Skate Canada Learn to Train Synchronized Skating Assess to Standard Pilot

Skate Canada Learn to Train Synchronized Skating Assess to Standard Pilot 2017-2018 Event Management & Procedures Guide Overview Page 2 Planning for Local Organizing Committees Page 3 Planning for Technical Representatives Page 7 Marking Sheets Page 9 Synchronized Skating Assessed to Standard Event Management & Procedures Guide 2017-2018 1

Welcome to Synchronized Skating Assessed to Standard The Synchronized Skating Assess to Standard is an exciting new Skate Canada competition system that introduces young figure skaters to competitions. The philosophy of the system is based on the principles within Skate Canada s guide to Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD). This guide provides the optimal framework for how young skaters should experience their first events. Sections may choose to offer all Synchronized Skating Assessed to Standard categories or a selection based on the size of the competition and anticipated number of entries. However, events at this level must be offered in Assessed to Standard and not in the full CPC judging system. Category Performances Assessment Format Format Rationale Beginner I Teams skate once Assessed to Standard Program Event Introduction to skating a program in a figure skating event. Beginner II Teams skate once Assessed to Standard Program Event Skating a program with increased difficulty. Elementary Section discretion: Option for teams to skate once or twice* Ranked Program Competition *Note: It is recommended that teams at the Elementary level only skate once. Introduction to competing a program in a competition setting and being ranked. Elements are assessed to standard and converted to a rating. Synchronized Skating Assessed to Standard Event Management & Procedures Guide 2017-2018 2

Planning Considerations for Local Organizing Committees Venue Organization Beginner I, Beginner II, and Elementary events follow standard procedures and practices used with respect to dressing room scheduling. The Technical Representative or designate of the competition will determine the dressing room schedule in addition to the competition schedule. Event Procedures Event Format Beginner I and Beginner II introduce skaters to performing elements in a program. Officials assess each program as per regular competition-like set-up and procedure. At the conclusion of the events, each skater/team is presented with a report card and a certificate or ribbon corresponding to their overall team assessment. Elementary marks the entry point into competitive skating where teams are scored and ranked. Medals (or ribbons at the discretion of each section) are awarded to the top three finishers. All Elementary teams will receive a report card listing assessments for each element and program components as well as their overall ranking. Medals are awarded to the top 3 ranked teams. Officials The panel of officials for each event will consist of four people. Three people will be judges, one of which will be designated as the Referee. The fourth person will be the Referee s Assistant Ice Level. The panel of three judges will identify and assess the elements and program components for the program as performed. The Referee s Assistant Ice Level will permit teams on to the ice for their warm-up prior to performing and monitor ice conditions and the safety of the team on the ice. Head Sets A headset must be provided for each member of the panel of judges (the Referee plus two judges). If available, an additional headset should be set up on the panel for training purposes. No headset is required for the Referee s Assistant Ice Level. Timers Timers are not required for Beginner I or Beginner II events. Beginner I and Beginner II Ribbons & Presentations The system is designed to introduce skaters to performing and eventually competing. Ensuring that Beginner I and Beginner II is conducted in a fun, relaxed and non-competitive environment is essential. The presentation of report cards, certificates or ribbons is a very important part of the process for skaters and parents and can greatly affect their overall experience. Overall assessment ratings may NOT be posted in the venue or online (i.e. Section/Club website or Facebook pages). Ribbons There are separate ribbons for each of the assessment levels of Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit. It is recommended that a simple design be used for Beginner I and a more elaborate design for Beginner II. Medals (if used) should be reserved for Elementary and higher events where teams are ranked. An alternative to ribbons is the use of certificates with the corresponding assessment indicated. Synchronized Skating Assessed to Standard Event Management & Procedures Guide 2017-2018 3

Estimating Ribbons While numbers vary between areas, a rough estimate of ribbon distribution at each level is as follows. Note that averages will change over a season as teams improve in each category. Level Gold Silver Bronze Merit Beginner I 15% 40% 35% 10% Beginner II 10% 40% 40% 10% This estimate is based on the number of teams. These percentages should then be calculated based on the average number of skaters on each team as each skater on a team will receive a ribbon based on the team s overall assessment. A ribbon must be presented to every skater on a team. Report Cards An individual report card is produced for each team in Beginner I and Beginner II. The report card shows the team s individual rating on each element and the overall assessment rating. Depending on resources available, Local Organizing Committees may decide to provide a copy of the report card to each skater on the team for presentation or may provide the report card to the coach/team manager to copy for each skater on their team. Please note: The ribbon and report card are to be presented at the same time. Beginner I and Beginner II Presentation Procedure: 1. Announce the name of the event that will be receiving presentations Explain that each team will be called and presented with their ribbons or certificates and report cards and parents may take a picture of their team. Parents should be provided the first opportunity to photograph the team before a professional photographer. 2. Call up each team to the podium or presentation area according to the starting order and present them with their ribbons or certificates and report cards. Do NOT announce the overall rating for the team. Tip: If an assistant is available, have them check with teams on the pronunciation of their name prior to presentations. The assistant can help with handing out the ribbons or certificates and report cards to all the skaters on the team to keep presentations moving at an appropriate pace. When each team is made to feel special, they and their families leave the event with good memories regardless of their performance. Choosing the right person(s) to perform the presentation ceremonies and create this fun and positive atmosphere should not be overlooked. Synchronized Skating Assessed to Standard Event Management & Procedures Guide 2017-2018 4

Elementary Medals & Presentations The presentation of medals and report cards for Elementary follow standard practices seen in higher levels of competition. Overall rankings are to be posted in the venue and may be posted online with other competition results where a ranking is provided. Medals There are separate medals for each of the top three placements (Gold, Silver, and Bronze). Medals may be simple in design and can be similar to those awarded to other ranked events in the competition. Medals are only awarded to the top three placements for the final results. A medal must be presented to every skater on a team. Report Cards An individual report card is produced for each team in Elementary. The report card shows the team s individual rating on each element and the overall ranking in the event. Depending on resources available, Local Organizing Committees may decide to provide a copy of the report card to each skater on the team for presentation with the medals or may provide the report card to the coach/team manager to copy for each skater on their team. Elementary Presentation Procedure: 1. Announce the name of the event that will be receiving presentations Explain that the top three teams will be called and presented with their medals and report cards and parents may take a picture of their team. Parents should be provided the first opportunity to photograph the team before a professional photographer. 2. Call up each team to the podium or presentation area according in reverse order of finish (third place, second place, first place) and present them with their medals and report cards. Tip: If an assistant is available, have them check with teams on the pronunciation of their name prior to presentations. The assistant can help with handing out the medals and report cards to all the skaters on the team to keep presentations moving at an appropriate pace. When each team is made to feel special, they and their families leave the event with good memories regardless of their performance. Choosing the right person(s) to perform the presentation ceremonies and create this fun and positive atmosphere should not be overlooked. Synchronized Skating Assessed to Standard Event Management & Procedures Guide 2017-2018 5

Beginner I and Beginner II Ribbon Design: Below are recommended options for ribbon designs to be used. Simpler ribbons should be used for Beginner I and more elaborate ribbons for Beginner II. Skate Canada highly recommends that Sections follow the ribbon colour as indicated below. This will allow for consistency throughout all events across Sections and across the country. Gold = Blue Silver = Red Yellow = Bronze Green = Merit BEGINNER I BEGINNER I BEGINNER I BEGINNER I BEGINNER II BEGINNER II BEGINNER II BEGINNER II Synchronized Skating Assessed to Standard Event Management & Procedures Guide 2017-2018 6

Planning Considerations for Technical Representatives Scheduling Beginner I Events: Event Timing: Beginner I programs have a maximum time of 2:10 minutes (programs may be shorter and will receive no penalty). Official panels should be allowed 2:30 minutes of time to review the assessment of elements and verify the program content. Timing Guide: Below is a sample timing guide to assist Technical Representatives in scheduling Beginner I events. # of Teams Warm-up Time Program Time Judging Time Team Time Total Event Time 1 1:00 minute 2:10 minutes 2:30 minutes 5:40 minutes 5:40 minutes 2 2:10 minutes 2:30 minutes 4:40 minutes 10:20 minutes At least 1:00 3 minute during 2:10 minutes 2:30 minutes 4:40 minutes 15:00 minutes 4 judging time of 2:10 minutes 2:30 minutes 4:40 minutes 19:40 minutes prior team 5 2:10 minutes 2:30 minutes 4:40 minutes 24:20 minutes It is recommended that the Referee time the review period to ensure the event remains on schedule as much as possible. Scheduling Beginner II and Elementary: Event Timing: Beginner II and Elementary programs have a maximum time of 2:40 minutes (programs may be shorter and will receive no penalty). Official panels should be allowed 2:30 minutes of time to review the assessment of elements and verify the program content. Timing Guide: Below is a sample timing guide to assist Technical Representatives in scheduling Beginner II and Elementary events. # of Teams Warm-up Time Program Time Judging Time Team Time Total Event Time 1 1:00 minute 2:40 minutes 2:30 minutes 6:10 minutes 6:10 minutes 2 2:40 minutes 2:30 minutes 5:10 minutes 11:20 minutes At least 1:00 3 minute during 2:40 minutes 2:30 minutes 5:10 minutes 16:30 minutes 4 judging time of 2:40 minutes 2:30 minutes 5:10 minutes 21:40 minutes prior team 5 2:40 minutes 2:30 minutes 5:10 minutes 26:50 minutes It is recommended that the Referee time the review period to ensure the event remains on schedule as much as possible. Synchronized Skating Assessed to Standard Event Management & Procedures Guide 2017-2018 7

Staffing Beginner I, Beginner II and Elementary Events: Active Skate Canada Judges or Technical Officials who have completed STAR 1-4 Official or the Synchronized Skating Assessment to Standard training may officiate in Beginner I, Beginner II and Elementary events. Technical Officials include Technical Specialists, Technical Controllers. It is recommended at least one official be a current Synchronized Skating Official (Judge or Technical Official). Roles Duties Staffing Considerations Referee Judge 1 Judge 2 Judge 3 Referee Assistant Ice Level Ensures event runs smoothly. Addresses any on-ice issues that arise during event. Referee also acts as Judge 1, 2, or 3. Referee times programs for Elementary. Able to confidently apply standards and call out elements and corresponding assessments as team is skating. Must record element codes and assessments correctly. Leads discussion for review of assessments as necessary. Submits marking sheet to data specialists. Records elements and assessments for back-up purposes. Participates in review process. Permit teams on to the ice for their warmup prior to performing and monitor ice conditions and the safety of the team on the ice. Try to assign an experienced Synchronized Skating judge who has Referee experience and is also qualified as a Referee in CPC. Not all Synchronized Skating judges will want to act as Judge 1. Ensure the person assigned is able to record accurately. Excellent position for new Synchronized Skating judge. May be a good role for someone who does not want to take a leadership role on panel or is newly trained official. Someone who is comfortable managing teams and working with coaches. Note: The Referee does not have to be Judge 1. It is also advisable not to rotate judges between positions after each event. It is a good idea to keep the composition of the panels the same for several events so panels can develop a better understanding of each role. Synchronized Skating Assessed to Standard Event Management & Procedures Guide 2017-2018 8

Competition: Team: Judge: Element Executed Skate Canada Marking Sheet SYNCHRONIZED SKATING BEGINNER I & II, ELEMENTARY Assessment G/S/B/M Date: Event: Review Comments Well Balanced Check Check box each time element is performed 1. BEGINNER I: Pivoting Block 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Program Components Comments Skating Skills Performance Assessment G/S/B/M Comments Line Intersection Choice of 1: Wheel Circle BEGINNER II: Pivoting Block Circle Line Wheel Intersection ELEMENTARY: Pivoting Block Circle Line Wheel Intersection OVERALL ASSESSMENT BEGINNER I & II ONLY Interpretation (Elementary only) Violations (Elementary only) Overall Assessment Calculation Timing: Enter the number of violations. One (1) violation for up to every five (5) seconds lacking or in excess. BEGINNER I & II GOLD: At least 4 assessments at the Gold level, Skating Skills assessment no lower than Silver. SILVER: At least 4 assessments at the Silver level or higher, Skating Skills assessment no lower than Bronze. BRONZE: At least 4 assessments at the Bronze level or higher, Skating Skills assessment no lower than Bronze. MERIT: Less than 4 assessments at the Bronze level or higher, Skating Skills at Merit. ELEMENTARY GOLD: At least 5 assessments at the Gold level, Skating Skills & Performance assessment no lower than Silver. SILVER: At least 5 assessments at the Silver level or higher, Skating Skills & Performance assessment no lower than Bronze. BRONZE: At least 5 assessments at the Bronze level or higher, Skating Skills & Performance assessment no lower than Bronze. MERIT: Less than 5 assessments at the Bronze level or higher, Skating Skills or Performance at Merit. AUGUST 2017