BACKGROUND The U.S. Figure Skating Competitions Task Force was established by President, Sam Auxier, in June 2017, with the goal of pulling together a number of issues, challenges and opportunities into a comprehensive proposal. A need to prioritize the long-term success of our young, highly talented athletes over a placement at a national championships; to become more competitive on the international front, we need this talented athletes to focus on getting on Team USA sooner instead of an early national result. To improve the flexibility and prestige of the qualifying system. The timing and rigidness of a single regional, potentially being a one and done deal can be discouraging to a competitor at a developmental level. To refocus U.S. Figure Skating Championships, on our junior and senior events, making it a more competitive and a better experience for the highest level athletes striving to be selected for ISU Championship events. Also, making it more attractive to bid cities, and providing an outstanding fan experience. A need to maximize the opportunities of IJS, by officially comparing scores of athletes across competitions and setting competitive markers. The U.S. lags almost all other countries in utilizing points as a basis for qualifying and selection purposes. A need for the sectional championships to have a strong business model. MEMBERS of the TASK FORCE (Additional targeted focus groups have been added, in addition to input being gathered from key stake holders): Lynn Goldman, Chair Sam Auxier, President Rick Perez, Technical Group Coordinator Hal Marron, Competitions Committee Chair Ann Barr, Singles Committee Chair Ed Mann, Past Membership Group Coordinator Libby Scanlon, Tech. Panel Representative Richard Dalley, Dance and Judge Representative Douglas Razzano, Athlete Representative Pilar Bosley, Athlete Representative Heidi Thibert, Coach & PSA Representative John Millier, Dance Development Committee Mitch Moyer, Senior Director, Athlete HP Justin Dillon, HP Development Director Bob Dunlop, Senior Director, Events Kelly Vogtner, HQ Liaison * Christine Binder Organizer of coach focus groups
WHY CHANGE? 1 To Promote Athlete Development and Excellence at the highest levels. Increase the emphasis on training, education and development for high performance developmental level athletes, accelerating their entry to Team USA. Identify, Develop, Promote Athletes, Coaches and Parents. Provide a meaningful experience for high performance development athletes to aspire to compete at the highest levels of the sport and win medals as a part of Team USA. 3 To Empower our Athletes & Coaches. Support a more flexible qualifying system that allows athletes and coaches to tailor their competition schedule to their training and education needs. Standardize and improve consistency in important non-qualifying competitions. Increase competitiveness: Allow athletes to look nationally, tracking how they compare over time, and create more avenues for success. 2 Highlights the U.S. Figure Skating Championships as our premier event. Enhances the competitiveness and improves the experience for the highest level competitors qualifying for World and Olympic competitions, refocusing on the junior and senior events. Increase the numberof potential host cities and the financial value of the event. Improves the fan experience. 4 Begin using IJS scores as an official method of comparing athletes competing at different competitions and promoting them through the system. To increase the value of sectional competitions for both athletes and host clubs. 5 Increase the number of athletes competing. Hold all pairs and dance events in one location, creating national competition, to increase the competitive value for athletes and efficiency / for host clubs
NEW PROGRAMS NATIONAL QUALIFYING SERIES (NQS) Non-qualifying competitions held approximately June 1 Sept. 15 may apply to be part of thenqs Must follow U.S. Figure Skating established conduct (SP + FS = TS) and a panel of officials at a minimum level, proposed by the Competitions Committee, approved annually by the Board of Directors. Competitions apply and are approved for different disciplines separately, with discipline committees working with the Competitions Committee to place events. Athletes and teams enter the NQS and declare theirsection. Athletes and teams enter ANY number of competitions, in any location; only their highest scorecounts. Running ranking is tracked and published on the Members Only web site following each event. Athletes are sorted by their section and level, creating both sectional and nationalresults. Allows all athletes a national ranking for their own achievement for school purposes, to challenge themselves and track their progress over the summer against other athletes and teams their level. Also allows the International Committee to track element markers. Empowers coaches, athletes and parents Coaches, parents and athletes develop a competition and training strategy around their strengths, training schedule, their budget and educational priorities. Adds excitement and opportunities: Results will be through the U.S. Figure Skating EMS and refreshed after each event. Awards can be established for to athletes finishing in a top percentile, best PCS, best TES, certificates for overall placement, etc.
NEW PROGRAMS NATIONAL HIGH PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENTAL TEAM CAMP A national team training camp, run by the Athlete High Performance Department for athletes, coaches &parents Athletes earn a spot through their placement at the Sectional Singles Final or U.S. Pairs or Dance Final. Immediately following the U.S. Championships, at a practice rink in the area, for 2-3 days. Features competitive group training model to identify, develop and promote athletes and coaches. Sports science, mental training and packaging. International officials and High Performance Staff Athletes receive training and international officials see the abilities and talent of up and comingathletes. Acceleration to High-Performance Programs and Team USA: Selection for Advanced Novice & Junior Internationals Cost of the camp and ticket for U.S. Championships is paid by USFS for each athlete + one parent + one coach.
NATIONAL HIGH PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT TEAM CAMP ATHLETES Watch the SeniorFS/ FD in your discipline with a TeamLeader Keynote with a former champion Competitive group training on and off ice Mini competition between skaters Monitoring / working with high level officials Physical and mental testing, training and analysis FACULTY OUTCOMES COACHES PARENTS World and Olympic coaches Specialists in skating skills, jumps, spins, music, packaging, sports science, etc., Highest level officials Coaching and parenting experts. Officials & High performance staff have indepth knowledge about athletes & needs Identification and selection of athletes for international competitions Stronger communication between international officials, coaches, athletes and parents * Emphasis on training, talent development and long-term success/ potential vs. placements. * Stronger sense of communityand competitive spirt. Networking with high-level officials Collaboration and the sharing of ideas to motivate and inspire one another Work with their own athletes coaches seminars. High Performance Parenting Seminars, Mentoring and Parent Information about how to support their athlete in their journey. Discipline specific curriculum; designed by the discipline / development committee & high performance team. Encourage athlete and coach to work together Focused on supporting individual strengths & weaknesses of each athlete vs. assigninga placement. YES, THEY GET A TEAM JACKET!
ADVANCEMENT SUMMER OCTOBER NOVEMBER JANUARY SPRING / NEXT SEASON National Singles Qualifying Series OR Regional Singles Challenge Sectional Singles Final National High Performance Development Team Camp / U.S. Figure Skating Championships High Performance Programs, Competitions; ISU competitions, seminars,series, ISU Championships National Pairs Qualifying Series OR Sectional Pairs Challenge U.S. Pairs Final National High Performance Development Team Camp / U.S. Figure Skating Championships High Performance Programs, Competitions; ISU competitions, seminars, series, ISU Championships National Dance Qualifying Series OR Sectional Dance Challenge U.S. Dance Final National High Performance Development Team Camp / U.S. Figure Skating Championships High Performance Programs, Competitions; ISU competitions, seminars, series, ISU Championships A Series or a Challenge advances to a Final. A Final advances to the National High Performance Development Team (NHPDT) (Juvenile Novice) or the U.S. Championships (Junior & Senior). The NHPDT camp or U.S. Championships opens opportunities offered by the High Performance Department and the chance to be selected for ISU programs, competitions and championships. Opportunities depend on the unique talents, achievements and developmental needs of each athlete or team. The Sectional Pairs and Sectional Dance Challenge events will be held in conjunction with one Regional per section. The U.S. Pairs and U.S. Dance Final events will each be held in conjunction with one of the Sectional Singles Finals. This will rotate annually. Pairs and dance teams of all levels WILL have the opportunity to compete in a national competition, the U.S. Pairs or U.S. Dance Final.
SINGLES: OVERVIEW OF PIPELINE LEVEL JUVENILE INTER. NOVICE JUNIOR SENIOR NATIONAL QUALIFYING SERIES Open entry Top 6 per level, per section, receive an automatic advance to their respective sectional Singles Final. Open entry REGIONAL SINGLES CHALLENGE Top 4 per level, per region, advance to their respective sectional Singles Final. Same as above. Same as above. Same as above SECTIONAL SINGLES FINAL 18 entries (6 NQS + 4 per region). Top 4 per level, per section advance to the National High Performance Development Team Camp (NHPDT) Top 2, per section advance to the Junior event at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Top 4 advance to the NHPDT camp. Same as above. Same as above. Same as above + any byes Top 4 advance to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships Same as above. Same as above. Same as above + any byes Top 4 advance to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships* NATIONAL HP DEVELOP. TEAM / U.S. CHAMPIONSHIPS 12 athletes per level participate in the National High Performance Development Team Camp. 6 athletes are added to the Junior Event at the U.S. Championships. 12 athletes per level (including the 6 above) participate in the National High Performance Development Team Camp. 18 athletes compete at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships 12 qualifying from the Sectional Challenge in Junior and 6 skating up from Novice. (+ any byes) 12 athletes compete at U.S. Figure Skating Championships + Byes *All athletes qualifying for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships must have met a minimum technical score at a sectional, officials NQS event or ISU competition. U.S. CHAMPIONSHIPS / NATIONAL HPD TEAM CAMP OUTCOMES Have the potential to be selected for: High Performance Singles Camp North American Challenge Skate National Develop. Team Challenge Advanced Novice Internationals ISU developmental seminars Athlete HP Develop. Pool (AHPDP) Have the potential to be selected for: High Performance Singles Camp North American Challenge Skate National Develop. Team Challenge Advanced Novice Internationals ISU developmental seminars Junior Spring Internationals Junior Grand Prix Series Athlete HP Develop. Pool (AHPDP) International Selection Pool (ISP) Have the potential to be selected for: Junior Grand Prix Series ISU Challenger Series International Competitions Junior World Camp Junior World Championships Athlete HP Develop. Pool (AHPDP) International Selection Pool (ISP) Have the potential to be selected for: World Junior Championships Champs Camp Grand Prix Series ISU Challenger Series International Competitions World Championships Olympic Games
DANCE & PAIRS: OVERVIEW OF PIPELINE LEVEL JUVENILE INTER. NOVICE JUNIOR SENIOR NATIONAL QUALIFYING SERIES Open entry Top 3 per level, nationwide, receive an automatic advance to the U.S. Pairs or U.S. Dance Final. Same as above. SECTIONAL PAIRS CHALLENGE SECTIONAL DANCE CHALLENGE Open entry Top 5 per level, per section, advance to the U.S. Pairs or U.S. Dance Final. (Fill-up rule applies advancing to the Final, 18-and-fewer does not). Same as above (Fill-up rule and 18-or-fewer rule apply for advancing to the Final) U.S. PAIRS FINAL U.S. DANCE FINAL 18 entries (3 NQS + 5 per section) Top 9 teams in each level qualify for the National High Performance Development Team Camp. Same as above + any byes Top 12 teams total qualify for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships Same as above. Same as above. Same as above + any byes. Top 12 teams total qualify for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships NATIONAL HP DEVELOP. TEAM / U.S. FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS The top 9 teams in each level qualify for the National High Performance Development Team. (Note: If a team breaks up, the skaters are still eligible to attend and receive support in training / finding a new partner) The top 12 teams + byes compete at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships The top 12 teams + byes compete at U.S. Figure Skating Championships. *All athletes qualifying for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships must have met a minimum technical score at a sectional, officials NQS event or ISU competition. U.S. CHAMPIONSHIPS / NATIONAL TEAM CAMP OUTCOMES Have the potential to be selected for: North American Challenge Skate (NACS) Nat l Develop. Team Challenge Advanced Novice Internationals ISU developmental seminars Junior Spring Internationals Junior Grand Prix Series Athlete HP Develop. Pool (AHPDP) International Selection Pool (ISP) Have the potential to be selected for: Junior Grand Prix Series ISU Challenger Series International Competitions Junior World Championships Athlete HP Develop. Pool (AHPDP) International Selection Pool (ISP) Have the potential to be selected for: World Junior Championships Champs Camp Grand Prix Series ISU Challenger Series International Competitions World Championships Olympic Games Note: Current rules regarding byes for teams competing at international competitions, through the current sectional championships will apply as they do now, to the U.S. Pairs Final or Dance Final. (i.e., we will be treating the Final as if it were the previous sectional championships, with regards to international byes. Teams competing at an ISU event conflicting with the U.S. Final will be byed to the U.S. Championships). Alternate, fill-up & four or fewer rules will no longer be relevant as the U.S. Final, in qualification for the U.S. Championships, as there will be more competitors in one event, vs. the teams broken down into three different sections.
SEASON CALENDAR: JUVENILE-NOVICE SINGLES JUNE SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER JANUARY FOLLOWING SPRING/SUMMER/FALL National Qualifying Series Competitions North Atlantic Singles Challenge South Atlantic Singles Challenge New England Singles Challenge Eastern GL Singles Challenge Upper GL Singles Challenge Southwestern Singles Challenge Northwest Pacific Singles Challenge Central Pacific Singles Challenge Southwest Pacific Singles Challenge Eastern Singles Final Midwestern Singles Final Pacific Coast Singles Final National High Performance Development Team Camp (Novice only: Top 2 athletes per Final compete in Junior) Based the NQS, Challenge, Final and NHPDTC, athletes have the potential to advance to: High Performance Singles Camp NACS Nat l Develop. Team Challenge Advanced Novice Internationals ISU developmental seminars Junior Spring Internationals Junior Grand Prix Series Athlete HP Develop. Pool (AHPDP) International Selection Pool (ISP) PAIRS DANCE National Qualifying Series Competitions National Qualifying Series Competitions Eastern Pairs Challenge Midwestern Pairs Challenge Pacific Coast Pairs Challenge Held at the same venue as one of the above Singles Events, one in each section. Eastern Dance Challenge Midwestern Dance Challenge Pacific Coast Dance Challenge Held at the same venue as one of the above Singles Events, one in each section. U.S. Pairs Final This event will be held at one the same venue as one of the above Singles Final Events. U.S. Dance Final This event will be held at one the same venue as one of the above Singles Final Events National High Performance Development Team Camp National High Performance Development Team Camp Based the NQS, Challenge, Final and NHPDTC, athletes have the potential to advance to: NACS Nat l Develop. Team Challenge Advanced Novice Internationals ISU developmental seminars Junior Spring Internationals Junior Grand Prix Series Athlete HP Develop. Pool (AHPDP) International Selection Pool (ISP) NOTES Athletes and teams, primarily at the intermediate & novice levels, qualifying for the NHPDTC are evaluated for programs and competitions leading into the next season at the same or higher levels. For example, an intermediate lady may be identified for the AHPDP, and recommend to move up to novice and compete at the North American Challenge Skate. A novice dance team may be sent to a spring international in junior. Teams and athletes would be considered for the National Development Team Challenge in either novice or junior (formally U.S. Challenge Skate). NOTES Pairs and Dance teams now have the opportunity to compete on a national basis several times: a) The National Qualifying Series b) The U.S. Pairs and Dance Final; while Junior and Senior move on to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, and Juvenile Novice move on to the High Performance Development Team Camp.
SKATERS IN MULTIPLE DISCIPLINES In 2018, there were 21 (of 623) athletes that competed at sectionals in two disciplines. Boys / Men s Singles: 4 juvenile, 6 intermediate, 2 novice, 2 junior (11 pairs, 3 dance) Girls / Ladies Singles: 2 juvenile, 2 junior (2 dance, 2pairs) Pairs & Dance: 2 juvenile SOLUTION At the regional level, if a singles athlete did not earn an automatic advance to sectionals, they would be permitted to choose to compete in the region where pairs or dance was held. (Scheduling would also permit them to do both Regionals their choice. Athletes that qualify in a singles event and a pair or dance event will be allowed to compete in the section that is hosting their pairs or dance event thatseason In the case that a junior or senior pairs / dance team accepts a bye to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, the partner in question would compete in singles in their original section. If one of these athletes places 1st 4th in juvenile, intermediate or novice singles, in a nonhome section, the next athlete (5th place) will also be invited to the National High Performance Development Team Camp.
SKATERS IN MULTIPLE DISCIPLINES EVENT PACIFIC COAST MIDWEST (DANCE) EASTERN (PAIRS) JUVENILE BOYS No changes -2 to Eastern + 2 from Midwestern INTERMEDIATE MEN -2 to Eastern -1 to Eastern +2 from PC JUNIOR MEN No changes -1 to Eastern +1 from Midwestern JUVENILE GIRLS No changes -1 to Eastern +1 from Midwestern JUNIOR LADIES -1 to Midwest -1 to Eastern +1 from PC +1 from Eastern + 1 from Midwestern EVENT PACIFIC COAST MIDWEST EASTERN JUVENILE BOYS 13 16 20 INTERM. MEN 16 17 20 NOVICE MEN 5 13 15 JUNIOR MEN 10 8 9 SENIOR MEN 8 8 4 JUVENILE GIRLS 18 17 19 INTER. LADIES 18 18 18 NOVICE LADIES 18 18 18 JUNIOR LADIES 17 (12+6-1 to MW) SENIOR LADIES 22 (12+6+4 byes) 22 (12+6+3 byes+ 1 from PC) 20 (12+6+2 byes) 22 (12+6+3 byes+ 1 from MW) 21 (12+6+3 byes) HOW WOULD THIS LOOK? Using entry numbers and athletes from 2018 with proposed advancement rules This EXAMPLE shows how it would have looked if Pairs at the Eastern Section, and Dance at the Midwestern Section in 2018. Schedule permitting, athletes may also choose to compete in their own section for singles.
ACCELERATING NOVICE SINGLES NOVICE SINGLES: THE TOP 2 ATHLETES PER SECTION ADVANCE TO THE U.S. FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS IN JUNIOR. This would provide an experience for top performing Novice athletes to accelerate though the system more quickly and put them in a better position to compete at the Junior International level with our top rivals Japan and Russia. Historically, a small number of Novice athletes have been selected for Junior Grand Prix events, with one of their first junior events being a very high-level international competition. This would provide more experience for them to have confidence competing in that arena. Competing immediately in Junior will accelerate their development, putting them in a situation where they have less pressure to place, but can be challenged and quickly gain experience against more developed competitors. Athletes would gain experience in changing levels and making adaptations to programs between domestic and international competitions. These athletes would also participate in the National High Performance Development Team Camp; combining their experience in competing at a higher level with education, development and support in what it will take to make that leap from a domestic Novice competitor to a Team USA champion. This is most crucial in Singles, as an early specialization sport, athletes need to be prepared for international competition sooner than other disciplines. Many of the top contenders in the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, were 15 18 years old. Athletes need to move through the system quickly and gain international experience earlier than they currently are.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON: SINGLES IF WE MAKE NO CHANGES REIMAGINED PIPELINE 2020 Juvenile Intermediate: Athletes from Juvenile Novice compete and earn titles in the following events: Regional Championships (open entry) Sectional Championships (12 / section / level) U.S. Figure Skating Championships, (12 / level) Athletes may be selected for international competitions, by the International Committee, based on committee meetings and discussions evaluating results and performances at qualifying competitions*. A national ranking in the NQS (open entry; all athletes) Regional Singles Challenge (open entry) Sectional Singles Final (18 / section / level) National High Performance Development Team Camp (12 / event): * Training support and information based on own needs * Competitive group training with peers * Coach & parent support, education & development * Networking with international officials and HP team * Potential to attend advanced novice ISU competitions * Potential assignment to NAS and/or NHPDT Challenge Novice: A national ranking in the NQS (open entry; all athletes) Regional Singles Challenge (open entry) Sectional Singles Final (18 / section / level) U.S. Figure Skating Championships (6) National High Performance Development Team Camp (12 / event): * Training support and information based on own needs * Competitive group training with peers * Coach & parent support, education & development * Networking with international officials and HP team * Selection to advanced novice or junior ISU competitions * Selection to NHPDT Challenge
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON: PAIRS & DANCE IF WE MAKE NO CHANGES REIMAGINED PIPELINE 2020 Juvenile Intermediate: Teams from Juvenile Novice compete and earn titles in the following events: Sectional Championships (open entry) U.S. Figure Skating Championships, (12 / level) Athletes may be selected for international competitions, by the International Committee, based on committee meetings and discussions evaluating results and performances at qualifying competitions*. A national ranking in the NQS (open entry; all teams) Sectional Pairs or Dance Challenge (open entry) U.S. Pairs or Dance Final (18 / section / level) National High Performance Development Team Camp (9 / event): * Training support and information based on own needs * Competitive group training with peers * Coach & parent support, education & development * Networking with international officials and HP team * Potential to attend advanced novice ISU competitions, ISU series * Potential assignment to NACS and/or NHPDT Challenge * Support for athletes who qualified with former partners Novice: * Savings from holding the U.S. Championships for Juvenile Novice would be reinvested into the training program and increased international opportunities for these athletes. A national ranking in the NQS (open entry; all athletes) Sectional Pairs or Dance Challenge (open entry) U.S. Pairs or Dance Final (18 / section / level) National High Performance Development Team Camp (9 / event): * Training support and information based on own needs * Competitive group training with peers * Coach & parent support, education & development * Networking with international officials and HP team * Selection to advanced novice or junior ISU competitions / seminars * Selection to NHPDT Challenge * Support for athletes who qualified with former partners
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON: U.S. Championships competition vs. NHPDT A U.S. Championships Event National High Performance Development Team VS. - Training support based on own needs - Multiple days to network with officials - Coach development - High Performance Parenting seminars - Competitive training environment - Social support with other athletes - Access to a variety of specialty coaches - Access to sports science professionals - Mental skills training - Acceleration to Team USA - Assignment to High Performance events & programs - Assignment to ISU competitions - A National High Performance Development Team jacket One additional performance. One additional medal. Tools to build a career of success.
MINIMUM TECHNICAL SCORE REQUIRED FOR SENIOR U.S. CHAMPS. COMPETITORS COMPARISON WITH FAN EXPERIENCE AT OTHER SIMILAR EVENTS: NHL GAME: 2 hours, 19 minutes NBA GAME: 2 hours, 15 minutes NFL GAME: 3 hours, 5 minutes MLB GAME: 3 hours, 5 minutes BROADWAY SHOW: 90 minutes 2 1/2 hours Event timing / Fan Experience: Unlimited byes in senior events often double the size from the historic 12 qualifiers. Data has demonstrated bottom competitors are often 100 points out of medal contention. Events are too long for fans to be engaged. They often leave before the last group. A better experience, over time will lead to increased ticket sales and more value for the bid cities Increase Competitiveness: Discipline committees, in conjunction with Competitions Committee, recommend a minimum technical score, to be approved by the Board annually. All qualifiers must ALSO achieve this score in at least one official competition. Athletes are in control of setting their goals and sights higher. Athlete Experience Eliminating warm-up groups for official practices, warm-ups and competition allows more time in the main arena vs. practice on a secondary venue. Athletes often qualify due to a lack of entries nationwide, or due to the most competitive athletes receive byes. This ensures all athletes qualifying for the most prestigious U.S. Figure Skating event will have truly earned that privilege.
MINIMUM TECHNICAL SCORE REQUIRED FOR SENIOR U.S. CHAMPS. COMPETITORS These charts illustrate the point differences between competitors at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Athletes / teams in red are senior competitions; green are junior, yellow are novice and blue are intermediate. There are often competitors in the senior event that have scores competitive with intermediate and novice competitors.
NOTES AND DETAILS SUMMARY Allows more flexibility in the competitive pipeline for athletes & coaches to choose the most appropriate training and education calendar. Places greater importance on summer / early fall nonqualifying competitions, at a time when school is out and improves consistency between events. Creates a hybrid system that allows advancement from both IJS scores AND placements. Allows high-performing athletes an early advancement to sectionals while preserving the tradition of the regional championships. Increases the visibility, prestige and importance of sectionals in singles, and creates another national competition for pairs and dance. Improves business operations on these events. Reduces the incentive to stay in juvenile novice too long, in order to win a national medal; instead incentivizing the rewards at higher levels. The National High Performance Development Team Camp provides athletes and coaches with more networking opportunities with high performance staff and international officials. Helps this group develop talent and potential, vs. assigning a placement. More efficient way of identifying and developing talent and getting athletes to Team USA faster. Accelerates top performing novice singles athletes to the Junior level, providing more experience to prepare to compete internationally, more quickly. Provides meaningful competition experiences for pairs and dance, allowing multiple opportunities for competing across the country. Teams would have 2-3 opportunities/season to compete nationally. Highlights U.S. Figure Skating s marquee event as a Championship caliber event. Makes it more efficient, more attractive to bid cities and a better experience for the highest level athletes qualifying for World and Olympic competition.