Falling Leaves 2026 and Compete USA

Capital Regional Council Championships

September 25 - September 27, 2026

Registration Open: June 28, 2026

Registration Deadline: August 23, 2026

Richmond Figure Skating Club

SkateNation Plus

4350 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060

Sanction # 37119

I. COMPETITION OVERVIEW

Falling Leaves 2026 will be conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the 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 .

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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. ABOUT THE CAPITAL REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS :

Falling Leaves 2026 will also serve as the Championships for the Capital Regional Council (CRC) clubs located in Maryland, DC, Virginia and North Carolina. Final Rounds will be held at every level above Compete USA and trophies will be awarded to the champions.

All skaters are eligible to compete, regardless of their club membership and whether their club is a CRC member; however, the CRC Champion title and trophy will only go to a skater who represents a CRC club.

Active club members of the Capital Regional Council as of June 1, 2026 include:

● Columbia FSC

● Frederick FSC

● Gardens FSC

● Richmond Figure Skating Club

● Skating Club of Northern

Virginia

● Tidewater Figure Skating Club

● Triangle FSC

● Washington FSC

II. 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 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:

● 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

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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).

For more details about establishing event levels, refer to the information sheet HERE o r email events@usfigureskating.org.

All other singles and partner events:

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

ONLINE WAIVER:

U.S. Figure Skating Waivers are a requirement for ALL athletes. The online waivers must be completed via Members Only prior to the competition.

EVENTS OFFERED:

Click HERE for program requirements for the current season. Compete USA program requirements can be found HERE.

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SKATESAFE COMPLIANCE:

For full details about SkateSafe compliance at U.S. Figure Skating competitions, refer to the U.S. Figure Skating SkateSafe webpage: www.usfigureskating.org/skatesafe .

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 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 f or 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 o r email SkateSafe@USFigureSkating.org .

COACHES:

To be an eligible coach at a non-qualifying competition, coaches must meet the applicable compliance requirements and be verified by U.S. Figure Skating. Coach compliance falls into three categories, Coach/Choreographer, Learn to Skate USA Instructor, or Foreign Coach/Choreographer. 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.

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TEAM SERVICE PERSONNEL:

Teams are permitted a maximum of two team service personnel. Team service personnel must have a green lighted background check and completed SafeSport™ training. All compliance requirements must be met at the time of check-in to access the competition, no exceptions. Team service personnel is defined as those indicated as a team manager and/or team service personnel planning to attend the competition with the team.

MANDATORY ATHLETES:

Athletes aged 18+ as of the competition start date who will be competing on a team (i.e., synchro, ice dance, pairs, shadow dance, theater, 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 SkateSafe 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.

III. REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Online entry with secure credit card payment is available through the competition EntryEeze portal. Online entries must be completed by midnight on AUGUST 23, 2026 . Late entries may be accepted at the discretion of the competition committee. If accepted, a late fee of $45 will be assessed. The competition committee reserves the right to close registration early to limit entries, to limit entries to any event, to cancel an event based upon time restrictions, to combine event levels and to cancel the event. The chief referee and competition chairperson reserve the right to combine ladies’ and mens’/girls' and boys’ events where permitted by U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook.

Participation in the Excel Series is not required to register for Excel events.

REFUND POLICY:

Entry fees will not be refunded after August 23, 2026 unless no competition exists, or an event is canceled. Medical withdrawals, supported with documentation, up to 48 hours before the first event will be honored with a refund. The online processing fees are not refundable. Notification of competition and practice ice times will not be available by phone, email or mail. Skaters’ and coaches’ schedules will be available through the competition EntryEeze portal. After September 8th there will be no event changes for incorrect registration on the part of the skater/parent/coach. Please check your registration closely.

TEST CREDIT:

Skaters who wish to register to receive test credit will be able to pre-purchase the test credit packet

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on site at the Registration Desk.

EXHIBITIONS AND SINGLE ENTRY EVENTS

Well-Balanced IJS Events & Short Programs and Excel Events: If there is only one skater entered, it will be scheduled as an exhibition (with protocol), unless the skater wishes to cancel with an entry fee refund. Skaters in exhibitions will be eligible to receive awards. Athletes in adult pre-bronze and higher adult free skate events with no competitor of the same gender in another age class will be offered the opportunity to skate an exhibition (with protocol), skate up to the next higher level (if this provides a competitor) or be issued a refund. Skaters in exhibitions will be eligible to receive awards. Compete USA events : If there is only one skater entered, it will be scheduled as a single-entry event and eligible to receive awards. Showcase Production teams : If there is only one team entered, it will be scheduled as a single-entry event and eligible to receive awards. All other CJS events : If there is only one skater when the competition schedule is ready to be published, the event will be canceled, and the skater will be offered the option to skate up a level, if available (paying any difference in event fee), or to receive a refund. If withdrawals subsequent to the posting of the schedule reduce the number of entries in an event to one, it will be scheduled as a single entry event. The chief referee and competition chairperson reserve the right to combine women’s and men’s/girls’ and boys’ events when permitted by U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook.

MUSIC SUBMISSION/UPLOAD:

Competitors must provide music for all events, as appropriate. Competition music for all events that require music must be submitted electronically via the online registration system by the music deadline of 11:59pm ET on September 6, 2026.

After you have registered and paid for your events on EntryEeze.com, the system will prompt you to upload your music for each event that requires music. If your music is not available at that time, you can return to your account later to upload music by going to the “Competition” tab and then selecting “My Music”.

Your music must meet the following criteria:

1. File Format: MP3 (the online system will automatically check this)

2. Bit Rate: 192 kbps or higher (this will be checked by the music chairperson, and they may request you upload a corrected file)

3. Sample Rate: 44,100 kHz (this will be checked by the music chairperson, and they may request you upload a corrected file)

4. Leaders and trailers (the silence or "dead space" before and after the actual start and end of the program music) may not exceed two (2) seconds. We prefer that there be NO leaders or trailers at all. Excessive leaders and trailers may disrupt the playing of the music during

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competition.

5. File name must include Competitor’s name and event level. Example:

JaneSmith-Intermediate Long

If you have questions about what format you have, please contact your coach and get a new version of your music that meets the criteria listed above.

Penalty for Incorrect Music or Failure to Upload Music : The LOC may assess each competitor/team an additional $25 charge per event segment, if the competitor: 1) fails to submit their music prior to the close of online music submission, 2) submits files that do not follow the specifications above, or 3) uploads the incorrect music for a given event segment (e.g., uploads short program music instead of the free skate). In the event the LOC decides to assess a penalty, the competitor will not receive their credentials at registration until they pay the penalty fee and present the correct music that meets all specifications.

Competitors must 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 – FOR IJS EVENTS ONLY: Competitors participating in IJS events are required to submit PPC in EntryEeze no later than 11:59pm ET on September 6, 2026 .

After you have registered and paid for your events on EntryEeze.com, the system will prompt you to complete your PPC if required. If you do not complete the PPC at that time, you can return to your account later to upload your PPC by going to the “Competition” tab and then selecting “Planned Program Content”. .

LIABILITY:

U.S. Figure Skating, Learn to Skate USA, Richmond Figure Skating Club, and SkateNation Plus 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.

IV. COMPETITION DETAILS

FACILITIES :

SkateNation Plus

4350 Pouncey Tract Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060

https://www.richmondskating.com/skp/

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Ice size is 200’ x 85’. The rink entrance is on the side of the building behind Anant Cuisine and Massage Envy. Short Pump Town Center is within walking distance with many additional restaurants. A drive-thru Starbucks is also just around the corner!

LOCKER ROOMS AND CHANGING AREAS:

GENERAL LOCKER ROOM AVAILABILITY

Locker rooms and changing areas at U.S. Figure Skating competitive events are for athletes only, 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 and the SkateSafe Handbook (both found on the U.S. Figure Skating SkateSafe page).

TEAM LOCKER ROOMS

The designated team coach, team manager, team service personnel and athletes competing at the skating event are allowed in the Locker Rooms/Changing Area designated for their team. All Locker Rooms/Changing Areas will be monitored. If any concerns arise, immediately contact the Locker Room/Changing Area monitor. If there are concerns regarding this policy, an athlete should change prior to arriving at the competition. The use of any recording and photographic devices inside a Locker Room/Changing Area is strictly prohibited. Any violation of this policy is punishable under the U.S. Figure Skating SkateSafe policy and U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook.

ONSITE CHECK IN AND REGISTRATION

Registration will be open one hour before the first event of each day and turn through the last event of each day. The registration table will be located inside the entrance of SkateNation Plus, immediately to your right.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE AND UPDATES:

It is the responsibility of each competitor, parent and coach to check the competition website or registration desk frequently for any schedule changes and/or additional information pertaining to the competition.

SKATE ORDER AND RESULTS

The Skate Order and Results will be posted online only through the US Figure Skating IJS Live website. That web address will be available in EntryEeze and will be available through QR code at registration and posted at the rink. It is the responsibility of each competitor, parent and coach to check frequently for any schedule changes and/or additional information. Skaters should arrive no later than one hour prior to the scheduled time of their event. A tentative schedule of events will be posted prior to the competition and emailed to all skaters and coaches. Please note that results will not be posted within the rink.

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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:

Practice ice for the day of the competition will be available for pre-purchase during online registration. Early morning sessions are tentatively planned. Skaters will be able to select the date and time from the published practice ice schedule after the close of registration. As soon as all schedules are finalized, you will receive an email with the start date and time for practice ice selection. You will need your U.S. Figure Skating number and your EntryEeze PIN number in order to access your account and make your selection. Additional practice ice will be available for sale online after pre-purchased sessions have been selected. As is customary, coaches are not allowed on the ice during practice ice sessions and no program music will be played.

One practice ice session per event is available for pre-purchase at the time you register for the competition for a $20/20-minute session. Online sales of practice ice after close of registration will be available for $25/20-minute session.

Onsite Practice Ice sales, if available, will be a $30/20-minute session and can be purchased at the registration desk. Cash, Check, or Zelle ( rfsctreasury@gmail.com) will be accepted.

FINAL ROUNDS AND AWARDS:

Medals will be awarded for first, second, third and fourth place finishers only in each group in each regular event. Compete USA events will be limited to four skaters in a group, if possible, and all will receive awards. Should conditions permit for formal awards ceremonies during the competition, all Compete USA competitors are invited to participate in the medal ceremony.

We will offer Final Rounds at every level above Compete USA and a Falling Leaves CRC Champion 2026 trophy will be awarded to the first place finisher of each final round event for participating CRC clubs.

Please note that while all skaters will be eligible to compete in final rounds regardless of their club membership and whether their club is a CRC member; however, the CRC Champion title and trophy for each event will only go to a skater who represents a CRC club.

Questions regarding CRC Membership and skater eligibility can be directed to:

capitalregionalcouncil@gmail.com . PHOTO/VIDEO : RK Sports Media will be onsite capturing still photography. Pre-orders will be available through the registration process only at www.rksportsmedia.info/events . There will not be an option to view/order

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photos onsite. Flash photography will not be permitted at any time. Videography is included in your registration fee and will be available one week after the event. To access and download your videos, go to www.figureskate.video, click on the "events'' tab and enter the password "skating2026". Download and save your videos to your local device. You can share this password with family and coaches. Videos will be available on the site for a minimum of one year. If you have any questions, you can reach Looking Glass Productions directly through the website. Please note, per new USFS guidance, 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. Use of music in this manner is not covered by U.S. Figure Skating’s Performance License with ASCAP and BMI, and is strictly prohibited. Therefore, videos distributed through Falling Leaves 2026 will be done so without sound . Questions or concerns regarding music at U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned and approved events, programs and activities may be directed to music@figureskating.org.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

● Richmond Figure Skating Club Website: www.richmondfsc.com ● Short Pump Town Center Website: www.shortpumptowncenter.com

NEARBY LODGING WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF RINK

● Hyatt House Richmond/Short Pump ● Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump ● Richmond Marriott Short Pump ● Home2Suites by Hilton Richmond/Short Pump ● Hampton Inn & Suites Richmond Short Pump ● Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Innsbrook

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For questions, please contact the following individuals:

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