Programs, often offered by local skating rinks or ice skating clubs, that provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn, become competitive in and enjoy ice skating. Included are programs for novices who are interested in recreational skating and want to develop basic skating skills such as forward and backward skating, stopping, turning, jumping, edges and crosscuts; and programs for serious skaters who want to develop skills necessary to become competitive in synchronized skating, figure skating, ice dancing, speedskating, ice hockey or other ice sports. The programs may sponsor or make arrangements for skaters to participate in a variety of skating competitions including qualifying and non-qualifying events, usually at the local or regional level.