HIGH PERFORMANCE SELECTION PANEL RESPONSE ISA INTERNATIONAL BENCHMARK SCORES Released 24 January 2015 High Performance Selection Panel Melina Simjanovic (Chair) Sharon Gaylard Lisa Jelinek Cathy Taylor INDEX Page Background to the ISA International Benchmark Scores 2 Table 1: Comparison of the ISA min TES scores over the past 3 seasons. 3 Consultation 3 Why the HP Selection Panel DOES NOT accept the ISA Board amended policy.. 3 Table 2: Comparison of the number of athletes in the ISA International Pool over 3 seasons..4 Figure 1: Comparison of the number of athletes and results at JGPs and International Competitions... 5 High Performance Overview.5 Overview of the ISA High Performance international selection process...... 5 High Performance Selection Panel Summary. 6 High Performance Recommendations.. 6 Attachment A: ISA International Benchmark Policy Version 5 Attachment B: ISA International Benchmark Policy Version 4.1 HP Selection Panel Response to ISA International Benchmark Scores Released 24 January 2015 Page 1 of 6
Report to Ice Skating Australia We refer to the recent communication dated 12 January, 2015 regarding the ISA International Benchmark Scores Policy HP-02 (Version 5) released by the ISA Board after the ISA Board teleconference held on 9 January 2015. The HP Selection Panel does not accept the ISA Board s amendments to the scores in the ISA International Benchmark Policy (HP-02 Version 5 with the approval date 9 January, 2015 Attachment A). It is extremely disappointing that High Performance was not consulted about the amendments made by the ISA Board. The ISA Board has continually micro-managed operational issues and made their own amendments to policies by ignoring recommendations provided by High Performance. Furthermore, the demand placed by the ISA Acting Secretary on 3 January, 2015 to provide revised benchmark scores to the ISA Board by 4 January, 2015 was unreasonable. The High Performance (HP) Operational Director is charged by the ISA Council to assemble a team to manage the HP portfolio. At the last ISA AGM (2014), the ISA council did not disagree or have questions regarding the principles of the current HP policies or the future direction of the HP Policies. Therefore, HP has continued to manage the portfolio as presented to the AGM in 2014. The HP strategy, which has been refined over a number of years to effectively achieve the HP aims, was validated by the ISA council but is now being changed unilaterally by the ISA Board. Background to the ISA International Benchmark Scores The HP Selection Panel devoted a considerable amount of time in developing HP policies, in alignment with HP strategies and principles, and refining the HP policies over the years. The ISA International Benchmark Scores have been calculated using a formula based on minimal requirements that they are required to compete in the respective level. For example: Jumps: Allowing for some error, average levels achieved for spins and steps with base or minus GOE s. The ISA International Benchmark Scores were introduced in the 2012/2013 season, following the implementation by the ISU of the ISU min TES scores for ISU Championship Events. The HP aims have been shown to be achieved through these Benchmark Scores. HP Selection Panel Response to ISA International Benchmark Scores Released 24 January 2015 Page 2 of 6
Table 1: Comparison of ISA min TES scores over the past 3 seasons 2012/2013 2013/2014 2014/2015 Lowered Jan scores 2014/2015 season SP FS SP FS SP FS SP FS Novice Ladies NA NA 13 20 14 20 7 13 Novice Men NA NA 14 22 15 24 8 17 Novice Pair NA NA 12 12 7 12 Novice Dance NA NA 15 12 12 7 Junior Ladies 13 21 15 21 18 24 13 19 Junior Men 17 30 17 30 19 31 14 26 Junior Pair 14 26 14 26 16 27 11 22 Junior Dance 14 23 14 23 14 18 7 18 Senior Ladies 15 23 15 23 18 26 15 23 Senior Men 19 33 19 33 20 35 17 32 Senior Pair 17 28 17 28 17 30 14 27 Senior Dance 17 25 16 25 16 22 13 19 Note: Junior Short Element requirements alter each season and were taken into consideration The international pool numbers are increasing each year with commendable results achieved (refer to Figure 1 and Table 2). Consultation The HP Selection Panel is always willing to consult and review the ISA International Benchmark Scores for the 2015/2016 season, benchmark events and provide developmental solutions in consultation with the ISA Council to meet common goals that may arise during the season. The HP Panel responded to a developmental situation in Ice Dance immediately following the 2014 AFSC. ISA International Benchmark Policy Version 4.1 submitted to ISA Board by HP (14 December) with the only change being in Ice Dance for the short dance scores. The Short Dance TES scores had previously been identified as an interim score in Version 4.0 and was subsequently revised following the AFSC, once clarity and understanding of the impact of the changes to this seasons scoring of the new dances and the short dance was better understood. Why the HP Selection Panel DOES NOT accept the ISA Board amended policy The HP Selection Panel discussed the implications of the ISA Board self-amended policy and conducted a detailed analysis of the ISA International Benchmark Policy (version 5). The HP Selection Panel does not accept version 5 based on the following: The HP Selection Panel's responsibility is to look after the best interests and equity for all athletes. It is not equitable for those skaters who have worked hard to achieve the current scores as per version 4.1 Benchmark Scores (Attachment B), only to have those scores lowered considerably with 70% of the 2014/2015 season, particularly considering that all 2014/2015 benchmark events have been completed. It is imperative that ISA keep the standard and value high with respect to the skaters inclusion in the international pool for their development and motivation, to inspire future skaters and to be internationally competitive. HP Selection Panel Response to ISA International Benchmark Scores Released 24 January 2015 Page 3 of 6
The HP Panel consider that it would be irresponsible to allow any skater to compete internationally who has only achieved the lowered scores because the skating skills would be well below an expected skating standard at ISU International events. The HP Panel assert that the lowered scores would accept a level that is less than the test required to enter that level. Under ISA International Benchmark Version 5 policy, an example of Junior Ladies program standard using a lowered Junior score is as follows: Short 2F+2T< -2 2Lz < -2 FCSp1 0 StSq1 0 CCoSp3p4 1 2A<< -3 LSp1 0 12.8 (13) Free 2Lo+2Lo< -1 2F+2T<< -3 2Lz< -2 StSq1 0 FCCoSp2p2 0 2Lz<+1T+1Lo -2 2T<< -3 2F 0 CCoSp3p2 0 1A 0 CSSp2 1 18.9 (19) In line with HP aims, the number of Australian athletes qualifying for international events is increasing as are the results. Table 2: Comparison of the number of athletes in the ISA International Pool over the past 3 seasons 2012/2013 2013/2014 2014/2015 Lowered Jan Scores 2014/2015 Novice Ladies NA 4 5 18 Novice Men NA 3 1 4 Novice Pair NA 0 0 0 Novice Dance NA 0 1 1 Junior Ladies 6 12 11 16 Junior Men 4 4 4 6 Junior Pair 1 1 1 1 Junior Dance 1 2 2 2 Senior Ladies 6 5 4 4 Senior Men 8 7 5 5 Senior Pair 1 1 1 1 Senior Dance 1 1 1 1 HP Selection Panel Response to ISA International Benchmark Scores Released 24 January 2015 Page 4 of 6
Figure 1: Comparison of the number of athletes and results at JGPs and International Competitions (2012/2013 & 2013/2014 seasons) 25 20 15 5 0 17 21 20 18 14 20 13 18 17 17 13 11 11 9 11 7 6 6 5 6 3 1 2 2 0 JGPs Senior Int Comp Junior Int Comp Novice Int Comp 12/13 No. Athletes 13/14 No. Athletes 12/13 Qualify free 13/14 Qualify free 12/13 Top 12 13/14 Top 12 12/13 Podium 13/14 Podium 18 16 14 12 8 6 4 2 0 The ISA International Benchmark Scores have not been a disincentive as suggested by the ISA Board, but the opposite in terms of numbers and results as shown by the statistics above. High Performance overview The High Performance (HP) Program is for athletes who demonstrate ability to succeed at a high level in Junior or Senior International Championships. The program strives to advance the athletes' placing in International Championships to achieve top 12 placing at the World Championships across a number of disciplines. The HP program aims to: Deliver athletes to the Olympic Winter Institute Provide support for athletes and coaches representing Australia at international events Develop and prepare elite athletes for results at International Championship events. Overview of the ISA High Performance international selection process HP Selection Panel Response to ISA International Benchmark Scores Released 24 January 2015 Page 5 of 6
High Performance Selection Panel Summary 1. The ISA Council at its Annual General Meeting in 2009 (25 April, 2009) approved the strategic framework and policies within the HP portfolio and have continued to validate that strategy at subsequent AGM s. 2. It is the opinion of the High Performance Selection Panel that the ISA Board has acted outside their powers and contrary to the ISA Constitution (Rule 214 & Article 11). 3. It is the opinion of the High Performance Selection Panel that the ISA Board amended policies, which are not in accordance with the strategic framework as determined by the ISA Council at the 2014 Annual General Meeting (31 May, 2014). 4. It has been demonstrated to the High Performance Selection Panel that the ISA Board have amended policies without consultation with the High Performance Operational Director. 5. The ISA High Performance Operational Director has been excluded by the ISA Board with regard to reviewing and monitoring operational matters (Rule 211). This was demonstrated by the ISA Board publishing ISA International Benchmark Policy (Version 5). 6. It is the opinion of the High Performance Selection Panel that the ISA International Benchmark Policy, Version 5 (as circulated 12 January, 2015), is not based on ISA Council approved policy and the framework of the HP Portfolio. High Performance Recommendations The High Performance Selection Panel recognises that under Article, the ISA Council has the final determination of the strategy and policies adopted the Ice Skating Australia Inc. Recommendation 1 That the ISA Council immediately suspend Version 5 of the ISA International Benchmark Policy that lowers ISA International Benchmark scores across all levels until a General Meeting is called. Recommendation 2 That the ISA Council reconfirm Version 4.1 of the ISA International Benchmark Policy. Recommendation 3 That the ISA Board call a General Meeting of the Council (Article 11(6)) to clarify and reconfirm the strategic direction of High Performance. Recommendation 4 That the ISA Council endorses a position that all ISA portfolios be treated equally, without discrimination and be subject to the same review process under policy guidelines as determined by the ISA Council. Recommendation 5 That the ISA Council seek to convene a General Meeting, as soon as is practicable and before the next Annual General Meeting, under (Article 14(4)) for the purpose of reconfirming the strategic direction of Ice Skating Australia Inc. HP Selection Panel Response to ISA International Benchmark Scores Released 24 January 2015 Page 6 of 6
Ice Skating Australia Incorporated Affiliated to the International Skating Union HIGH PERFORMANCE ISA International Benchmark Date Approved: 9 th Jan. 2015 Effective Starting Date: 1 st June 2014 Policy Number: HP-02 Version Number: 4 Due Date for Next Review: 1 st July 2016 Related Policies / Procedures / Forms: Policy HP-03 International Competition Selection Criteria Policy HP-04 Medical Notification and Clearance Policy HP-05 International Championship Selection Criteria 1. Purpose of the Policy This policy establishes the minimum standards for Novice, Junior and Senior athletes to be eligible for the International Pool of athletes who are then considered for selection to ISU international events in the 2014/2015 season. 2. Application of Policy This policy applies to all eligible Australian Novice, Junior and Senior Singles, Pairs and Ice Dance athletes. 3. Definitions In this policy the following definitions apply: Abbreviation AFSC Eligible Definition Australian Figure Skating Championships Age Eligibility ISU Rule 8 (as per age limits commencing 1 July 2014) and meet all ISU and ISA citizenship and residency requirements to be able to represent Australia. Current International Skating Commences 1 st July 2014 and concludes 31 st May 2015 ISA Benchmark Events ISU Minimum Technical Score ISU World Standing Previous International Skating Senior Equalized Score TES 2014 Wintersun Competition, 2014 Margaret Joynton-Smith Trophy, 2014 Hollins Trophy The 2014/2015 ISU Minimum Technical Score as published by ISU A skaters World Standing as defined by the International Skating Union towards the conclusion of the 2013/2014 (ie. 1 May 2014) The ISU Skating that commenced on the 1 st July 2013 and concluded on the 31 st May 2014 A Senior Free Skate Technical Element Score, less the value for the Choreographic Sequence Technical Element Score 4. Policy Statement All eligible Novice, Junior and Senior athletes in Singles/Pairs/Ice Dance who meet either Section A (4.1) OR Section B (4.2) OR Section C (4.3) criteria will be included in the International Pool for the Current International Skating. The International Pool will be published in HP Communications at the start of the 2014/2015 season and updated following 2014 ISA Benchmark Events and 2014 AFSC. Athletes who do not compete at the 2014 Australian Figure Skating Championships and do not gain an Exceptional Circumstance according to the ISA Medical Policy and Procedures will be removed Ice Skating Australia Inc ISA International Benchmark (HP-02)
from the list. Furthermore, athletes who provide notification of retirement or a partnership split in Ice Dance and Pairs will also be removed from the list. 4.1. SECTION A Athletes in the Junior or Senior divisions who have: a) Participated in a 2014 ISU Championship Event (Junior Worlds, Four Continents, Worlds, Olympic Winter Games) OR b) Achieved the 2013/2014 ISU Minimum Technical Score for Championships (ie. Junior Worlds, Four Continents or Worlds) (short and free) in the Previous International Skating (ie. 2013/2014 International Skating ) at an ISU international event. OR c) Have an ISU World Standing 4.2. SECTION B Athletes in the Junior or Senior divisions who have achieved the 2013/2014 ISA Minimum Technical Score (short and free) in the Previous International Skating (ie. 2013/2014 International Skating ) at an ISU international event. 2013/2014 ISA Minimum Technical Scores Senior Junior Men SP 19.0 FS 33.0 Men SP 17.0 FS 30.0 Ladies SP 15.0 FS 23.0 Ladies SP 15.0 FS 21.0 Pairs SP 17.0 FS 28.0 Pairs SP 14.0 FS 26.0 Ice Dance SD 16.0 FD 25.0 Ice Dance SD 14.0 FD 23.0 4.3. SECTION C Athletes who achieve the following at the 2014 ISA Selection Events or the 2014 AFSC. a) Senior Division Obtain the 2014/2015 Senior ISA Minimum Technical Score (Short and Free) in the Senior division: Men SP 17.0 FS 32.0 Ladies SP 15.0 FS 23.0 Pairs SP 14.0 FS 27.0 Ice Dance* SD 13.0 FD 19.0 b) Junior Division Obtain the 2014/2015 Junior OR Senior Equalized ISA Minimum Technical Score (Short and Free) in the Junior or Senior divisions: Men SP 14.0 FS 26.0 Ladies SP 13.0 FS 19.0 Pairs SP 11.0 FS 22.0 Ice Dance* SD 12.0 FD 18.0 c) Novice Division Obtain the 2014/2015 Novice ISA Minimum Technical Score (Short and Free) in the Novice division: Men SP 8.0 FS 17.0 Ladies SP 7.0 FS 13.0 Pairs SP 7.0 FS 12.0 Ice Dance* SD 7.0 FD.0 Ice Skating Australia Inc ISA International Benchmark (HP-02)
* Interim scores to be finalised after ISU congress due to pending changes Change History Version Approval Date Change 5.0 9 th Jan 2015 Revised Scores for 2014/2015 International Skating 4.0 13 th May 2014 Policy for 2014/2015 International Skating 3.0 14 May 2013 Policy for 2013/2014 International Skating 2.0 11 September 2012 Clarified which seasons ISU Minimum Technical Score was being used as a reference. 1.0 20 June 2012 New Policy Ice Skating Australia Inc ISA International Benchmark (HP-02)
Ice Skating Australia Incorporated Affiliated to the International Skating Union HIGH PERFORMANCE ISA International Benchmark Date Approved: 13 th May 2014 Effective Starting Date: 1 st June 2014 Policy Number: HP-02 Version Number: 4.1 Due Date for Next Review: 1 st April 2015 Related Policies / Procedures / Forms: Policy HP-03 International Competition Selection Criteria Policy HP-04 Medical Notification and Clearance Policy HP-05 International Championship Selection Criteria 1. Purpose of the Policy This policy establishes the minimum standards for Novice, Junior and Senior athletes to be eligible for the International Pool of athletes who are then considered for selection to ISU international events in the 2014/2015 season. 2. Application of Policy This policy applies to all eligible Australian Novice, Junior and Senior Singles, Pairs and Ice Dance athletes. 3. Definitions In this policy the following definitions apply: Abbreviation AFSC Eligible Current International Skating ISA Benchmark Events ISU Minimum Technical Score ISU World Standing Previous International Skating Senior Equalized Score TES Definition Australian Figure Skating Championships Age Eligibility ISU Rule 8 (as per age limits commencing 1 July 2014) and meet all ISU and ISA citizenship and residency requirements to be able to represent Australia. Commences 1 st July 2014 and concludes 31 st May 2015 2014 Wintersun Competition and 2014 Margaret Joynton-Smith Trophy The 2014/2015 ISU Minimum Technical Score as published by ISU A skaters World Standing as defined by the International Skating Union towards the conclusion of the 2013/2014 (ie. 1 May 2014) The ISU Skating that commenced on the 1 st July 2013 and concluded on the 31 st May 2014 A Senior Free Skate Technical Element Score, less the value for the Choreographic Sequence Technical Element Score 4. Policy Statement All eligible Novice, Junior and Senior athletes in Singles/Pairs/Ice Dance who meet either Section A (4.1) OR Section B (4.2) OR Section C (4.3) criteria will be included in the International Pool for the Current International Skating. The International Pool will be published in HP Communications at the start of the 2014/2015 season and updated following 2014 ISA Benchmark Events and 2014 AFSC. Athletes who do not compete at the 2014 Australian Figure Skating Championships and do not gain an Exceptional Circumstance according to the ISA Medical Policy and Procedures will be removed from the list. Furthermore, athletes who provide notification of retirement or a partnership split in Ice Dance and Pairs will also be removed from the list. Ice Skating Australia Inc ISA International Benchmark (HP-02) Page 1 of 2
4.1. SECTION A Athletes in the Junior or Senior divisions who have: a) Participated in a 2014 ISU Championship Event (Junior Worlds, Four Continents, Worlds, Olympic Winter Games) OR b) Achieved the 2013/2014 ISU Minimum Technical Score for Championships (ie. Junior Worlds, Four Continents or Worlds) (short and free) in the Previous International Skating (ie. 2013/2014 International Skating ) at an ISU international event. OR c) Have a ISU World Standing 4.2. SECTION B Athletes in the Junior or Senior divisions who have achieved the 2013/2014 ISA Minimum Technical Score (short and free) in the Previous International Skating (ie. 2013/2014 International Skating ) at an ISU international event. 2013/2014 ISA Minimum Technical Scores Senior Junior Men SP 19.0 FS 33.0 Men SP 17.0 FS 30.0 Ladies SP 15.0 FS 23.0 Ladies SP 15.0 FS 21.0 Pairs SP 17.0 FS 28.0 Pairs SP 14.0 FS 26.0 Ice Dance SD 16.0 FD 25.0 Ice Dance SD 14.0 FD 23.0 4.3. SECTION C Athletes who achieve the following at the 2014 ISA Selection Events or the 2014 AFSC. a) Senior Division Obtain the 2014/2015 Senior ISA Minimum Technical Score (Short and Free) in the Senior division: Men SP 20.0 FS 35.0 Ladies SP 18.0 FS 26.0 Pairs SP 17.0 FS 30.0 Ice Dance SD 16.0 FD 22.0 b) Junior Division Obtain the 2014/2015 Junior OR Senior Equalized ISA Minimum Technical Score (Short and Free) in the Junior or Senior divisions: Men SP 19.0 FS 31.0 Ladies SP 18.0 FS 24.0 Pairs SP 16.0 FS 27.0 Ice Dance SD 12.0 FD 18.0 c) Novice Division Obtain the 2014/2015 Novice ISA Minimum Technical Score (Short and Free) in the Novice division: Men SP 15.0 FS 24.0 Ladies SP 14.0 FS 20.0 Pairs SP.0 FS 12.0 Ice Dance SD 12.0 FD.0 Change History Version Date Change 4.1 December 2014 Updated interim dance scores for Junior and Novice Short Dance 4.0 13 th May 2014 Policy for 2014/2015 International Skating 3.0 14 May 2013 Policy for 2013/2014 International Skating 2.0 11 September 2012 Clarified which seasons ISU Minimum Technical Score was being used as a reference. 1.0 20 June 2012 New Policy Ice Skating Australia Inc ISA International Benchmark (HP-02) Page 2 of 2