What the heck are they, anyway? Parent Education Session November 18, 2013 Shelley Ganske

 A figure is a combination of basic body positions and transitions, performed in a manner and order as prescribed by the FINA handbook rule descriptions  Figure descriptions (international standard) ◦ Unless otherwise specified in the description, figures shall be executed high and controlled, in uniform motion, with each section clearly defined

 Basic position ◦ Refers to the stationary components of figures  Basic movement ◦ Refers to the transitions from one basic position to another ◦ A transition is a continuous movement from one position to another. The completion of a transition should occur simultaneously with the achievement of body position and desired height. ◦ Except where otherwise specified, water level remains constant during a transition.

 Maximum controlled height is desirable  In verticals, splits and ballet legs, height is judged by the relationship of the hip joint to the surface of the water (not the length of the leg)  Control in figures is the ability to: ◦ Maintain stable correct positions ◦ Move the body smoothly, accurately and effortlessly through the required transition ◦ Remain on the spot, unless otherwise specified ◦ Give an overall impression of ease of performance

 Figures shall be performed at a constant, even pace throughout (unless otherwise specified in the description) giving the impression of uniform progress through space. ◦ This does not mean that each transition takes the same amount of time as it depends on the range of movement required.  There shall be constant speed of action through each transitional movement. When the transition is completed, there should be a slight pause to define the position and completion of the transition before the next transition begins.

 Positions are to be precise and stable before the next transition begins  Basic movements must follow the rules descriptions  Transitions are to be executed without any pause or stops therein, and proceed through the most direct and accurate course of action

 Unless otherwise specified in the figure description, maximum height is desirable at all times  Unless otherwise specified in the description, figures are executed in a stationary position.  Diagrams are a guide only.  During the execution of a figure, a pause may offer only in those positions which are printed in BOLD TYPE  Basic movements are italicized  When and is used to connect two actions, it means one follows the other; when as is used, it means both actions occur simultaneously

 Arm/hand positions and actions are optional in the eye of the judge  When rapid or rapidly is used in a description, it shall apply specifically to the tempo of the transition in which it is included and not to the entire figure  Judging emphasis is placed on controlled uniformity of performance speed, not slowness

 All judgments are made from the standpoint of perfection  Design ◦ The accuracy of positions and transitions as specified in figure description  Accuracy of lines and angles, arches, circles  Accuracy of alignment of body parts  Correctness of the tucks, pikes etc  Control ◦ Extension ◦ Height ◦ Stability ◦ Clarity ◦ Uniform motion

 A difficulty rating is determined for each transitional movement used in the execution of figures  If a judge knows the relative difficulty of a particular part of a figure, it will help make more objective deductions for errors, as well as give proportional credit when a difficult part of the figure is performed particularly well  The numeric value is listed as the DD; degree of difficulty ◦ There is a numerical value (NVT of the transition between the preceding body position and the body position illustrated about the number ◦ The PT is the proportional value of the transition our of the 10 maximum points which may be awarded

 The mark range for figures is 0-10, in increments of 1/10 point ◦ Perfect10 ◦ Near perfect ◦ Excellent ◦ Very Good ◦ Good ◦ Competent ◦ Satisfactory ◦ Deficient ◦ Weak ◦ Very weak ◦ Hardly recognizable ◦ Completely failed0

MarkBody position transitionclarityUniform motion HeightExtension ease perform May lack accuracy but no major errors Obvious irregulariti es but none are major Clear, distinct but not always precise Tempo changes, strained at times, minimal travel Moderatel y high on easy parts with some minor level changes Unsure and strained, full ext not maintain effort evident Several minor inaccur Obvious wavering Incon, problems with more diff trans Tempo hurried, uneven travel Average ht Lack of control in parts Many minor inaccur Major deviations Some attempt at definition Often rushed, seldom stationary Some ht in easier trans Minimal control

MarkBody Position TransitionClarityUniform motion HeightExtension /ease perform 10Total accuracy Most efficient and accurate course of action, completely fluid and smooth Precise distinction between positions and transitions Smooth, uniform tempo at a comfortabl e speed. No travel unless specified Maximum at all times with level maintaine d as required through out Stable, controlled, effortless and confident with maximum extension througho ut

Double vertical Upper mid thigh Mid thigh Well above knee cap Above knee cap Knee capBelow knee cap Well below knee cap BK vertCrotch level Upper thigh Mid thigh Low thigh Above knee cap knee cap Below knee cap CraneBack of hor leg Upper thigh Mid thigh Low thigh Above knee cap knee cap Below knee cap Ballet legTop of thigh Upper thigh Mid thigh Low thigh Above knee cap knee cap Below knee cap Eggbeater double arm Bust above surface Mid bust Arm pit dry Collar bone Showing shoulder Mid neck Chin dragging