Election Criteria & Process
Election to the USHOF requires approval from 51% of the responding electors. These electors include all current USHOF members, as well as several distinguished figure skating experts and renowned media members.
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*Character Clause: Induction into the US Figure Skating Hall of Fame (USHOF) is a prestigious honor rooted in the highest standards of integrity, sportsmanship, character, and exemplary contributions to the US Figure Skating Association and the figure skating community.
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There is a preference to limit each induction class to three individuals, with a requirement that at least one inductee be an athlete.
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There are three standing categories of nomination plus one special category
Athlete
Professional
Outstanding Contributor
Trailblazer - Special Category (at the discretion of the nominating committee)
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General standards for nomination to each category
Athletes *Required
A minimum of 4-years retired from competitive skating
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Olympics *
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Medalist
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Top 5 finish (acceptable)
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Team Member (acceptable with top 5 World finish)
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World Championships *
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Medalist
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Top 5 finish (acceptable)
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Number of World Teams (3+ desired)
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US Championships * (history is considered)​
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Additional Considerations
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Olympic Team Event - Medalist
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Grand Prix Finals – Medalist
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Grand Prix - Medalist
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Jr. Worlds--Medalist
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Note: Athletes must provide evidence or a statement of retirement.
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Professionals (coach, choreographer, impresario)
Lifetime achievement and contribution to the sport – core consideration
A minimum of 25 years of coaching/professional work
Coach/Choreographer
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List of skaters coached during a crucial part of their career
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-Skaters who made podium finishes at US Nationals
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-Skaters who competed at Worlds
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-Skaters who competed at the Olympics
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U.S. Figure Skating experience/involvement - BOD, Committees, etc.
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Professional Ratings
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All (coach, choreographer, impresario)
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Academic/professional degrees and certifications
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Professional organizations
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Other Awards and recognitions - Olympic, ISU, U.S., PSA
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Skating background or other professional background
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3 letters of recommendation from non-relatives or 1 committee member request
Outstanding Contributors
Lifetime achievement and contribution to the sport – core consideration
Recommendations should include but not be limited to the following:
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Years as a member of U.S. Figure Skating
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Contributions and involvement at the local, sectional, and national levels.
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International Contributions and Involvement (while representing the U.S.)
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Referee, Judge, Technical Panel Official, Team Leader,
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ISU U.S. Representative, Grand Prix Commission, Special Projects
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Olympic-BOD, Officer, Official, Team Leader, Olympic Representative, Awards
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Skating background
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Other Awards and Outstanding contributions
3 letters of recommendation from non-relatives or 1 committee member request
Trailblazers
Lifetime achievement and contribution to the sport – core consideration
A Special Category under the charge of the USHOF Nominating Committee. This is reserved for exceptional candidates whose contributions are not reflected in the other categories.
A "Trailblazer" is an individual who stands out as a pioneer or innovator, creating new opportunities for others and enhancing the sport of figure skating.
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Process
The Hall of Fame election process involves nominations from both the skating community and the public. The Hall of Fame Committee organizes these nominations into four categories: Athletes, Professionals, Contributors, and Trailblazers. Induction is based on the primary contributions of each nominee, though many inductees merit recognition in multiple categories. After thorough discussions, the committee presents a ballot to the electors, who are primarily Hall of Fame members and a few knowledgeable members of the media. Induction ceremonies occur annually during the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
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