WHAT IS SYNCHRONIZED SKATING?????
Synchronized skating involves a team of 12 to 20
(16 to 20 if it is a senior team) skaters
skating various manoeuvers and formations
to a select piece of music that the team has
chosen. As the definition implies, synchronized
skating refers to the importance of unison,
accuracy of formations, and
synchronization of the team. There are five
levels of synchronized skating in Canada, Juvenile, Novice,
Junior, Senior, and Adult. The criteria for
being on each team is as follows:
Juvenile Team: Must not have reached the
age of 12 by July 1 preceeding the
competition year. (Althouhg Juvenile teams do not compete at
the same nationals as the Senior and Junior teams they will now have their
first National competition in the 1998-99 season)
Novice Team: Must not have reached the
age 15 by July 1 preceeding the competition
year.
Junior Team: Must have reached the age 12
but must be under the age of 19 by July 1
preceeding the competition year. (Junior teams competiting in ISU
competitions must have all skaters 14 years and under 19 by July 1 of the preceeding year)
Senior Team: Must have reached the age of
14 by July 1 preceeding the competition
year.
Adult Team: Must be 21 or older as of July
1 preceeding the competition year. 75% of
the team must be 25 years old or older.
NEW CHANGES!!!!!!
Well what a year for Precision Skating! Excuse me, I mean Synchronized
Skating! The ISU has just announced that the name of Precision Skating
is changing. Why, you ask? Well, the ISU believes that in order to get
Precision more recognized around the world the name had to be changed to
something everyone can relate to. So Synchronized Skating is now the
official name of the sport. Along with our name being changed there have
been various other changes that should be noted. In Canada and ISU
competitions, the number of skaters on a senior synchro team has been
changed from 24 with 4 alternates to 20 with 4 alternates. This will bring
an enormous change to our sport because having four less skaters on the ice
gives for more difficult routines, faster skating, straighter lines etc...
Even now with our summer practices we have already began to see an improvement
in our skating. One other change that has to be noted is the change to
the elements in the Senior Short program. They are as follows:
APPENDIX C
TECHNICAL REVISIONS TO SYNCHRONIZED SKATING
SHORT PROGRAMS FOR SENIOR TEAMS
Senior Synchronized Skating Short Program
The Senior Short Program shall consist of the following required
elements:
a) CIRCLE
(i) any type or combination of a circle(s) to a maximum of 2 circles
at any time
(ii) at least 2 different holds
(iii) at least 2 different step sequences
b) LINE
(i) any type or combination of single or double straight line(s)
that travels the full length of the ice surface and moves in either a horizontal and/or longitudinal direction
(ii) at least 2 different holds
(iii) at least 2 different step sequences
c) BLOCK
(i) closed block
(ii) maximum of 5 lines, minimum of 4 lines
(iii) at least 3 different axes
(iv) at least 2 different configurations
(v) at least 2 different holds
(vi) at least 2 different step sequences
d) WHEEL
(i) 1 wheel at any time
(ii) 3 different geometrical shapes
e) INTERSECTION
(i) any type of manoeuvre that incorporates movement of one part
of the team through another part of the team
(ii) 3 intersections
Remarks Senior:
CIRCLE
There may be different numbers of skaters in each of the circles.
The circle(s) may revolve clockwise or counter-clockwise or a
combination of both directions. The circles must not be linked or
intersecting. Skaters must execute the same step sequences in all
circles excluding free skating moves and when changing direction of
circles. The step sequences may be executed on opposite feet and
the skaters may be in a forward or backward direction. Very small
hops of not more than one-half revolution are permitted. Different
heights and different free leg extensions may be used. Skaters must
use the same hold and change the hold at the same time excluding free
skating moves and when changing direction of circle(s). The circles
may travel together and/or separately and may revolve and/or travel
in opposite directions. Free skating moves (such as lunges, spirals,
Ina Bauers, spread eagles) are permitted. Separations are permitted.
LINE
The maximum number of lines is 2. The lines may be but do not have to
be parallel. The lines may have different numbers of skaters. Line(s)
must start and end extended across the width of the ice surface in
close proximity to the end red hockey lines (or short barrier). As
long as parallel lines are in close proximity, one of the lines may
be slightly forward of the red hockey line at the start and end of
the manoeuvre. Lines may move horizontally and/or vertically and slight
retrogression (for the purpose of changing direction) is permitted.
Some minor deviation in the straight line(s) is permitted when
changing from horizontal to vertical or reverse. Pivot lines may be
used but they must not pivot more than 90 degrees. Skaters must
execute the same step sequences in all lines excluding free skating
moves and when changing direction of the lines. The step sequences
may be executed on opposite feet and the skaters may be in a forward
or backward direction. Skaters must use the same hold and change the
hold at the same time excluding free skating moves and when changing
direction of the lines. Lines may be joined or separate and may pass
by each other when going from either a single to parallel lines or
parallel to a single line. Very small hops of not more than one-half
revolution are permitted. Free skating moves (such as lunges, spirals,
Ina Bauers, spread eagles) are permitted. Separations are permitted.
BLOCK
The number of skaters in each line must be as close to equal as
possible. The block must travel at least the full length of the ice
surface. Very small hops of not more than one-half revolution are
permitted. Free skating moves (such as lunges, Ina Bauers, spread
eagles) are permitted. Spirals are not permitted. Separations are
permitted.
WHEEL
The wheel may revolve either clockwise or counter-clockwise or a
combination of both directions. There are no required holds or step
sequences, and any combination or variety thereof may be used. Very
small hops of not more than one-half revolution are permitted. Free
skating moves (such as lunges, spirals, Ina Bauers, spread eagles)
are permitted. Separations are permitted.
INTERSECTION
The intersection(s) may occur simultaneously or separately as long
as every skater is involved in the intersection. Skaters may execute different
movements at any time during the intersecting manouevre but highlighting
of a skater(s) is not permitted. Intersecting manoeuvres must be continuous.
There are no required holds or step sequences and any combination or
variety thereof may be used. Very small hops of not more than one-half
revolution are permitted. Free skating moves (such as lunges, spirals,
Ina Bauers, spread eagles) are permitted, however back spirals are
not permitted.
SYNCHRONIZED SKATING HISTORY
The first synchro team in North America
was the Hockettes founded in 1956 by Dr.
Porter. The Hockettes are still skating as a
team today at the Ann Arbor Figure
Skating Club. The first International
competition called the Tri-States took place
in Ann Arbor in 1976. Ever since then
precision has gotten more popular due to
the fact that it gives skaters of all ages and
skills the opportunity to participate.
Synchronized skating is the only team
competition in figure skating. The World Challenge Cup is the test event
for a World Championships. The first official World Championships will
be held next year (2000)
and there is hope that someday synchronized skating will be an
event in the Winter Olympics. Hopefully in Salt Lake City, 2002.
Hopefully everyone has a safe and happy summer and I hope that everyone's season was as successful as our's was!! Good luck next year everyone!!!
