Memberships Required for Speedskating:
Many questions arise regarding memberships required for speedskating . Below is my layman's description of agencies that govern speedskating in the US. For official information please contact them directly. Memberships are required in each. Feel free to contact me: t.gier@sbcglobal.net
US Speedskating
USS is the National Governing Body of the sport in the US. This organization sanctions events, host events (such as the National Championships, US Olympic Trials, America Cups, Jr. Championships and more), as well establishes the process by which a skater may rise to the top of the sport. It is through USS that clubs are insured. Thus, for the safety of all skaters, no one is to be on the ice without an active membership or temporary waiver. No exceptions.
Missouri Speedskating Association
This is our state’s (region) governing body for the sport. The MSA oversees events in Missouri and assists clubs in promoting the sport in MO and in metro east Illinois. The MSA hosts the Missouri State Championships and the St. Louis Silver Skates meet each year. Currently there are 3 clubs in Missouri; the Gateway Speedskating Club, The Metropolitan Speedskating Club (Metros) and the Jefferson City Speedskating Club.
Click on ABOUT US, then JOIN US, then print the MSA Application. For new skaters it is free and there is no late fee. The membership period is like USS and is for 1 year beginning July 1st of each year. This membership is required to attend any practices or workouts in Missouri.
Gateway Speedskating Club
We are an affiliate of the above organizations and as such membership in them is required. Our membership form for the 2011-2012 season will be posted on the website. Gateway hosts a meet each January (the Gateway Speedskating Championships) and is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Clubs are what a skater joins to get coaching and practice time, thus the fees for a club is the largest of the three organizations because this is where you are paying for the ice time. Our coaches are not paid, they volunteer, thus your club fees go 99% towards the cost of the ice and 1% towards operations. Each year the board (consisting of parents elected each spring) will review the amount of ice we are purchasing, factor in the number of skaters we have and set the membership dues. Gateway strives to maintain a dues level that will not prohibit a skater from participating, however, we must be able to pay the rink for our ice-time.
