For exclusive use by the Ice Skating Institute Members. Copyright All Right Reserved. Section B: Judging Essentials

Transcription

1 TM For exclusive use by the Ice Skating Institute Members. Copyright All Right Reserved. Section B: Judging Essentials

2 ISI Judge Certification Tests Get Informed and Update Now! The new 2010 Rule Revisions along with a revised duration chart are printed on pages 33 and 34. Since there have been some significant changes in our test and competition events over the past two years, it s time for newly updated books and time for the 2010 Update Test too! The 2010 editions of the Skaters and Coaches Handbook and Judge Manual are now available. All ISI professional members must pass a Judge Certification test before serving as a judge at any ISI competition event. All tests are open book with true/false and multiple choice questions. This exam style is used to test the candidate s knowledge of the maneuver requirements, competition events, event levels, common penalties and understanding of where to find the correct information in the current ISI publications. The Judge Certification program is divided into five tests: Bronze Test includes questions from Tots Delta, Freestyle 1-3, Open Bronze Freestyle, Couple 1-3, Dance 1-3, Pair 1-3, Stroking, Artistic, Footwork, Spotlight, Rhythmic, Jump & Spin and team events (not including synchronized skating teams). Silver Test includes questions from Tots Delta, Freestyle 1-5, Open Bronze & Silver Freestyle, Couple 1-5, Dance 1-5, Pair 1-5, Stroking, Artistic, Footwork, Spotlight, Rhythmic, Jump & Spin and team events (not including synchronized skating teams). Gold Test includes questions from all levels and all events (not including synchronized skating teams). Synchronized Test includes questions from all levels of competition for Synchronized Formation, Skating Dance and Synchronized team compulsory events Update Test includes new rule changes and revisions since 2008 along with other commonly misunderstood test and competition rules. All coaches who have passed any level of ISI Judge Certification exams prior to January 1, 2010 must pass the 2010 Update Test to keep their certification current. All judges for all ISI competition events must have passed the 2010 Update Test beginning January 1, All Update Tests received before December 31, 2009 are FREE OF CHARGE. Starting January 1, 2010, there is a $15 Update Test fee. The test can be taken online or printed off the website and sent by fax or mail to the ISI office. The Bronze, Silver and Gold tests must be taken in order, but the Synchronized test can be taken at any time. Each test has 35 True/False and 15 Multiple Choice for a total of 50 questions. To pass each level at least 42 correct answers must be given. Most answers can directly be found in the current editions of the Skaters and Coaches Handbook and the Judge Manual. On the Silver, Gold, Synchro and Update tests, there will be several questions based on comparative judging or actual situations that may arise while judging an event. Sometimes these answers cannot be directly found in the publications mentioned above. All online test questions are currently based on the 2009 Rule Revisions. The test questions will be updated to include the 2010 Rule Revisions on January 1, The current fee for online certification tests is $35 each. That fee will be $40 each after January 1, All tests are available online at When you pass any level of Judge Certification exam, you will automatically receive a complimentary certification pin that can be proudly displayed on your coaching jacket. Collect all four and look for the new Referee Certification that is coming in the near future! If you have any questions concerning the certification test program, please contact Randy Winship, Director of Skating Programs & Events at randy@skateisi.org 26

3 ISI Competitions and Judging Section B: Judging Essentials ISI competitions began in the 1960s when a group of skating instructors realized a need for a competition in which a skater of any level could compete and would be matched fairly by age and ability level. At that time, the majority of competitions were qualifying events, and the majority of skaters were unable to participate. This group of ISI pioneers wanted an event in which a skater could feel a sense of accomplishment no matter where s/he placed, and where results are only posted for first through fifth places, and all other skaters could assume they placed sixth and not necessarily last. Beginning with the traditional event of a freestyle program only, the popularity of this format grew quickly for two reasons: first, so many more skaters were able to participate and second, skating the freestyle program did not depend on a skater s placement in compulsory figures. Yes, ISI separated compulsory figures from freestyle events over 40 years ago! Soon other events began to be added to ISI competitions Alpha- Delta, ice dancing where two girls could be partners, precision teams, couples and pairs. Creativity flourished in the 1980s with many fun events being added such as footwork, spotlight, team compulsories and production numbers. Today it is not uncommon for a skater to participate in eight events at one competition! What a long way we have come from only offering events to advanced skaters and having only one event in which to participate. It is understandable why we chose Participation, Not Elimination as our motto! Judging at ISI competitions is done by trained and certified ISI Professional Members. All skaters are judged on the exact same required elements and specific criteria. All coaches who have students participating in an ISI competition are obligated to judge as volunteers because preparation for this competition creates additional compensation for these coaches. Each team of skaters is asked to supply one judge for every 10 events entered by that team. Equal participation of judges is an important balance for the success of these events. Every effort is made to schedule judges so they do not have to judge their own students or skaters from their rink, but on some occasions it is necessary. According to ISI founder and charter member Michael Kirby, independent judges for testing and competitions aren t necessary. In every educational entity, including ice skating, teachers judge their own pupils with periodic tests and exams, so why not in ice skating competitions? ISI s closed system of judging involves subjectivity naturally there will be differences of opinions, yet it is actually very fair due to its complexity. Every aspect of the performance is considered when being judged. Each judge has different required elements and criteria that are marked within a set point range. All skaters are compared within the groups, and all marks are weighted equally towards the final outcome of the event. Each type of event has specific eligibility and performance rules (see the Skater s and Coaches Handbook). Only a few deductions and penalties have been established for the purpose of giving credit to those skaters who do follow the rules. To help spectators understand the complexity of the ISI judging system, listed below are the criteria used for the most popular events: Tot-Pre-Alpha: Test maneuvers, general overall, additional FSI move for Pre-Alpha only. Pre Alpha - Delta: Test level maneuvers, additional FS 1 maneuver, arm and hand positions, back straight, correctness, knees bent, free leg extended, pattern, rhythm, general overall and duration. Artistic: Artistic impression, choreography and pattern, innovative moves, music interpretation and rhythm, edges and flow, posture and carriage, duration, general overall. Couples: Test level maneuvers, correctness, duration, extra content, pattern, position, posture, rhythm, unison, general overall. Footwork: Continuity-flow, correctness of turns and edges, duration, music interpretation, originality/creativity, pattern, presentation (posture), variety of moves, general overall. Freestyle: Test level maneuvers, correctness, duration, extra content, pattern, posture, rhythm, general overall. Ice Dancing: Correctness, pattern, position, posture, timing, unison, interpretation. Interpretive: Artistic impression, choreography and pattern, correctness, creativity, musical interpretation, posture and carriage. Open Freestyle: Correctness, Choreography & Pattern, Variety of Moves, Posture, Music Interpretation, Presentation, Duration and General Overall Pairs: Test level maneuvers, correctness, duration, extra content, pattern, posture, rhythm, unison, general overall. Spotlight: Costume and/or prop, duration, judges appeal, music and choreography, originality. Stroking: Cleanness of edges, endurance, extension of free leg, flexible skating knee-flow, posture, proper push-off, rhythm. National Events Judging Below are some guidelines for National events. All coaches must have a credential to put their skaters on the ice at our national events. Judge credentials are given to current ISI Professional members who have passed the ISI Judge Certification exam and any required Update Test. Judges must volunteer to judge and return the Judge Schedule Request form to receive a credential. Coaches not currently certified must be a current ISI Professional member and then can purchase a Coach credential for the event. Team points can be deducted from teams not supplying an appropriate number of judges. 27

4 Whether you are new to judging ISI competitions, or haven t judged a lot, relax! The following tips will help you to judge with ease in no time! Getting Started Take a moment before you go to judge to review the requirements for that particular event. Open the ISI Skater s and Coaches Handbook and just re-read the maneuvers. You may see something you didn t remember. There are new Rule Revisions for many ISI events. Make sure you review the changes and are up-to-date. When you know what events you will judge, be sure to read the specific event details and performance rules in the back part of the Skaters and Coaches Handbook. Finally, you may want to review the ISI Judges Manual, which contains definitions of criterion and a handy penalty reference chart. If you are unfamiliar or unsure of an item, ask the referee for clarification before the event begins. That s what the referee is for! Review the number of skaters in the event and begin to think about how you will use the point range that has been established. Sign your score sheet. Write in 7 s wherever you can, before the event begins. (Remember duration is not scored within the point range.) Ready, Set, Judge! As the skater enters the ice, write down something on the score sheet to help you remember who this skater is. Usually writing down the color of the outfit is helpful. You can write in the areas of the score sheet that you will not be using, at the bottom of the page or on a separate sheet of paper. (Be sure to take all note pages with you; do not leave them on the judge s stand.) Do not write in the areas that the accountants use to total the scores. 1. Is a current Professional Member of ISI. 2. Is an ISI Certified Judge. 3. Arrives 15 minutes prior to the scheduled panel. 4. Shows professional standards of conduct while on the panel, as well as during the entire competition. 5. Gives up the role of coach while serving on the judges panel. 6. Does not judge beyond ability knows the requirements for the particular event, and if not familiar with the event, asks to be replaced. 7. Evaluates performance as seen, not according to reputation. 8. Does not discuss results with parents, coaches, skaters, etc. 9. Puts aside own personal technique preferences, and gives credit to all techniques used successfully. 28 ISI Judging 101 After the skater has finished it is a good idea to write some quick notes in shorthand that you can understand in the same area you used earlier. Some abbreviations that are used are F (Fall), Inc (Incomplete), (Weak), 3 (average), + (Good), ++ (Excellent). Find a system that works well for you. It will be very helpful to be able to refer to these notes toward the ends of the event. Every skater will now be compared to the first skater in the event were they better or worse, and by how much. Do not write while the skater is skating unless you can do it without looking down. If you are looking down to write during a competitor s program, you may miss the elements that are being executed while you are writing! Make sure to ask the referee immediately if you do not see an element that is required. Perhaps the referee can verify if the skater did or did not perform the requirement. Do not wait until the end of the event to ask! Set aside your own personal preferences while you are judging, and recognize all teaching methods. You should be judging the execution of the element, not whether the skater has their arm or leg in the position you prefer. Event Conclusion Review your scores at the end of the event. Make sure that you have used the entire point range for each criterion you are judging. Check and make sure that you do not have the final results tied. Try to make decisions that separate the skaters. You should not discuss the judging of the event with anyone except the panel. An Ethical Judge 10. Gives full attention to the skater, takes judging role seriously. 11. Consults the competition director if there is a problem with another judge or referee. 12. Converses only with other judges in reference to problem areas of an event or regarding a particular maneuver in a skater s program. 13. Accepts referee s authority and grades according to the ISI system. 14. Attends the Coach & Judge meeting before the competition begins. 15. Stays informed and educated by attending ISI seminars and is updated on rules and guidelines through ISI publications. 16. Is supportive of competition results.

5 Join the Fun! Become an ISI Competition Judge! As an ISI Competition Judge: 3 You will gain invaluable knowledge of all ISI competition events. 3 You will gain invaluable knowledge of successful program layout. 3 You will learn to avoid common coaching mistakes. 3 You will earn the respect of your fellow peers and co-workers. 3 You can travel to attend events and meet new friends. 3 You can network with other coaches. 3 You will contribute to the success of the competition, the facility and ISI. It s easy to get started: Join ISI as a Professional Member Attend an ISI Educational Program Annual Free District Seminar weskate Instructor Training ISI Annual Conference and Trade Show iaim Certificate Program Take the ISI Judge Certification Test Learn more as you Trial Judge at ISI competitions. Contact your local ISI Competition Director to volunteer. 29

6 Do You Feel The Heat When Judging? Here are a few reminders to help you keep your cool when judging! Pre-Alpha-Delta Number of Crossovers forward and backward should be quality vs. quantity Bunny Hops are a Delta requirement and are not allowed at lower levels Edges must be consecutive, if not score at the bottom of point range Simple Mohawk ok below Gamma if not the 7 step sequence Freestyle 1-10 Stag jumps are not split jumps 1-foot entry into 2-foot spin-must put foot down within first revolution Edges must be consecutive, if not score at the bottom of point range Uncaptured moves 1 x walley jump / blade grabbers are O.K. Open Freestyle No required maneuvers, but well-rounded program. Variety of Moves score should reflect a well-rounded program Only technical score is for Correctness for the technical accuracy of the maneuvers performed and not the difficulty. Artistic 1-10 See new maneuver limitations Interpretive 1-10 See new maneuver limitations Footwork 1-10 Should focus on quality, flow & turns/edges Illusion is O.K. at any level ½ loop landed on toes O.K. (with no gliding out). Solo Compulsories The three required maneuvers may be performed in any order No penalty for quantity on swizzles, wiggles or crossovers on Pre-Alpha / Alpha / Beta levels Penalty for second attempt or additional maneuvers (Referee only 2.0) Spotlight Events Skaters CAN HAVE ASSISTANCE getting props on and off the ice. Still have 30 secs. on and off and must still be timed. Check new Duration times and maneuver limitations. Feathers, etc. falling off costumes no penalty if retrieved within exit time. Props left on the ice or gifts left for judges = 2.0 under Costume & Props Couples Spotlight Check new levels, duration times and maneuver limitations Rhythmic Skating Same event rules & judging criteria as for Spotlight events except Use of Prop Check new maneuver limitations. No props allowed on warm-up. Synchronized Skating Events Check new event duration times. New judging criteria for block, line, circle, wheel & intersection Ensemble Team Same event rules as Family Spotlight events. maneuvers can be done at any level. Any skating Jump & Spin Teams Required maneuvers in book cannot be changed. All 3 judges evaluate both the jump and the spin Two attempts and the best one is scored Only the technical accuracy of the maneuver is judged, not the difficulty. 30

7 Quick Quiz for Judging Test your knowledge and see how many of these questions can you get correct? 1. The judging criteria for the ISI Open Freestyle events are: a. d. g. Section B: Judging Essentials b. e. h. c. f. 2. Which criterion has the most impact on the results? 3. With the new 2009 Rule Revisions, what penalty is most likely to occur in the Open Freestyle event? 4. The judging criteria for the ISI Artistic event are: a. d. g. b. e. h. c. f. 5. Which criterion has the most impact on the results? 6. Wit h the new 2009 Rule Revisions, what penalty is most likely to occur in the Artistic event? 7. Name 3 judging criteria for the Rhythmic event: a. b. c. 8. What are the two most common illegal maneuvers performed in Pre-Alpha-Gamma programs? 9. What are the three most common illegal maneuvers performed in Freestyle programs? 10. When do you judge the first attempt of a maneuver? 11. When do you judge the best attempt of the maneuver? 12. With the new 2009 Rule Revisions, what are the 5 new judging criteria for Synchronized team events? See answers on page 45 31

8 Duties: Referee Training During the event: To insure that ISI rules are followed and interpreted correctly. To insure that any penalties are applied correctly. To allow the skater a restart, if necessary. To insure that the panel results are accurate. To mentor ISI judges and coaches regarding ISI competition philosophy, rules, and penalties. To assist the competition director in conflict resolution. Qualifications: Current ISI Professional Member. Gold Judge Certification Test, with current Update Test. Actively judged at least 15 ISI competitions. Attended ISI district seminars/national Conference and national events. Benefits: Experience on the judge s stand provides valuable coach education. Networking with other coaches provides valuable resources. Incentives offered at some events. Before the event: Arrive at the panel early to be able to familiarize yourself with the judges stand, communication equipment, announcer, ice monitor, check supplies (stopwatches, judges sheets, pencils, scrap paper, books, running order). Introduce your panel and hold a mini meeting to help familiarize yourself and the panel with your event. Review the test requirements from the Skater s & Coaches Handbook, and the performance rules in the Competitors Handbook section. Review the most common penalties for this event. Discuss note taking and unanimous agreement for all penalties. Encourage vertical scoring, not horizontal. Discuss ways to find differences in jumps, spins, pattern, rhythm, posture, etc. Have the judges sign all papers for the panel, and fill in the 7 s. Watch the warm-up, verify the correct number of skaters and watch for safety hazards such as back arabesques, etc. Keep the competition on schedule by remaining in constant communication with the announcer as to when the next skater should take the ice. Call out the required maneuvers to the panel as they are performed. Announce to the panel if the skater s time has exceeded the limit and if judging has to stop. Encourage discussion right away when an element is missing or incomplete i.e. a single jump for double, no Right T-stop, etc. After the event: Briefly summarize the event, discuss the top 3 skaters. Check papers to be sure that entire point range was used. Stay available to accounting room until results are posted/reviewed Alert competition director of any specific problems or situations during the event i.e., music problems, skaters entering wrong level, penalties, etc. After the panel: Be available for mentoring, and conflict resolution as needed. If penalties are given, try to find the coach of the skater before the results are posted to explain what happened and how to avoid for future events. New Referee Certification Test available online. 32

9 2010 ISI Test & Competition Revisions The following 2010 Test & Competition Revisions are optional for ISI competitions after September 1, 2009 and mandatory for all events after January 1, Competition Directors should inform all participants and judges if they will follow these new revisions for events from September 1 December 31, Competition Event Revisions & Clarifications: Couples Spotlight Medium Duration for Freestyle 1-3 / Open Bronze is increased to 1:30 Rhythmic Skating Duration (Ball, Hoop & Ribbon) for Freestyle 1-3 is increased to 1:30 Uncaptured Spins The back sit spin and back camel spin can be performed on either edge. Synchronized Formation Shoulder Hold position requires that both shoulders be held. Against the Book judging Skaters will receive either 1st Place or 2nd Place. The judging panel should discuss and agree on the placement, whenever possible. The skater must still receive 80% of the total possible points for 1st Place. If the skater receives an average total of 79.9% or below, they will receive 2nd Place. For events with technical criteria, the skater should get 1st Place if the required maneuvers are completed to the passing test standard for their age and ability level. 2. Ice Dancing Test Levels have been revised as follows: Ice Dancing Tests 1-4: Ice Dancing Test 5: Ice Dancing Test 6: Ice Dancing Test 7: Ice Dancing Test 8: Ice Dancing Test 9: Ice Dancing Test 10: No change Hickory Hoedown, Willow Waltz, Ten Fox 14-Step, European Waltz, Foxtrot American Waltz, Tango, Rocker Foxtrot Kilian, Blues Paso Doble, Starlight Waltz, Quickstep Westminster Waltz, Argentine Tango, Viennese Waltz 3. Special Skater Test requirements have been revised as follows: Special Skater tests 3, 5, 7 and 9 have a stop requirement for these levels. Skaters can do any stop at any level 2-foot or 1-foot snowplow, Left or Right T-stop or hockey stop. Special Skater Test 9: The Mohawk requirement is for one forward to backward Mohawk on either foot or edge. This requirement is NOT the same as the 7-step Mohawk combination in the Gamma test. 4. Test Scoring Clarification and National Test Registration All ISI tests may be scored using the numerical scale of 5-10 for a passing score on each requirement or may be scored as Pass/Retry. Each test requirement must be performed to the passing test standard described in the Skaters and Coaches handbook in order to officially pass the test. The Test Registration spreadsheet (available from ISI) will accept either method of scoring the tests. 33

10 2010 ISI COMPETITION EVENT CHART TEST Freestyle Freestyle Artistic Artistic Footwork Spotlight Spotlight LEVELS Duration Maneuvers Duration Maneuvers Duration Duration Maneuvers Tots 1.0 Tot level maneuvers n/a n/a n/a 1.0 FS1 & below Pre-Alpha 1.0 PreAlpha & below* n/a n/a n/a 1.0 FS1 & below Alpha 1.0 Alpha & below* n/a n/a n/a 1.0 FS1 & below Beta 1.0 Beta & below* n/a n/a n/a 1.0 FS1 & below Gamma 1.0 Gamma & below* n/a n/a n/a 1.0 FS1 & below Delta 1.0 Delta & below* n/a n/a n/a 1.0 FS1 & below FS FS1 & below 1.5 FS4 & below FS4 & below FS FS2 & below 1.5 FS4 & below FS4 & below FS FS3 & below 1.5 FS4 & below FS4 & below Open Bronze 2.0 FS3 & below 1.5 FS4 & below FS4 & below FS FS4 & below 1.5 FS6 & below FS6 & below FS FS5 & below 1.5 FS6 & below FS6 & below Open Silver 2.0 FS5 & below 1.5 FS6 & below FS6 & below Open Gold 3.0 FS6 & below 2.0 Any maneuvers Any maneuvers FS FS6 & below 2.0 Any maneuvers Any maneuvers FS FS7 & below 2.0 Any maneuvers Any maneuvers FS FS8 & below 2.0 Any maneuvers Any maneuvers FS FS9 & below 2.0 Any maneuvers Any maneuvers FS Any maneuvers 2.0 Any maneuvers Any maneuvers Open Platinum 4.0 Any maneuvers 2.0 Any maneuvers Any maneuvers * Must include one maneuver from FS1 Couple Couple Couple TEST Rhythmic Rhythmic Interpretive Spotlight Spotlight Spotlight LEVELS Duration Maneuvers Maneuvers Levels Duration Maneuvers Tots n/a n/a n/a Low 1.0 FS1 & below Pre-Alpha n/a n/a FS1 & below Low 1.0 FS1 & below Alpha n/a n/a FS1 & below Low 1.0 FS1 & below Beta n/a n/a FS1 & below Low 1.0 FS1 & below Gamma n/a n/a FS1 & below Low 1.0 FS1 & below Delta n/a n/a FS1 & below Low 1.0 FS1 & below FS FS4 & below FS4 & below Medium 1.5 FS4 & below FS FS4 & below FS4 & below Medium 1.5 FS4 & below FS FS4 & below FS4 & below Medium 1.5 FS4 & below Open Bronze 1.5 FS4 & below FS4 & below Medium 1.5 FS4 & below FS FS6 & below FS6 & below Intermediate 1.5 FS6 & below FS FS6 & below FS6 & below Intermediate 1.5 FS6 & below Open Silver 1.5 FS6 & below FS6 & below Intermediate 1.5 FS6 & below Open Gold 2.0 Any maneuvers Any maneuvers High 2.0 Any maneuvers FS Any maneuvers Any maneuvers High 2.0 Any maneuvers FS Any maneuvers Any maneuvers High 2.0 Any maneuvers FS Any maneuvers Any maneuvers High 2.0 Any maneuvers FS Any maneuvers Any maneuvers High 2.0 Any maneuvers FS Any maneuvers Any maneuvers High 2.0 Any maneuvers Open Platinum 2.0 Any maneuvers Any maneuvers High 2.0 Any maneuvers 34

11 New ISI Open Freestyle Tests & Events The Ice Skating Institute is 50 years old and we re having a special celebration year! Have you heard about the new Open Freestyle tests? All Freestyle skaters will now have a choice: follow our traditional Freestyle 1-10 test program or use the new ISI Open Freestyle test program. Skaters who have already passed any ISI Freestyle-level tests can also choose to participate in this new test program. In fact, you can do BOTH the traditional freestyle levels and the new Open Freestyle test levels! One great new benefit is that USFS skaters who have already passed the Pre-Preliminary, Adult Pre-Bronze or any higher tests and wish to compete in ISI Freestyle events do not need to pass any previous ISI tests. In the past, the ISI Alpha-Delta and individual Freestyle-level tests were required before USFS skaters could compete at a higher Freestyle level but not anymore! They only have to take one of the new Open Freestyle tests corresponding to their current USFS test level. Each skater taking these new tests must be a current ISI Individual or Professional member. All skaters who have not passed USFS Pre-Preliminary, Adult Pre-Bronze or ISI Freestyle 1 test must pass the ISI Alpha-Delta tests before taking the Bronze test. Another great aspect of these new Open Freestyle tests is that you have the option of choosing the required maneuvers you do best. While you still have to complete all types of skating maneuvers to pass the tests, you can choose your best jump or best spin within each test-level category. These new tests have the same format, guidelines and general rules as the current ISI Freestyle tests. Each test level consists of two parts: the compulsory maneuvers and the program portion. Skaters must pass the compulsory maneuvers before attempting the program portion of the test. Only one current ISI Professional member is required to judge and pass this equivalency test. If the skater has already passed If the skater has already passed New Open Freestyle ISI Freestyle tests: USFSA Free Skate tests: level* will be: Delta** or Freestyle 1-3 Pre-Preliminary Bronze test Adult Pre-Bronze Adult Bronze Freestyle 4-5 Preliminary Silver test Pre-Juvenile Adult Silver Freestyle 5-6 Juvenile Gold test Intermediate Adult Gold Freestyle 7-10 Novice Platinum test Junior Senior * Skaters can participate in a higher level, but not a lower level, based on the test equivalents. If skating in a higher level than the test equivalent, the skater must past the new/higher Open Freestyle test level ** Skaters cannot participate in both Delta and FS1/Bronze level events. If a skater has passed the FS1 or Bronze test, they can no longer compete in any Delta level events. 35

12 ISI Bronze Freestyle Test 1. Any two jumps from Freestyle 1-3 levels can be done solo or in combination 2. One additional jump combination with any two jumps from Freestyle 1-3 levels 3. Two spins or spin combinations can include upright 2-foot or 1-foot and change-foot spins only 4. Two different arabesques can be forward or backward and on different feet and/or different edges 5. Dance step sequence either the Freestyle 2 or Freestyle 3 dance step sequence or at least 10 steps of the skaters own design and pattern. Should include variety of 3-turns and Mohawks. Solo program duration: 2:00 minutes including all of these required maneuvers and any additional maneuvers from Freestyle 3 and below Test Standards Specific passing standard descriptions for the required maneuvers from the current ISI Freestyle 1-10 test maneuvers can be found in the 2010 edition of the Skaters and Coaches Handbook. ISI Gold Freestyle Test ISI Silver Freestyle Test 1. Any two jumps from Freestyle 4-5 levels can be done solo or in combination 2. One additional jump combination with any two jumps from Freestyle 4-5 levels 3. Two spins or spin combinations can include upright/sit/camel positions. One spin must be a combination spin with a change of position or a sit spin or a camel spin. 4. Two backward arabesques must be on different feet 5. Dance step sequence either the Freestyle 4 or Freestyle 5 dance step sequence or at least 16 steps of the skater s own design and pattern. Should include turns such as: 3-turns, Mohawks, brackets, Choctaws, etc. Solo program duration: 2:00 minutes including all of these required maneuvers and any additional maneuvers from Freestyle 5 and below 1. Any two jumps from Freestyle 5-6 levels can be done solo or in combination 2. One additional two-jump combination with the first jump from Freestyle 5-6. The second jump can be from a lower level 3. Two spins one must be a combination spin with change of foot, but cannot include any flying spin 4. Dance step sequence either the Freestyle 5 or Freestyle 6 dance step sequence or a straight line or serpentine pattern footwork sequence covering the length of the ice of the skaters own design. Should include a variety of turns and edges along with excellent control, flow and speed. Solo program duration: 3:00 minutes including all of these required maneuvers and any additional maneuvers from Freestyle 6 and below Note on Jump Requirements All jump requirements for these tests can have the same jump(s) repeated for different test requirements. ISI Platinum Freestyle Test 1. Any two jumps (or jump sequence requirement) from Freestyle 7-10 levels can be done solo or in combination 2. Two additional jump combinations with at least one double jump in each combination 3. Two spins one must be a flying camel or flying sit spin 4. One spin combination with at least three different positions and one change of foot 5. Dance step sequence either the Freestyle 7, Freestyle 8 or Freestyle 9 dance step sequence, or a footwork sequence covering the length of the ice of the skater s own design and pattern. Should include a variety of turns and edges along with superior control, flow and speed. Solo program duration: 4:00 minutes including all of these required maneuvers and any additional maneuvers 36

13 New Open Freestyle Events After you pass one of the new Open Freestyle tests, then what can you do? You can compete in the new Open Freestyle competition events at the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. All ISI skaters who have already passed the traditional Freestyle 1-10 test levels are not required to pass any additional test before they can also compete in the new corresponding level for the Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum Open Freestyle events. Maneuver limitations: For the Open Freestyle competition events, there are NO required maneuvers. Bronze-level skaters can do any maneuvers from Freestyle 3 and below. Silver-level skaters can do any maneuvers from Freestyle 5 and below. Gold-level skaters can do any maneuvers from Freestyle 6 and below. Platinum-level skaters can do any maneuvers. These competition event programs should be well balanced and have the same duration times as the test-level requirements. Even though some duration times for these new levels are slightly longer than the traditional ISI Freestyle events, all ISI Freestyle skaters can use the same Freestyle program to compete in this new event category since there is never any penalty in ISI competitions for skating under the prescribed duration time. Because there is no score for extra content in the new Open Freestyle events, the slight difference in duration times won t be a factor in the overall quality of the program. Event judging criteria: The following judging criteria will be used for the new Open Freestyle events: correctness, variety of moves, music interpretation, choreography and pattern, posture, presentation, duration and general overall. So you also want to participate in other ISI competition events such as Artistic, Footwork, Interpretive, Spotlight, Solo Compulsories and rhythmic Skating? No problem! You can sign-up for any or all of these events in the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum levels by following the performance rules for each event. The only ISI Freestyle-level competition events you cannot do by only passing the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum tests are the individual Freestyle events such as Freestyle 1, 2, 3, etc. The ISI competition director now has the option to group entries into Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum categories for the following ISI events: Artistic Footwork Spotlight Solo Compulsories Interpretive Rhythmic For example, entries can be grouped with Artistic skaters together and with Artistic Bronze skaters together in separate groups, or they can be combined into a single Artistic Bronze event group. The competition event groups can be further divided based on the entries received and the age of the skaters with no more than nine competitors in any event group. The event divisions are: Bronze - Freestyle 1-3 skaters and Bronze-level skaters Silver - Freestyle 4-5 skaters and Silver-level skaters Gold - Freestyle 5-6 skaters and Gold-level skaters Platinum - Freestyle 7-10 skaters and Platinum-level skaters Note: ISI Freestyle 5 skaters have a choice of competing in the Silver or Gold event level for each event, i.e. Open Freestyle, Artistic, Spotlight, Interpretive, etc. They must stay in the same level (Silver or Gold) for all events at the same competition. Solo Compulsory events If skaters who have only passed the Open Freestyle tests want to compete in a Solo Compulsory event, they must skate in the corresponding levels listed below: Bronze - Solo Compulsory Freestyle 3 Silver - Solo Compulsory Freestyle 5 Gold - Solo Compulsory Freestyle 6 Platinum - Choose any Freestyle 7-10 level on the entry form for that competition event. You think that s a lot of new stuff? Well, you re right! We ve already received many rave reviews from excited coaches and skaters who have already tried these new events Competition Event Rule Revisions All ISI skaters and coaches should carefully check the new duration times and maneuver limitations for some ISI events. These changes are now mandatory for all ISI competitions. 37

14 Renew Now for the Best Deal! A friendly reminder: Sept. 1 Current ISI Professional memberships and liability insurance must be renewed by Sept. 1. ISI s insurance benefits are the best in the industry more coverage at a lower price plus, ISI policies continue to meet all other association requirements, with an extended term of July 1 through Aug. 31 of the following year. Renew your membership at the same time as your insurance and get both for only $150!

15 New! Synchronized Skating Tests A n n i - versary ISI s 50th celebration year is half over, but we re not finished yet! How about something brand new especially for ISI Synchro skaters? It s been a long time coming, but the ISI Synchro Committee has approved four new ISI Synchronized Skating tests. These new tests are not required for any team to compete in any ISI synchronized competitions or exhibition events. The new ISI Synchronized Skating 1-4 tests are specifically designed as building blocks for beginning teams to help encourage, reward and recognize the teams progress and achievement as they learn the basics of synchronized skating. The tests must be taken in order (1-4) and the entire team is judged on a Pass or Incomplete basis for each required element by any current ISI Professional member. It is strongly recommended that these tests be given by another coach in the area with synchronized team background and experience rather than the team s own coach. However, if new beginner teams are in an isolated area, this might not always be possible. The test forms are included in the online link for all ISI test forms at Each coach should submit a completed test form and team roster to Angela Tooley at angela@skateisi.org for registration. After completing the Synchronized Skating 2 and Synchronized Skating 4 test requirements, teams will have mastered all of the skills necessary to compete in the Synchronized Formation Compulsory and Synchronized Skating Compulsory events. Teams can then expand these basic team skills to prepare a longer program for the Synchronized Formation, Synchronized Skating and/or Synchronized Dance events. The test level(s) passed by any team has no bearing on their competition event registration. For example, a team can pass Synchronized Skating 4 and still compete in the Synchronized Formation events at all ISI competitions. Again, these tests are designed to be used by the coach only as encouragement and recognition tools for a beginning synchronized team. After Sept. 1 when you register your team(s) for the skating year, a colorful new ISI Synchronized Skating Team Member badge will be provided for each team member with your $10 team registration fee. Coordinating crescent-shaped test badges are also available for each test level and can be ordered by the coach after the team s test registration is complete. Test badges can be used as a reward for reaching goals and are a great motivator toward higher achievement levels. If new team members join after the test has been completed, the coach can purchase additional badges to award them after they perform with the team in an exhibition, show or competition event to complete the test requirements. 39

16 ISI SYNCHRONIZED SKATING TESTS 1-4 Below is a summary of the test requirements. For complete descriptions, please refer to the test requirement details on the synchronized skating page of the ISI Web site (skateisi.org). SYNCHRONIZED SKATING TEST 1 1. Demonstration of HolDs In a stationary formation, team members must demonstrate the correct position and posture for the following holds: a. Hand Hold choice of circle or wheel formation b. Shoulder Hold choice of wheel, line or block formation c. Waist Hold as in circle formation (sometimes called a Choo-choo Hold) 2. forward skating line Must be performed in Shoulder Hold (both shoulders) consisting of forward marching steps and/or forward stroking covering at least half of the length of the ice. 3. forward CirCle Choice of Shoulder, Waist or Hand Hold. The circle formation must rotate in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction for a minimum of two complete revolutions. 4. forward two-spoke wheel (pinwheel) Choice of Shoulder, Hand or Basket-weave Hold. The wheel formation must rotate in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction for a minimum of two complete revolutions. 5. forward skating BloCk A block formation with a minimum of three lines performed in Shoulder Hold position covering at least half the length of the ice surface. SYNCHRONIZED SKATING TEST 2 Note: Maneuver requirements are the same as in Test forward intersection Any formation where half of the team intersects the other half of the team. 2. forward skating line into forward two-spoke wheel Starting in a Forward Skating Line covering at least half the length of the ice in Shoulder Hold position, the team must make transition into a Forward Two-Spoke Wheel and rotate a minimum of two complete revolutions. 3. forward two-spoke wheel into a forward BloCk Starting in a Forward Two-Spoke Wheel that rotates a minimum of two complete revolutions, the team must make transition into a Forward Block (minimum three-line formation) that covers at least half of the length of the ice. 4. forward BloCk into forward CirCle Starting in a Forward Block (minimum three-line formation) that covers at least half the length of the ice, the team must make transition into a Forward Circle and rotate a minimum of two complete revolutions. 5. synchronized formation Compulsory program The team must perform a program routine consisting of the following elements (as described above): a. Forward Skating Line b. Forward Circle c. Forward Two-Spoke Wheel d. Forward Skating Block e. Forward Intersection Program can include the specific transitions as required in Synchronized Test 2 or any other transition combinations. Duration time is 1:45 with a 10-second leeway over that time permitted. See Additional Program Notes on page 29. SYNCHRONIZED SKATING TEST 3 1. line Can be performed in any hold or combination of holds covering the length of the ice surface. 2. footwork BloCk A block of at least three lines consisting of any skating steps and turns that covers the length of the ice surface. The block must change direction, and changes of hold are also permitted. 3. CirCle Circle or circles may consist of any skating steps with additional moves permitted with change of direction or hold permitted for a minimum of two complete revolutions. 4. wheel Any wheel or combination of wheels may move forward or backward, clockwise or counter-clockwise, with any skating steps or maneuvers permitted for a minimum of two complete revolutions. 5. intersection An intersection or combination of intersections in which one-half of the team moves through the other half of the team. If multiple intersections are performed, they must be continuous. 40

17 SYNCHRONIZED SKATING TEST 4 Note: Maneuver requirements are the same as in Test line to intersection After completing a Line formation for the length of the ice, the team must transition into an Intersection. 2. intersection to CirCle After completing an Intersection, the team must transition into a Circle formation and rotate for a minimum of two complete revolutions. 3. CirCle to footwork BloCk After completing a Circle formation for a minimum of two complete revolutions, the team must transition into a Footwork Block (minimum three lines) that covers the length of the ice. 4. footwork BloCk to wheel After completing a Footwork Block (minimum three lines) the length of the ice, the team must transition into a Wheel and rotate for a minimum of two complete revolutions. 5. synchronized skating Compulsory program The team must perform a program routine consisting of the following elements (as described in Synchronized Test 3): a. Line b. Footwork Block c. Circle d. Wheel e. Intersection Program can include the specific transitions as required in Synchronized Test 4 or any other transition combinations. Additional maneuvers can be included in the program, but emphasis should be on clean performance and unison of the required elements listed above. Duration time is 2:30 with a 10-second leeway over that time permitted. See Additional Program Notes to the right. ADDITIONAL PROGRAM NOTES a. in the Compulsory programs, the Circle and wheel program requirements (test 2, nos. 5b and 5c, and test 4, nos. 5c and 5d) are not required to rotate a minimum of two complete revolutions. the circle and wheel rotations can be less than two or more than two revolutions based on the program choreography and music. b. acrobatic lifts are not allowed. c. Backward arabesque intersections are not allowed. d. Jumps (single rotation and below) are permitted at any level of synchronized skating Compulsory only (test 4, no. 5). axels are permitted in the skating category with less than half of the team performing the jump at any time. no double or triple jumps are allowed at any level. e. spins are restricted to upright spins only in the tot/jr. youth/youth/sr. youth age groupings. any spins are allowed in the teen and adult age groupings. f. isi synchronized team age groupings (for both formation and skating teams) are based on the skater s age as of the previous July 1 as follows: tot team majority 6 years and under Jr. youth majority 8 years and under youth majority 9-11 years sr. youth majority years teen majority years adult majority years master majority 40+ years note: adult and master categories may be combined if insufficient entries. If you have a new team or are planning to start one this season, be among the first to proudly wear the new ISI Synchronized team badges. For more information, please contact Randy Winship at randy@skateisi.org or (972)

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