Most people learn to skate through the Cockburn Ice Arena “Learn To Skate” program. Once these competencies are gained one can join “Free Skating lessons” and also can be invited to join the “Fireflies” which is the synchro development squad.
This gives some basic grounding in synchro skating and when skaters are ready they are invited to join the “Jitterbugs” which is the international novice synchro ice skating division.
The four international divisions (and their respective WA team names) are
- Novice (under 15) - “Jitterbugs”
- Junior (up to 19) - “Infusion”
- Senior (over 21)
- Adult (over 21) - “Organised Chaos”
Each team comprises a minimum of 12 to compete, a (preferable) maximum of 16. Sometimes people skate in two teams if age and skill permit.
Each skater must join the WA Ice Skating Association Inc and pay an annual membership fee in order to be considered for team participation. In due course this entails Proof of Age and Residency checks.
The national governing body is the Ice Skating Australia which in turn belongs to the International Skating Union.