From the cover

Oktoberfest 2026 Part of the US Figure Skating NQ Series September 17-20, 2026 Hosted by the Cottonwood Heights FSC Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center 7500 South 2700 East, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121

ICompetition overview

Oktoberfest 2026 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.

2026-2027 National Qualifying Series

This competition has been approved as a 2026-27 National Qualifying Series event by U.S. Figure Skating for singles. Any athlete looking to participate in this competition as an NQS event must read the 2026-27 NQS Athlete Handbook (link coming soon) 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 2026-27 National Qualifying Series, email events@usfigureskating.org.

IIEligibility

Singles: Excel and Championship Track 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 Championship Track and Specialty events the skater wi ll 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 Championship Track 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 Championship Track 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).

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: usfigureskating.org --> Skate --> Compete --> Program Requirements
• Compete USA Program Requirements: learntoskateusa.com/competeusa
• 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 emj.icegirl@gmail.com or erinchfsc@gmail.com.
  • Click here for more information about S.A.Ms.

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

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 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 emj.icegirl@gmail.com or erinchfsc@gmail.com.

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 be 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 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.

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

Team service personnel

Teams are permitted a maximum of two team service personnel. Team service personnel must have a current U.S. Figure Skating or Learn to Skate USA® membership, 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, 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

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 Opens: July 8, 2026, at 12:00 pm PST/3:00 pm EST

Registration Deadline: August 5, 2026, at 11:59 pm PST/2:59 am EST

Late Registration Deadline: August 12, 2026, at 6:00 pm PST/9:00 pm EST

*The host club reserves the right to close registration at any time if event capacity is met. There will be a registration limit on entries per event. If your event is full, you may be able to join a waitlist.

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 OKTOBERFEST 2026 from the list competitions.
1. If you need assistance completing your registration, contact productsupport@usfigureskating.org.

Partnered events (Showcase)

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 at the Juvenile through Senior level may request test credit by meeting the minimum score requirements established in the US Figure Skating Technical Notifications. document and consult with your Chief Accountant on process (advance applications/providing results etc.) and timeline. An online form, in advance of the competition, is recommended (example form HERE) vs. paper at the competition or you can use EMS for registration. Be sure to include details about eligible levels for test credit, post-competition paperwork processing, deadlines, etc.

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.

Music submission/upload

EMS MUSIC UPLOAD: Competitors participating in events with music are required to upload their music to EMS no later than September 2, 2026, at 11:59 pm PST/2:59 am EST . After this date, skaters will be locked out of this feature and subject to a $50 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. 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 rink side 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

EMS PLANNED PROGRAM CONTENT (PPC) - Competitors participating in IJS events are required to submit PPC in EMS no later than September 2, 2026, at 11:59 pm PST/2:59 am EST . After this date, skaters will be locked out of this feature in EMS and subject to a $50 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.

EMS PPC UPLOAD HOW TO: CLICK HERE

Refund policy

Entry fees will not be refunded after the registration 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®, Cottonwood Heights FSC and Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center 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

Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center 7500 South 2700 East, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121 Facility Website: https://www.chparksandrecut.gov/

The ice sheet at CHRC is a regulation Olympic size. The temperature inside the rink is generally fairly mild during warmer months but can be cold depending on weather conditions or facility management adjustments.

Locker rooms and changing areas

Locker rooms and changing areas will not be available for this competition. All athletes are expected to arrive at the arena ready (costumes, hair, make-up etc.). Athletes will be provided with an area to put skates on 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 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

The official website for the competition is https://www.chfsc.com/. All information and updates about the competition may be found there. All official updates will be posted on the website, as well as included in the Start Order and Live Results page once it is published. Prior to the competition, all registered skaters will be notified by email of any important information. It is the responsibility of each competitor, parent and coach to check the club website and the Start Order/Live Results page 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

Practice Ice pre-purchase sales will be offered via EMS during the registration period. Practice ice will be available at various times throughout the competition. After the pre-purchase period ends open sales will be available after the schedule has been published. Practice ice selection will open after the schedule has been published but prior to the beginning of open sales. Practice ice purchases are not refundable after the close of registration and will not be refunded after the registration deadline unless no competition is held or the event is canceled. There will be no refunds for medical withdrawals.

All sessions will be Unofficial Practice Ice (UPI). The sessions will be 20 minutes long and skaters will not be allowed to play their music. Sessions will be restricted by level and limited to a 20-skater maximum. Some sessions may have further limitations.

Each group will be given a warmup period prior to the start of their event according to the US Figure Skating Rulebook for conduct: 2701 E. Music will not be played. The warmup time will be based on starting order.

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 PST/3:00 pm EST
• Close: August 5, 2026 at 11:59 pm PST/2:59 am EST
• Maximum credits per registered event:
  • UPI - 2 per event
• Cost per credit: $25

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 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
• Maximum credits per registered event:
  • UPI - 2 per event
• Cost per Credit: $30

Sales at Competition: Practice ice sessions may be available for purchase during the competition depending upon availability.

• Cost per session: $35

Onsite check-in

Check-in will open on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at a time to be announced and will be in the skate lobby of Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center.

Awards

All participants in all events will receive a medal. Compete USA events will be limited to 6 participants. We will be awarding the Mary Beth Anderson Award for the Most Memorable Showcase Program in a ceremony after all Showcase events are complete. The winner of this award will be decided by competition officials at the close of all showcase events. Mary Beth Anderson was a long-time member of the Cottonwood Heights FSC and a great supporter of our club.

Volunteer info

Volunteer signup will be sent out to CHFSC members when the schedule has been established. If you would like to volunteer for the event and are not a member of CHFSC, please email the volunteer chair Cidney Judkins at cidjudkins5@gmail.com

Volunteer compliance

All volunteers who serve as emergency medical providers must be Safe Skate compliant.

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.

Video of each program will be provided to all competitors as part of the registration and will follow US Figure Skating rules regarding music in video. Video will be provided by Quick Silver Shots. Photography by a professional photographer may be available for purchase at the event. Updates regarding this may be found on the competition website once details are confirmed.

Additional information

The official hotel for Oktoberfest 2026 is the Hyatt Place Cottonwood. Information regarding room rates may be found here.

• Cottonwood Heights is served by the Salt Lake City International Airport.
• The competition website may be found here.
• If you are interested in becoming a vendor at Oktoberfest, please contact mailto:OktoberfestCHFSC@gmail.com.

Contact information

Competition website: chfsc.com

For questions, please contact the following individuals: