2012 PACIFIC COAST SECTIONAL FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS ANNOUNCEMENT. Salt Lake City Sports Complex 645 Guardsman Way Salt Lake City, Utah 84105

Transcription

1 2012 PACIFIC COAST SECTIONAL FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS ANNOUNCEMENT Salt Lake City Sports Complex 645 Guardsman Way Salt Lake City, Utah Hosted by Salt Lake Figure Skating Nov ,

2 2012 Sectional Figure Skating Championships 2012 Qualifying Competition Season TECHNICAL ANNOUNCEMENT 1. GENERAL The 2012 U.S. Figure Skating qualifying competition season consists of a total of 14 events. These include 12 qualifying events (nine regional championships, three sectional championships), the 2012 U.S. Junior Figure Skating Championships (juvenile and intermediate) and the 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships (novice, junior and senior). All 14 events are sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating and conducted according to the most current U.S. Figure Skating rulebook, 2012 edition, with changes and clarifications as posted on the U.S. Figure Skating web site and this announcement. Compliance with these rules as updated or amended is the responsibility of the participants. U.S. Figure Skating reserves the right to incorporate revisions to the international judging system (IJS) made by the ISU for junior and senior events and by U.S. Figure Skating to novice events and below. Important Notice for All Coaches To coach at a U.S. Figure Skating qualifying level competition, a professional coach or choreographer must be: Declared by a skater in the registration process with U.S. Figure Skating Listed as Coaches Education Requirement (CER) Category A compliant for Current with Coach Registration (requires annual fee and background check) A current member in U.S. Figure Skating A current member in PSA A coaches requirements chart can be found here: Each local organizing committee (LOC) will be provided with a list of coaches who are cleared for a credential at the competition Coaches will need to check in at the event registration desk and show a government issued photo I.D. to receive a credential. Coaches who are NOT on the list will need to show proof of membership in both U.S. Figure Skating and the PSA, a Coaches Registration card, proof of Category A compliance in CER, and a photo I.D. at check in. If a coach cannot provide a photo I.D. and is not on the list or cannot produce the necessary documents, he or she will not be allowed a credential no exceptions. We strongly urge all coaches to have their cards with them. Important Notice for All Pairs and Dance Teams All pairs and dance teams will begin their qualifying at their respective sectional championships (unless they have been notified of a bye advancing them directly to the U.S. Championships).

3 2012 Sectional Figure Skating Championships SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Eastern Sectional Championships Jamestown Skating Club; Jamestown, N.Y.; Nov , 2011 Midwestern Sectional Championships Fort Collins FSC; Fort Collins, Colo.; Nov , 2011 Pacific Coast Sectional Championships Salt Lake Figure Skating; Salt Lake City, Utah; Nov , 2011 The national championships will be organized for all qualifiers in: 2012 U.S. Junior Figure Skating Championships Dec. 9-13, 2011 Suburban Ice East Lansing East Lansing, Mich AT&T U.S. Figure Skating Championships Jan , 2012 HP Pavilion San Jose, Calif. 2. REGISTRATION A. METHOD Online Electronic Registration (Required) Online registration is the ONLY method available for entry into the 2012 U.S. Figure Skating qualifying competition season. All pairs, dance and bye athletes competing at the sectional championships MUST register for the 2012 qualifying competition season by the deadline of Sept. 1, Registration opens July 15, Singles competitors advancing from regionals will be advanced by U.S. Figure Skating. To enter online into the 2012 qualifying competition season, proceed in the following manner: Log on to Input your username and password o Your username is your U.S. Figure Skating membership number. o If you do not already have a password, go to first and follow the online instructions. If you are experiencing difficulty with online registration, please the U.S. Figure Skating Member Services Department at memberservices@usfigureskating.org or call the U.S. Figure Skating main number at B. DEADLINES The entry deadline for the 2012 qualifying competition season is 11:59 p.m., Sept. 1, The time zone of your primary residence/principle training center (juvenile, intermediate) or home club (novice, junior, senior) will determine the entry deadline of 11:59 p.m., Sept. 1, 2011.

4 2012 Sectional Figure Skating Championships NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE. NO LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS DEADLINE. Age requirements must be met by Sept. 1, Test requirements must also be met by Sept. 1, Provisional entries based on passing a test after the closing date of entries will not be accepted. Please refer to U.S. Figure Skating Rules for further testing information and guidelines. C. BYES No medical byes will be considered. Competitors awarded a bye to their sectional championships or the U.S. Championships will receive official notification in writing from U.S. Figure Skating. All competitors wishing to compete in the 2012 qualifying competition season, including those who receive a bye, must enter by the Sept. 1, 2011 deadline. Please refer to the most recent U.S. Figure Skating rulebook for details on byes. D. ENTRY FEES Sectional Championships Qualifying Entry Fees Those singles skaters advancing, regardless of method, from their regional championships to the sectional championships will incur an additional $175 entry fee plus an administration fee. All pairs and dance teams were charged the $175 entry fee plus an administration fee during the initial registration process; therefore, no additional entry fee for these teams will be charged. Singles skaters who receive a bye from their regional championships directly to the sectional championships will only be charged the sectional entry fee of $175 plus the portal administration fee. Those who received a late bye after the close of entries and paid the initial $175 entry fee (and the additional fee) will not be charged any additional fees. Your registration fee is not considered valid until all appropriate entry and additional fees have been paid and all required forms (including the planned program content sheet) have been completed online to U.S. Figure Skating. E. PAYMENT Online payment via credit card is the ONLY accepted form of payment. For those competitors advancing to the sectional championships from the regional championships, the credit card used during the initial entry registration will be automatically charged the additional sectional entry fee. If an alternative method must be used for the sectional entry fee, please contact Lindsay Mulvey, U.S. Figure Skating, at Once entered, all withdrawals are considered final. A skater may not reenter even if the withdrawal occurs prior to the entry deadline on September 1, *If you need to withdraw, you must send an to Pamela Crowley at pcrowley@usfigureskating.org, with your name, U.S. Figure Skating membership number, event in which you were entered (i.e. junior ladies) and the competition from which you wish to withdraw.

5 2012 Sectional Figure Skating Championships 3. TECHNICAL DETAILS A. CONDUCT OF EVENTS For the 2012 season, all events and levels at all championship competitions (regional, sectional, U.S. Junior Championships, U.S. Championships) will be conducted in accordance with the international judging system (IJS). B. AGE AND TEST QUALIFICATIONS All age and test requirements can be found in the U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook starting with Rule 4200 (senior singles) and on the U.S. Figure Skating web site at C. TECHNICAL ELEMENTS The well-balanced program charts for all levels and disciplines are posted on the U.S. Figure Skating web site at As referenced earlier in this announcement, U.S. Figure Skating will incorporate all changes made by the ISU with regard to well-balanced programs. Please refer to this web site often for continuous updates. PLANNED PROGRAM CONTENT SHEET (required component) All competitors entering into the 2012 qualifying competition season are required as part of their online registration to submit a planned program content sheet (PPCS) detailing the elements in their program(s). You may update your PPCS at up to one week prior to the start of your competition. Failure to do so creates extra work for the officials working your competition. You will not be allowed to receive your credential at registration until your PPCS is submitted. D. MUSIC COMPETITON MUSIC INFORMATION (Required component of online registration) U.S. Figure Skating requires all competitors to fully complete a competition music information form as part of the online registration process. The following information is required for each piece of music used in the composition of the short program/short dance and free skate/free dance: composer, orchestra, duration of music, record label/number (optional but highly recommended if obtainable). COMPACT DISCS (CDs) For all qualifying events during the 2012 season, CDs are the only acceptable media. CDs must be: Clearly marked with name (last name, first name), event entered and the music time/ length. Each CD must have only ONE (1) track on it. In the case of a short program and free program, two (2) separate discs must be used. Any disc with more than one (1) track will NOT be accepted! Lead in time (time before the music begins) on CDs may not exceed two (2) seconds. Due to compatibility and reliability reasons, music may NOT be submitted on rerecordable "CD-RW" discs.

6 2012 Sectional Figure Skating Championships Each CD must be turned in - in a paper CD sleeve with a see through window (obtainable at any office supply store), also labeled with the skater s name and event. Standard hard plastic jewel cases or other CD holders are no longer acceptable. CDs that are not properly identified will NOT be accepted Competition music must be turned in at the registration desk at the time of registration. At the Championships, competitors will not receive their credentials at registration until they turn in their music. The originals used at the regional championships will be forwarded to the sectional championships and the U.S. Junior Championships for those advancing. Those qualifying from the sectional championships will have their original music forwarded on to the U.S. Junior Championships/U.S. Championships. Skaters receiving byes to the U.S. Championships must mail their competition music on CD no later than one (1) month (Dec. 22, 2011) prior to the start of the U.S. Championships to the following address: Pete Zurlinden U.S. Championships Music Tech 2950 Los Olivos Lane La Crescenta, CA CDs are to be mailed in CD Mailers, which can be obtained at the post office or any office supply store. All competitors must have at least one (1) additional copy rink side at practice sessions and during the actual competition event. The LOC will accept no responsibility for damage or loss. CDs not picked up by the end of the competition are not the responsibility of the LOC and will be discarded. E. OFFICIAL BULLETIN BOARD/EVENT WEBSITE The official bulletin board and event website will contain any announcements or changes, and it is the responsibility of the competitors to check often for official notices. Please refer to the local portion of the announcement for further information regarding the event website and bulletin board. 4. ADVANCEMENT TO U.S. JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS (East Lansing, Mich.)/U.S. CHAMPIONSHIPS (San Jose, Calif.) QUALIFIERS For all competitors advancing to the U.S. Championships Representatives from the 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships will be present to distribute information packets, ensure that all competitors advancing receive and submit the required information and answer any other questions pertaining to the U.S. Championships in San Jose, Calif. An area at each sectional championships has been assigned for those skaters advancing to the U.S. Championships. The fifth- and sixth-place finishers in singles, pairs and dance for novice-/junior-/senior-level competitors are the first and second alternates to the U.S. Championships. They will receive announcement information on site but do not need to submit any paperwork unless contacted by U.S. Figure Skating.

7 2012 Sectional Figure Skating Championships Juvenile and Intermediate Pairs and Dance All juvenile and intermediate pairs and dance will have their first competition at the sectional championships rather than the regional championships. The top eight placed teams at each sectional championship will advance to the U.S. Junior Figure Skating Championships. All teams advancing will receive instructions for downloading the U.S. Junior Championships announcement from If there are fewer than eight teams from one or more sections, a sufficient number of teams from other section(s) will be permitted to enter in order to bring the number of entrants up to a maximum of 24 teams. These additional entrants in the intermediate and juvenile pairs and dance events will be selected in the order of their placement at the comparable sectional event of the same year. If two teams are tied for the additional place both will be permitted to enter. The ninth- and tenth-place teams at each sectional championships will be considered the first and second alternates for the U.S. Junior Championships. They will receive instructions for downloading the announcement but do not need to submit any paperwork unless contacted by U.S. Figure Skating. Alternates DO NOT need to mail in any paperwork or required forms unless contacted by U.S. Figure Skating. 5. INSURANCE/LIABILITY A. LIABILITY U.S. Figure Skating, the host club(s) and/or interclub association, the organizing committee and the ice arenas being utilized for these events accept no responsibility for injury or damage sustained by any participant in these championships (U.S. Figure Skating Rule 2300). 6. ANTI-DOPING Anti-doping tests will be conducted at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, held in San Jose, Calif., Jan , Senior-level competitors only are eligible to be tested. If selected, testing is mandatory. 7. CONTACTS For further information, requests should be addressed to: A. U.S. FIGURE SKATING U.S. Figure Skating Competitions Coordinator Pamela Crowley pcrowley@usfigureskating.org Chair, Competitions Committee Lynn Goldman lgoldman1@austin.rr.com B. LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Please refer to the additional information located on the following pages for detailed contact information for the local organizing committee hosting your specific championships.

8 GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION The 2012 Pacific Coast Sectional Figure Skating Championships will be held on Nov , 2011, at the Salt Lake City Sports Complex, 645 Guardsman Way, Salt Lake City, Utah, and is hosted by Salt Lake Figure Skating. The Salt Lake Sports Complex has two Olympic size rinks. The ice surface is 200 x 100 with rounded corners. The event website will be available on the Salt Lake Figure Skating website: The tentative schedule listing events per day is available in this announcement. The tentative schedule is subject to change. DEADLINE FOR FORMS All skaters must submit the forms provided in this LOC portion of the announcement. The credentials form, practice ice form, athlete certification form, and program photos must be postmarked no later than the dates outlined below: Form A: Practice Ice Form Form B: Credentials Form Skaters Form C: Program Books/Stamp Ad Pairs & Dance teams Deadline Saturday, Oct. 1 Skaters receiving Regional byes Deadline Saturday, Oct. 1 Skaters advancing from NWP Deadline Tuesday, Oct. 11 Skaters advancing from SWP Deadline Monday, Oct. 24 Skaters advancing from CP Deadline Monday, Oct. 31 Photo for Program Book Deadline Tuesday, Nov. 1 TENTATIVE EVENT SCHEDULE Events below are not listed in the order that they will be skated. The events are listed on the day the event is currently expected to take place but can change. The final number of competitors may require a shifting of events to another day. Wednesday, Nov. 16 Thursday, Nov. 17 Friday, Nov. 18 Saturday, Nov. 19 Juvenile Dance CD Juvenile Dance FD Novice Ladies FS Novice Men FS Intermediate Dance CD Juvenile Pairs FS Novice Dance FD Junior Dance FD Intermediate Pairs FS Intermediate Dance FD Novice Pairs FS Junior Pairs FS Novice Ladies SP Novice Men SP Junior Men FS Junior Ladies FS Novice Pairs SP Junior Dance SD Senior Dance SD Senior Dance FD Novice Dance CD Junior Pairs SP Senior Pairs FS Senior Ladies FS Junior Men SP Junior Ladies SP Senior Men FS Senior Pairs SP Senior Men SP Senior Ladies SP CREDENTIALS Entrance to the competition arena is by credential or ticket only. Competitors: Each Sectional competitor will receive a credential for no additional charge. Coaches: One coach credential will be provided for each singles skater or team for no additional charge. This credential will allow entry to all areas of the venue. Coaches must: Complete U.S. Figure Skating s Coach Registration process Complete Category A CER coursework Be a current U.S. Figure Skating member Be a current PSA member Present a photo ID at the registration desk Chaperone: One chaperone credential will be provided for each skater for no additional charge. Chaperones are not permitted access to the locker rooms.

9 Additional coach or chaperone: Each competitor may purchase one additional chaperone credential for $50. Each singles skater may purchase one additional coach credential and each pair or dance team may purchase two additional coach credentials for $50 each. Changes: Competitors may make one change to chaperone and/or coach designations; these must be made at the registration desk by the non-minor skater or his/her parent or guardian. Replacement: Lost credentials may be replaced for $40. Use the enclosed form (Form C) to request your complimentary credential and to pre-order any additional credentials or all event passes. All credentials will be issued under the skater s name and must be submitted by the appropriate deadline. ADMISSION Admission will be charged for all events. One-day tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Adults: $15.00, Children (12 and under): $7.50, Children (5 and under): Free All Event tickets can be purchased on the pre order form or purchased at the door. Adults: $40.00, Children (12 and under): $20.00, Children (5 and under): Free OFFICIAL BULLETIN BOARD An official bulletin board will be maintained in the lobby area of the Salt Lake City Sports Complex and will contain official information only. Notices posted on this board are considered sufficient notice to all competitors. The bulletin board should be checked frequently for any changes in the schedule. AWARDS/PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO Award photos will be taken as soon as possible following the posting of results. Group photos will be taken of each event and individual photos may be arranged with the photographer. Medals will be awarded for first through fourth place, and trophies will be awarded to the first place winners. Results are not official until posted. All awards will be presented off ice at the designated awards area. EVC, an official U.S. Figure Skating sponsor, will provide professional videography services. Videotaping of the competition in any form, including practice, is not permitted. Photographs are permitted for personal use only, but for the safety of the skaters, no flash photography is allowed. Any resale of photography is strictly prohibited. REGISTRATION A registration table will be inside the Salt Lake City Sports Complex. Competitors are required to register to receive their credentials. All Skaters are expected to arrive one hour prior to the start of their scheduled event. OFFICIAL PRACTICE ICE Official practice sessions could begin on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011 at the discretion of the Chief Referee. All official practice sessions will be 30 minutes. Official Practice Ice fees will not be refunded. Practice Ice Schedule will be available at Music will be played at all official practice sessions. Official practice ice will only be sold as a complete package, consisting of one official practice and one official pre-event practice session for each competition segment. Prices are as follows: Juv. & Int. Pairs (1 practice, 1 pre-event practice session), $70 per team Singles (2 practices, 2 pre-event practice sessions), $70 per skater Nov., Jr., Sr. Pairs and Juv., Int., Nov. Jr. Sr. Dance (2 practices, 2 pre-event practice sessions), $140 per team 9

10 UNOFFICIAL PRACTICE ICE Unofficial practice ice will be determined as the competition schedule is finalized. We are a two rink facility and will have plenty of sessions to accommodate unofficial practices. Skaters may pre purchase unofficial practice ice on the Practice Ice Form (Form B) at a discounted rate of $10.00 singles/$20.00 pairs, dance per 30 minute session. Time permitting, additional practice ice may be purchased at the practice ice desk, located inside the Salt Lake City Sports Complex for $15.00 singles/$30.00 pairs, dance per 30 minute session. Music will not be played on unofficial practice. Practice Ice fees will not be refunded unless the session is not assigned. Practice Ice Schedule will be available at Unofficial Practice Ice (30 minutes): $10.00/$20.00 pre purchased, $15.00/$30.00 during competition PHOTOS FOR PROGRAM BOOK - DEADLINE Nov.Nov. 1, 2011 If you wish to have your photo included in the program book, please submit one photograph by to Reed Hastings at reed@reedhastings.com beginning Oct.Oct. 1, The photo for the program book must be in jpg format, 300 dpt, black and white, headshot only. Please include skaters name, event, regional placement and partner s name if applicable. Program books and stamp ads may be purchased using Form C. LOC CONTACT INFORMATION Competition Chairperson: Program Book: Practice Ice: Tiffany King tiffinutah@hotmail.com Reed Hastings reed@reedhastings.com Charlene Mills charlene.figureskater@gmail.com 10

11 OFFICIAL HOTEL Marriott University Park * 480 Wakara Way * Salt Lake City, Utah Hotel is entirely non-smoking Located less than 5 minutes from the Salt Lake City Sports Complex Less than 15 minutes from Salt Lake International Airport Complimentary on-site parking Check in: 3:00 pm - Check out: 12:00 pm Express check in and check out 7 Floors, 218 Rooms; 29 Suites Wireless Internet in all guest rooms ($9.95/day) Cash Machine/ATM Concierge Desk Swimming pool and whirlpool spa Onsite restaurant and sports bar Discounted Rooms: $99.00 per night Reservations made online: Reservations made by phone: Group Block: USFS Pacific Coast Express Shuttle from Airport to Hotel $12.00 first person, $6.00 second person per way 11

12 285 West Broadway Salt Lake City, UT Hotel is entirely non-smoking Located centrally in downtown Salt Lake City: within 10 minutes of Salt Lake City International Airport and Salt Lake City Sports Complex Check in: 3:00 pm - Check out: 12:00 pm Free scheduled Shuttle/Free Internet/ Free Parking Access to outdoor spa Complimentary hot breakfast buffet daily for all rates and room types Discounted Room Rates: One Bedroom Suite $ King bed/living room/ fully equipped kitchens Double Bed suite $ two double beds/ living room/fully equipped kitchens Two bedrooms Suite $139.00/living room/ Separate rooms/separate bathrooms and fully equipped kitchen Reservations can be made through central reservations Residence Inn Group Block: Pacific Coast Sectional (book under this group) 12

13 PAYMENT FORM PAYMENT FORM FOR PACIFIC COAST SECTIONALS Include this checklist and the individual forms to ensure that your payments are correctly recorded. Enclose your payment as a SINGLE CHECK for entry, practice ice, credential/tickets and program book/advertising. Checks payable to Salt Lake Figure Skating. Returned checks will be charged an additional $35 fee. Competitor s Name Phone # Event Entered REGISTRATION/ORDER FORMS AND PAYMENT FORM A Practice Ice Form $ FORM B Credential Form $ FORM C Program Book / Stamp Ad $ Photo for Program Book to reed@reedhastings.com TOTAL PAYMENT (Check # ) $ MAIL THIS CHECKLIST, PLUS ALL OF THE ABOVE FORMS AND PAYMENT TO: Salt Lake Figure Skating 2012 Pacific Coast Sectional Figure Skating Championships P.O. Box Salt Lake City, Utah Form A: Practice Ice Form Form B: Credentials Form Skaters Form C: Program Books/Stamp Ad Pairs & Dance teams Deadline Saturday, October 1 Skaters receiving Regional byes Deadline Saturday, October 1 Skaters advancing from NWP Deadline Tuesday, October 11 Skaters advancing from SWP Deadline Monday, October 24 Skaters advancing from CP Deadline Monday, October 31 Photo for Program Book Deadline Tuesday, November 1

14 FORM A PRACTICE ICE FORM Any sessions purchased after the competitor s event will be refunded or used as credit for additional sessions prior to event. Practice ice will be available Tuesday - Saturday, November 15-20, Use this form to register for Official Ice and Unofficial Practice Sessions. Sessions will be thirty (30) minutes in duration and music will only be played on official practice ice. Practice ice fees will not be refunded unless a session is not assigned or the skater registered for practice ice after the event. Schedules will be posted on our website, Review Tentative Schedule when selecting unofficial practice ice. You may purchase two (2) unofficial practice ice sessions per day per skater. Additional sessions with availability may be purchased during the competition from the practice ice desk. Official Practice Ice and Warm Ups must be purchased by the package rate as follows: Event Official Practice/Warm Ups Price Juvenile/Intermediate Pairs 1 Official, 1 Warm Up $ per team Novice/Junior/Senior Pairs 2 Official, 2 Warm Up $ per team Juvenile-Senior Dance 2 Official, 2 Warm Up $ per team Novice/Junior/Senior Singles 2 Official, 2 Warm Up $ per skater Competitor s Name/Partner Phone # Event Entered Arrival Date Arrival Time Day # of Session (Max. 2) Pre Purchase Rate $10 single $20 pairs/dance Official Ice/Warm Up Package N/A N/A $ Tuesday, November 15 $ $ Wednesday, November 16 $ $ Thursday, November 17 $ $ Friday, November 18 $ $ Saturday, November 19 $ $ GRAND TOTAL Total $

15 FORM B CREDENTIAL REQUEST FORM Please complete this form to order your (1) free Chaperone, (1) free Coach, and any additional All-Event credentials you require. Please print legibly to ensure proper spelling of all names. Competitor s Name Event Chaperone Credentials (complimentary): Name Additional Chaperone $40 each: Name Coach s Credentials (complimentary must be a member of US Figure Skating and PSA): Name PSA # USFS # Additional Coach s Credentials $40 each: Name PSA # USFS # Passes Price # of Passes Total Adult All Event Pass $40.00 $ Child All Event Pass $20.00 $ Additional Chaperone $40.00 $ Additional Coach $40.00 $ GRAND TOTAL $ Daily passes will be sold during the event. NOTE: There will be a $40 replacement fee for all lost credentials.

16 FORM C PROGRAM BOOK PRE-ORDER AND STAMP ADS PHOTO SUBMISSION-DEADLINE November 1, 2011 If you wish to have your photo included in the program book, please submit one photograph by to Reed Hastings at reed@reedhastings.com beginning October 1, The photo for the program book must be in jpg format, 300 dpt, black and white, headshot only. Please include skaters name, event, regional placement and partner s name if applicable. PRE - ORDERED PROGRAM BOOKS Program books may be pre purchased for $12.00 each. Preordered program(s) will be at the registration desk for pick up. Available program books may be purchased during the competition for $ STAMP AD STAMP ADS are a great way to convey your support to your favorite skater, coach, or club. The Program Book will become even more of a treasured keepsake when you include your PERSONALIZED AD! Stamp Ad s are $15.00! Competitor s Name: Phone #: Skater Name Supporter Name Ad # Price $15 $ $15 $ $15 $ Program Book Number of Books: $12 $ GRAND TOTAL $