Finding the Edge
Page 9
MOVES IN THE FIELD
One of three test structures in US Figure Skating, moves-in-the-field tests help develop all basic fundamental edges and turns while emphasizing edge quality, extension, quickness, and power.
NONLISTED JUMPS
Jumps that are not listed in the scale of values and do not count as jump elements that can be used throughout a program to enhance the choreography. Such jumps are typically one revolution or less.
NONQUALIFYING COMPETITION
Also referred to as a club competition, nonqualifying events are those that are not part of the US qualifying structure leading up to the US Championships.
ORIGINAL DANCE
The second competition phase in ice dancing that falls after the pattern dance and before the free dance. Skaters are given a prescribed rhythm (such as the paso doble or rhumba) with a defined tempo range and must create a completely original version of the dance. It has a time limit of two and a half minutes.
OVERHEAD LIFTS
The group of pair lifts in which one or both of the man’s arms are fully extended as he holds his partner overhead. The man does not let go of his partner during the lift, except momentarily during changes in her position or during the dismount.
PAIRS LIFTS
Lifts done in pairs skating, which are classified into five groups. Group 1 = armpit hold position. Group 2 = waist hold position. Group 3 = hand-to-hip or upper part of the leg (above the knee) position. Group 4 = hand-to-hand press position. Group 5 = hand-to-hand lasso position. Groups are listed in order of difficulty from easiest to most difficult; however, Groups 3 and 4 are of the same difficulty. Senior pairs teams are most likely to perform lifts from Groups 3, 4, and 5.
PATTERN DANCE
A dance that has prescribed rhythms and specific steps that must be done in an exact manner with exact placement on the ice.
PLATTER LIFT
A hand-to-hip lift in which the man raises his partner overhead with his hands resting on her hips. She is horizontal to the ice, facing the back of the man, in a platter position.
PRESS LIFT
A hand-to-hand overhead lift in which the man presses the lady into the air above his head. The partners may be face-to-face on the takeoff, or they may both be traveling backward, with the lady in front of the man.
PROTOCOL
A term used to describe the individual score sheet that each skater receives after completing a program in a competition judged using the international judging system. This score sheet shows every element attempted in a program, how the element was called by the technical panel and scored by the judges in grade of execution (GOE), the points received for each element, and the program component scores received from the judges.
QUALIFYING COMPETITION
In the United States, qualifying competitions are those that are part of the competition structure leading to the US Championships, US Adult Championships, US Synchronized Team Skating Championships, and US Junior Championships. Qualifying competitions are all regional and sectional events.
REFEREE
The official at a competition who has full authority over all aspects of the event and is the chairperson for the panel of judges. It is the referee’s responsibility to ensure that all rules are observed, that a high standard of judging is maintained, and that all technical aspects of the competition are satisfactory.
REGIONALS
The regional championships are the first step in the US qualifying competition structure that leads to the US Championships. US Figure Skating currently breaks down the United States into nine regional areas and competitions. Skaters must place in the top four at their regional event to advance to sectionals (the second step in the qualifying competition structure). Juvenile and intermediate skaters go directly from regionals to the US Junior Championships (top four places only).
ROCKER
A turn executed on one foot from a forward to backward (or backward to forward) edge maintaining the same character, i.e., inside to inside or outside to outside, where the body rotation is in the same direction as the natural progress.
SALCHOW
Another edge jump taken off from the back inside edge of one foot and landed on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. Created by Ulrich Salchow.
SANCTION
Permission or approval given by US Figure Skating or the ISU to member clubs, competition organizers, individuals, or national federations to conduct competitions, shows, or events featuring eligible athletes. Registered US Figure Skating athletes can only participate in sanctioned activities to remain eligible.
SCRATCH SPIN
Also known as an upright spin. After entering from a controlled forward outside edge, the spin begins on a back inside edge. Gradual acceleration begins by moving and placing the free foot toward the top of the skating knee and drawing the arms close to the body. The spin exits into a backward outside edge.
SECTIONALS
The sectional championships are the second and final step in the US qualifying competition structure that leads to the US Championships. The top four finishers from each sectional advance to the US Championships. There are currently three sectionals—Eastern, Midwestern, and Pacific Coast—within US Figure Skating competition structure.
SET OF SEQUENTIAL TWIZZLES
An element performed in the short dance consisting of two twizzles skated simultaneously by both partners with up to one step in between the twizzles.
SET OF SYNCHRONIZED TWIZZLES
An element performed in the free dance consisting of two twizzles performed simultaneously by both partners with up to three steps in between the twizzles.
SHADOW SKATING
Any movement in pairs skating performed by both partners simultaneously while skating in close proximity.
SHORT DANCE
The short dance consists of required elements including dance lifts, spins, twizzles, step sequences, and sequences or sections of pattern dances. Teams choose their own music and choreography, but they must conform to the specified rhythms and requirements. For 2010–2011, the specified pattern dance within the short dance (for the senior level) was the Golden Waltz. Couples can choose up to two additional rhythms from the following: foxtrot, quickstep, tango.
SHORT LIFTS
Dance lifts with a maximum duration of six seconds. There are four different types: stationary, straight line, curve, and rotational.
SHORT PROGRAM
Official name for a two-minute, fifty-second program in singles and pairs that consists of eight required elements and is set to music of the skater’s choice. No more than eight required elements can be done. It is followed by the free skate.
SIT SPIN
A spin that is done in a “sitting” position with the upper part of the skating leg at least parallel to the ice.
SPIRAL
A position with one blade on the ice and the free leg (including knee and foot) higher than hip level. Spiral positions are classified according to the skating leg (right or left), edge (outside or inside), direction (forward or backward) and position of the free leg (backward, forward, or sideways).
SPIRAL SEQUENCE
A sequence of steps that incorporates various spirals in a pattern across the ice. Spirals in a spiral sequence may be done going forward, backward, in a straight line or on a curve, or on an inside or an outside edge.
STAR LIFT
A hand-to-hip lift in which the man raises his partner by her hip, from his side into the air. Her legs are in a scissor position, with either one hand touching his shoulder, or both hands free.
STARTING ORDER
The result of the draw, which lists the order in which the athletes will compete and the group in which each athlete will warm up prior to competition.
STEP SEQUENCE
A sequence of steps and turns that immediately follow one another, executed in time to the music and choreographically related to one another.
STROKING
Fluid move
ment used to gain speed in which a skater pushes off back and forth from the inside edge of one skate to the inside edge of the other skate.
SWIZZLE
A method of two-foot progression, either forward or backward, by an in-and-out movement of the feet on inside edges.
TECHNICAL PROGRAM
Former term for the short program.
THREE TURN
A turn from forward to backward or backward to forward that is executed on one foot in the direction of the curve from an outside edge to an inside edge or vice versa, with the exit curve continuing on the same lobe as the entry curve. The pattern the turn creates on the ice looks like a “3.”
THROW JUMP
A pairs move in which the male partner assists the woman into the air; she then executes one, two, three, or four revolutions and lands skating backward.
TOE LOOP
A toe-pick-assisted jump that takes off and lands on the same back outside edge.
TOE OVERHEAD LIFT
A lift in which the man swings his partner from one side of his body, around behind his head, and into a raised position. She is facing the same direction as the man in a split position.
TOE PICKS
The teeth at the front of the blade used primarily for jumping and spinning.
TWIST LIFTS
The group of pairs lifts where both partners begin skating backward, and the man lifts his partner over his head and tosses her in the air. While airborne, she will execute full or half rotations. The man catches his partner and places her back on the ice.
TWIZZLE
A traveling turn on one foot with one or more rotations, which is quickly rotated with a continuous (uninterrupted) action. The weight remains on the skating foot, with the free foot in any position during the turn, and then is placed beside the skating foot to skate the next steps.
UNDER-ROTATED JUMP
A jump or throw jump that is missing more than one-quarter but less than one-half revolution. Such a jump is indicated on a skater protocol with a “<” symbol and receives 70 percent of the base value of the intended jump.
UPRIGHT SPIN
Any position with the skating leg extended or almost extended that is not a camel position.
Terms Applying to the International Judging System
THE PLAYERS
TECHNICAL PANEL
Consists of five people who work as a team and have direct communication with one another in running the ISU judging system. These positions include a technical controller, a technical specialist, assistant technical specialist, data operator, and a video replay operator. All final decisions made on elements and levels will be made from the majority opinion of the first three technical positions.
TECHNICAL SPECIALIST (CALLER)
The person who identifies and calls performed elements and their level of difficulty. This person has the highest knowledge of figure skating or ice dancing.
TECHNICAL SCORE
BASE VALUE
A value assigned to each element depending on the degree of difficulty.
GRADE OF EXECUTION (GOE)
The grade of execution, ranging from -3 to +3, that is given for every element per the judge’s discretion.
SCALE OF VALUES
Determines how much each performed element is worth.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
CHOREOGRAPHY/COMPOSITION
An intentional, developed and/or original arrangement of all types of movements according to the principles of proportion, unity, space, pattern, structure, and phrasing.
INTERPRETATION
The personal and creative translation of the music to movement on ice.
PERFORMANCE/EXECUTION
Performance is the involvement of the skater/couple/teams physically, emotionally, and intellectually as they translate the intent of the music and choreography. Execution is the quality of movement and precision in delivery. This includes harmony of movement in pairs and ice dancing.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
The program components are the five components that express the overall presentation: skating skills, transitions, performance/execution, choreography/composition, and interpretation. The compulsory dance(s) in ice dancing uses one additional component: timing.
SKATING SKILLS
Overall skating quality: edge control and flow over the ice surface demonstrated by a command of the skating vocabulary (edges, steps, turns, etc.), the clarity of technique, and use of effortless power to accelerate and vary speed.
TRANSITIONS/LINKING FOOTWORK AND MOVEMENTS
The varied and/or intricate footwork, positions, movements, and holds that link all elements. In singles, pairs, and synchronized, this also includes the entrances and exits of technical elements.
SCORING
COMPETITION SCORE (FINAL SCORE)
The qualifying segment score (x 0.25) + short program segment score + free skate segment score, or the compulsory dance segment score + original dance segment score + free dance segment score.
INTERNATIONAL SKATING UNION TECHNICAL RULES
Rule 500: Definition of the Skate Blade
Figure skating blades used during competitions must be sharpened to produce a flat to concave cross section without change to the width of the blade as measured between the two edges. However, a slight tapering or narrowing of the cross section of the blade is permitted.
Rule 501: Clothing
At ISU Championships, the Olympic Winter Games, and international competitions, the clothing of the competitors must be modest, dignified, and appropriate for athletic competition—not garish or theatrical in design. Clothing may, however, reflect the character of the music chosen. The clothing must not give the effect of excessive nudity inappropriate for the discipline. Men must wear full-length trousers and must not wear tights. In addition, in ice dance, ladies must wear a skirt. Accessories and props are not permitted.
Skating Skills
Defined by overall cleanness and sureness, edge control and flow over the ice surface demonstrated by a command of the skating vocabulary (edges, steps, turns, etc.), the clarity of technique, and the use of effortless power to accelerate and vary speed.
In evaluating the skating skills, the following must be considered:
• Use of deep edges, steps, and turns;
• Balance, rhythmic knee action, and precision of foot placement;
• Flow and glide;
• Varied use of power, speed, and acceleration;
• Use of multidirectional skating;
• Use of one-foot skating.
Transitions
The varied and purposeful use of intricate footwork, positions, movements, and holds that link all elements.
In evaluating the transitions, the following must be considered:
• Continuity of movements from one element to another (all disciplines);
• Variety;
• Difficulty;
• Quality.
Performance
Involvement of the skater/pair/couple physically, emotionally, and intellectually as they deliver the intent of the music and composition.
In evaluating the performance, the following must be considered:
• Physical, emotional, intellectual involvement and projection;
• Carriage and clarity of movement;
• Variety and contrast of movements and energy;
• Individuality/personality.
Composition
An intentionally developed and/or original arrangement of all types of movements according to the principles of musical phrase, space, pattern, and structure.
In evaluating the composition, the following must be considered:
• Purpose (idea, concept, vision, mood);
• Pattern/ice coverage;
• Multidimensional use of space and design of movements;
• Phrase and form (movements and parts structured to match the musical phrase);
• Originality of the composition.
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br /> US FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS—SINGLE LADIES CHAMPIONS
Year Location Gold Silver Bronze Pewter
1914 New Haven Theresa Weld Edith Rotch Raynham Townshend
1918 New York City Rosemary Beresford Theresa Weld
1920 New York City Theresa Weld Martha Brown Lilian Cramer
1921 Philadelphia Theresa Weld Blanchard Lilian Cramer
1922 Boston Theresa Weld Blanchard Beatrix Loughran
1923 New Haven Theresa Weld Blanchard Beatrix Loughran Lilian Cramer
1924 Philadelphia Theresa Weld Blanchard Rosalie Knapp
1925 New York City Beatrix Loughran Theresa Weld Blanchard Rosalie Knapp
1926 Boston Beatrix Loughran Theresa Weld Blanchard Maribel Vinson
1927 New York City Beatrix Loughran Maribel Vinson Theresa Weld Blanchard
1928 New Haven Maribel Vinson Suzanne Davis
1929 New York City Maribel Vinson Edith Secord Suzanne Davis
1930 Providence Maribel Vinson Edith Secord Suzanne Davis
1931 Boston Maribel Vinson Edith Secord Hulda Berger
1932 New York City Maribel Vinson Margaret Bennett Louise Weigel
1933 New Haven Maribel Vinson Suzanne Davis Louise Weigel
1934 Philadelphia Suzanne Davis Louise Weigel Estelle Weigel
1935 New Haven Maribel Vinson Suzanne Davis Louise Weigel
1936 New York City Maribel Vinson Louise Weigel Audrey Peppe
1937 Chicago Maribel Vinson Polly Blodgett Katherine Durbrow
1938 Philadelphia Joan Tozzer Audrey Peppe Polly Blodgett Jane Vaughn
1939 St. Paul Joan Tozzer Audrey Peppe Charlotte Walther
1940 Cleveland Joan Tozzer Hedy Stenuf Jane Vaughn
1941 Boston Jane Vaughn Gretchen Merrill Charlotte Walther
1942 Chicago Jane Vaughn Sullivan Gretchen Merrill Phebe Tucker
1943 New York City Gretchen Merrill Dorothy Goos Janette Ahrens
1944 Minneapolis Gretchen Merrill Dorothy Goos Ramona Allen
1945 New York City Gretchen Merrill Janette Ahrens Madelon Olson
1946 Chicago Gretchen Merrill Janette Ahrens Madelon Olson
1947 Berkeley Gretchen Merrill Janette Ahrens Eileen Seigh
1948 Colorado Springs Gretchen Merrill Yvonne C. Sherman Helen Uhl
1949 Colorado Springs Yvonne C. Sherman Gretchen Merrill Virginia Baxter