1. U.S. Figure Skating 101 From a Parent’s Perspective
Central Illinois Figure Skating Club
December 2015

2. Agenda
Definitions
Competitions
Goals
Resources (links, books, etc)

3. Definitions

4. DEFINITIONS - Disciplines
Singles
Pairs
Ice Dance
Synchronized (Team)
Disciplines are not the same as U.S. Figure Skating Programs
Example Programs: High School Programs.
On USFS website, there is a tab for “Programs”.

5. DEFINITIONS – Skill Levels
Senior
Junior
Novice
Intermediate
Juvenile
Pre-Juvenile
Preliminary
Pre-Preliminary (pre-pre)
Basic Skills (See Other Presentation)
Basic 1 – 8, Free Skate 1 – 6
Competitive
Early
Competitive
- This list is singles. Pairs and Dance disciplines have small differences. For example, they start at Pre-Juvenile, not at Basic Skills.
- This is US Figure Skating perspective of the development pipeline for international competitions. There are other paths thru these skill levels. It does not always have to be for competitive goals.
Introductory
And
Developmental

6. DEFINITIONS – Testing Skills
Moves In the Field (MITF or MIF) – considered “prerequisite”
Free Skate* (FS) – tests technical elements (jumps, spins, footwork)
Pairs* – tests technical elements specific to pair skating
Pattern Dance or Solo Pattern Dance (i.e. Compulsory Dance) – tests steps in music in particular tempo
Free Dance or Solo Free Dance* – test technical elements specific to ice dance skating.
MIF first, then FS.
Once pass FS, then compete at that level (remember the * for later)
Can’t compete “down”
Usually skater takes one up MIF and FS on same day
Example: Preliminary FS and Pre-Juvenile MIF
- *Must pass to compete in qualifying competitions. See later slides
- “U.S. Figure Skating’s test structure can be compared to karate, and the process of an athlete earning belts until they achieve their black belt. “
- Only clubs can hold test sessions.
- Skaters move at their own pace. It’s up to them!
- MIFs test skating skills.
- See ‘achievement board’ in the Pepsi Ice Center lobby for details on progression of test structure.

7. DEFINITIONS – Testing Illustration
Test Level
MIF FS
Senior
Junior
Novice
Intermediate
Juvenile
Pre-Juvenile
Preliminary
Pre-Preliminary (pre-pre)
Basic Skills
N/A
11/1/2015 Pass
4/1/2015 Pass
11/1/2015 Retry
-It’s a ‘pass’ or ‘retry’. The scoring, scale, relativeness is different than competition scoring systems.
1/1/2015 Pass
4/1/2015 Pass

8. DEFINITIONS – Judging Systems
6.0
Odd # Judges take notes during all skaters performance
Judges assign score then converted to ordinal placement
Accountant (really computer) then tallies the placements with majority receiving “1” earns first place.
Understanding 6.0 Scoring System provides further detail
International Judging System (IJS)
Component scores – artistry
Technical scores – jumps, spins, footwork -> GOE
Both pieces added up to get total score for that performance
Understanding IJS Scoring System provides further detail
-Examples of both are on later slides.
-For both judging systems at each skill level, the mechanism for evaluating is the same regardless of male/female.

9. DEFINITIONS – 6.0 Judging
- Example judges sheet for 6.0 scoring. This is not provided afterward to public nor coaches.

10. DEFINITIONS – IJS Judging System
Element
Base Score for 2016
Single Salchow (1S)
0.4
Single Lutz (1Lz)
0.6
Single Axel (1A)
1.1
Double Salchow (2S)
1.3
Double Lutz (2Lz)
2.1
Double Axel (2A)
3.3
Triple Salchow (3S)
4.4
Triple Lutz (3Lz)
6.0
Triple Axel (3A)
8.5
Quad Salchow (4S)
8.1
Quad Lutz (4Lz)
9.5
Quad Axel (4A)
10.5
Not all types of jumps are listed on the slide. Missing are flip, toe, loop.
The Base scores are consistent no matter what skill level.
The Base scores can change every year!
Spins have similar concept but more complicated system.
When an element is executed, judges also apply a ‘grade of execution’ (GOE). This can add to the base value or subtract from the base value.

11. DEFINITIONS – IJS Judging
This is from October 2012 which is called “2013 Upper Great Lakes Regional Championships” due to Nationals in January 2013.

12. COMPETITIONS

13. COMPETITIONS – Levels/Judging
Juvenile thru Senior: IJS or 6.0
Pre-Pre thru Pre-Juvenile: 6.0
Basic Skills (See Other Presentation): 6.0
*Slide later illustrates these relationships

14. COMPETITIONS – Types Qualifying Competitions
Well defined path of competitions, always IJS.
Place top 4 and move to next competition culminating in Nationals.
Non-Qualifying Competitions
Like Basic Skills, top 4 placement doesn’t qualify for next competition.*
Blend of events: spins, jumps, 6.0, IJS, Theater, etc.
Basic Skills Competitions (See Other Presentation)
Introduce young skaters to a competition setting.
Should be kept fun.
Start to get a sense of relative skills with others.
*Small caveat, skaters competing in competitions within the Illinois Grand Prix Series can earn points from each competition attend. The points earned depend on placement. If earn enough ‘Grand Prix points’, skater earns a spot or invitation in the IL Grand Prix Final in September.

15. COMPETITIONS – Basic Skills
Examples:
Summer’s Last Hurrah Basic Skills, Bloomington, IL
Cranberry Classic, Rockford, IL
Springfield Basic Skills, Springfield, IL
Skating Council of IL -> Basic Skills Series
Note: See Basic Skills presentation!

16. COMPETITIONS – Non-Qualifying
Non-Qualifying Competition Examples
Greater Chicagoland Invitational, Chicago, IL
Skate Detroit, Detroit, MI
Upper Great Lakes Regional Championships, various locals
If compete Juvenile-Senior in the “Well Balanced” or “IJS” events, then IJS judging
Age restrictions: Juvenile < 14; Intermediate < 18.
If compete in Juvenile-Senior in the “Open” or “Test Track”, then 6.0 judging
No age restrictions, required elements different
Skating Council Of IL -> Grand Prix Series
- IL Grand Prix Series is a listing of non-qualifying competitions throughout the Chicago and Illinois area. If skaters compete at 4 or more in one year and place on the podium some, then they are invited to the non-qualifying IL Grand Prix Series Finale in September of every year.

17. COMPETITIONS – Non-Qualifying
Non-Qualifying can also have events for:
Ice Dance
Pairs
Synchro
But it is rare

18. COMPETITIONS – Qualifying
Qualifying Competition Examples, always IJS
Upper Great Lakes Regional Championships
Midwestern Sectional Championships
U.S. National Championships
Regionals have both qualifying and non-qualifying events. Skaters can only sign up for one type. Note: Same age restrictions.
Upper Great Lakes website
- Sectionals is where Pairs and Dance have their first round of competition. There is just not enough dance/pairs for them to compete at Regionals.

19. COMPETITIONS – Qualifying Structure
- The green is Upper Great Lakes Regional Championships.
- States in green, yellow, and dark blue feed the Midwestern Sectional Championships

20. COMPETITIONS – Qualifying Structure

21. COMPETITIONS – Time Requirement
Skill Level
Short Program (SP)
Free Skate (FS) (i.e. Long Program)
Senior
2:50 mins
4:00 +/- 10 Sec – Ladies
4:30 +/- 10 Sec – Men
Junior
3:30 +/- 10 Sec – Ladies
4:00 +/- 10 Sec – Men
Novice
2:30 mins
3:00 +/- 10 Sec – Ladies
3:30 +/- 10 Sec - Men
Intermediate
2:00 mins
2:30 +/- 10 Sec
Juvenile
N/A
2:15 +/- 10 Sec
Pre-Juvenile
2:00 +/- 10 Sec
Preliminary
1:30 +/- 10 Sec
Pre-Preliminary
1:40 +/- 10 Sec
No Test
Basic Skills
Various levels
This illustrates the increasing difficulty at each skating level for competitions.
Short Program Details: (link on later slide)
Free Skate Details: (link on later slide)
Note: If not denoted, time is same for men and ladies.

22. COMPETITIONS – Qualifying
Skill Level
Short Program (SP)
Free Skate (FS) (i.e. Long Program)
Senior
2:50 mins
4:00 +/- 10 Sec – Ladies
4:30 +/- 10 Sec – Men
Junior
3:30 +/- 10 Sec – Ladies
4:00 +/- 10 Sec – Men
Novice
2:30 mins
3:00 +/- 10 Sec – Ladies
3:30 +/- 10 Sec - Men
Intermediate
2:00 mins
2:30 +/- 10 Sec
Juvenile
N/A
2:15 +/- 10 Sec
Pre-Juvenile
2:00 +/- 10 Sec
Preliminary
1:30 +/- 10 Sec
Pre-Preliminary
1:40 +/- 10 Sec
No Test
Basic Skills
Various Levels
Qualifying Competition Using IJS
Animation on this slide.
The box highlights the skill levels competing at regionals, sectionals, nationals.
Note: If not denoted, time is same for men and ladies.

23. COMPETITIONS – Qualifying
Skill Level
Short Program (SP)
Free Skate (FS) (i.e. Long Program
Senior
2:50 mins
4:00 +/- 10 Sec – Ladies
4:30 +/- 10 Sec – Men
Junior
3:30 +/- 10 Sec – Ladies
4:00 +/- 10 Sec – Men
Novice
2:30 mins
3:00 +/- 10 Sec – Ladies
3:30 +/- 10 Sec - Men
Intermediate
2:00 mins
2:30 +/- 10 Sec
Juvenile
N/A
2:15 +/- 10 Sec
Pre-Juvenile
2:00 +/- 10 Sec
Preliminary
1:30 +/- 10 Sec
Pre-Preliminary
1:40 +/- 10 Sec
No Test
Basic Skills
Various Levels
For each skill level in this box, must pass:
MIF and FS, or
MIF and Pairs, or
MIF and Free Dance
- Animation on this slide.
- What’s it take to be competitive? Can look on IceNetwork.com and study the judge’s detail score sheet. But note, the testing requirements are a lot less stringent at a skill level than what it takes to be competitive at same skill level in Regionals/Sectionals/Nationals. (i.e. qualifying competitions).
Note: If not denoted, time is same for men and ladies.

24. COMPETITIONS – Non-Qualifying
Skill Level
Short Program (SP)
Free Skate (FS) (i.e. Long Program
Senior
2:50 mins
4:00 +/- 10 Sec – Ladies
4:30 +/- 10 Sec – Men
Junior
3:30 +/- 10 Sec – Ladies
4:00 +/- 10 Sec – Men
Novice
2:30 mins
3:00 +/- 10 Sec – Ladies
3:30 +/- 10 Sec - Men
Intermediate
2:00 mins
2:30 +/- 10 Sec
Juvenile
N/A
2:15 +/- 10 Sec
Pre-Juvenile
2:00 +/- 10 Sec
Preliminary
1:30 +/- 10 Sec
Pre-Preliminary
1:40 +/- 10 Sec
No Test
Basic Skills
Various Levels
Non-Qualifying Competition
“Well-Balanced”
Using IJS
Non-Qualifying Competition “Test Track”
Using 6.0
“Well-Balanced”
Using 6.0
- Lots of animation on this slide.
- The last animation: There is the option to compete (sign up on registration form) “well-balanced” at the Pre-Preliminary to Pre-Juvenile skill level. It’s 6.0 judging system because not at Juvenile level. BUT, the ‘well-balanced’ rules on 6.0 are more difficult requirements than the ‘test track’ 6.0 at same skill level.
- What’s it take to be competitive at non-qualifying competitions? Please talk to your coach!!
Note: If not denoted, time is same for men and ladies.

25. goals

26. GOALS - Skater What does your skater want out of skating? Judge?
Coach?
Rink Management?
Compete?
Social – Recreational?
Sports Science?
Other?

27. GOALS - Parent What do you want for your child?
Stay active?
Social skills?
Learn to set goals and work toward them?
Sacrifice?
Work ethic?
Is your investment (time, money, etc) worth it?
Responsibilities As A Skating Parent (USFS)

28. GOALS - Coach Coach completes the triangle!!
Support the Skater and Parent on the journey, whatever the skater’s goal may be
Guide the Skater to reach their goals
(It should never be the coach’s goals)
There will be times they may know your child better than you do
USFS annual Continuing Education Requirements (CER A, B, C, D)
Rankings I, II, III, IV, V, etc
PSA – Professional Skaters Association (Coaches Association)
- The coach is critical in helping you to develop your child into a young adult.

29. Resources

30. Safe Sport Implemented due to US Olympic Committee Policy
All Olympic Sports must implement
Policies and Procedures to promote a safe and nurturing environment
Theresa Stewart is our CIFSC Safe Sport Officer and board member. See her for more details or to report inappropriate behavior.

31. RESOURCES - Websites www.GrowingChampionsForLife.com
(for Parent Page)
See link for ‘top ten’
Professional Skating Association Parent Info
Upper Great Lakes website

32. RESOURCES – Docs on Web Development Pipeline Test Structure
All About Tests
Preparing Your Skater for Competition (USFS)
Preparing Your Skater for Competition (PSA)
Responsibilities As A Skating Parent (USFS)
Guidelines for Supportive Parents
Requirements for Coaches
Guide to Coaching Credentials

33. RESOURCES – Docs on Web
Coaches Continuing Education Requirements by Events
Coach Compliance Search (user interface not user friendly)
Synchro Competitive Levels
Figure Skating Wikipedia (history and ‘blade edge’ diagram)
Short Program Details
Free Skate Details
Understanding 6.0 Scoring System
Understanding IJS Scoring System

34. RESOURCES - Books
Figure Skating for Dummies by Kristi Yamaguchi and Scott Hamilton (1997) The Complete Book of Figure Skating by Carole Shulman (2001) There are fiction book series for young skaters by Jake Maddox and another by Kate Messner.

35. RESOURCES - Other Mobile app “USFS Skate Coach” – for Basic Skills
Mobile app “Hudl Technique” (formerly Ubersense) – on iPAD for slow motion video
Mobile app “Coach’s Eye” – both Apple and Android
Search YouTube for elements. Example: “figure skating axel”

36. Questions?