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.
*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.
There is a preference to limit each induction class to three individuals, with a requirement that at least one inductee be an athlete.
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)
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.
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.
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.