From the cover

2026 Boston Open (NQS) September 30 - October 4, 2026 Hosted by The Skating Club of Boston 750 University Avenue, Norwood, MA 02062

ICompetition overview

The 2026 Boston Open NQS will be conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations of U.S. Figure Skating, as set forth in the current rulebook as well as any pertinent updates that have been posted on the U.S. Figure Skating website.

This competition is open to all eligible, restricted, reinstated or readmitted persons as defined by the Eligibility Rules.

Skaters must be a currently registered member of a U.S. Figure Skating member club, a collegiate club or an individual member in accordance with the current rulebook. For non-U.S. citizens, please refer to the rulebook for more information.

Series information

This competition has been approved as a 2026-2027 National Qualifying Series (NQS) event by U.S. Figure Skating for singles and pairs. Any athlete looking to participate in the competition as an NQS event must read the 2026-2027 NQS Athlete Handbook prior to registering for this competition. Beginning July 1, 2026, athletes MUST complete the NQS Series Application prior to the start date of this competition for scores from this competition to count toward the series standings.

If you have any questions about the 2026-2027 National Qualifying Series, email events@usfigureskating.org.

IIEligibility

Singles

• Skaters must meet at least the minimum singles test requirements for the event's level. A skater's singles test level may be higher than the minimum requirement.
  • Skate Up: skaters may skate up one level higher than their minimum test requirement allows.
• Skaters may not register for an event level lower than allowed by their competitive floor. An athlete's competitive floor is set by one of the following scenarios:

Pairs

• Skaters must meet the minimum test requirements for the event's level, but not exceed the maximum permissible test requirement.

Events offered

• U.S. Figure Skating Program Requirements: usfigureskating.org --> Skate --> Compete --> Program Requirements
• Skate United: For any Skate United (S.U.) Athlete, please have them register for their appropriate level under the 'standard' option. Once the registration is complete, the following form must be submitted to the competition chair via email at events@scboston.org
• Skating Accommodation Memorandum (S.A.M.): Skaters using a S.A.M. must submit their S.A.M. to the competition chair via email at events@scboston.org.
  • Click here for more information about S.A.Ms.

Our community

U.S. Figure Skating is dedicated to fostering a culture of belonging and community that is welcoming for all individuals. We are committed to championing diversity, equity and inclusion and understand its value in combating discrimination and challenging inequalities necessary to develop champions both on and off the ice. We are actively working toward developing equitable practices and policies that foster safety and empower all individuals to authentically pursue their unique path in all areas of our sport. We stand firmly on the belief that our members are the most important asset to our organization and that our differences are meaningful and strengthen our sport. We believe that skating is for everyone.

• o If an athlete has a paid EMS series application for the NQS series, the event level registered for in the most recent NQS will become the lowest level they may compete at in any U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned event.
• o If an athlete has a paid EMS series application for the Excel Series, the event level registered for in the most recent Excel series will become the lowest level they may compete in any Excel event. For Championship Track and Specialty events the skater will be permitted to register at one level lower than the 'floor' set by their excel series entry.
• o If an athlete has never had a paid EMS series application in the NQS or Excel series, the athlete may select their level based on their goals and technical skills as long as the minimum test requirements are met.

Non-discrimination

U.S. Figure Skating commits in policy, principle and practice to sustain a non-discriminatory approach on and off the ice for all members. We strive to provide equal opportunity for all despite their varied backgrounds, experiences and identities, and want all members to feel valued and respected at every level of organization. U.S. Figure Skating's SkateSafe® Program receives, investigates and addresses allegations of discrimination or harassment throughout its membership and the organization. Please refer to the SkateSafe® Program Handbook for further definition of harassment, discrimination and abuse.

By attending this event, all participants are willingly committing to upholding U.S. Figure Skating's Code of Ethics ( GR 1.01 ) and Code of Conduct ( GR 1.02 ), as detailed within the U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook.

To report a concern of discrimination or harassment to U.S. Figure Skating, please visit www.USFigureSkating.org/SkateSafe or email SkateSafe@USFigureSkating.org.

Athlete assistance/accommodations

Should a skater with disabilities require any specific accommodations or assistance for their competitive event, please submit your approved S.A.M to the Competition Chair by the registration deadline at events@scbsoton.org.

Compliance

Coaches

To be an eligible coach at a nonqualifying competition, coaches must meet the applicable compliance requirements and verified by U.S. Figure Skating. Coach compliance falls into two categories, Coach Compliance (includes choreographers) and Learn to Skate USA® Instructor Compliance. Details regarding compliance requirements can be found in Members Only, click the blue 'COACH' button. All compliance requirements must be met at the time of check-in to access the competition, no exceptions.

Coaches of foreign athletes: If you are a coach of a foreign athlete only, you are not subject to U.S. Figure Skating coach compliance and will only be asked to provide a letter of good standing for the federation your athlete represents.

Coach credentials will be limited to two per registered skater/pair.

Mandatory athletes

Athletes age 18+ as of the competition start date who will be competing on a team (i.e., synchro, ice dance, pairs, shadow dance, theatre, etc.) with at least one Minor Athlete must complete SafeSport ™ Training. *

Minor athletes who turn 18 mid-season are encouraged to seek parental consent to take the online SafeSport ™ Training early to avoid any disruptions in their ability to participate as the training is required upon turning 18. The athlete will not be compliant until they have completed the training and their Members Only portal reflects completion. Please email skatesafe@usfigureskating.org for instructions or questions regarding parental consent.

IIIRegistration information

Online registration via EMS (Singles and Partnered events)

Online registrations will be accepted via EMS. Payment must be made at the time of registration by credit card only. Each transaction includes a 3% Processing Fee.

Registration Deadline: 8/26/2026 at 11:59 PM ET

Late Registration Deadline: 8/30/2026 at 11:59 PM ET + $50.00 Late Fee

*The host club reserves the right to close registration at any time if event capacity is met

1. Go to www.usfsaonline.org
2. Enter your U.S. Figure Skating or if Compete USA events are offered, your Learn to Skate USA® member number and password
1. If you need assistance with your member number and password, contact Member Services at memberservices@usfigureskating.org.
3. Click EMS then 'Competition Registration'
4. Choose '2026 Boston Open NQS' from the list of nonqualifying competitions.
1. If you need assistance completing your registration, contact productsupport@usfigureskating.org.

Partnered events

Only one partner will complete registration for the team. During the registration process, you will be asked to identify your partner and verify their test information. The registered partner will be responsible for managing all aspects of the competition for the team including music/PPC upload, practice ice sales, etc.

Foreign skaters

Non-U.S. skaters intending to register for this competition must set up a non-member account prior to registering for the competition (click here for HOW TO). This can be done by choosing the 'Non-Member? Create Account' option on the Members Only login page.

Test credit

Skaters that meet the requirements for test credit may request their test credit packet by submitting a

request form, along with a $30.00 administrative fee. Skaters should register for test credit via EMS. Request forms can be submitted to registration prior to the end of the last event of the competition.

Test credit packets will be emailed, as soon as possible, following the competition.

Any athlete seeking IJS Test Credit is responsible for all steps outlined in the 'For Athletes' section of the IJS Protocol for Test Credit document. This includes submitting your Test Credit Packet and coach statement to your club for official processing within the permissible timeline.

Critiques/feedback

Group feedback will be provided in accordance with the NQS Handbook after each singles free skate event. Individual feedback will be offered to pair teams following their free skate events. Scheduling details for feedback sessions will be shared with registered skaters and coaches prior to the start of the competition.

Music submission/upload

EMS MUSIC UPLOAD: Competitors participating in events with music are required to upload their music to EMS no later than September 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET . After this date, skaters will be locked out of this feature and subject to a $30.00 late fee . The late fee will automatically be added to each skater's cart who doesn't meet this requirement by the deadline. Late fees will not be removed under any circumstances and must be paid prior to receiving the skater credential onsite.

DEADLINE: September 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM, otherwise subject to a $30.00 late fee

EMS SKATER MUSIC UPLOAD HOW TO: CLICK HERE

Competitors must also have available a backup copy of their competition music on a cell phone and it must be immediately available rinkside whenever the skater competes. If the phone does not have the standard round headset connector, an appropriate adapter, such as an Apple Lightning connector or Samsung USB-C adapter is required to be attached. The phone should be presented to the music person with the file ready to play, phone in airplane mode and volume turned to maximum.

Planned program content (ppc) submission/upload

EMS PLANNED PROGRAM CONTENT (PPC) - Competitors participating in IJS events are required to submit PPC in EMS no later than September 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET . After this date, skaters will be locked out of this feature in EMS and subject to a $30.00 late fee . The late fee will automatically be added to each skater's cart who doesn't meet this requirement by the deadline. Late fees will not be removed under any circumstances and must be paid prior to receiving the skater credential onsite.

DEADLINE: September 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM, otherwise subject to a $30.00 late fee

EMS PPC UPLOAD HOW TO: CLICK HERE

Refund policy

Entry fees will not be refunded after the entry deadline unless no competition exists or the event is canceled. There will be no refunds for medical withdrawals.

Liability

U.S. Figure Skating, Learn to Skate USA®, and The Skating Club of Boston accept no responsibility for injury or damage sustained by any participant in this competition. This is in accordance with Rule 1600 of the official U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook.

IVCompetition details

Facilities

The competition will be held at 750 University Avenue, Norwood, MA 02062. Visit scboston.org for more information. The Tenley E. Albright Performance Center and West Rink will be used for competition and practice ice, and the East Rink will be used for practice ice only. The Performance Center is Olympic size (200' x 100') and the West and East Rinks are NHL size (200' x 85'). The facility has plenty of seating, the 1240 Café and Performance Center concessions, and Home Ice skate shop. The Performance Center and West Rink have no hockey lines or glass. The boards in the West Rink are 24 inches high.

Locker rooms and changing areas

Locker rooms and changing areas at U.S. Figure Skating competitive events are for athletes only and will be labeled with regard to specific use and where identified will be gender specific. An exception can be made for athletes under 11 years old that will allow for one parent of the same sex to assist their child immediately prior to and after their skating event(s). Please review the Locker Room and Changing Area Policy in the SkateSafe® Handbook.

U.S. Figure Skating Travel Policy

All travel must strictly adhere to Two-Deep Leadership requirements. An Adult Participant cannot transport a Minor Athlete one-on-one and Two-Deep Leadership requirements must be adhered to at all times during In-Program travel, by transporting at least two minors who are at least 8 years of age or a second Adult Participant. An Adult Participant cannot share a hotel room or other sleeping arrangement with a Minor Athlete(s). Full details of the SkateSafe® Travel Policy and any exceptions can be found starting on page 12 of the SkateSafe® Handbook.

Official website & updates

It is the responsibility of each competitor, parent and coach to check scboston.org/boston-open frequently for any schedule changes and/or additional information pertaining to the competition.

Schedule

Competitors may be scheduled on any day or time during the announced dates of the competition. The competition and practice ice schedule will be available after the close of entries. All participants will be notified via email once available.

Practice ice

Unofficial Practice Ice (UPI)

• 20 mins/session
• Music will not be played during UPI sessions
• Session Capacities: 22 skaters (singles) | 5 teams (pairs)
• Combined sessions (if applicable) will limit the number of skaters and teams in accordance with the level of skating, focusing on the safety of all participants.

Pre-Purchase: Practice ice credits may be purchased after participants complete their event registration, via the EMS Competition Portal.  Skaters who purchase credits during the pre-purchase period will be able to select sessions during the selection period, after the schedule has been completed and posted.

• Click Here for a Pre-Purchase How-To Document

• Open: July 8, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET
• Close: August 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
• Maximum credits per registered event: UPI - 2
• Cost per credit: $30.00 Singles| $50.00 Pairs

Pre-Purchase Selection: After the close of entries and shortly after the competition schedule is published, skaters will receive an email with notice of the practice ice schedule and the date/time when pre-purchased credits can be scheduled via EMS.

• Click Here for a Selection How-To Document

• Open: September 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET
• Close: September 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET

Open Sales : Practice Ice sessions will be available after the schedule has been published. Skaters will be able to purchase open sessions available to them.

• Click Here for an Open Sales How-To Document
• Open: September 21, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET
• Close: October 4, 2026 at 10:00 PM ET
• Maximum sessions per registered event: UPI - 8
• Cost per session: $35.00 Singles| $60.00 Pairs

Onsite check-in

Onsite check-in information will be sent to all registered competitors in a 'Know Before You Go' document before the start of competition.

If you are participating in a role requiring compliance, please be sure to download or print your compliance card to verify your compliance status on-site, if requested. If you believe your compliance card does not accurately reflect your compliance status, please contact skatesafe@usfigureskating.org at least 2 business days prior to the competition for assistance.

Awards

Medals will be awarded to the top four skaters/teams in each group/level after the free skate events have concluded and following any feedback sessions. Medal ceremonies will take place in the lobby outside of the Tenley E. Albright Performance Center.

Photo/video

Live and on-demand streaming, and sales and distribution of U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned and approved events, programs, and activities that include the playback of music is strictly prohibited. This prohibition does not apply to the distribution of footage that does not include music. Questions about this can be directed to music@usfigureskating.org.

Information about event photography will be made available through the event webpage.

Additional information

Please refer to the competition website: scboston.org/boston-open for additional information on hotels and the local area.

Contact information

For questions, please contact the following individuals:

* NOTE : Many levels require multiple groups which may be held over multiple days. If your skater's level is listed more than once, their competition day will be determined by their assigned group.

• Groups will be assigned by the Chief Scoring Official using a random draw, and sent to registered competitors on or before August 30, 2026.
• Skaters/ families may NOT request to be in a specific group based on their personal availability.
• Multi-discipline skaters (i.e. those competing in both pairs and single) will compete singles events earlier in the week than their pairs events.
• Start orders will be posted by 12:00 PM on September 28, 2026

This schedule is tentative and subject to change.