

We will share our answers toward the end of this article.Meanwhile, you might notice that our questions addresssome of the concepts at the center of the PCA-ISI partner-ship, such as “Honoring the Game” by getting to the“ROOTS” of positive play. Remember, ROOTS stands forrespecting Rules, Opponents, Officials, Teammates and Self.

Honoring the Game improves the skater not only men-tally and emotionally, by building character, but also physi-cally, in performance. Skaters can perform at a much higherlevel if they concentrate on their routines rather than how toget around rules, how their opponents might perform or howjudges or teammates may react.

Skaters who honor the game can inspire teammates todo the same. As those skaters’ performances improve, itdemonstrates that the skaters who led by example really didhelp make their teammates better.

In turn, all skaters honoring the game makes the sport itselfbetter, because each individual, the team as a whole, opponentsand judges are free of distraction and able to perform their best,so the entire competitive environment improves.

Now, back to the answers to our questions. In each case,PCA and ISI adamantly advocate the first option. Coaches,ice arena leaders and parents who frame their thinking thatway remove much of the pressure that comes from focusingon elements of competition that are outside the skaters’ con-trol. Then skaters are free to pour all of that extra energy intotheir performance, meaning they likely will enjoy better“scoreboard success” and definitely will come away a win-ner in terms of honoring the game.

These ideas are worthwhile to consider as you helpyour skaters prepare for upoming events. Next time, wewill provide exercises that will help your skating programsdevelop competitors.

David Jacobson is PCA’s media/communications man-ager. To learn more about PCA’s workshops and howthe ISI-PCA national partnership benefits your skat-ing community, contact PCA at (866) 725-0024 [email protected], or visit PositiveCoach.org.

DevelopingCompetitors

Part 1 of a 2-part series

by David Jacobson

Ice skating instructors can be extremely

influential in helping their skaters hone

their competitive edges. An important step

is to consider what ISI and Positive Coaching

Alliance mean by “Developing Competitors.”

Most skaters — indeed, most athletes — are

“participants.” They enjoy skating and they

may even excel and win championships. But

“participants” should not be confused with

“competitors.”

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About this time each year, rinks allover the country experience theannual rush of inline hockey

players testing their skills on the ice. Ifthey survive that first public session,they often sign up for lessons with theintention of mastering just one skill:STOPPING.

The toughest part of teaching inlineplayers how to stop on the ice is con-vincing them to SLOW DOWN! Theirstopping level just doesn’t match theirskating level. They can skate — usuallypretty well — but when it comes to stop-ping, they are absolute beginners.

When most beginners learn to tack-le new skills, they do so at a speed thatis typical of all beginners — slow. But

inline players aren’t beginners, and theyskate, and attempt to stop, at the speedwith which they are comfortable onasphalt. Without slowing down to abeginner’s speed while they learn tostop, they simply won’t be able to gain alevel of comfort with the feeling of skid-ding; subsequently, they’ll continue tostruggle through their on-ice stops.

To conquer this challenge, it isimportant to encourage them to skateslowly while they’re learning to stop.Making going slow the goal of a stop-ping exercise can work even better.

It’s easy to add pressure andspeed to a good skid; the trick is tobecome comfortable with the skiditself. Inline players are unfamiliar

with the feeling of skid-ding, which is why theydefault to those widepower turns. By master-ing long, slow skids,they’ll gain that neces-sary level of comfort.

If you have the fulllength of the ice to workwith, ask the players toskate from the goal lineto the first blue line, andthen challenge them tohold a one-foot snow-plow stop in a consistent(not letting up off of theskid) and completelystraight line, from blueline to blue line, orlonger if they can.

This exercise shouldbe repeated on the otherfoot, and then repeatedagain using T-stops. Oncethey can control thestraight, long, slow skids,cut the distance in half,then in half again, etc.It’s amazing how quicklythey’ll learn to stop oncetheir bodies understandwhat a skid should feellike. After they can cometo a complete, controlledstop, they are ready totake on more challengingstopping drills, such asthe “Stop in a Box.”

The Stop in a Box drill is easy torun with large numbers, simple toexplain and extraordinarily effective. Itactively utilizes instructors, andbecause it seems more like a carnivalgame than a skating drill, players wantto keep trying it.

To set up this stopping drill, usecones or hockey sticks to make threesides of a box that is just big enough tostop in, with the open side facing a lineof players. Make enough boxes so thatthere is at least one per instructor and,ideally, no more than five players perbox. The skaters will line up about threebody lengths away, facing the open endof the box. The instructors start offdirectly behind the box facing theskaters. The skaters will go one at a time,at a speed appropriate for their level,toward the open end of the box. Just asthe player is about to reach the box, thecounselor will pick a side. The playershould stop inside the box so that he orshe faces the coach, then immediatelyexecute a start to return to the line.

The player’s objective is to go in andout of the box without hitting the conesor sticks. The instructor should random-ly select the side that the players face andrun the students through the drillenough times that each skater has sever-al opportunities to attempt this exercisein both directions. If they are successful,back the skaters up so they can generatemore speed as they approach the box.The Stop in a Box drill is intended toclean up the stop/start transition in eachdirection and to get the players stoppingon a dime.

Wendy Marco is atwo-time speaker atthe InternationalHockey SkatingSymposium, a USAHockey Level 4 CEPinstructor and aprofessional hockeyskating coach inWashington, D.C.Her instructional DVD, “Breaking Outof the Ice Age,” features hockey skatingdrills and games, and can be found,along with more hockey skating tools,at www.ColdRushHockey.com.

POWER ICEwith Wendy Marco

Stop … Stop ... STOP!!!

JP Lorenzen receives instruction from his Power Play HockeySchool coach as he executes the “Stop in a Box” drill.

Wendy M

arco


Both of the 2006 schol-arship recipients were notonly present at the show,but also performed in it.Kaylyn McDaniel of Stillwa-ter, Minn., a freshman atthe College of St. Catherine,performed an upbeat pro-gram to “Walkin’ on Sun-shine.” Hometown heroineStephanie Crisp of Hanson,Mass., a freshman at North-eastern University, skated alovely artistic program to“On My Own” from LesMiserables.

New Foundation trusteeHeather Aseltine joinedPresident Bartelson in host-ing the scholarship awardsceremony. Heather, whowas a 2002 scholarshiprecipient, has completedher undergraduate studiesand returned to our indus-try as a coach, mentor androle model.

Despite one stellar per-formance after another byour ISI champion skaters,the 2006 show did have a spectacular highlight: 2006Olympian Emily Hughes, whose infectious grin, youth-ful exuberance and tremendous talent have made her oneof the great ambassadors of our sport, both on and off theice. Emily treated us to two programs. The first was apowerful artistic routine laced with double jumps, intri-cate footwork and uncommon flexibility, which includedan inside back spiral that somehow turned into a laybackspin. This unlikely combination of moves left most of usscratching our heads, thinking, “Did I just see that?” Butit was Emily’s second program that brought the housedown. Dressed in a black and silver unitard, skating to“Proud Mary,” Emily was pure electricity. I’m sure thenear-capacity crowd would have demanded multipleencores, had they not been so eager to get into the auto-graph line.

Emily appeared in the lobby a short time after the showin jeans and T-shirt, accompanied by her parents and look-ing every bit the part of a typical teenage girl having a greatnight out. For well over an hour she smiled for every photoand signed hundreds of autographs on a multitude ofobjects, until everyone left with smiles on their faces anddreams in their hearts.

The 2006 ISI World Recreational Team Championships,hosted by the New England Sports Center in Marlboro,Mass. July 24-29, was one of the best-orchestrated

events in recent memory, and the ISIA Education Founda-tion’s scholarship program was well represented.

Staffed by executive board members Don Bartelson,Robyn Bentley and Judy Sniffen, the Foundation’s tradeshowbooth provided an ideal opportunity for networking andmarketing of the Foundation’s programs and philosophies.

This year’s silent auction, which produced a number ofbidding wars, included a wide assortment of signed skatingphotographs, Olympic memorabilia and equipment. Specialthanks go out to all who supported the auction with dona-tions as well as purchases.

Each year it is difficult to remember a Benefit on Iceshow that was any more entertaining than the current one,and the 2006 event was no exception. Foundation trusteeJean Albrightson selected a variety of performances through-out the course of the week to star in the show, and stars, theytruly did become! These performers represented nine states,the Philippines and Great Britain, with ages spanning mul-tiple decades. Trustee Boyd Wietecter did his usual out-standing job as announcer.

Melinda McMullen of Poland, Ohio and JacquelineSullivan of Yonkers, N.Y. were the two lucky young ladieswhose winning Foundation raffle tickets earned them eacha solo spot and the opportunity to join the cast of theshow. This popular raffle has rapidly become a major com-ponent of the Foundation’s fundraising program for annu-al scholarship endowment.

Benefit on Ice Starring Emily HughesRaises Funds for Scholarships

by Lisa Fedick

Scholarship recipients Stephanie Crisp (in red) and Kaylyn McDaniel(in yellow) with Foundation President Donald Bartelson and HeatherAseltine, freshman trustee and 2002 scholarship recipient

Benefit on Ice celebrityskater Emily Hughes

Act

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COACHES’CORNER

by Barb YackelISI National Events & Skating Program Coordinator

Fall — already? Hard to believe, I know, but the excitingevents of summer never let our engines cool down!Beantown was turned upside down and sideways with

the dynamic energy of more than 1,900 skaters competingat the 2006 Worlds. It was unanimous among skaters, coach-es and parents that the ’06 Worlds was truly the crowningevent of the competitive season!

Raking the leaves will have to be put on hold, as we needto refuel and get energized for a nonstop fall of ISI events.

• Adult Championships — The adults will boot-scoottheir way to Nashville Sept. 8-10 for a weekend of fun,both on and off the ice!

• ISI FREE Fall Instructors’ and Managers’Seminars — Plan to attend your district seminar (seepage 28 or check the ISI Web site for schedules and loca-tions).

•• weSKATE National Instructor TrainingProgram — Don’t miss out on the last training sessionfor 2006, on Sept. 26 in San Jose, Calif.

•• Artistic Challenge — Unleash your creativity for thissecond annual event, Nov. 3-5 in Denver. This nationalISI event gives your skaters the chance to showcase theirartistic side.

Taking some time for ourselves is usually easier said thandone (as I well know), but if you have a moment or two fora walk through the leaves, a drive in the country or somequiet time at home, think about these:

There are no shortcuts to anything._____

Anyone who has never made a mistakehas never tried anything new.

_____

Try and fail, but don’t fail to try._____

The price of victory is high, but so are the rewards._____

Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is._____

Obstacles are those frightful things you seewhen you take your eyes off your goals.

_____

Whatever you are, be a good one.

North East Ice SkatingManagers Association

(NEISMA)by Tom Morton, President

The recent jointNEISMA/ISI con-ference andtradeshow heldin Boston — thefirst of its kind in

the ice rink industry — is now anotherpositive milestone in NEISMA’s efforts towork closely with all other organizationsin the ice rink industry. Those whomissed the joint conference, I believe,missed a great opportunity for valuable training, new ideasand sharing ice rink experiences.

The speakers and seminar subject matter were excel-lent. Of particular interest were the discussions on ways toexpand ice rink business opportunities. For instance, thesession on establishing curling clubs as an additional wayto sell ice time was thought-provoking. It was interestingto note that in 2003 there were only 1,000 curling clubmembers nationwide, and today that number is 20,000and growing. Obviously, this is a new frontier for ice rinkmanagers to explore.

The joint conference laid a foundation for more posi-tive interaction between all organizations in the ice rinkindustry. Communication, relationships, mutual goals and

interaction are all key elements for establishing a com-monality between organizations, while at the same timeallowing each organization to maintain its independenceand meet the needs of its own membership. An inter-agency ad hoc committee might be a timely consideration.

NEISMA thanks all those who served on the joint plan-ning committee and all the vendors who participated andwho supported the joint conference. We also thank theboards of directors of both NEISMA and ISI, all staff mem-bers and, most important, all those who attended.

Minnesota Ice Arena Managers Association(MIAMA)

by Tom Moriarty, President

MIAMA’s fall conference is being heldSept 6-8 at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodgenear Deerwood, Minn. The board metin August and finalized a four-houriAIM course offered by ISI to precedeour welcoming event. Chico Resch willbe our featured speaker and provideinteresting tales of his career.

Many arena and vendor memberswill participate in roundtables and cours-es, and enjoy the great opportunity forcamaraderie. The conference offers additional information



Tom Morton

Tom Moriarty

Metropolitan Ice RinkManagers Association

(MIRMA)by Lisa Fedick, Secretary

MIRMA would like to welcomeour newest member, Rob McBrideand the FMC Corp. We also wel-come new ISI administrativemember Aviator Sports Complexand its general manager, ChuckArnold.

The MIRMA fall managers’seminar and tradeshow will behosted by The Rinx in Haup-pauge, N.Y. on Tuesday, Oct. 24.The seminar will feature a classroom presentation oncurling as an alternative ice usage, followed by an on-ice opportunity for all attendees to throw a few rocks.Other seminar topics will include: employee hiring,retaining and avoiding state-specific labor problems;Zamboni maintenance tips; and an extensive question-and-answer session.

Multiple fall instructors’ seminars will be held inGreat Neck and Manhattan, N.Y. and in Morristown, N.J.,with dates to be announced. The MIRMA board feels thatthis year it is particularly important to provide opportu-nities to assist our member arenas with the implementa-



and opportunities for our members to join with ISI next Mayfor the MIAMA/ISI conference in Bloomington.

With the conference next spring, we will break withtradition and hold our 32nd annual fall conference until2008. Our emphasis will be for our members to “show off”our industry and our hospitality to visitors from all cor-ners of the globe. With Peter Martell’s involvement, we arecontinuing to fine-tune our effort.

Three new board members will be elected to start theirterms with the closing of this year’s fall conference. Yourstruly is writing my last column as MIAMA president, andI have appreciated the opportunity to share news of ourorganization’s activities. Pete Carlson of the NationalSports Center and Mike Bauer of Eagan Civic Arena alsohave completed their terms. Thanks to Pete and Mike fortheir involvement. The new president will assume the writ-ing task and continue to share our news, especially in thenext months leading up to the spring conference. I hope tomeet some of you then!

Our organization continues to develop our Web site,providing users and visitors a chance to buy ice, check jobpostings, get directions to an arena and take advantage ofmany other features. Check out www.rinkfinder.com.

Many of us have put final ice hours in place andreceived signed contracts for the start of the ice season. It’shard to believe summer is already over! Now, for theinquisitive look of the first-time skater or parent …

Contact MIAMA when you have a question or want toshare a unique idea to better serve our customers andemployees.

Lisa Fedick


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For all updates, please visit our Web site:www.skateMIRMA.org.

Arena Managers of the Mid Atlantic(AMMA)

by Trudy Ivory, Co-Director

Out with the old and in with the new!MAMA is now AMMA. In an effort to notconfuse the ice skating world (as if we aren’tconfused enough), our co-directors andsome members, we met a few weeks ago anddecided to “reinvent” our association.

We will be meeting twice a year. OurMay meeting will be a gathering that willconsist of a visit to a member arena, aguest speaker, a facility tour and a round-table discussion to wrap things up.

Our fall meeting, to be held each September, will be amini conference that will include an evening social gather-ing followed by a day of speakers and vendors. Our first miniconference is scheduled for Sept. 19-20 at Oglebay Resort &Conference Center in Wheeling Park, W.V.

AMMA members who want to be a part of the meetingcommittee may contact me at (724) 834-4880 [email protected].

Trudy Ivory


SEPTEMBER

8-10 Westminster, Calif.Westminster Ice ArenaDistrict 15

Championships

8-10 NashvilleCentennial SportsplexISI Adult

Championships

9-10 Valencia, Calif.Ice Station Valencia1st Annual Autumn

Classic15 Arlington, Texas

ICE at The Parks3rd Annual ISI Open

Competition29- HoustonOct. 1 Polar Ice Galleria

21st Annual Gulf Coast Open Team Invitational

OCTOBER7-8 Newark, Ohio

Newark Ice ArenaNewark Ice Arena ISI

Competition14 Coral Springs, Fla.

Incredible Ice7th Annual Incredible

Challenge26-29 San Francisco

Yerba Buena Ice SkatingCenter

Skate San Francisco

28-29 Rockland, Mass.Winterland Skating

School20th Annual Winterland

Halloween Classic

NOVEMBER

3-5 DenverSouth Suburban Ice

ArenaISI Artistic Challenge

4-5 Yorktown, Va.Hampton Roads IcePlex5th Annual Fall Classic

Open12 Anaheim, Calif.

Anaheim ICE6th Annual Anaheim

ICE Synchro Championships

JANUARY

13-14 San DiegoKroc Center5th Annual ISI Open

Competition

FEBRUARY

16-18 Oxford, OhioGoggin Ice ArenaISI Winter Classic

MARCH3-4 Highland Park, Ill.

Centennial Ice ArenaLucky Stars Open

30- Knoxville, Tenn.April 1 Ice Chalet

38th Annual MVDC

APRIL

13-15 Blaine, Minn. Schwan Super RinkISI Synchronized

Championships

JULY

22-28 Bensenville, Ill.Edge Ice ArenaISI World Recreational

Team Championships

OCTOBER1- HoustonDec. 31Aerodrome Willowbrook

Skating Academy Exhibition

NOVEMBER14- HoustonJan. 14 Aerodrome Willowbrook

Holiday Exhibition

DECEMBER1-2 Springdale, Ark.

Arkansas FSAA Rootin’ Tootin’

Country Christmas

6-9 Knoxville, Tenn.Ice ChaletNutcracker On Ice

8-9 San Francisco Yerba Buena Ice

Skating CenterHoliday 2006: Once

Upon A Time On Ice8-10 Houston

Aerodrome Willowbrook9th Annual Nutcracker

On Ice8-10 Evanston, Ill.

Robert Crown Center32nd Annual Nutcracker

9 Anaheim, Calif.Anaheim ICE12th Annual Holiday

Spectacular9 Highland Park, Ill.

Centennial Ice ArenaAn Evening At

Centennial13 San Diego

Kroc CenterHoliday Magic On Ice

17 Arlington, TexasICE at The ParksHoliday In The Park

2006

APRIL15 Highland Park, Ill.

Centennial Ice ArenaSpring Exhibition

MAY18-20 Highland Park, Ill.

Centennial Ice ArenaHeroes and Legends

29- Minneapolis June 1 Sheraton Hotel

iACT/MIAMA Annual Conference & Tradeshow

Visit the ISI Web site:skateisi.org

CALENDARISI-endorsed competitions & shows/exhibitionsDeadline for November/December EDGE calendar: Sept. 15For regular calendar updates, see www.skateisi.org, Event Info

COMPETITIONS

ISI World RecreationalTeam Championships Team Championships Team Championships

SHOWS &EXHIBITIONS


GRAPHIC DESIGN/MARKETING COORDINATOR — Full-timeposition at ISI headquarters in Dallas. Responsible for develop-ment, execution and ongoing management of ISI’s marketing andcommunications programs. Experience in business-to-businessand business-to-consumer marketing required. Must have stronggraphic design portfolio, including knowledge of Macintosh andCreative Suite 2 software. Strong copywriting skills a plus.Competitive salary and excellent benefits. Contact Peter Martellat (972) 735-8800 or [email protected].

SKATING COACHES — Beautiful, sunny central Florida ice skat-ing rink seeks highly motivated coaches to continue the growthof our learn-to-skate and figure skating programs. Must haveexcellent professional references, experience with ISI learn-to-skate and USFSA. Please submit cover letter only by e-mail [email protected].

FIGURE SKATING INSTRUCTOR — Houston, Texas — All candi-dates must be experienced in ISI and USFSA, and willing to teachall ages and abilities. PSA membership and ratings are strongly sug-gested. Candidates should be enthusiastic, hardworking, team play-ers and possess excellent communication skills. Continuous newclientele for successful instructor to develop. Contact NatashaSmith at (713) 621-1500 or [email protected].

FIGURE SKATING PROFESSIONALS — Brand new, state-of-the-art facility just opened in growing Charlotte, N.C. suburb.Offering two NHL-size rinks and one studio rink. Other ameni-ties include dance studio, fitness center, meeting space.Accepting résumés for all figure skating disciplines. Must be aU.S. citizen. Must be confident and self-motivated, provideinstruction at all levels including learn-to-skate classes and,most of all, be able to contribute to the competitive trainingand recreational programs offered within the facility. USFSA,ISI and PSA membership required, PSA ratings a plus. Englisha must, bilingual a plus. Please e-mail résumé and inquiries [email protected].

ARENA MANAGER — Palos Verdes Ice Chalet (California) seeksqualified self-starter to manage and operate a skating rink. Full-time position includes weekdays, weekends and evenings. Faxrésumé with salary requirement to (804) 550-7004. RinkManagement Services Corp. E-mail: [email protected]

RESURFACER BLADE SHARPENING MACHINE FOR SALE —Plymouth Knife Grinder No. 646. Works great. $1000. Includeswheels and all parts needed to sharpen resurfacer blades. Veryheavy — must pick up. Located in northern California. Call Scottat (916) 783-8550, Ext. 106.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Free Classified Advertising for ISI Members!ISI facility and professional members are entitled to FREE classified listings (excluding retail products andservices) up to 50 words. Call Carol Jackson at (972) 735-8800, fax to (972) 735-8815 or send e-mail [email protected]. The deadline for the next issue of the EDGE is Sept. 15.


American Athletic Shoe Co. Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7American First Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Athletica Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Bonestroo & Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Canlan Ice Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Cimco Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Concepts & Designs MS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Facility Management Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Fire Tech & Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Frontline Solutions Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Goldner Associates Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Heartland Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Ice Rink Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Jet Ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38K&K Insurance Group Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Kimball Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40LSK Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Maximum Solutions Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Mondo USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Pace Industrial Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13PSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Rice Specialty Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Riedell Skate Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21The Richardson Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Rink Guard/Willis Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Rink Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20SP-Teri Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Valley Ice Skating Assoc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Zamboni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

ADVERTISER INDEX

Apple Valley Sports Arena

Bay State Blades-Brockton

Beacon Hill Club

Beaver County Ice Arena

Belmont Complex

Biddeford Ice Arena

Bloomington Ice Garden

Bountiful Ice Arena

Carmel Ice Skadium

Cass Park Ice Rink

Chaparral Ice-Northcross

Charles Moore Arena Inc.

City of Bowie Ice Arena

City of Cottage Grove

Ice Arena

Cleland Skating Rink

Dearborn Ice Skating Center

Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink

Dublin Iceland

Eagles Ice-A-Rena

Eastland Ice House

Face Off Circle Inc.

Goggin Ice Arena

Greensboro Ice House

Hastings Civic Arena

Holiday Twin Rinks

Homewood-Flossmoor

Ice Arena

Ice Center@Cupertino

Ice Oasis Skating and

Hockey Club

Ice Town

Long Beach Arena

Lynnwood Ice Center

M.NCPPC/Herbert Wells

Ice Rink

Marc Nelson Ice Skating

Development

Mercer County Skating

Center

Mid Hudson Civic Center

New Hope Ice Arena

North County Recreation

Complex

Oak Lawn Park District

Ice Arena

Ober Gatlinburg Ice

Ocean Hockey Supply

Old Bridge Arena

Olympic Center

Pasadena Ice Skating Center

Pilgrim Skating Arena

Plymouth Cultural Center &

Ice Arena

Randall School of Ice

Skating Inc.

Rockbridge Figure Skating

Club

Silver Blades Figure

Skating Club

South Park Ice Skating Rink

Southwest Ice Arena

Sprinker Recreation Center

Sunrise Ice Skating Center

Superior Ice Rink

Swonder Ice Arena

Tampa Bay Skating Academy

Victory Memorial Ice Arena

Wayne C. Kennedy

Recreation Complex

Wissahickon Skating Club

ISI 25-Year AwardsThe following facilities were recognized for their 25years of ISI membership during the annual awardsluncheon June 1 at the ISI/NEISMA conference andtradeshow in Boston.

Most New Year’s resolutions are made at the endof December, leading into the new calendaryear. In the ice arena business, our new year is

marked by the arrival of fall and the beginning of theice skating season. May I suggest making some resolu-tions for the new year?

Resolve to take advantage of ISI’s outstanding train-ing programs designed to benefit your staff and facility.

The weSKATE National Instructor Training Program isan exciting new educational opportunity for skatinginstructors looking to advance their careers. The programwill also help managers and skating directors educate theirstaffs to make them more valuable in their facility. Fourclasses will be offered this year, in Chicago, Boston,Minneapolis and San Jose, Calif. An exam and the award-ing of a certificate to the attendees will follow each course.

The Ice Arena Institute of Management (iAIM) willoffer three regional seminars this fall at ISI memberfacilities. The one-day seminars will provide a combi-nation of classroom and hands-on training for icearena operations professionals. These courses will beoffered in Bridgeport, Conn., Chicago and San Jose.Among the topics covered will be basic refrigeration,basic air conditioning, ice maintenance and ice resur-facer and edger operation.

If your staff is unable to attend any of these train-ing opportunities, encourage them to attend their localdistrict seminar. All ISI districts offer free fall educa-tional seminars, which cover current trends, the latestinformation and rule changes from ISI to prepare themfor the upcoming season.

iAIM online is a distance-learning certification pro-gram for ice arena management, programming andoperations. The exams for all three tracks will soon beavailable online as well. The courses give employeesmore marketable skills and make them greater assets totheir facilities. Benefits to you, the employer, includesubstantial insurance discounts, increased employeeproductivity, strengthened employee technical skillsand increased profits.

Resolve to take advantage of any of these educa-tional opportunities, and watch your staff bloom. Make2006 their season for growth.

Happy skating!


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ponents that best match the needs of your facility.In all cases, quality ice is the number one priorityof an ECO CHILL system, ensuring your facilityusers' satisfaction while you benefit from greatly

reduced energy costs.

ECO CHILL systems may entitle the purchaser to municipal or other government energy grants to assist in the purchase of this high performance product.

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Over 4,500 ice surfaces installed around the world!

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Today the effect of greenhouse gases on our environment combined with current electrical and gas rates are the cause of serious concern

for all ice rink owners, operators and users. ECO CHILL by CIMCO® is our newest, most energy efficient system available.

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ECO CHILL Overview

Floyd Hall Arena Floyd Hall Arena - Ice Skating Institute

Documents

Transcript of Floyd Hall Arena Floyd Hall Arena - Ice Skating Institute