Nonqualifying competitions are, by far, the type of competition that most skaters participate in, especially as they are starting out. These competitions are USFSA-sanctioned but hosted entirely by local clubs. While these competitions do not lead to any National competitions, they provide the skater with the opportunity to test their skills in a competitive environment, earn medals, and check out what other skaters at their level are doing. These competitions are judged by USFSA-appointed judges using the same standards as they would for qualifying events, thereby allowing a skater to work their way into qualifying competitions, if that’s their ultimate goal.

Any USFSA member may participate in a nonqualifying competition, and there are hundreds offered every year. Most offer several categories of events at a wide range of skill levels, and many offer events in nonqualifying series as well, particularly the Excel Series and the Solo Dance Series.

The competition announcement should be considered the rulebook for these competitions. It will include all the events, levels, and requirements for the competition and should be consulted when determining which events the skater will enter. Your skater’s coach will be an invaluable resource in determining the best events and levels for your skater to participate in.

There are usually two tracks available for free skate: Excel and Well-Balanced. The required elements for Excel are essentially the same as those required for the equivalent test level, while a Well-Balanced program includes elements well beyond those required to pass the test at that level. For example, a single Axel is required to pass the bronze singles test and a single Axel is the most difficult jump permitted in an Excel juvenile program. A Well-Balanced juvenile program, however, allows not only all the double jumps, but even a triple jump, and most, if not all, competitors will include double jumps in their programs. Well-Balanced programs are essentially a precursor to qualifying competitions.

Skaters can compete in both the Excel and Well-Balanced tracks throughout the season and may even compete in both at the same competition. The only restriction is that a skater may not enter both an Excel and a Well-Balanced free skate event at the same competition (they may at different competitions). For example, a skater may not enter a Juvenile Excel Free Skate and a Juvenile Well-Balanced Free Skate. They may, however, enter an Excel event and a Well-Balanced event of different types such as a Juvenile Excel Free Skate and a Juvenile Well-Balanced Short Program.

While nonqualifying competitions do not lead to any national competition, there are several national nonqualifying events that skaters may have the opportunity to participate in including State Games and National Showcase. There are also several competition series in which all skaters may participate; these include the Excel Series, the National Solo Dance Series, and the Adult Competition Series.