2026 Fall Madison Open October 23 - 25, 2026

Hosted by

Madison Ice Arena · 725 Forward Dr. · Madison, WI 53711 Register Here!

Competition overview

The 46th Annual Madison Open will be conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations of U.S. Figure Skating, as set forth in the current rulebook, and/or current Compete USA handbook 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, Learn to Skate USA® member, a collegiate club or who is an individual member in accordance with the current rulebook. For non-U.S. citizens, please refer to the rulebook for more information.

Eligibility

Singles Excel and Well Balanced Events

• 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 highest singles test level 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:
  • 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.
  • 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 Well-Balanced and Specialty events the skater will be permitted to register at one level lower than the 'floor' set by their excel series entry.
  • 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.
• Skaters are not permitted to enter an Excel free skate and a Well-Balanced free skate event at the same competition (example: Juvenile Girls Free Skate and Juvenile Girls Excel Free Skate). However, they are permitted to enter an Excel and a Well-Balanced event of different types such as a short program (if stand-alone event option), specialty or showcase events (example: Intermediate Women Short Program and Intermediate Women Excel Free Skate).
• It is very important to the success of the competition that skaters are placed in the correct divisions. If, for whatever reason, the Local Organizing Committee discovers that a skater has been placed in a category that is below his/her class level, the chair and referee will have the option to move the skater into the proper division, even if this has to be done the day of the competition. This will ensure that every event is as fair as possible to the competitors.
• If an athlete, coach, parent and/or guardian needs assistance with confirming their eligibility, email events@usfigureskating.org or refer to information sheet HERE.

All other singles and partner events (such as Adults, Pairs, Ice Dance)

Skaters must meet the minimum test requirements for the events level, but not exceed the maximum permissible test requirement.

Events offered

• U.S. Figure Skating Program Requirements
• Compete USA Program Requirements
• Skate United: For any Skate United Athlete, please register for the appropriate level under the 'standard' option. Once registration is complete, submit paperwork to the competition chair at MadisonOpen@fscmadison.org
• Skaters using a Skating Accommodation Memorandum (S.A.M.) must submit their S.A.M. to the competition chair via email at MadisonOpen@fscmadison.org

On the program requirements page linked above, competitions that fall within the date range beside the program requirements must use those requirements.

New in 2026: showcase events with curtain and spotlights!

A curtain will be installed on the scoreboard side of the rink, with skaters entering the ice from the west side of the curtain. Two spotlights will be used during competition, positioned behind the spectator and official seating area on the east side of the arena. Spectators and officials will be seated together on the east side. A diagram showing the placement of the curtain, spotlights, and seating areas is included in Appendix A of this announcement.

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.

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 the organization. U.S. Figure Skating's SkateSafe® Program receives, investigates and addresses allegations of discrimination or harassment throughout its membership and 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/accommocations

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 MadisonOpen@fscmadison.org

Compliance

For full details about participant compliance requirements, refer to the U.S. Figure Skating SkateSafe® webpage: https://www.usfigureskating.org/skatesafe#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 HERE. 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.

With EMS, coaches must be included within a skater/team's registration or updated through their EMS Skater Portal via 'My Coaches' or 'Team Personnel.' All coaches declared at the time of registration will be included in the registration confirmation email. Note: There is no registration approval process within EMS as the data (membership and test level) is tied to the U.S. Figure Skating database. Non-compliant coaches will receive automated email reminders through the start of the competition.

EMS Coach Resources (not sys or toi)

• My Competitions
• My Skaters
• Coach Schedule

EMS Coach Resources (sys or toi only)

• Team Management Guide

Registration information

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.

Online entry must be COMPLETED by 11:59pm ET on Friday, September 18, 2026. When using the online registration, it is the skaters' and coaches' responsibility to verify that the skater has entered the correct event and level. Late registrations may be accepted at the discretion of the Chief Referee for a $45 fee. FSCM reserves the right to close registration at any time if event capacity is met.

To register for the Madison Open

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 'Madison Open' 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 'NonMember? Create Account' option on the Members Only login page.

Included in the Event Registration

• IJS result packets include all participants in the event.
• Championship Event participants receive a copy of both SP and FS, all participants.
• Online Action Photo download from KRPhotogs Photography for all full ice events with music entered.

• Online video download of full ice events from KRPhotogs Photography. Note that per U.S. Figure Skating guidelines, videos will not include music.

List of fees

• Open Registration Fee for First Event: $150 - $180*
• Open Additional Events Fee: $50 each
• Compete USA Registration Fee: $95
• Compete USA Additional Events Fee: $50 each
• Practice Ice Fee Reserved During Online Registration: $20/session
• Practice Ice Fee at Competition (if available): $25/session
• Event Change Fee post entry deadline (if granted): $25

●

Test Credit Fee: $30

• Late Registration Fee (granted at the discretion of the Chief Referee): $45
• Late Music Fee: $25
• Late or Missing PPC Fee: $25
• An additional online processing fee of 3.8% will be added to each transaction.

Add/change event

Registered events can be changed, and new events can be added without penalty before 11:59pm on the entry deadline. Any event change request after this deadline of 11:59pm ET on Friday, October 15, 2026, will NOT be accepted.

Single skater IJS/CJS events

In the event there is only one skater registered for an event that is an IJS/CJS the event will be held and the skater will be scored.

Test credit

Skaters may purchase a test credit one-week prior to the start of the competition on EMS. The Test Credit Fee is $30.00. All test credit registrations must be purchased in advance of the competition and testing forms must be completed and turned in by 11:59pm ET on Friday, October 16, 2026 . You may turn in your test credit forms by emailing MadisonOpen@fscmadison.org. Review the IJS Protocol for Test Credit for more information.

Music submission/upload

Skaters participating in events with music are required to upload their music to EMS no later than Friday, October 9, 2026 at 11:59pm ET . After this date, skaters will be locked out of this feature and subject to a $25 late fee . The late fee will automatically be added to each skater's cart that does not 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. Click here for INSTRUCTIONS on how to upload skater music into EMS. If you need further assistance, email productsupport@usfigureskating.org

Skaters must also have available a backup copy of their competition music on a cell phone and it must be immediately available rink side whenever the skater competes. If the phone will be used as backup and it 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 (IJS events only)

Skaters participating in IJS events are required to submit PPC in EMS no later than Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11:59pm ET . After this date, skaters will be locked out of this feature in EMS and subject to a $25 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. Click here for INSTRUCTIONS on how to upload skater PPC into EMS. If you need further assistance, email productsupport@usfigureskating.org

Refund policy

Entry fees will not be refunded after entry deadline on September 18, 2026 unless no competition exists or the event is canceled. There will be no refunds for medical withdrawals. No exceptions.

Liability

U.S. Figure Skating, Learn to Skate USA®, Figure Skating Club of Madison, Madison Ice Inc., and Madison Ice Arena 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.

Facilities

The Madison Open will be held at the Madison Ice Arena, 725 Forward Drive, Madison, WI 53711. Madison Ice Arena's main ice surface is 85' x 200' with slightly rounded corners. The studio rink, if utilized, is 65' x 85'. The temperature of the rink can vary day to day and while it is usually a comfortable rink for spectators we do recommend dressing in layers or brining a jacket or blanket to stay warm. There is no admission fee for the competition and food and beverages will be available onsite.

Locker rooms and changing areas will not be available this competition. Skaters are expected to arrive at the rink ready to compete. Skaters will be provided with an area to put on skates, but changing will not be permitted in these spaces.

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 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

An official bulletin board will be maintained at the Registration desk. It is the responsibility of each competitor, parent, and/or coach to check the bulletin board frequently for any schedule changes and/or additional information. Skaters are requested to arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time of their event. A tentative schedule of events will be posted prior to the competition. Results will be posted online and the link will be available onsite and online prior to the competition.

Schedule

The competition and practice ice schedule will be available after the close of entries at www.fscmadison.org. All participants will be notified via email once available. Actual skating order is posted the day of the competition at the event. Please also check the website for changes or corrections to this announcement.

Practice ice

Practice ice will be available for purchase on EMS. It is suggested that you reserve your practice ice when you register so that you will have first choice of times once the schedule is posted online. The length of each practice session is 20 minutes, with a maximum number of 18 skaters on the ice. Keeping the safety of the skaters in mind, most sessions are designated by skating level.

Pre-Purchase Practice Ice

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

Pre-Purchase Practice Ice 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 Practice Ice Sales

After the pre-purchase practice ice selection period, skaters will have the opportunity to purchase remaining open practice ice sessions. Click Here for an Open Sales How-To Document

Onsite Practice Ice Purchase

If there is remaining practice ice, it will be available for purchase onsite. Details will be provided at the registration/check-in desk. Studio/half sheet practice ice will also be available for purchase onsite in 30-minute increments at the top and half of each hour according to the schedule posted onsite.

Onsite check-in

The Registration Desk will be open throughout the competition weekend beginning on the first day of the competition. Each skater must check in upon arrival, at least 30 minutes before each event. If you skate multiple days, (e.g. Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday), please check in with the registration desk each day to confirm your events. The registration table will be located in the lobby of the Madison Ice Arena. PLEASE REGISTER PROMPTLY UPON ARRIVAL. For more details

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

All skaters in Compete USA events will receive an award for participation. In all other events, awards will be presented to the top four places in each event. Awards will also be given to the top four skaters for the combined short and long programs in initial rounds of Championship events and the top four places in the Championship final round. Award recipients are encouraged to participate in the awards presentation and photography.

The Dorothy Sinykin Trophy will be awarded to the highest combined score of the Intermediate Ladies Championship in memory of Dorothy's commitment to the Figure Skating Club of Madison and the sport of figure skating.

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.

Online Action photos for each entered event are included with the registration price as well as a digital video for full ice events (without music). Video/Photo vendor will be in the lobby. If you will be recording video, please be considerate of others and do so from the top of the stands. No flash photography is permitted in the ice arena. The use of ice arena power sources is prohibited.

Dates to remember

All Registrations and Payments are to be completed online. Links can be found at: www.fscmadison.org

Contact information

Additional information can be found at www.fscmadison.org If you have questions, please email the competition chair at MadisonOpen@fscmadison.org

Appendix A: madison ice arena - showcase event map