Your coach handed you a form to sign up to compete. What now?
First, check the competition deadline and be sure your properly signed entry gets mailed in time, often up to 8 weeks before the event.
Next, make sure you practice the routine(s) diligently so you'll be able to enjoy the experience by being well-prepared. Are extra lessons in order?
Get a dress (or pants and top for males) that fits and is appropriate. Your coach will probably have suggestions. If you have a dress custom-made expect it to take several weeks to be made. "Off-the-rack" dresses are available at local competitions and some local sports shops. If possible, practice at least once in your outfit to be sure it's comfortable and secure.
Schedules of events often don't get to you until about a week before the competition. Keep the weekend open until you know what your event day and time will be. They are usually sent directly to the skater so make sure your coach gets a copy of your schedule in order to be sure the coach will be there to cheer you on.
Invite your favorite fans. Grandparents and such love to watch and it's always more fun when somebody is in the stands for you.
Get your skates sharpened. I recommend my skaters do them about three to four skating sessions before they plan to compete.
The day before, clean your skates, refresh tapings, check laces and screws. Pack up skates, guards, outfit(s), tights, hair and makeup stuff, a nice sweater or warmup jacket, music including a spare copy unless your coach carries this, water bottle, good luck tokens if desired. Sometimes an appropriate snack should be with you. Many skaters also carry a spare outfit for emergencies. Do you have props for an artistic number? Don't forget them. Last, get a good night's sleep. Your body is your most important equipment - treat it right.
Practice ice is usually available to purchase before your event at the competition site. I highly recommend doing a session or two if possible. Skaters in higher levels and qualifying events always take practice ice. You can wear a regular practice outfit such as a dress or top and leggings, but should look neat and tidy.
Event day is here. Eat a good meal that is easily digestible with time to absorb. Good fuel helps a good performance. Get to the arena one hour before your scheduled start time. They won't wait for you if events run early. This also gives you time to warmup and stretch properly. Stop at the registration desk and turn in your music. Go over your program on the floor and/or with visualization. Your coach will advise when to get dressed and how soon to put on skates, but generally you should be ready about one flight of skaters before you are due to perform. Check your hair, makeup, laces, etc. Remember to check in with the ice monitor - that's the person right by the door onto the ice - before you are due to skate. Finally, when your group is called, you will get a few minutes to skate in a group warmup. Then, the announcer will call your name and the ice is finally all yours - enjoy. Don't forget to smile!
After the event is over, the results will be posted in a designated area. If you are fortunate to get an award, go to that area and enjoy smiling for your picture. Yes, you will be able to buy these, and often video and/or action shots as well. Sometimes you won't get to be in the medal places. Remember to be a good sport and enjoy the fun of being in a skating competition doing something you love with others who feel the same about our great sport. Disparaging remarks about other skaters or judges are not appropriate and keep you from fully joining in the fun. Take a moment to thank your coach - he or she works hard to make you ready to skate your best. On the way out, don't forget to pick up your music at the registration desk. Copies of the results sheets for your event can usually also be purchased there as well.
Now that you've competed, it's time to get back to practicing so you can skate even better next time! Enjoy!