45th Annual Pony Express Championships Competition September 17-20, 2026

Bode Ice Arena 2500 Southwest Parkway St. Joseph, MO. 64503

Competition Entry Deadline: August 2, 2026

Music Upload Deadline: August 21, 2026

Planned Program Content forms Deadline: August 21, 2026

ICompetition overview

The Pony Express Championships 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 nonU.S. citizens, please refer to the rulebook for more information.

Mid-west figure skating council championship series

The St. Joseph Figure Skating Club is a member of the Mid-West Figure Skating Council (MWFSC) and is participating in the Mid-West Council Championship Series (MWCCS). Participating competitions are Snowball Spectacular, Skate KC, Heart of America, Wichita Mid-Continent Classic, Pony Express Championships, and City of Fountains Fall Fling. Actual competitions will be dependent upon each hosting Club's final decision to hold their event. Points will be awarded for Beginner through Adult level events (Free Skate, Showcase, Jumps, Spins, Dance, and Compulsory) along with Compete USA events (Basic Elements, Basic Program, and Basic Skills Showcase).

Skaters may enter one of two tracks. The Comprehensive Track will include all events a skater enters (Free Skate, Dance, Showcase Events, Jumps, Spins, and Compulsory). The Free Skate Track will only include singles Free Skate events (Long Program for Intermediate - Senior). Skaters must indicate the track in which they wish to compete when they sign up. Track selection cannot be changed after registration.

Skaters competing in this Series will receive points for placement in each of the above events at the recognized competitions. At the end of the season, top point skaters will receive awards from MWFSC, and the club with the most skater-accumulated points will receive the Traveling Championship Trophy for that year.

There is an annual $10 registration fee to enter the Championship Series, which can be paid at the first competition entered or by registering on the Council website at www.MWFSC.net.

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:

45th Annual Pony Express Championships Competition September 17-20, 2026

45th Annual Pony Express Championships Competition September 17-20, 2026

• o If an athlete has a paid EMS series registration 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 registration 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 registration 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
  • 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 PonyExpressSJFSC@gmail.com .
  • Click here for the Skate United Athlete Form.
  • If you have questions about how to support Skate United Athletes at your competition, email events@usfigureskating.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 PonyExpressSJFSC@gmail.com.
  • Click here for more information about S.A.Ms.
  • If you have questions about on how to support skaters using S.A.Ms, email events@usfigureskating.org.

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

Th

45 Annual Pony Express Championships Competition September 17-20, 2026

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 PonyExpressSJFSC@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 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.

45th Annual Pony Express Championships Competition September 17-20, 2026

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

The Pony Express Championships will use EntryEeze for all registrations. No paper registrations will be accepted.

Registration Deadline: 8/2/2026 at 11:59 pm Central Time.

Late entries will be accepted only at the discretion of the competition committee and chief referee, and a late fee of $25 will be charged. The late fee charge of $25 also pertains to late Planned Program Content forms and late music, which are due by August 21, 2026.

Test credit

Skaters that meet the requirements for test credit (Open Juvenile, Juvenile, Intermediate, Novice, Junior, Senior and Adult Gold) may request their test credit forms at registration. Forms must be picked up at the registration desk prior to the end of the competition. Requests for test credit must be made at least 24 hours prior to the event beginning.

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

All music will be uploaded using EntryEeze by August 21, 2026. 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 who doesn't meet this requirement by the deadline. Late fees will not be removed under any circumstances and must be paid no later than onsite check-in. Skater will not be permitted to participate if not paid.

EADLINE: August 21, 2026, 11:59 PM ET - $25 LATE FEE APPLIED AFTER THIS DATE

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.

45th Annual Pony Express Championships Competition September 17-20, 2026

45th Annual Pony Express Championships Competition September 17-20, 2026

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 August 22, 2025. After this date, skaters will be 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.

DEADLINE: August 21, 2026, 11:59 PM ET - $25 LATE FEE APPLIED AFTER THIS DATE

Refund policy

Entry fees will not be refunded after 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®, The St. Joseph Figure Skating Club and Bode 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.

IVCompetition details

Facilities

The competition will be held at Bode Ice Arena, 2500 Southwest Parkway, St. Joseph, MO 64503. The ice surface is 185' X 85'. A full concession stand is available in the rink.

Locker rooms and changing areas

All athletes are expected to arrive at the arena ready (costumes, hair, make-up, etc.). There will be a ready room available to all skaters and will be open to all ages and genders. No open changing will be permitted. Limited space changing stalls will be available for necessary changing.

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 InProgram 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

An official bulletin board will be maintained on the competition website. It is the responsibility of each competitor, parent, and coach to check the bulletin board frequently for any schedule changes and/or additional information. Skaters will be assigned the time to arrive prior to the scheduled time of their event. A tentative schedule of events will be posted prior to the competition. All results will be posted online. Skaters will be given a live results link prior to the event.

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 will tentatively begin Thursday evening. No practice ice is included with registration. All practice ice must be paid for in advance. Music will not be played during practice ice. Skaters will be able to pick their own practice ice sessions online, but must indicate and pay for the number of sessions they would like with entry form.

Practice ice sessions will be $20.00 when ordered with entry, and sessions are 20 minutes in length. Pre-paid practice ice is non-refundable and may not be sold to other skaters. Additional practice ice sales may be available online for $23.00 per session after the schedule has been posted and Pre-paid sessions have been selected. Additional practice ice may also be available for purchase during the competition at a cost of $25.00 at the registration desk. No music will be played.

COMPETE USA - Practice Ice will be held prior to the beginning of the Compete USA Competition. Practice ice sessions will be $20 and will be 20 minutes in length. Pre-paid practice ice is non-refundable and may not be sold to other skaters. Additional practice ice sales may be available online for $23.00 per session after the schedule has been posted and Pre-paid sessions have been selected. Additional practice ice may also be available for purchase during the competition at a cost of $25.00 at the registration desk. No music will be played.

Onsite check-in

Check-in will be open 30 minutes before the first practice ice on the first day and one hour before the start of competition each day and run through the last event of that day. The Check-in will be located in the lobby of the Bode Ice Arena at the skate rental booth. All skaters must check-in . Please register promptly upon arrival at least one hour prior to your first event.

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 given for 1st through 4th places and ribbons will be awarded for 5th through 8th place for each event. All awards will be distributed and pictures taken immediately after results are posted for that event.

Volunteer compliance

Reminder: Compliant positions at all U.S. Figure Skating events include LOC leadership, locker room monitors and emergency medical providers.

45th Annual Pony Express Championships Competition September 17-20, 2026

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.

Professional photos will be provided by Sam Atagana Photography. Photography packages will be available online.

Flash photography of skaters is not permitted.

Individuals may only use handheld cameras, and no rink power outlets may be used. No tripods may be used and no rink power sources may be accessed. Only hand-held video cameras are permitted.

Note, per U.S. Figure Skating policy, photographing and/or recording of anyone other than your own skater is strictly prohibited.

Additional information

Merchandise

Each competitor will receive a 2025 Pony Express Championships t-shirt with registration. Additional shirts must be ordered at time of registration. No additional merchandise will be available at the competition. Size selection is final.

Hotel

: TBA

Contact information

For additional and updated information, visit our club website at www.stjosephfigureskatingclub.com under the Pony Express competition tab. The latest competition information, event schedules, and practice schedules will be posted as soon as they are available.

For more information or specific questions regarding the 45th Annual Pony Express Competition, please email us: ponyexpresssjfsc@gmail.com

Or feel free to contact one of the following: (Please no calls before 9 AM or after 9 PM, CST.) Melissa Plum, Competition Chair (816) 262-6106

45th Annual Pony Express Championships Competition September 17-20, 2026