July/August 2011 PS Magazine by Professional Skaters Association

JULY/AUGUST

2011

www.skatepsa.com

2011

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COLUMNS 4 6 8 10 14 18 28 34

FEATURES

Over the Edge | Jimmie Santee Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message | David Kirby

Ratings | Kris Shakarjian

16 21

Jackson Haines: The Father of Figure Skating | by Kent McDill

Education | Carol Rossignol Best Practicies | PSA Survey

Conquering the Fear of Failure | by David Benzel

IJS Insights | Libby Scanlon Sport Science | Heidi Thibert

Your CER Questions Answered

2011 PSA/ISI Conference Recap

| By Liz Leamy Legal Ease | David Shulman

5 9 30 33 36 38

Excellence On Ice

The Future of Figure Skating Forum | 2011 Conference

Ratings Exams Passed

| By Liz Leamy

Great Tips Meet Your Area Representative New Members

PSA Award Winners

PSA Calendar of Events

2011 ~ No 4 #ISSN-574770

Photo of Jackson Haines courtesy Stockholm City Museum

Over the Edge

PSA OFFICERS President First Vice President Second Vice President Third Vice President Treasurer Past President

JIMMIE SANTEE

PSA BOARD OF GOVERNORS West

Bring Back the Plan!

Mid-West

Doug Ladret Todd Sand Dorothy Cassini Patrick O’Neil Denise Williamson Rebecca Stump Alex Chang Paul Wylie Jackie Brenner Glyn Jones Brittany Bottoms

PSA

itting at Governing Council, I got this awful feeling in the pit of my stomach that something terribly wrong just happened, something that would set back the development of our younger skaters for some time. Dorothy Demarest, parliamentarian for U.S. Figure Skating delivered the verdict. The motion to end junior nationals and the percentage plan was history. Stunned silence… what just happened? It had appeared, by my eyes, that the Governing Council would narrowly defeat the proposal but the athlete representatives themselves held the key to the victory… hundreds of proxies. Interestingly enough, the athlete delegates who represent all competitors were the ones to vote down not only junior nationals but the percentage plan as well. I am not sure everybody in the room really understood what we were voting on, much less the consequences. Ending junior nationals, and sending the juveniles and intermediates through sectionals could be good… we need to be fiscally responsible and make sectionals more profitable. These being said, why not keep the percentage plan in place? Having more juvenile and intermediate skaters exposed to the higher levels is a good thing. Any person who organizes competitions knows that juvenile and intermediate skaters buy all the practice ice and all the memorabilia. My personal issue…did any of the athlete delegates discuss the proposal with any of the 1,345 juvenile and intermediate skaters? It appears hypocritical to me that in comparison, while 69% of all senior men skaters in the United States compete at nationals, in contrast only 23% of all juvenile and intermediate singles, dance and pair skaters advance to junior nationals. Looking just at the ladies events exclusively: • 9% of all registered juvenile ladies advanced to junior nationals • 7% of all registered intermediates ladies advanced to junior nationals • 3.6% of all registered novice ladies advanced to nationals • 7.5% of all registered junior ladies advanced to nationals • 20% of all registered senior ladies advanced to nationals

We should not be eliminating the percentage plan but expanding it. Look at the novice ladies number—only 3.6% advance to nationals. Novice is widely believed as the level that has the greatest drop off of competitive skaters. Now just to make things interesting, let us look at the number of girls advancing to nationals under the new rule as written. For events in the 2012-2013 season: • 2% of all registered juvenile ladies will advance to junior nationals through sectionals • 2.6% of all registered intermediates ladies will advance to junior nationals through sectionals • 3.6% of all registered novice ladies will advance to nationals through sectionals • 7.5% of all registered junior ladies will advance to nationals through sectionals • 20% of all registered senior ladies will advance to nationals through sectionals

East

David Kirby Angela Riviello Christine Fowler-Binder Dorothi Cassini Carol Murphy Kelley Morris Adair

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Members at Large

ISI Rep to PSA U.S. Figure Skating Rep to PSA Executive Director Legal Counsel

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN Awards Coaches Hall of Fame Education Seminars State Workshops Apprentice, Intern Area Representatives Hockey Accreditation PS Magazine Sport Science Ethics, Endorsement, Products Executive Executive Nominating Finance Fundraising ISU Coaches Commission Legal Nominating Professional Standards PSA Rep to ISI Ranking Review Ratings Special Olympics U.S. Figure Skating Coaches

PSA AREA REPRESENTATIVES Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Area 6 Area 7 Area 8 Area 9 Area 10 Area 11 Area 12 Area 13 Area 14 Area 15 Area 16 Area 17

Jimmie Santee David Shulman

Scott Brown Robbie Kaine Christine Fowler-Binder Thomas Amon Dorothi Cassini Rebecca Stump Marylill Elbe Tara Hillstrand-Lane Bob Mock Heidi Thibert David Shulman David Kirby Kelley Morris Adair Carol Murphy Larry LaBorde David Kirby David Shulman Kelley Morris Adair Lynn Benson Gerry Lane Brandon Forsyth Kris Shakarjian Linda Crowley Jackie Brenner

Amy Hanson-Kuleszka Anne Marie Filosa Lee Cabell Stacie Kuglin Gloria Leous Mary Lin Kent Johnson Patrick O'Neil Jennifer Cashen Thomas Amon Dan Mancera Andrea Kunz-Williamson Tracey Seliga-O’Brien Leslie Deason Michele Miranda Phaler Karen Howland Jones Nancy Garcia

THE PROFESSIONAL SKATER Magazine Mission: To bring to our readers the best information from the most knowledgeable sources. To select and generate the information free from the influence of bias. And to provide needed information quickly, accurately and efficiently. The views expressed in THE PROFESSIONAL SKATER Magazine and products are not necessarily those of the Professional Skaters Association. The Professional Skater, a newsletter of the Professional Skaters Association, Inc., is published bimonthly, six times a year, as the official publication of the PSA, 3006 Allegro Park SW, Rochester, MN 55902. 507.281.5122, Fax 507.281.5491, Email: office@skatepsa.com © 2004 by Professional Skaters Association, all rights reserved. Subscription price is $19.95 per year, Canadian $29.00 and foreign $45.00/year, U.S. Funds. ISSN-574770. Second-class Postage Paid at Rochester, MN 55901 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER send address changes to The Professional Skater, 3006 Allegro Park SW, Rochester, MN 55902. Printed in the USA.

The percentage plan was developed back in the late 1990’s to address the great imbalance that existed; a region with 14 skaters sent the same number as a region with 400. At the time it was developed, says U.S. Olympian Billy Fauver and a member of the original task force, U.S. Figure Skating was attempting to redistrict the regions. The costs of redistricting and the fact that it still would not be balanced caused it to fail. The percentage plan protects the smallest regions by sending no less then four skaters on while giving the larger regions a greater number of advancing skaters based on their percentage of those skaters as a nation total. Makes total sense to me and sounds fair. Another argument in favor of keeping the percentage plan for sectionals is the impact on additional practice ice for the three sectional competitions. One argument against the percentage plan was that it would add too much ice time to the competition. Looking at the graph to the right, only the eastern section would exceed 12 skaters by six. Call me crazy, but I don’t see an issue with having 16 Juvenile girls compete at sectionals and advance the top four to nationals. In fact, using the 2011 numbers for novice ladies and applying the percentage plan, an additional two skaters would advance to easterns and midwesterns, a total of four. Now if I had the keys to the kingdom, this is what I would propose: Reinstate the percentage plan and apply it to all levels from juvenile to senior to qualify for sectionals, using the current percentage formula—the number of skaters in a region divided by the total number of skaters registered for all nine regions; multiply by 36 (or total number of sectional competitors per level if its lower than 36. Ex.: senior men would divide by 26 sectional competitors) and round either up or down. At sectionals, apply the bye rule for the international skaters, and then the percentage plan is

2011 Juvenile Competitors

Total Qualifying Entries

Total Sectionals

103

EGL

UGL

NWP

SWP

Total #

Regional (9) Juvenile Girls FS

465

Eastern Section

Midwestern Section

Pacific Coast Section

implemented for the remaining skaters novice through senior with no guaranteed minimum. In my mind there is very little difference between the percentage plan and the spots not taken up by byes for the senior events. When I applied my plan to the senior men and ladies, the exact same skaters that competed in Greensboro would have competed. The concept is the same; to advance as many skaters as possible. As the sport grows, so does the number of skaters at nationals. If overall numbers contract, then the number of skaters

continued on pg. 11

PROFESSIONAL SKATERS ASSOCIATION

EXCELLENCE ON ICE 2010-2011 Membership Year

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GARDEN STATE SKATING CLUB

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ICE CENTRE AT THE PROMENADE Westminster, CO

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INDIANA WORLD SKATING ACADEMY, INC

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Faribault, MN Tacoma, WA

KENDALL ICE ARENA Miami, FL

STAMFORD TWIN RINKS

Kettering, OH

COLORADO SPRINGS WORLD ARENA ICE HALL

LOUISVILLE SKATING ACADEMY

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WASHINGTON ICE SKATING ASSOCIATION

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EXTREME ICE CENTER Indian Trail, NC

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MENTOR FIGURE SKATING CLUB Mentor, OH

Stamford, CT

Hauppauge, NY

Mountlake Terrace, WA

WINTER CLUB OF INDIANAPOLIS Indianapolis, IN

Wouldn’t you like to count your club or rink among the most progressive in the nation? PS MAGAZINE

President’s Message

67%

DAVID KIRBY

Summer 2011

PSA Education Updates T

he PSA’s largest and most visible product is our annual Conference and Trade Show. The PSA Conference and Trade Show is also where the leadership of the PSA presents our ‘State of the Union.’ The 2011 Conference in Dallas was no different and I wanted to share with you a snapshot of what was reported in Dallas and what we learned. Of course the primary purpose of the annual conference is education, networking and sharing successful techniques with our colleagues. After each annual conference the PSA conducts a survey online for the attendees. Here is a quick view of the results of this independent survey completed and returned by more than 30% of the attendees in Dallas (which is actually a high response ratio compared to past).

62 %

Survey Question: Please rate your overall experience of the Dallas conference. Highly Results: 62% were Highly Satisfied, 34% were Moderately Satisfied, 4% were Moderately Dissatisfied, Satisfied and 0% for Highly Dissatisfied. Also, 67% of the responses said they would highly recommend to others to attend a PSA conference. % The results of the survey indicate our products and services Moderately at conference are improving. As I drove Frank Carroll to the Satisfied airport after the conference he told me that the Dallas conference was excellent and really offered a lot of interesting and new ‘edgy’ topics, and he absolutely loved the Ear Bugs. Scott Brown out-did even himself in presenting an on-ice presenta% tion and producing a fantastic Awards Dinner hosted by Paul Moderately Wylie and Susie Wynne, with guests that included Olympic Dissatisfied Champions Scott Hamilton, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. In the business meeting at conference, we had both good and bad financial reports. First, the good news—our balance sheet is very healthy and most other associations similar to us would love to have our balance sheet, which shows our equity position at more than $2,400,000. However, the bad news was that last season we lost more than $94,000 in operating cash flow. Most of the losses came from our disaster flood, but it also points to interesting trends developing. For example, PSA revenues in seminars was down substantially while we saw increases in CER revenues. This may represent a shift in how coaches use PSA services. Since CER’s are mandatory, does this mean coaches will attend fewer seminars and save that money for CERs? CER is our future, but at this time more expensive to

JULY | AUGUST 2011

of PSA con attende ference es wou ld highly recomm end attendi ng the P SA confere nce to others

produce than seminars (developmental and research costs). Over the past two years our Executive Director, Jimmie Santee, has worked tirelessly to develop and build an internet platform infrastructure capable of streaming future CER courses with video, graphics and animation. Our latest CER course on abuse is our first attempt at utilizing new technology and partnering with other major educational institutions (University of Notre Dame and Mayo Clinic) that will improve both the delivery, and quality of the CER program. I’m confident that at next year's conference the PSA will be introducing a new generation of CER courses that are both educational and entertaining in a very creative way. However, we need your help. Next year our annual conference will be in Boston and plans are already under way to ensure our next conference is even better than Dallas, so if you can only attend one event it is our hope we see you in Boston. The PSA is committed to improving internet programs, but in my opinion there is still nothing like meeting face to face and learning and sharing together, in real time.

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Ratings KRIS SHAKARJIAN

A Ratings Bonanza in Dallas W

e had another great Conference! A big thank you to all rating examiners and trial examiners! Many hours were volunteered...a big thanks to Barb Yackel as well for all the organizing she did with schedule changes due to flight delays because of the bad weather. I would like to also thank the ratings discipline representatives for all their hard work! Colleen Mickey – Choreography Dorothi Cassini – Dance Kelley Morris Adair – Free Dance Carol Rossignol – Figures and Training Denise Williamson – Free Skating Marcia Williams – Group Brandon Forsyth and Doug Haw – Moves In the Field Doug Ladret – Pair Angie Riviello – Program Director Holly Teets and Becky Stump – Synchronized Skating We had 88 exams with an 81% passing rate. Congratulations to all! Our newly Master Rated coaches are: Jennifer DeSimone – MS Phillip DiGugliemo – MFS Melissa Gade-Wasz – MG Lisa Graham – MPD Susan Jackson-Wagner – MFS Andrea Kunz-Williamson – MG Jenni Pitman – MG Angela Roesch-Davis – MPD Larry Schrier – MG Jimmie Santee – MG Todd Sand – MP, MFS Jennifer Turner – MG Louis Vachon – MM The following changes were implemented at the 2011 conference: • Registered Program Director Rating was implemented • Choreography study guides and exams were updated— the registered level is now through the pre-juvenile level • Pair exams and study guides were updated to current IJS rules • Synchronized Skating exams and study guides were updated • New Moves in the Field study guides and exams were completely revised

JULY | AUGUST 2011

For the upcoming year: • Free skating exams as of 2012 will have a video analysis starting at the registered level. • Free Dance is currently being revised and a registered level will be introduced at the 2012 Conference in Boston. • Pair exams will be revised for the 2012 Conference in Boston. * Master exams for Synchronized Skating will be added to the Synchro Coaches College beginning in July 2011 and master exams will not be held at the November site. This change was made due to a conflict of scheduling for synchro coaches. * Master pair exams will be added to the Indy Challenge for 2012. * Master dance exams will be added to the ice dance challenge series event for 2012. The Group Instructor rating is being revamped and will be available next year at the 2012 Boston Conference. (*) These changes were made to give our members a better opportunity to take their rating exams.

Recently Passed

RATING EXAMS Congratulations to the following coaches who passed the Basic Accreditation (BA) written exam at the specified site:

Congratulations to the following coaches who successfully completed the requirements for a Rating Certificate:

E-Learning Management | BA Exams

Dallas – PSA Conference | May 23–25, 2011

Kaitlin Bernard Megan Berntson Courtney Evander Trisha Hessinger Kelly Kelly Courtney McMurtry Lauren Page Stacey Raffi Courtney Richiuts Terri Sweeney-Krystof Chantelle Traczyk Amanda Tucciarone Rhonda Workman

William Abel RFS Molly Anderson RFS Erica Beggs RFS, RPD Natasha Bowers RFS, RC Renee Brainerd RG, CG Alex Chang SFS Curtis Chornopyski RFS Megan Edwards SM, RG Maggie Emery RM Elizabeth Finn RG Marel Flores RFS, CFS Helen Fraser CFS Nancy Garcia RFS, CFS Amanda Griffin RM Susan Hamel Bottari RG Christina Haras SG Katy Hewitt RM, RFS Linda Huggins RFS, CFS Sheree Hugli RFS Karla Jones RPD Jennifer Kelly RFS, RG

Bridgid LaMear RS Jamie Lane RD Cindy Lester RFS Robert Mauti RC, CC Dawn McCosh SG Jessica Moore RFS, RG Jennifer Multra RFS Heather Piepenburg SFS, SPD Mark Poole CM, RPD Amanda Romero RFS Todd Sand SP Sharon Sanders RD, RM Russ Scott RP, SFS Charis Sloan RG Darlene Sparks RPD Jamie Uribe Rossi RG Susan Wagner RC Sarah White RC Denise Williamson CC Emma Withrow RG Lyn Witt RM, RS

MASTER RATING Angela Davis MPD Jennifer DeSimone MS Phillip DiGugliemo MFS Melissa Gade-Wasz MG Lisa Graham MPD Andrea Kunz Williamson MG Jenni Pitman MG Todd Sand MP, MFS Jimmie Santee MG Larry Schrier MG Jennifer Turner MG Louis Vachon MM Susan Wagner MFS

Coaches who attended the PSA Membership meeting at Conference were recognized for their newly acquired Master Rating. Left to right: Carol Rossignol, Jenni Pitman, Andrea Kunz Williamson, Jennifer Turner, Robert Mauti, and Jimmie Santee.

PS MAGAZINE

IJS Insights LIBBY SCANLAN

ISU Communication 1672

Fine-tuning ISU Communication #1611 I

SU Communication No. 1672: Single and Pair Skating issued May 5, 2011 was implemented in all U.S. Figure Skating non-qualifying and qualifying competitions beginning June 1, 2011. Changes are far less sweeping this year, and serve to fine tune criteria already established in ISU Communication No. 1611. This most recent document amends the Levels of Difficulty, Scale of Values, and lists additional guidelines for marking the Grade of Execution. It is an updated supplement to ISU #1611. The focus of this article is to highlight the updated singles element feature criteria for the 2011-2012 season. All updates are underlined. STEP SEQUENCES Note that Features 1, 2 and 4 remain the same as last season. 1) Simple variety (Level 2), variety (Level 3), complexity (Level 4) of turns and steps throughout (compulsory). 2) Rotations (turns, steps) in either direction (left and right) with full body rotation covering at least 1/3 of the pattern in total for each rotational direction. 3) Use of upper body movements for at least half of the pattern. • This means that the visible use for a combined total of at least half of the pattern of the arms and/or head and/or torso that have an effect on the balance of the main body core. 4) At least half a pattern on one foot only . 5) Two different combinations of three difficult turns (rockers, counters, brackets, twizzles, loops) quickly executed within the sequence. • Only the above listed turns may be used in the combinations. The skater must perform two different turn combinations within the sequence. The combinations will be considered to be the same if they are the same turns done on the same edges in the same order. A change of foot is allowed however no listed steps may be used. The combinations must be executed quickly. ALL SPINS Note that Features 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 10 remain the same as last season 1) A difficult variation in a basic or (for spin combinations

JULY | AUGUST 2011

only) in an intermediate position 2) Another difficult variation in a basic position which must be significantly different from the first one and: *spin in one position with change of foot –on different foot than the first one *spin combination without change of foot –in different position than the first one *spin combination with change of foot –on different foot and in different position than the first one 3) Change of foot executed by jump 4) Backward entrance/Difficult variation of flying entrance/ Landing on the same foot as take-off or changing foot on landing in a Flying Sit Spin. • The flying entry (like the backward entry, change of edge and any type of difficult variation) can increase the level only one time per program, in the first spin it is attempted. The normal flying camel entry does not count as a feature, but counts as such an attempt if executed first in the program. 5) Clear change of edge in sit (only from backward inside to forward outside), camel, Layback and Biellmann position • The change of edge is a four revolution feature which requires two revolutions on one edge followed by two revolutions on the other edge while maintaining the basic position. It can be considered in the forward sit position only when the skater goes from the back inside edge then changes to the forward outside edge. In the camel, layback and Biellmann positions the change of edge choice is up to the skater. The change of edge feature can be considered only once for a feature level, in the first spin and on the first foot it is attempted. 6) All three basic positions on both feet 7) Both directions immediately following each other in sit or camel spin 8) At least eight revolutions. without changes in position/ variation, foot or edge (camel, difficult sit, layback, difficult upright), counts once per spin Additional features for the layback spin: 9) One clear change of position backwards-sideways or

Over the Edge continued on pg. 5 reverse, at least three revolutions in each position (counts also if the layback spin is a part of any other spin) • Shoulders should be in a clear sideways to back (or viceversa) for three revolutions in each position. If a skater comes up out of layback position to change the position, the feature will not be awarded. 10) Biellmann position after layback spin (SP–after eight revolutions in layback spin)

decreases, thus lowering expenses. • 9% of all registered juvenile ladies advanced to sectionals. 2% of all registered juvenile ladies will advance to nationals. • 7% of all registered intermediates ladies advanced to sectionals. 2.6% of all registered intermediates ladies will advance to nationals. • 11% of all registered novice ladies will advance to sectionals 3.6% through nationals. Impact—two additional skaters from Upper Great Lakes and South Atlantics would advance to sectionals. • 22% of all registered junior ladies will advance to sectionals. 7.5% through to nationals. Impact—one additional skater from five regions advances to sectionals. • 35% of all registered senior ladies will advance to sectionals. 20% through to nationals. Impact—one additional skater from four regions advances to sectionals.

*A sideways leaning spin is considered a layback spin (LSp) For spins with a change of foot at least one basic position is required on each foot for levels 2-4 in Free Skating. If this requirement is not fulfilled in Short Program, the spin will have no level.

Bottom line, U.S. Figure Skating has been working on ways to improve the financial issues associated with hosting sectional competitions. It has been difficult to find clubs to host, as sectionals make very little if any thing compared to the amount of work and the toll on the volunteers. I believe that the percentage plan should be brought back by the council.

This document may have further clarification later this summer, and those clarifications will be discussed in the September/October issue. More detailed element information can be found in the PS Magazine editions of IJS Insight articles: November/December 2010, January/February 2011, March/April 2011, and May/June the PS Magazine Any questions can be addressed to Carol Rossignol at www.skatepsa.com or 507-281-5122.

FRANK AND EVAN LYSACEK FRANKCARROLL, CARROLL,OTHER OTHERWORLD WORLDTEAM TEAMCOACHES COACHES ANDOLYMPIC WORLD CHAMPION CHAMPION E VAN L YSACEK KNOW LEGAL CONCERNS. DO YOU? EGAL ISSUES ISSUES AND AND C ONCERNS. D O YOU ? KNOW WHO WHO TO TO CALL CALL WITH WITH L

619.232.2424 or 619.572.9984

Jonathan Geen Attorney at Law Partner, Borton Petrini, LLP Over 20 years of legal experience National Judge in Singles / Pairs Former Skater http://bortonpetrini.com/bio/geen_se.pdf Coaching Agreements Rink / Coach Agreements Dispute Resolution / Grievance Counseling

Agent Agreements Show / Entertainment Contracts General Business Law and Trademark / Copyright

PS MAGAZINE

Common Questions Q: How do I know what category to register for? A: Category A- If you have skaters going to qualifying competitions and test sessions during the 2011-12 competitive year, register for Category A. Category B- If you have skaters going to non-qualifying competitions (or non-qualifying events at qualifying competitions) and test sessions, register for Category B. Category C- If you are a Basic Skills only coach, teaching group lessons and/or private basic skills lessons and are over the age of 18, Category C is recommended but not required at this time.

Q: How do I log in to take my CERs? A: The PSA membership database and e-learning databases are separate and require separate logins. On the upper left hand corner of the CER homepage enter your username and password that you used to set up your account. If you cannot remember the username or password, call Ann at the PSA office at 507-2815122 or email her at amiksch@skatepsa.com or Heidi Thibert at hthibert@skatepsa.com. If you are setting up your e-learning account for the first time, click on First Time Visitor and fill in the information.

Q: Once Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m logged in, how do I register for the courses?

Q: Do I have to register for all of the courses at one time? A: No. You can register for them one at a time, or several at once.

Q: How many courses do I need to take? A: For Category A there will be four courses, one each in Ethics, US. Figure Skating Rules, Sport Safety, and IJS. For Category B there will be three courses, one each in Ethics, US. Figure Skating Rules, and Sport Safety. For Category C (after July 1, 2011) three courses are recommended but not required at this time. Register for one course each in Class Organization and Management; Basic Skating Skills, Teaching Techniques and Evaluation; and Growth and Retention of Members.

Q: What if my name does not come up as compliant on the PSA website CER search? A: Contact Ann at the PSA office. There may be several reasons including a misspelled name or being registered in Category A but only completing Category B. If you decide to be Category B but are registered in Category A you must contact Ann (507-281-5122 or amiksch@skatepsa.com) so that she knows you have changed categories.

A: Click on Register for Courses and scroll to the section labeled for your category: Category A for 2011-12, Category B for 2011-12, or Category C for 2011-12. After registering for the courses you can access them by clicking on My Transcript, then click on Category for 2011-12, then click on the course titles.

www.skatepsa.com www.usfigureskating.org

JULY | AUGUST 2011

P R O F E S S I O N A L S K AT E R S A S S O C I AT I O N

2011 Nationwide Seminars presented by

Area Host Name 1

Kathy Knauer

Christine Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Riordan

Jacqueline Kulik Palawasta

Genesee FSC

Angela Roesch Davis

Facility

Location

Dates

Leddy Park Arena

Burlington, VT

September 17

Charles Moore Arena

Orleans, MA

September 17

William G. Mennen Sports Arena

Morristown, NJ

September 11

Frank Ritter Arena

Rochester, NY

August 28

The Steel Ice Center

Bethlehem, PA

August 28

6&7

Scott Cudmore

Polar Ice House @ the Factory

Raleigh, NC

October 8

Nancy Mariani

Saveology Iceplex

Coral Springs, FL

September 25

Sergey Petrovskiy

Troy Sports Center

Troy, MI

September 18

Lynn Rimmer

Cleveland Skating Club

Shaker Heights, OH

August 27

Thomas Amon

Bloomington Ice Garden

Minneapolis, MN

September 25

Melissa Haars

Cedar Rapids Ice Arena

Cedar Rapids, IA

November 6

Stacey Burnett & Lindsey Stucks-Vivona

Arctic Edge Arena

Oklahoma City, OK

September 25

Tracey Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien & Jamie Lane

South Suburban Family Sports Center

Denver, CO

September 11

Patti Brinkley

Olympicview Arena

Seattle, WA

September 10

Paige Scott

Yerba Buena Ice Center

San Francisco CA

October 9

Russ Scott

Glacial Gardens

Lakewood, CA

August 28

visit www.skatepsa.com for more information and an online registration form

Sport Science HEIDI THIBERT

Ready or Not! By Charlene Boudreau Note from the SSC Chair » As we are in the phase of summer competitions and in preparation for the qualifying competition season that is approaching, the idea of an article on competition readiness came to mind. This article is an excerpt from the “Figure Skating Coach’s Guide to Sport Science & Medicine” written by Charlene Boudreau and available soon to PSA members. Hopefully it will give coaches a roadmap for the season. – Heidi Thibert

Years of discussion has raised the question “What is competition readiness?” Competition readiness is not a performance at a summer competition. It is not a performance at an in-depth evaluation. In fact, it is not an event at all, but rather a PROCESS by which a skater and his/her coach prepare in a strategic manner for the upcoming competitive figure skating season. While the process of competition readiness has been defined for skaters who compete at the U.S. Championships and may subsequently be eligible for assignment to an international ISU sanctioned event during the next competitive season, competition readiness is a process from which all competitive skaters and their coaches can implement and benefit. The foundation of the competition readiness process lies in planning. Plans help identify, discuss, understand and execute all factors that affect performance in competitive sports. These factors include, but are certainly not limited to: • Goals (big/small, short-/long-term) • Strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement • Needs (athlete, coach, parent, support team) • Resources (personal/professional, human/financial) • Roles (athlete, coach, parent, support team) • Expectations

SEVEN SECTIONS OF THE SEASONAL PLAN: 1. Ultimate Performance Goal 2. Reflection / S.W.O.T. Analysis 3. Performance Objectives 4. Calendar / Seasonal Planning Chart 5. Fitness Plan (FITT Plan) 6. Resources / Support Team 7. Commitment

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Plans also foster communication by building coaches, skaters, families and other support personnel into a team. But communication amongst team members and stakeholders can make or break a plan. Regular communication builds familiarity and trust. Well-defined, well-communicated plans level expectations and equalize the team’s vision of PERFORMANCE. Competition readiness is the process of preparing strategically for such performance. The competition readiness process in competitive figure skating begins with an agreement among the skater, coach and U.S. Figure Skating. Signing this Competition Readiness Agreement signifies that the skater’s and coach’s preparation for the upcoming season will consist of at least the following six steps: 1.) Develop and submit a Seasonal Plan. This includes the seven components described in the Seasonal Planning section of this chapter. 2.) Finish short and long programs and perform them in competition well in advance of the start of the competitive season. This gives coach and skater time to evaluate program set-up and try new things relative to points and performance. 3.) Complete performance feedback well in advance of the start of the competitive season. This could include having video of a particular performance reviewed by a panel of technical experts or participating in a pre-approved in-depth technical feedback session. 4.) Obtain and submit a copy of a current passport. Passport issues are a common distraction for skaters and coaches who are preparing to compete internationally, especially for those traveling internationally for the first time. Travel to certain countries requires a visa based on a current passport, and many times passport expiration is the source of visa denial and/or travel arrangement delays. 5.) Get a pre-participation physical evaluation (PPE). PPE’s are a good idea for every coach to employ with every athlete every year. PPEs have become a standard of

Christy Krall Recognized with Sport Science Award

“Success in competition should be the outcome of quality training, not chance or luck. It should be planned for and thus expected.” care in injury/illness detection and prevention worldwide. There is a nationally recognized form, and in addition to its value to injury/illness detection and prevention, PPE information is very useful to Team USA doctors when working with elite skaters. Once submitted, PPE information is handled with the utmost discretion and is used for the purposes of (1) confirming a skater’s ability to train and compete to the best of his ability and (2) providing Team USA medical personnel with accurate and up-to-date information about every skater’s medical status so that team physicians are better able to care for those skaters during international travel and competition. For coaches of athletes from the non-qualifying through the elite level, a PPE serves as a checkpoint for the coach to stay current on existing injuries and as a prevention of future injuries.

Check the status of all current prescription and over-thecounter medications and dietary supplements and secure the appropriate approval and/or declaration of use for each at least 21 days in advance of the first competition. Link to U.S. Figure Skating website: http://www.usfigureskating.org/content/IntegratedPerfSupp-PSA.pdf

Charlene grew up playing sports and coaching in Nova Scotia, Canada, and has been working with Olympic and international sports and athletes in the United States since 1996. Her education includes an MBA in Service Management, along with graduate and undergraduate degrees in exercise science and nutrition. Charlene specializes in the integration of sport science, medicine and business tools, applications and processes into the daily operations and programs of elite athletes and organizations. In addition to owning a small sport performance consulting business, she currently teaches “Olympic, International and Amateur Sport Management” and “Sport Science for Sport Administrators” for the University of Colorado College of Business. Her research includes the Effects of Pre-Exercise Carbohydrate Feeding on Performance, Strength Threshold Zones for Maintaining Independence in Later Life, Lactate Clearance Following Maximal Cycling Effort, Physiological Profiles of Elite Male and Female Figure Skaters, and Post-Race Recovery and Lactate Clearance in Elite Male and Female Swimmers. Her most requested services involve Strategic & Seasonal Planning, Athletic Talent Identification, Nutrition & Athlete Lifestyle, Injury Management, and Technology Integration. An avid athlete, Charlene has completed three ironman triathlons, two world solo 24-hour mountain bike championships and over a dozen full or half-marathons, including the Pikes Peak Ascent and Pikes Peak Marathon.

The recipient of the PSA/U.S. Figure Skating Pieter Kollen Sport Science Coaching Award for 2011 is Christy Krall! Christy has played an important role in figure skating sport science for decades. Many coaches interested in sports science now were introduced to the concepts by Christy in her years in the athlete development department at U.S. Figure Skating Headquarters. Currently Christy serves as a busy consultant to other coaches by using Dartfish to analyze and correct jumps and spin technique. Along with Lori Nichol, she co-coaches 2011 World champion Patrick Chan of Canada. A member of the U.S. Figure Skating Sports Sciences and Medicine Committee and the Coaches Committee, Krall has presented at PSA Nationwide Seminars and the U.S. Figure Skating Pairs Camp. This is the second time she has won this award, the first in 2008. The PSA/U.S. Figure Skating Pieter Kollen Sport Science Coaching Award is presented to a “coach who utilizes scientific techniques as an integral part of his/her coaching.” Pieter Kollen did much, much more than that. Pieter was the 1962 U.S. Pairs champion and a two-time world-team member. In 1962, Mr. Kollen was a world team member in both pairs and ice dance. He had served as the Skating Director of the Indiana/ World Skating Academy for 20 years and has helped countless students fulfill their promise as athletes. Prior to Indiana, Pieter lived in Colorado Springs from 1964-1987. “Kollen was a brilliant creative presence in other ways, such as physiology, technology and training. He was on the cutting edge of analyzing the elements of jumps, showing skaters how technique and jumping height affected their success. Even in the 1960s, he developed power-skating methods to help hockey players with strength and endurance. Those methods earned him enough respect that he worked with the U.S. Olympic hockey teams of 1976 and 1980 (the Miracle on Ice bunch), and he continued directing power-skating camps until the end of his life. After moving to Indiana, Kollen added another title to his résumé: inventor. He conceived the K-Pick and Parabolic design for skating blades, both of which have made a difference for skaters everywhere.” Pieter B. “Iceman” Kollen 68, of Carmel, IN, unexpectedly passed away in 2007, and the Sport Science Award was renamed in his honor in 2008. Past recipients of the award are: 2004 Mitch Moyer 2008 Christy Krall 2005 Kathy Casey 2009 Heidi Thibert 2006 Kat Arbour 2010 Heidi Thibert 2007 Debbie Pitstos 2011 Christy Krall Pieter was a gifted teacher and spent countless hours donating his time at PSA conferences, seminars, and workshops sharing his knowledge and expertise with his peers. Pieter’s warmth of spirit and encouraging words are missed by all. PS MAGAZINE

Conquering the Fear of Failure by David Benzel

was recently asked by a coach, “How can we help young athletes get past the fear of failure?” The question can be answered on several levels and I’ll use a swimming pool metaphor to expose the depth of this common question. On the shallow end of the pool or spectrum, I remember benefitting from something I was told in the early days of my competitive career: “Turn your fear into aggression.” Energy is energy, so why not use nervous or fearful energy and convert it into aggressiveness? Learning to control that aggression and using it wisely is the next step. Most fears come from a silent question like, “What if I strike out?” or “What if I choke?” The athlete who hears that thought and

quickly responds with, “So, what am I going to do about it?” immediately puts his mind to work finding a solution that prevents it from happening! It’s a proactive approach that gives control back to the athlete. The middle depth of the pool provides a more meaningful answer. Here’s the question: “What is the purpose of your efforts in this sport?” If the purpose is to win (victory, trophy, championships) then you are always at risk of losing. The fear of losing can cripple your efforts. However if your purpose is to learn (new lessons, new strategies, new techniques) then you are guaranteed success in every practice and at every performance. There are no failures, there are only lessons.

PSA TO CELEBRATE 75TH ANNIVERSARY WITH BOOK ABOUT COACHES 16

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" ... I remember benefitting from something I was told in the early days of my competitive career: 'Turn your fear into aggression.' Energy is energy, so why not use nervous or fearful energy and convert it into aggressiveness?" When you focus on the lessons learned not only will you learn more, you’ll also win more! It’s simply a matter of focusing on what creates wins, rather than focusing on wins. At the deepest end of the pool is a more fundamental insight. Again it requires another question: Does the outcome of any effort—win or lose, success or failure —define someone? “Am I the mistakes I make?” “Is any one performance a verdict, or judgment about who I am, or my worth?” The answer to all of these questions is “NO!” The outcome of any effort is only feedback; it is not who you are. Fear of failure is, at the deepest level, a fear that a performance is a judgment about

personal worth, and that’s a fallacy that must be conquered. True value as a person and as an athlete comes from an inherent worthiness that was placed in you at birth and does not depend upon today’s performance for validation. Fear always comes from negative thoughts in an athlete’s head. When an athlete chooses to believe in herself in her heart, fear is edged out and finds no place to dwell.

David Benzel is an eight-time National Water Ski Champion and the former coach of the U.S. Water Ski Team. As the Founder and Executive Director of Growing Champions for Life, Inc., David provides parents and coaches with practical tools & positive strategies for helping athletes reach their full potential while enjoying the youth sport experience. His clients include U.S. Tennis Association, Florida Youth Soccer, Evert Tennis Academy, the Florida Region of USA Volleyball, and numerous gymnastics organizations. David is also the author of “From Chump to Champ - How Individuals Go from Good to Great” and “Five Powerful Strategies for Sport-Parent Success.”

Do you remember your first skating lesson?

Writ to use NOW !

Who taught you an Axel? How did your coach change your skating and your life? The Professional Skaters Association wants to hear your stories about your coaches. The PSA is inviting skaters to contribute their personal stories for a book celebrating the group’s 75th anniversary. The book, to be published in 2013, will tell the story of the PSA and how it grew from a small group of committed coaches into a a 6,400-member education and certification organization. The Joy of Coaching will be produced by the PSA headquarters staff and a team of researchers and writers led by Patricia Hagen, an Indianabased coach, author and journalist. It will include essays, memories, anecdotes and photos submitted by skaters and coaches. If you would like to submit a story for consideration by the book’s editors, or if you have a question about the book, send an e-mail to psa75years@yahoo.com. PS MAGAZINE

Education CAROL ROSSIGNOL

Finding One’s Center by Robert Ogilvie

wyla Tharp, the well-known dancer and choreographer, when asked what candidates she preferred to work with, replied that she preferred those with classical [ballet] training as they knew where their center was, they knew how to arrange their limbs around a central body core, referring to their center of gravity (COG), an imaginary point around which the total mass of the body is symmetrically distributed. In a human standing erect this point lies close to the navel While the body is in contact with the ground or ice surface, the COG may change its position in accordance with the body’s configuration at the time. When in flight the human COG follows an unchangeable parabolic course unless disturbed by an external force. This article deals with two related aspects involving the COG, that of balance and that of stability of the torso, which is the origin of power in stroking and jumping. Balance Ask a beginner who can skate successfully forward to skate on one foot across the rink. He or she will maintain balance by the use of arms and free leg, sometimes wildly. With practice this method of maintaining equilibrium normally lessens with time as the skater subconsciously becomes aware of his center of gravity. However, remnants of this highly unsuitable method of keeping balance may continue for some time even in moderately advanced skaters. Although the function of the arms and free leg should not be to provide balance they may assist in the timing of certain movements, not merely from a technical but also from an aesthetic point of view. The origin of balance must therefore, be transferred from the arms and free leg to the groups of muscles lying in the body in the region of the COG. To accomplish this the student is sometimes given a length of cord of a specific length to hold stretched and tense between his hands while skating. Another method is to place pennies on the backs of the student’s hands. But neither method is completely satisfactory, especially when having to constantly pick up pennies off the ice. Fortunately there is a very effective but rather difficult exercise that with perseverance can give excellent results. The description is as follows: The skater should attempt to travel in a straight line in

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the following position: body erect, torso (shoulders and pelvis) at 45˚ to the line of travel, free foot turned slightly out and lightly touching the heel of the skating foot, and tips of the fingers touching the outside of the thighs. The idea is to eliminate the use of the free limbs as a source of balance which must be transferred to the muscles of the torso. The 45˚ position of the torso was described many years ago by the elder of the two Gerschwiler brothers in his book for moderately advanced skaters, Eiskunstlaufen. In the position described the thigh muscles are in “neutral,” that is, they exercise no torque (rotary force) in either direction against the ice and thus the blade flows freely, a condition often referred to as “run of edge.” The neutral position is, of course, used when running between turns. A similar but adjusted position can be applied to all edges. The position is very difficult to maintain but worth the effort. It is of extreme importance that the fingers never lose contact with the thighs. Even top rank skaters may have difficulty on their first attempts. Ice dancers have the least difficulty as they are used to restricting movement of their arms when skating with a partner. At a later stage the position may be applied to the FO edge in which case the natural centrifugal force adds to the difficulty. With time a skater’s knowledge of his center will extend to conscious or unconscious awareness of his total physical body. In this the skater is assisted by certain sensors known as proprioceptors located in the skater’s muscles, tendon and joints, which give information regarding the position of his limbs and body in space. Stability of the torso The necessity for stability of the torso as an origin of the power thrust is demonstrated by the following story. Many years ago when I was teaching in the upper Midwest, I was asked to take on a young hockey player about fifteen, whose times (speed) were lagging behind those of the other players. Rather reluctantly I agreed to do so and set some morning ice aside when nobody else was around. He was well behaved and polite, so after he had disposed of his gum, I asked him to skate around the rink. Off he went down the straightaway, hunched over, chest concave, arms loosely swinging, first one

shoulder in the air and then the other, blades dragging across the ice after the stroke producing a tinny sound that set my teeth on edge, all in a simian crouch that made me fear that he might trip over his own hands. I watched in horror this caricature of a hockey player. Of course his times were bad, his total body was loose and disorganized; his pelvis from which the stroke originated was never in the same place in relation to the rest of his body from one thrust to the next. To make any appreciable improvement would have been a long, tedious job not to mention having to change his whole mental approach. Fortunately there was one member of his team about the same age who was also quite a good a figure skater and could skate rings around the rest of the team. I advised him to take the same course and suggested a suitable coach nearer his home whom I thought might appreciate the business. In the example just given, the skater’s muscles were floppy and disorganized--whereas control of the internal muscles of balance involves controlled mobility. In certain situations, however, the muscles of the torso must act as a total unit, an action known as “blocking,” that is, isolating and immobilizing certain groups of muscles for specific purposes. A good example is that of a skater executing back crossovers who blocks his pelvic muscles to form a strong thrusting base while using the upper body and arms for aesthetic effect. Such selective blocking is common in freestyle. Another example occurs during the take-off phase of an Axel in which the skater may approach the jump in a relaxed manner but begins to block the torso as the free leg rises in order to combat the centrifugal force of rotation at the peak of the jump. This ability to alternately relax and block is a sophisticated skill found in advanced athletes. Robert Ogilvie, 2011

The 2011 ISI/ PSA Joint Conferences was a huge success as far as the venue, topics delivered, and educational content. We thank all those that were able to attend the conference and reap the benefits from so many excellent presentations. Unfortunately, there were many that did not make it to Dallas including attendees, presenters and award winners due to flights that were either canceled or rescheduled because of the severe weather conditions. I would personally like to thank our 100 plus presenters over the five conference days for your commitment to coaches’ education and for delivering inspiring presentations. It truly was an educational round-up deep in the heart of Texas. Thank you to the ISI staff for their wonderful hospitality and fun evening at the ISI headquarters. A special thank you goes out to our guest skaters, Jason Brown, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. Thanks also to Tessa and Scott for doing triple duty as presenters, demonstrators and exhibition skaters. We loved them for their graciousness and beauty on the ice. I would also like to thank Dallas coach Darlene Cain for arranging for all the demonstrators for the on-ice and off-ice presentations. Thank you to the following skaters that demonstrated for us: Hillary Asher Annaliese Bowden Jason Brown Ashley Cain Emma Dalley Grace Dalley Sarah Danh Scott Dudley Chelsea Emery

Anthony Evans Lauren Felch Isabella Hafey Audrey Le Sarah Marron Scott Moir Shyamali Moujan Joshua Reagan Tessa Virtue

For more about the conference please see Liz Leamy’s article on the conference on page 24. ~ Carol Rossignol

Don’t miss next year’s conference in Boston!

PS MAGAZINE

DARTFISH

Introducing PSA/Dartfish TV The newly compiled Singles Skills Collection is now available! This collection contains clips of jumps, spins, and steps at various athlete levels from the 2010 season. From beginner to senior, some of the videos feature key teaching positions and observational descriptions of crucial aspects of the skills. The skills can be searched by multiple criterions via a menu. Simply check the level, discipline, or skill etc.

to find exactly what you are looking for. The first skill archive of its kind in skating, we hope you will find it a valuable and fun interactive study tool! Content will be continually updated and added throughout the season, so check back regularly for more great interactive study tools! Future collections will include skills for pairs and synchro as well!

Access Dartfish TV through the PSA website www.skatepsa.com

OO Figure

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Karen Courtland Kelly 20

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PSA Endorses New DVD

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Figure Eights: the Life Force of Figure Skatingâ&#x20AC;? Master the Skating Skills Learn the Foundation of the Moves in the Field Figure Eights make Everyone a Better Skater

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PSA On-Line Store www.skatepsa.com

J A C KS O N H A I N ES 3 The man who revolutionized skating 4 By Kent McDill • Photos courtesy of world figure skating museum & hall of fame

here was a time in the late 19th century when figure skating in America was without flair. Back in the 1860s, competitive figure skating consisted of completing diagrams on the ice with the blade. Skaters stood erect, arms straight against the sides, and scoring judgments were made based on the ice drawings, not on the physical form. Jackson Haines changed all that. Haines was born in New York in 1840, and enjoyed a life filled with introductions to the arts, including ballet, dance and music. He also enjoyed ice skating, and enjoyed adding twists and turns and jumps from his dance experience to his skating experience. Although the French had already adopted such concepts from the early 1800s, such ideas were not a part of American figure skating, at least not the part that included competitions. Haines tried to get his style of skating accepted in the United States. He joined skating clubs and competed in regulation events using the American style of skating. He exhibited his preferred style when the opportunity presented itself. He incorporated ballet moves, including jumping and spinning and, perhaps most famously, squatting,

into ice skating in the United States. But the skating establishment in the U.S. frowned upon his acrobatic, stylish additions and he was met with disdain regularly. After all, the sport was known as “figure’’ skating, and the word “figure” came from the description of what skaters had to do,

which was perform “figures’’ on the ice. When more attractive and athletic skating became the norm, figures were known as compulsories, a word which carries its own connotation, meaning “necessary”, which can then be translated to “boring.” Still, that’s what American skating was in the 1960s. Haines won national skating titles in the United States in 1863 and 1864, although the organization for such competitions was not particularly clear at that point. So in 1864, at the age of 24, Haines took his show on the road, or actually, across the ocean. He left behind a wife and three children, and never returned to the U.S. In Europe, where skating was born in the hinterlands of Scandinavia, a skater who could dance on skates was heralded, and that’s exactly what Haines could do. Haines centered his European life on Vienna, an aristocratic city full of support for the arts, and for entertainment. By 1888, Haines was touring Europe with his show of skating interpretation, and became one of the most popular entertainers, on and off the ice, of his time. Haines took his act to Western European countries such as

PS MAGAZINE

Skating in the 1800 s •Most skating took place on rivers, canals, ponds, and lakes: the hazard of skaters falling through the ice was always a possibility. •First covered indoor ice rink, Skating Club House, was built in 1854. •Inventions of the light bulb (1879) and artificial ice (mid-1800s) were utilized by rinks so patrons could be sheltered and also skate after dark. •Skaters focused on tracing basic forms of circles and figure eights into the ice. •Skaters maintained a rigid posture with arms folded and "Observers noted the faces of the figure skaters showed no joy as they immersed themselves in deep concentration to trace the intricate figures." *** from"The Story of Figure Skating," by Michael Boo, 1998

Germany and the Scandinavian states, as well as the Eastern European nations of Russia and Hungary. He skated in England, but much of the audience there frowned upon his expressionist style and he was ridiculed for what was deemed an effeminate style of skating. In the 1959 book Ice Skating: A History, author Nigel Brown explained the problem facing Haines in England, and why he was adored in Austria. “To the Viennese, skating meant something to see, to the British it meant something to do,’’ Brown wrote. Through the few years he had in Europe, Haines brought a complete revolution to the sport, both literally and figuratively. He invented what is today known as the sit spin, which required him to crouch onto his haunches while spinning on his blades. He added a ballet move that became the well-known skating staple, the spiral. He developed a new, shorter, curved blade that was easier to “dance" with than the longer straight blade used for figures. For his shows, he incorporated music, an addition that still differentiates compulsories from free skating. Another modern ingredient in skating that is attributed to Haines is fashion. Haines often wore lavish outfits while he skated, and even occasionally dressed as a woman. But Haines was more than an entertainer. He was an advocate and proponent

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for the more stylish athletic skating. What became known as “the international style’’ of skating eventually won out over the staid American and English styles, and Haines was feted throughout Europe until his untimely death in the late 1870s. In 1882, the city of Vienna, Haines’ adopted home town, held an international skating championship, considered by some to be the first of its kind. According to The Official Book of Figure Skating from the U.S. Figure Skating Association, the competition included 23 compulsory figures (paying tribute to the earlier skating forms), an additional figure not among the compulsories, and a four-minute special

program of the skater’s choosing. The competition was won by Leopold Frey, one of Haines’ students from Vienna. Haines also revolutionized the skates themselves. He began the practice of screwing blades directly onto his boots as a permanent fixture. Prior to that, skates were clamped onto boots with elaborate but non-permanent manners. To perform the kind of skating Haines did, he needed the skate to be bonded to the boot to avoid unwanted movement of the blades. Jackson Haines died of tuberculosis in Finland in 1875 at the age of 35. He never got to see his style of skating adopted in his native land of America.

PSA MEMBERSHIP RECOGNITION

Coaches who were in attendance at the PSA Membership Meeting at Conference were recognized and received commemmorative lapel pins. From left to right: Debbie Colgan, Marie Millikan, Emily Cassella, Bert Blanchette, Tammy Gambill, Cindy Solberg, Diane Agle, Gerry Lane, Jennie Walsh, Debbie Lane, Bob Mock, Nina Stark-Slapnik, Jayne Throckmorton, Cynthia Van Valkenburg, Betsy Wilson, Janet Tremer, Marylill Elbe

The PSA would like to recognize the committment longtime coaches have made to the growth of the PSA and the skating industry in general. We salute these fine coaches for their continued support. Diamond Anniversaries Lorraine Borman 60 years

Wilma J. Dee Irene Muehlbronner Bob Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell

Golden Anniversaries 50 years

Carole Shulman Miggs D. Neenan

Ruby Anniversaries 40 years

Marie Millikan

Emerald Anniversaries 30-39 years

Kristin G. Adams Diane J. Agle Tahlma S. Ahlers Linda Alexander Jewell L. Augustine Shirley L. Ayers Linda B. Bacon Eloise H. Becker Roland Bessette Kristiane Birkeland Bert Blanchette Martha Bodnar Shirley J. Bolyea

Chris Bothner-By Lori V. Brakke Nancy H. Brooks Sharon B. Brooks Candice Brown-Burek Carol S. Brust-Fine Mandy Callaghan Richard Callaghan Becky H. Calvin Lee Ann Cameron Denise Carr-Cattani Emily L. Cassella Grete B. Castaneda Susan Ceci Marcia P. Chaffee Kenneth Class Deborah B. Colgan Sherry D. Cook Jill A. Cosgrove Jack Courtney Linda Crowley Dorothy M. Cunningham Tammy Defelice Helen F. Dennis Debbie Dodge-Howe Melissa M. Driscoll Marylill Elbe Megan Faulkner Bona B. Fenzl

Nancy Fillebrown Brienne P. Fiske Tammy Gambill Cindy Geltz Larisa S. Gendernalik Alice Gibbs-Jones Julie G. Eavzan Ann Hanson Martha Harding Anita Hartshorn Alice S. Hayward Vicki Helgenberg Amy K. Henderson Mary Karen C. Henderson Susan M. Hlebinsky Polly Hodgkins Marcia M. Homer Teri K. Hooper Ilona H. House Shirley C. Hughes Christine D. Jones Gary F. Jones Kathie Kader Robert Kaine Barry J. Kamber Michele Kelley Susan M. Kelley Ted Kelton Vicki Korn

Debbie Lane Gerry Lane Kenneth R. Langley Nancy M. Leamy Marc Lebel Debi Leeming Jeane R. Lepiscopo Betty Lewis Deborah Lincoln-Vizzina Karen K. Lingenfelter Page Lipe Kathy Lyons Peggy Macdonald Jill Maier-Collins Sharon Martens Helen M. Mcgrew Juli Mckinstry-Hosking Maureen Mcloughlin Lee Meadows Karen Melzer Mark Militano Diane Miller Debbie D. Minahan Robert Mock Cecily A. Morrow Hans Mueller Val Nauroth Jeanette Nelson Christy Ness Darlene G. Parent

*Recognition for consecutive active years of membership. Pins will be mailed out to those who did not already receive theirs at Conference.

Dr. Renee M. Parker Nicolas Perna Nancy M. Pickard Gale F. Pilla Janice H. Platzer Tracey Poletis Sharon Q. Mulligan Ronald Radke Beth Randall Lois Rankin Donna Reed Leslie G. Reilly Teri S. Rickman Kathy Riper Kim Roberts-Patterson Kathy C. Romano Diana Ronayne Kelly Rossbach Neil Rubin Sara Beth Rubin Lynne Sawicki-Fulton Pamela Schneider Barbara C. Schulz Russell Sessions Amanda G. Shelburne Kenneth Shelley Diane Simpson-Pye Janice C. Smith Cindy M. Solberg Betsie Spisak

Nina Stark-Slapnik Andrew G. Stroukoff Cindy L. Sullivan Joe Summerfield Laura S. B. Sweeney Terri Sweeney-Krystof Suzi L. Sweezey Beth Sweiding-Sisofo Elsa Swenning Michael E. Tamres Peggy Lill Tamres Jayne M.Throckmorton Janet Tremer Helga Valle Dorian Valles Cynthia Van Valkenburg Laurie Vieth Sharon P. Wagner Kathy G. Wainhouse Jennie Walsh Michelle D. Webber Vickey Weber Audrey K. Weisiger Connie Williams Betsy E. Wilson Kathy W. Woodward Deborah Wyatt Leslie B. Yeager Lana Zieglmeier Susan Zuerlein-Crotty

By Liz Leamy

2011 DALLAS CONFERENCE–A HIGHLY SPIRITED ROUND UP Coaches schooled on building business and bettering technical skills

allas, Texas, the flourishing southwestern U.S. metropolis famous for its cowboys, rodeos, football and some of the world’s biggest oil and energy companies, provided the perfect backdrop for this year’s annual Ice Skating Institute/ Professional Skaters Association Conferences and Trade Show. The conference, held May 24th to the 28th at the Westin Galleria in Dallas, drew more than 300 attendees from all over the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia. Coaches attended dozens of on and off-ice seminars on subjects such as jumps, spins, footwork, choreography, periodization, effective business practices, and boot and blade education in hopes to better their teaching knowledge and business clientele. This year’s roster of speakers featured many of the top teaching

luminaries in the business, including Frank Carroll, the iconic Californiabased coach who helped guide Evan Lysacek to Olympic gold in 2010; John Nicks, the premier World and Olympic singles and pairs coach; Audrey Weisiger, the two-time U.S. Olympic coach who hosts the popular Grassroots to Champions seminars throughout the country; and David Dore, the Canadian World and Olympic official who currently serves as the International Skating Union vice president. This year, on and off-ice seminars were more convenient than ever to attend, since the official PSA conference hotel, the Westin, was situated right next to the rink located in the center of the huge glass-enclosed Galleria Mall. “This is amazing, it’s so easy to go to the seminars and the rink, and it’s great for everyone,” said Chip Rauth, U.S. Figure Skating music technician and

conference technical coordinator. Coaches appeared happy at having made the effort to attend this year’s conference in spite of busy schedules and the conservative attitude over spending due to the current economy. Throughout the week, attendees could be seen socializing and enthusiastically discussing different skating topics with one another. “I think this is a good investment for coaches,” said Carol Rossignol, PSA Education and Accreditation Director. “They become motivated and energized by the ideas and things they learn here.” Kathy Casey, the esteemed U.S. National World and Olympic coach, said the conference is a vital tool for coaches looking to achieve success. “I haven’t missed one conference since I began teaching,” said Casey. “Everyday of my life I want to be a better coach and that takes work.

Nobody’s going to educate you but yourself, so get out there and get as much information as you can.” This year, there were numerous seminars geared toward the business aspect of coaching, something the PSA wanted to focus on more intensely in order to help coaches increase their knowledge in regard to this all-important side of the sport. “Coaching is a business,” said Rossignol. “We are offering more seminars on business topics this year because want to provide our members with as much information as possible in every area of teaching.” Officials from U.S. Figure Skating

also agreed the conference is a great investment for coaches. “Every chance you can get to improve your education is vital and there’s always good that comes out of it,” said Mitch Moyer, U.S. Figure Skating senior director of high performance. “The conference rejuvenates you and gives new information, ideas and ways to look at things, which translates to the skaters feeling strong, confident and good,” he explained. JUMPS, SPINS AND FOOTWORK This year’s series of on and off-ice jump, spin and footwork classes were educational, interesting and enlightening.

Kathy Casey, the U.S. Olympic and World coach, explained the particulars of executing a Lutz. Casey, whose former student, Jill-Lyn Sawyer, a former U.S. Junior World champion who was one of the first American ladies to ever execute a triple Lutz in competition during the late 1970s, explained details on the Lutz takeoff. She said in order for a skater to achieve good height and a nice air position, they need to have a good reach back with their free foot followed by the tap and closing of the arms and legs. “When your feet meet, you leave [the ice],” said Casey. Jackie Brenner, a PSA Masterrated national coach from Edmond, Oklahoma said it is imperative for coaches to be familiar with blade usage when teaching all of the single jumps. “Skaters can get up to 18 inches off the ground and are capable of doing five revolutions per second, so on takeoff, they should feel the heel through the big toe and the rock of the blade,” said Brenner. Brenner also explained skaters ought to feel as though they’re getting under the jump before they

Audrey Weisiger's Grassroots to Champions on-ice session

PS MAGAZINE

�

Frank Carroll sits down for a chat with Scott Brown during the 'Inside the Coaches Studio' session.

E N E SC Handy Ear Buds made listening to the on-ice presentations a cinch. Many coaches took advantage of their Ear Buds from the surrounding restaurants during meal times!

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take off so they achieve both explosion and rotation. “The skater has to create a power angle, hit their pick and then explode through the lower body,” stated Brenner. Janet Champion also gave some excellent pointers on spins. “You want to do a good forward outside three turn on entry and then begin pulling in with strong balance and good positions,” she said. Scott Brown, a national and world-level master-rated PSA choreographer and U.S. Figure Skating technical specialist, conducted a popular series of footwork seminars. He suggested that skaters start their straight-line step sequence with a series of different turns in both directions and then complete them by the first (blue) hockey line. He said the greater the edge quality in each turn, the better the entire sequence will look. Upon completion of the turns, skaters are then recommended to do various steps and artistic

JULY | AUGUST 2011

Opening keynote speaker Trevor Moawad presents his topic: "The Right Attitude is the Competitive Advantage."

movements that correlate with their music. This section should go from the first (blue) hockey line down to the goal area. According to Brown, the skater’s steps and artistic movements should be clear, concise and match the rhythm and timing of the music. COACHING AS A BUSINESS This year, business was the big buzzword here at the conference. Coaches filled rooms at the hotel in order to be educated on subjects such as management and leadership, building successful hockey and learn-to-skate programs, creative ways to reduce expenses and information on boots, blades and rental skates. “Coaching is a business and should be approached as one,” said Jonathan Geen, a partner with the Borton, Petrini LLP (law) firm in San Diego, and former competitor. Geen said coaches ought to know risks and considerations, should read and understand documents, realize that a contract term is negotiable and seek advice

and assistance when appropriate. He also discussed the issue of being an independent contractor as opposed to being a rink employee, skater and coach agreements, skater and agent agreements, and copyright information. “Find win-win situations and always put everything in writing,” said Geen. He also went over financial planning and noted that spending and saving money might fluctuate at times especially in light of the current economy. “Think about tax issues and maintaining and preparing adequate accounting and business records,” he said. Geen also encouraged coaches to consider consulting certified public accountants, attorneys, financial planners and marketing and advertising personnel as a means to build their business. Kevin McCormack, vice president of arena operations at Floyd Hall Arena in Little Falls, New Jersey, gave an insightful class on manage-

David Dore (along with John Nicks and Peter Martell) listens to comments during the panel discussion 'Figure Skating in the 21st Century.'

ment and leadership principles. He said successful leaders get in the trenches, are good listeners, demonstrate a strong work ethic and have an accurate perception of what employees think about them. In addition, good leaders motivate, explain how and why on everything, let employees do their job, keep everyone on an even level and maintain a positive vision and attitude. “Know your strengths and weaknesses and learn from what you don’t know,” said McCormack. BOOTS AND BLADES PROVIDE A FOUNDATION Dan Riegelman, the vice president of marketing for Riedell skates, provided coaches with excellent information and insight on boots and blades. Rigelman covered some of the major aspects of boot information, such as which one would be best for a skater, depending on their size and skill level. Coaches ought to look at skaters and be able to discern from their size, body position

Left: Janet Champion's on-ice presentation Below: Keynote speaker Kevin Cottam spoke to coaches about eliciting great performances from their skaters.

and basic skating skills what type of skate would work best for them. “It’s important that coaches know this information,” said Riegelman. “The right equipment makes all the difference.” He said that muscle tone is very different for each age group and that certain boot styles are better suited for certain skaters so they experience the proper growth and development both on and off the ice. Rigelman also noted how every boot manufacturers has a signature style or characteristics that defines their brand. He mentioned his company makes boots with a slightly narrow toe, while other manufacturers might have a wider toe boxes (SP-Teri, Harlick) or a higher heel slope (Risport). This year, Riedell has started selling a new line of blades as a means to provide better value to their clientele who might buy higher level or custom boots. Riegelman said offering a blade to the customer directly through

their company will ultimately make the whole selection and buying process easier, faster and better.

Champions Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue take the ice with Brandon Forsyth.

PS MAGAZINE

Best Practices For Effective Coaching |

series

How much are your skaters’ parents and family involved in your approach to coaching? The answers between coaches could not be more different. Obviously, some coaches believe in having the family involved and others do not. Tom Zakrajsek said he asks for the family to be involved “as much as possible, and as much as is appropriate to the age and sex of the child.’’ “I work with a lot of male athletes, and the young men don’t want that involvement, and you have to work with that,’’ Zakrajsek said. “Generally, as men get older it is on their terms. “With females, I don’t think it is an age, it is up to the parent,” he said. “I do think there are different techniques to parenting. Different cultures have different approaches to parenting.” Dalilah Sappenfield has the exact opposite approach. “I have a very good relationship with all the parents,’’ Sappenfield said. “I am very upfront about this. I welcome them being parents, but once the skaters are at the rink, I really would rather have them come to me. I am in charge of their safety, and because I am in charge of their safety, I really avoid having any distractions from parents. “When a skater gets emotional in pairs, you are putting yourself in harms way,’’ she said. “I make my parents aware that once they are in the rink, they are welcome to stay in the stands and watch. But for the most part they need to stay out of the coaching part of it.”

Not at all

20%

Not very much

Robbie Kaine % wants his parental involvement at the Moderate to heavy involvement start of the coaching process. “I want feedback from my parents on what kind o f person their kid is,’’ Kaine said. “What do they like, how do they like to learn, are they more audio than visual, are there emotional problems I should be aware about. “But I don’t think they are involved at all in my coaching approach,’’ he said. “I am honest with my parents when I first start coaching, and have a meeting about my style of coaching. I believe in positive reinforcement, and positive training atmosphere. I am never mean to anybody, but I am honest.” Kaine said he goes out of his way to maintain communication with the parents up to a point. “If you expect me to call you back immediately, it is probably not going to happen,’’ Kaine said. “If I can I will get back to you in 24 hours. I tell them what they can expect from me. I tell them the level of improvement they can expect. But if they tell me they want me to teach something differently, that’s not going to happen.”

How much practice time do you recommend for every hour of lesson time? “It is important for me in pairs to give them a good amount of time in practice,’’ Sappenfield said. “It forces them to work on their communication and relationship as a team.” Sappenfield said she gave her students an hour of lesson time followed by two hours of practice. Kaine used to operate on a 4-1 ratio of practice time to lesson time but said it has changed to close to a 50-50 ratio. “I think there is a lot more demand, especially with ice dancing,” he said. “There are so many things that have to be looked after. Lifts, spins, step sequences, choreographer - there are so many elements to be covered. Then there is strength and conditioning. Coaches have to be involved with all of that. Zakrajsek is on a 2-1 ratio of practice time to lesson time. “I do think it takes a certain number of repetitions to

master a piece of footwork or spin,’’ Zakrajsek said. “If a skater is constantly being given information and never has time to integrate the information put into their brain, it is in there but they never get to do anything with it.”

40% 30% 20% 10% 30 60 90 120 >120

Lesson Minutes

At the 2010 Professional Skaters Association annual conference, a panel of coaches discussed the results of a coaching survey about best coaching practices. The survey was created and developed by Merry Neitlich, Director of the Coach’s Edge, an instructional coaching program. Neitlich moderated the panel, which included men’s singles coach Frank Carroll, dance coach Robbie Kaine, pair skating coach Dalilah Sappenfield and ladie’s singles coach Tom Zakrajsek. There were a dozen questions asked in the survey. In the third and final story in the series, PSA Magazine presents more of the results of the survey along with comments from the coaches on the panel.

JULY | AUGUST 2011

FUTURE OF FIGURE SKATING A HOT TOPIC

Think tank of top luminaries discuss ways to help grow sport

By Liz Leamy

Figure skating is famously known to be a main event at the Winter Olympics, but over the past few years, has been seeking to reclaim its former top spot as a sports media ‘darling.’

Back in 1994, when television ratings for figure skating hit an all-time high because of the infamous Tonya Harding-Nancy Kerrigan knee-bashing incident, the sport rode a huge tidal wave of popularity with the mass public. That year, figure skating generated an unprecedented 48.5 million television viewer rating during the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, known to be one of the largest television audiences ever at that time for a single sporting event, including football. “The Kerrigan-Harding moment changed skating and was a major turn for the media in the sport,” said Christine Brennan, the award-winning USA Today sports columnist, ABC News commentator and best-selling author at a fascinating PSA Conference forum on the future of figure skating. Since that history-making time, television ratings for figure skating have dipped, yet the sport still manages to maintain a devoted, sizeable and loyal following. In Dallas, some of the sport’s top officials, coaches and other vital members participated in a forum on the future of figure skating to help generate ideas so that figure skating might achieve another golden era in terms of its media popularity. According to Brennan, figure skating (as well as most of the other sports out there) has experienced a ratings decline over the past number of years mostly due to the

massive expansion of cable stations across the U.S. and around the world. She also said the complexity of the International Judging System in national and world-level competitions has made the placement-tallying process more difficult for the general public to understand, as opposed to the former 6.0 method. In turn, viewers feel they cannot be part of the judging process on a fan level. Finally, Brennan stated the American public likes having a domestic ladies’ superstar, such as Michelle Kwan, the iconic nine-time U.S. titlist, to cheer on while watching an event. David Dore, the esteemed Canadian World and Olympic judge and International Skating Union vice president, said innovation is necessary to figure out a solution. “We’re running the sport like we have for 50 years, and we need to think outside of the box,” said Dore. Brennan mentioned that media coverage, even at the local level, might help generate further awareness of the sport with the public. “Media coverage obviously helps,” said Brennan. “Coaches should reach out to the media even at the local levels and inform them about their young skaters. Every little bit helps.”

Carolina, listed an extensive roster of major sponsors compared to when they held the 2007 Nationals in St. Paul, Minnesota. She also reported that total Learn-to-Skate enrollments across the U.S. last season had risen by five percent compared to the previous year. “We’re in a good spot and can get better,” she said, adding “we have to stop wringing our hands over where we were in the 1990s.” St. Peter mentioned how the lifestyles of today’s generation of young people and parents have played a critical role in the popularity of the sport. She said kids have more extracurricular choices today and are busy with other activities while parents seem to be interested in quick results. Consequently, those skaters who are unable to invest substantial time in the sport generally wind up disappointed with the results, since it is necessary to practice a great deal in order to achieve almost any level of success in tests and competition. As a result, those less-committed skaters either go on to pursue skating at a recreational level or simply quit, which affects both the growth and bottom line of the sport. St. Peter said the current economy has also had a major impact on figure skating today.

“As teachers, we have to create some level of success for everybody and we can’t generalize. Enjoyment is paramount and we as coaches have a lot of influence on that.” John Nicks Patricia St. Peter, U.S. Figure Skating president, said the popularity of skating seems to be increasing based upon some major statistics from last season. St. Peter said the 2011 U.S. Championships in Greensboro, North

“People’s disposable time is shrinking and there are more working families than in the past,” said St. Peter. She suggested rink owners and operators try and make more efficient use of their client’s time as a means to accomPS MAGAZINE

GREAT TIPS FROM AMERICA'S TOP COACHES June 1st Test Rule Changes The following changes to tests were approved at Governing Council to mimic changes to the competition rules. These changes went into effect on June 1, 2011.

Preliminary Free Skate

Spins: Recommended two to include: 1. Front scratch to back scratch â&#x20AC;&#x201C; exit on spinning foot not mandatory (minimum 3 revolutions on each foot) 2. Sit spin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in recognizable sit position (3 revolutions)

Pre-Juvenile Free Skate

Spins: Recommended two to include: 1. One camel spin (minimum 3 revolutions) 2. One combination spin: forward camel spin to forward sit spin, change of foot optional (minimum 6 revolutions combined in forward sit and camel positions)

Juvenile Free Skate

Spins: Recommended two to include: 1. Ladies: Layback or attitude spin (minimum 4 revolutions in position) Men: Forward camel spin (minimum 4 revolutions in position) 2. One spin combination with one change of foot and at least one change of position (minimum 4 revolutions on each foot). Must include two of the following positions: camel, sit or upright.

Intermediate Free Skate

Spins: Recommended two to include: 1. Flying spin (minimum 5 revolutions in position) 2. Spin combination consisting of at least one change of foot and at least one change of position (minimum 4 revolutions on each foot)

JULY | AUGUST 2011

Junior Free Skate

Jumps: Recommended eight jump elements for men and seven jump elements for ladies, which must include the following: 3. One series of one or more non-listed jump(s) and one double jump. The non-listed jump(s) will precede the double jump while maintaining the cadence of the jumping rhythm. Non-listed jumps may include but are not limited to: waltz jump, inside Axel, half flip, half loop, split jump, walley, stag jump, bunny hop, mazurka, ballet hop, side toe hop and falling leaf.

Senior Free Skate

Steps: Ladies: One step sequence of advanced difficulty, covering the full ice surface and one spiral sequence. See rule 3643 (G) and (I) for description.

Novice Free Dance

Lifts: Either one short lift and one long lift or three short lifts. If three short lifts are used, only one type of lift may be repeated. A long lift (not to exceed 12 seconds) can be chosen from the following: reverse rotational lift, serpentine lift or combination lift. The short lifts (not to exceed six seconds) are stationary lift, straight line lift, curve lift or rotational lift. In additionbronze pattern dances can now be single-paneled by a silver or higher rank dance test judge.

“Coaches should reach out to the media even at the local levels and inform them about their young skaters. Every little bit helps.” Christine Brennan

Award Winners

Announced at the 2011 PSA Awards Dinner during the ISI/ PSA Conference, the following coaches received recognition for their commitment to the sport of figure skating.

The F. Ritter Shumway Award

Frank Carroll

The Jimmy Disbrow Distinguished Official Award

Patricia St. Peter

2011 Coaches Hall of Fame modate this situation. Peter Martell, Ice Skating Institute Executive Director, said the key for future growth in the sport is to develop the skaters at the lower levels, especially with Learn to Skate programs and public sessions being popular everywhere right now. “Inexpensive entertainment does well in tough economic times,” said Martell. The key to retaining this new-growth business, said Martell, is to make skating an affordable, enjoyable, non-eliminating thing. “We (coaches, skaters, parents and rink managers and owners) all need each other,” he said. St. Peter said coaches should "Figure out what the families can handle," and ease parents into the sport in terms of time commitment and money, encourage students to participate in a bridge program and find other areas such as synchronized team skating, theatre on ice and testing as options if they decide not to compete on an individual level. Ultimately, success is a unique thing for each skater and something all coaches need to understand and respect. “As teachers, we have to create some level of success for everybody and we can’t generalize,” said John Nicks, the U.S. Olympic and World coach. “Enjoyment is paramount and we as coaches have a lot of influence on that.” Brennan said this is what the sport needs to focus on in order to continue increasing its visibility and popularity with the media and general public. “Unless there’s a real push we’re still going to get the [same] ratings,” she said. “You want to present skating like Broadway meets sports so it carries us all away and [becomes] our hopes and our dreams.” Undoubtedly, this is a task that certainly can be achieved by the vast number of talented, driven and spirited skaters, coaches and choreographers who work so hard to grow and develop the sport here in the U.S.

Photo of the Year Developmental Coach Paul McGrath Choreography Award The Betty Berens Award Sonja Henie Award Gustave Lussi Award

Lori Nichol, Igor Shpilband, and Theresa Weld Blanchard Mark Walentiny

Kori Ade Igor Shpilband and Marina Zoueva Charles Fetter

Yuka Sato

Scott Hamilton

Pieter Kollen Sport Science Coaching Award

Christy Krall

Joe Serafine Volunteer of the Year

Marylill Elbe

Fritz Dietl Award

Center Ice Arena

Coach of the Year

Igor Shpilband and Marina Zoueva

2011 Honorary Member and Lifetime Achievement Award

Lynn Benson

Just a LITTLE Posture – Emails to Sheila!

CHAMPION CORDS – ALIGNMENT By Sheila Thelen PRESIDENT – Champion Cords EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR –

Grassroots To Champions

“I teach at A-Game Sportsplex in Nashville, TN and I teach a little 7 year old girl named Ching Ching. This girl is loaded with talent and has good posture and stroking ability when she wants to have it! However, I expect her to have good posture and stretch at ALL TIMES and I felt she was slacking a little and I’m sure was tired of hearing me repetitively say “Stretch, point, lift, extend,” so I remembered I had my Champion Cords in my bag and decided to see if it would make her have the stretch and line that I expect from my students. IT WORKED!!! She was instantly stretching out her arms and legs and looking beautiful. The cords build strength in the legs and arms so of course she said her arms and legs were tired by the end of the lesson! I forgot how great Champion Cords work for improvement of skaters lines and position alignment. They also add an element of “doing something new” in a lesson when I find that a skater becomes stagnant. They are even fun and entertaining for me as a coach as well:) Love my Champion Cords!” Robert J. Mauti, PSA Master Rated Coach THANK-YOU Robert for using Champion Cords on your skaters! Send your photos and success stories to me at: sk8Thelen@aol.com Champion Cords can be purchased online at the PSA Store: www.skatepsa.com Champion Cords are Endorsed by the PSA

Meet your AREA REPRESENTATIVE Interviewed and written by Kathy Goeke

Anne Marie Nesto Filosa Medfield, MA

Area 2 Representative since November 2008 Years Coaching: 38 years Ratings/Rankings: MM, MG, SFS, Hockey I & II, Ranking Level II

Anne Marie Filosa remembers skating with her father at an outdoor rink every Wednesday after school. Her memories of those weekly dates with Dad are indelible and remain a part of her teaching philosophy. “I remember the exhilarating feeling of flying around the rink holding hands with my father, stroking in rhythm to the organ music and the jingling bells on the red pompoms on my laces,” Filosa said. “I strongly encourage parents to public skate with their children so they can experience skating with the emotional and physical support of their parents.” After 38 years of teaching, Filosa still loves to skate, performing with the National champion Esprit de Corps Masters synchronized team, and preparing to test the Tango Romantica ice dance. Filosa’s daughter is a synchro skater and U.S. Figure Skating

double Gold Medalist, and her son competes in ISI Special Skater 3 and Special Hockey International. “We often joke that we are a ‘Skatish’ family, but I am very proud that both of my children have inherited my passion for skating,” she said. Filosa said one of the greatest challenges facing skaters today is finding time to practice, but she believes independent practice should be a priority. “Children are involved in so many activities that it’s difficult to find time to come to the rink and practice when they are not having a lesson,” she said. “While working independently, they can develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills that will serve them well in their lives, both on and off the ice.”

Andrew Beck

St. Leonard, Quebec Area 17, International Years coaching: 25 Ratings/Rankings: BA, RD Andrew Beck revels in his students’ successes. His treasured memories of those successes are what motivate him to give his best to his skaters. “Being a part of a student’s success is really gratifying,” Beck said. “Teaching them to put their best foot forward and then watching them succeed is like no other. The millions of little and big milestones that are burned in my memory!” Beck began his career by partnering dancers for his coach, Gary McGirr, and discovered he loved interacting with the students. He was quickly hooked on being able to share in the success of each student. “After 25 years, I haven’t found anything more fulfilling,” he said. Beck and his wife, Nasha, also delight in working extensively with Special Olympics. In 2000, Nasha launched Figure Skating for

Special Olympics in Quebec and has continued to help organize programs throughout the Province ever since. “When a Special Olympian succeeds, they rarely filter their emotions” he said. “They have the power to bring tears of joy to anyone that’s lucky enough to work with them.” Andrew and Nasha’s two children – Eva, 5, and William, 4 – are following in Mom and Dad’s tracings. He said they both love to skate. As an Area Representative, Beck hopes to share his enthusiasm for the sport that has taught him balance and courage, both on and off the ice. He advises new coaches to take advantage of the learning opportunities provided by the PSA. “Be passionate, and seek good advice!”

PS MAGAZINE

Legal Ease DAVID SHULMAN

A Rose By Any Other Name... A

ttending a Conference does three things for me; meet and greet friends I have not seen in a year or more; determine through attendance at various presentations that I am on the correct track in the manner I am working with skaters assigned to me (only do team teaching); and talk to the membership regarding issues they would like discussed in PS Magazine. At this past Conference in Dallas, several members approached me with much the same question… How does a person legally change their name? Most laws in the various states are similar, so explaining generally what takes place or is needed should get you started in the correct direction. Amending birth certificates require special forms. APPLYING 1. The applicant must have resided in the state for some minimum time, usually six months 2. File any application required in the county where living. 3. Be at least 18 years of age at filing OR be the parent or legal guardian if the person whose name is being changed. 4. Pay required fee and obtain certified copy of the name change order of the court.

Be careful you fill out the application using the EXACT name you wish as it is to appear on all legal documents. Always keep in mind that a name change must be made in good faith and with no intent to defraud or mislead anyone by the change of name. The application will have a place to list real estate owned by the party seeking name change. Legal descriptions should be obtained from the local County Recorder, Registrar of Titles or the office where land titles are filed. Do NOT use the description appearing on real estate tax statements. Parties who have gone through dissolution of marriage often have their prior-to-marriage name restored. This creates a problem for some people who want family names to be the same but the party on the other side of the dissolution objects. State law will have a procedure which must be carefully followed. Generally, no minor child may have their name changed without both parents having notice that a name change application has been filed. Proof of service of the notice of pending name change must be filed with the application so as to show the court the “other side” received notice of the date, time and place of the name change proceedings. If a parent objects to the name change, a hearing is held. In a request to change the name on a birth certificate, the court must find that the changing of the minor child’s name is in the best interest of the child.

Be careful you fill out the application using the EXACT name you wish as it is to appear on all legal documents.

JULY | AUGUST 2011

PS MAGAZINE

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P R O F E S S I O N A L S K AT E R S A S S O C I AT I O N

Entry Level Coaching Course With eight hours of intensive instruction, you will graduate with an introductory strategy to successfully navigate the world of coaching. Explore these topics: • educational theory applied to skating • skill breakdowns • how skaters develop • skating equipment basics • the education of parents • the what & why of coaching ethics • basic business practices to grow your small business...and more! Enjoy these benefits: (a $25 value!) • On & off-ice instruction from master-rated coaches • Curriculum specifically designed to optimize your teaching potential • Educational handouts • A peer learning experience in a nurturing environment • PSA Membership • A PSA Coaches Manual

Upon completion receive: • An ELCC certificate

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• A pass to move directly to your first oral rating!

If you have been coaching for seven years or less, this course is for you! NEXT COURSE:

September 11, 2011—Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Contact Barb Yackel at the PSA office: byackel@skatepsa.com or by phone 507-281-5122

CALENDAR

EVENTS

J U LY Date: Location: Event: Contact: Deadline:

July 7 Area 7 Extreme Ice Center, 4705 Indian Trail - Fairview Rd, Indian Trail, NC 28079 North Carolina State Workshop [8:30 am to 12:30 pm] Jenny Wesley Gwyn 704-882-1830 jennyg@xicenter.com Workshop - June 24, 2011