The PRFSF, a non-profit, Puerto Rican organization, seeks both individual and corporate sponsors. Contributions may also be designated for an individual skater through our "Adopt-A-Skater" program and the Future Puerto Rican Championship Fund. Please call the PRFSF directly for more details on these program.
Corporate SponsorshipsAll skating fans have, from time to time, heard stories about skaters riding their bicycles miles to and from the rink, skating in old broken down skates, and even being forced to leave the sport due to the great financial burden. Here is our chance to help. While the most famous certainly make money, the up-and-comers often rely on donations and sponsorships.
Specifically, funds are needed for:
- Athlete training expenses - Annual training costs per athlete are about $30,000.
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International competition expenses - The cost of sending an athlete to an international competition is about $8,000+ depending upon location.
- National Championships - Ice rental, judges' expenses (travel, hotel and food), and administrative costs (program materials, signage, etc.) adds up to around $60,000.
- Website - The annual cost of the PRFSF website averages $4,000 per year.
- Administration - The basic administrative costs of the PRFSF office are $120,000 per year.
The PRFSF is very appreciative of all contributions, big or small. The PRFSF works closely with all sponsors and contributors to make sure that in return, credit for their generosity is given. For example, the PRFSF can: -
Include the sponsor's logo on the PRFSF website.
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Incorporate the sponsor's logo on PRFSF promotional and program materials.
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Place corporate signage at all PRFSF activities, including its national championships.
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Website - note the names of contributors and sponsors.
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Allow PRFSF athletes to participate in the sponsor's print, media and internet promotions.
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Permit appearances of PRFSF athletes at corporate events.
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Include sponsor information in press releases.
We can provide your business with a custom sponsorship package and work with you on other ways to show your support!
Approximate Competitive Skaters Budget
- Coach fees = $15,000
- Choreographer fees = $2,400
- Music = $270
- Costumes = $1,200
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Practice clothes = $825
- Office training (ballet, gymnastics, etc.) = $5,500
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Travel to and from the practice rink = $600
- Food and lodging at competitions = $5,000
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Travel expenses for coach = $9,000
- Hotel and tickets for family at a competition = $6,000
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Photography and videotaping = $275
- ANNUAL TOTAL = $43,470
Please call 703.739-6600 x 3004 or email amyers@prfsf.com discuss sponsorship ideas.
Finance
The Puerto Rican Figure Skating Federation (PRFSF) estimates that its annual operating budget will be at a minimum; approximately $120,000. These operating costs for a minimum of (4) ISU competitions, Jr. Worlds, 4 Continents and World Championships, Anti-doping testing, phones, travel, travel for implementation of learn to skate program in Puerto Rico, and ISU membership cost, just to name a few and this does not include costs for staff. As an example, the USFSA has the staff and resources to offer the kinds of programs we will like to offer our athletes in the future. Their operating budget is $16 million a year.
Another example, more than $3.39 million of the U.S. Figure Skating budget is utilized for sending athletes to international competitions, athlete programs, collegiate skating programs, synchronized skating programs and providing financial assistance for athletes.
Sponsorships, fundraising and competition earnings will account for 81 percent of the funds we will need to cover the expenses. Additional revenue will be generated from memberships. It is our intent to devise more programs that will increase revenue available in support of more funds in support of the PRFSF mission and objectives.
Athlete Sponsorships / Other Kinds of Sponsors
Sponsorships are agreements between the sponsor and the athlete only. The Puerto Rican Figure Skating Federation is not involved in this agreement, however, we will provide support in obtaining sponsorship by way of supporting materials and communication. This section gives you guidelines for sponsorship arrangements and includes a link to download the Sponsorship Information packet.
The only time the athlete should question their eligibility is if the sponsor asks you to participate in an event that is not sanctioned by PRFSF. If this occurs, the athlete can still accept the sponsorship if they complete a form called the Eligible Skater's Compensation Agreement (ESCA). Once this is completed, submitted and approved by the Executive Director, the athlete's eligibility will be protected. Click Here for information regarding the Eligible Skater's Compensation Agreement.
Eligible Skater's Compensation Agreement (ESCA)
Please note the following change: If you are participating in an event worth $150 or more, the contractor is required to pay a 10 percent processing fee.
The eligibility rules of PRFSF and the ISU prohibit skaters from participating in any skating competitions or events not sanctioned by PRFSF or the ISU. The purpose of the Eligible Skater's Compensation Agreement is to provide the vehicle whereby skaters may enter into an arrangement providing financial assistance while still protecting their eligibility to compete in Puerto Rican Figure Skating, ISU. or Olympic competitions.
Prior to participating in an unsanctioned event, please complete and submit via fax at PRFSF (703) 739-6601, sports resources coordinator, for the approval of the executive director. Once the agreement has been approved, a copy of the signature page will be sent back to you for your files.
Beginners Information
Just beginning in the sport of figure skating? Here are a few basic ideas to help fund some of your expenses.
The following are ideas for athletes and their parents regarding assistance early in their careers.
- Ask your skating club what monies, if any, they have budgeted to assist its skaters.
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Inquire with service clubs or organizations within your city that may have sponsorship funds available to young people. Some examples are the Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Rotary, Knights of Columbus or even your church or school.
- Create a fundraising campaign that can help you raise money for training such as bake sales, garage sales, car washes, etc.
Etiquette
Donating money to a skater is probably something new for many of you. In order to help ease the process, I have included some general tips as well as some personal accounts of those who have acted as sponsors in the past.
TIPS
- No gift is too small. Every dollar makes a big difference!
- You can decide how you want to structure your donation. You can give money in one lump sum or you can send monthly checks. There are no rules. It is up to you and whatever makes you comfortable.
- You are donating money out of the goodness of your heart, not because you expect anything in return.
- While some skaters may choose to establish a personal relationship, they are under no obligation to do so. Do not donate to someone as a way of becoming friends.
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Do not donate money to a skater if you will be upset by the results of that person's next competition. You are helping to support someone you admire, not investing in a commodity.
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Donations to established training funds are often tax deductible while money given to individual skaters typically is not.
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