As COVID restrictions are slowly eased across the state, NSWISA continues to plan for the season. While it has been quiet on the ice, plenty of work has been done on the administration of the sport. ISU have released communications for all disciplines that cover updates in everything from the scale of values to GOE adjustments. It is really important for skaters at IJS levels to ensure they understand these communications and seeing as we're off the ice at the moment, we have more time than normal to ensure we have read and understood the details that are relevant to us. In addition to the actual communications, it's beneficial to read the commentary ISU has published. The commentary explains some of these changes they relate to singles and pairs skating.
The most obvious change is the equalization of the quad lutz, flip and loop: All three of these jumps now have a base value of 11.00 points. Previously, a quad loop had a value of 10.50 and a quad lutz, the value of 11.50. The flip already was worth 11.00 points. Also, the triple lutz and triple flip now have the same base value of 5.30 points (the triple lutz was 5.90 points before). The value of the single or double lutz, flip and loop remain unchanged.
Other changes that have been made include:
An additional identification for under-rotated jumps, the "q".
In Pairs skating, the Technical Committee decided to award a different base value to each death spiral, reflecting their different difficulties
In Pairs skating, the ISU Technical Committee changed only the points for different levels of Group 1 lifts (that are performed by beginners)
The combination of music and an expressive skater can result in a truly outstanding performance. Music that is lacking in a score that creates opportunities to highlight jumps and spins, plus complimenting transitions and step sequences, wastes the potential to earn higher program component marks from judges.
The scores for both the short program and the free skate are calculated by adding the Technical Elements Score (the difficulty and execution of, for instance, a skater's footwork, spins and jumps) and the Program Component Score (skating skills, artistry and presentation) of each routine together. Music plays a role especially in the latter's focus on the interpretation of the music physically, emotionally and intellectually as they deliver the intent of the music and composition.
For examples of the use of classical music in successful programs throughout skating history visit the below link. https://www.wqxr.org/story/watch-these-10-olympic-figure-skating-routines-for-great-classical-music/
The ISU Center of Excellence (CoE) have presented their “Keep Training!” series which offers free training sessions. These training sessions can be accessed via You Tube and have included sessions on Strength, Stretching for Performance, Jazz Styles, Balance & Flexibility, Body Awareness and Progressions in Different Types of Stability. For a more general session regarding goal-setting use the following link goal-setting. In November 2019, ISU launched #UpAgain, an emotional and inspiring campaign based on one simple principle: we must overcome life's challenges to achieve our full potential. As part of the initiative, the ISU have published some amazing and heartening #UpAgain stories, highlighting how the world's best skaters beat adversity to get back #UpAgain.
For some inspirational stories as we wait for competition to resume visit the ISU website.
ARE YOU BLADE READY?
Throughout this period of isolation, there has been an emphasis on making sure that fitness levels are maintained, but what about your blades? Are they ready to return to the ice? Have your blades been dried thoroughly? Rust will develop if the blades are not dried, don't just wipe blades off, dry the blades completely and also wipe off the bottom of the skating boots. Do your blades need sharpening before returning to the ice? Ice skating blades must be sharpened on a regular basis by an ice skating blade technician. Depending on how they have been stored during this period off the ice they might need a sharpen before heading back to training. Are your skating guards on the blades of your skates? Figure Skating blades get ruined if they touch concrete, wood, grass or any surface besides ice, rubber or carpet. Do you store your blades in soakers? Soakers are terry cloth blade covers that protect and keep ice skating blades dry. Never leave or store skating blades inside plastic or rubber skate guards as doing that will cause blades to rust.
NSWISA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - NEW DATE
A reminder that the Annual General Meeting which was originally set for 24th March has been rescheduled for 2nd June. The meeting will take place via Zoom and details will be sent to members via email and will also be published on our website. As the online format will be new for NSWISA, user instructions will be circulated to members to ensure the smooth running of the meeting. Please ensure all attendees read and understand those instructions. If you have any questions, please contact admin@nswisa.com by Friday 29th May to allow as much time as possible to solve any issues.
STAY CONNECTED WITH NSWISA
NSWISA has been working hard to stay connected with our Ice Skating Family through Instagram and Facebook and currently we have over 280 users engaging with the NSWISA Instagram account. A big "Thank You" to Team Unity for their hard work in organising the Takeover on 22nd April. The Takeover saw Team Unity share their isolation activities with the NSWISA Family and it would be great if clubs, teams, or other groups such as our Aussie Skaters or Adult Skaters could share their activities with the community through an Instagram Takeover also. To get involved, contact Sakina at social@nswisa.com.
Keep motivated and stay connected by following our social media channels or email us with your ideas and photos on social@nswisa.com. Thanks to everyone who has engaged on these platforms so far!
