May/June 2015

MAY/JUNE

2015

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o r h c yn

Loving

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Haydenettes

2015 u.s. SYNCHRONIZED skating Champions

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FEATURES

Over the Edge | Jimmie Santee

6 8 10

President’s Message | Angie Riviello

14

Ratings | Brandon Forsyth

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SafeSport | U.S. Figure Skating

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Sport Science | Heidi Thibert

16

Education | Carol Rossignol

34

Legal Ease | David Shulman

6 In the Trenches

9 Ratings Exams Passed

15 Excellence On Ice 21 Obituary 36 New Members 38 PSA Calendar of Events Jimmie Santee | Editor Carol Rossignol | Contributing Editor Amanda Taylor | Art Director Elizabeth Thornton | Advertising/Editorial Assistant COVER PHOTO COURTESY U.S. FIGURE SKATING

MAY | JUNE

2015 ~ No 3 #ISSN-574770

2015 Nationwide Seminars

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Knowledge in the North

23 26

2015 PSA International Conference & Trade Show

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2015 Honor Roll of Synchronized Skating Coaches Why We Love Synchro

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BY ELIZABETH THORNTON

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HONOR ROLL

3 of 4

COACHES 2015

History of Judging: Part V

BY BRUCE POODLES

31

The Benefits of Off-Ice Training

32

BY DENISE DOBERT & LAURA FRIEDMAN

26

What Would Rafael Arutyunyan Do?

BY TERRI MILNER TARQUINI

Take note. . .

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K EEP U P W ITH T HE PSA...

PSA e-magazine

@ProfSk8rsAssoc

Professional Skaters Association(PSA)

ProfSk8rsAssoc

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 Mid-West East

W

hen making important decisions, it is always a good idea to get the facts, study them well, and make an educated judgement. One of my favorite sayings is, “you never have enough time to do it right the first time, but always enough time to do it the second.” We are facing one of these dilemmas currently. In fact, by the time you read this, it could have been decided at the U.S. Figure Skating Governing Council. What I am describing is a fundamental but extremely important change in the rules of our sport to encourage risk taking at the developing juvenile, intermediate, and novice levels. We are not discussing dance or pairs, but singles.

The issue is our men and ladies are falling behind on the international stage. Just a few years ago, the United States dominated at the junior level internationally. Not anymore. At the senior level today, we are more often off the podium than on. While in my last editorial I was critical for attempting quads to just attempt quads, the reality is that we are watching a majority of non-American skaters out-jump us. The ISU rules promote jumps at the expense of skating. The points to be attained from the technical scores exceeds the maximum that can be achieved in the program components. Don’t get me wrong, program components are important…it’s just that the rewards are greater for the riskier jumps.

A philosophical change is in order. IJS was never intended to develop skaters, only to evaluate the execution of a program. The singles committee is proposing several changes. Individually, I’m not sure they would work, but as a group I think this is the way to go. Of course, these proposals have to get past the singles committee first and then Governing Council… no easy feat!

First is the penalty for falling. The proposal calls for a reduction to a .5 penalty for juvenile and intermediate falls and .75 for novice. Junior and senior would remain at 1.00 per fall. The rationale, which is a strong indication that this needs to change, is that in an average 45 point juvenile program, a fall represents more "One of my favorite than 2% of the program total. Comparatively, a sayings is, “you fall in a 140 point senior program accounts for only .7% of their total. never have enough

time to do it right the first time, but always enough time to do it the second.”"

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Doug Ladret Todd Sand Teri Klingworth Hooper Brandon Forsyth Denise Williamson Robyn Petroskey-Poe Kirsten Miller-Zisholz Alex Chang

PSA Members at Large

Rewarding Risk

Angela Riviello Christine Fowler-Binder Dorothi Cassini Rebecca Stump Carol Murphy Kelley Morris Adair

The second item on the singles ballot is a rule to create a bonus point structure to reward skaters for risk taking. Combined with the reduction of the penalty for falls, the benefit outweighs the current risk with the rational that our younger skaters need to be encouraged to push the envelope.

Committee on Professional Standards Ratings Chair Seminar Chair ISI Rep to PSA U.S. Figure Skating Rep to PSA U.S. Figure Skating Coaches Executive Director Legal Counsel

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f o r COAC H E S, b y COAC H E S The third item on the ballot is the reallocation of the factors currently associated with the program components.

Currently, the factors are evenly distributed between the five components. The new factors would increase the importance of skating skills while decreasing the value of choreography and transitions at the juvenile and intermediate levels. Performance execution and interpretation would remain the same.

While in the big picture I see the changes positively, I do believe in the law of unintended consequences. With the focus on risk, we will have fewer clean programs. With the changes to the program components, will our skaters become one dimensional? Time will tell… One thing I do understand is that if we don’t adapt, we will be left behind.

PS Magazine

TREASURE HUNT! *Gold Winged Blade*

Be the first person to find the gold PSA logo in each issue of PS Magazine and we will send you some treasure! Once you have found the logo in this issue, post where you found it on the PSA Facebook page. Be the first person to find it and we will send you a prize!

And no, the one on this page and in ads do not count!

“The PSA magazine is my favorite thing to get in the mail each month!

(Well, except maybe when parents send their skating bill check).”

To-date, there have been eight coaches who have found the gold wingblade within the pages of PS Magazine. We hope they've enjoyed their gift certificate to PSA. One of the winners planned to put their prize towards a membership renewal!

READ PS MAGAZINE = CHANCE AT A FREE GIFT!

The Joy of Coaching For the first time, the careers of America’s top figure skating coaches are documented in a colorful and elegant book. This step-by-step history of the Professional Skaters Association highlights the coaches who have taken skaters from tentative turns to tricky twizzles, from bunny hops to quadruple jumps, and from local rinks to the Olympics. In The Joy of Coaching, prominent coaches remember the master motivators who taught them to skate and encouraged them to teach the next generation.

This inspiring book features the entertaining and emotional stories of hundreds of figure skating coaches, each of them putting a memorable spin on the sport.

Order your keepsake at

www.skatepsa.com PS MAGAZINE

5

President’s Message ANGIE RIVIELLO

Synchronized Skating from a Singles Skater’s View W

ell I am going to be dating myself but back when I was a competitive skater, synchronized skating was called precision skating and it really wasn’t very popular where I lived. I was a singles skater and never had any interest in precision skating unless it was in our annual ice show and then we just called it “group numbers”. I am in awe of how the sport has evolved.

As I watched at U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships, I was in awe of how much the sport as evolved, changed and grown. The teams are strong, fast, creative, and not to mention beautiful to watch.

For a synchronized team to flow in unison, individual skaters must be competent at a variety of skating skills, including speed, footwork and ice presence. Where synchronized skating is today is not the Precision of the past. These athletes are excellent single skaters that have joined together to form their respective teams. Synchro is another avenue for skaters—who perhaps don’t want to skate singles, pairs or dance—to continue in the

In the TRENCHES by

SCOTT BROWN Master-rated coach & IJS Technical Specialist

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sport. Watching the senior and collegiate events, it was wonderful to see how many young women have stayed competitive, where if they were a singles skater that may not be the case.

To me, the most fascinating part of synchro competitions is the atmosphere, I’ve never experienced anything quite like it. A team is a team no matter what the level.

If you skate for a certain “team,” all team levels are there to support each other. The noise, energy and cheering is fantastic and gives the competitors such encouragement.

A synchro team is a family and they are in it together.

I feel if synchronized skating would make it onto mainstream television and the public was able to witness how athletic, beautiful and entertaining it is, the sport would explode. As a former singles skater, I have a new found respect for the teams and their dedication, and I hope one day they are able to skate at the Olympic level.

Enjoy this beautiful sport that we are all so lucky to be involved in.

How do you define success?

Recently, Idina Menzel did an interview with Southwest Airlines magazine in which she said, “You can’t get it right all of the time, but you can try your best.”

Here is more of that interview…

“There are about 3 million notes in a two-and-ahalf-hour musical; being a perfectionist, it took me a long time to realize that if I’m hitting 75 percent of them, I’m succeeding. Performing

isn’t only about the acrobatics and the high notes: It’s staying in the moment, connecting with the audience in an authentic way, and making yourself real to them through the music. I am more than the notes I hit, and that’s how I try to approach my life. You can’t get it right all of the time, but you can try your best. If you’ve done that, all that’s left is to accept your short comings and have the courage to try overcome them.”

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Ratings BRANDON FORSYTH

A Passion for Knowledge

BY ELIZABETH EGETOE

O

nce upon a time, each of us fell in love with the grace, artistry, athleticism, and sheer beauty of this sport that now consumes our every thought. We have all taken a step back in time picturing our childhood when we first stepped on the ice or at our first competition.

We have also all taken a moment to self-reflect and think about what drove us then as competitors and what drives us now as coaches. When I was younger, my mother told me that the moment my music started, I was a completely different person. Now, in hindsight, not only can I acknowledge that in my self-reflection, but also see it in my skaters as well. No matter the event, test, or competition, I lived for that moment of excitement, nerves and adrenaline as a skater to present what I worked so hard on.

Fast forward to today. Nothing has changed! Sometimes, in our sport, we get so wrapped around our skaters,

"You owe it to yourself and most importantly, you owe it to the skaters you coach to practice as you preach, to step outside your comfort zone, to compete for your own personal greatness in the quest for complete understanding and knowledge." competitions, rink events…the list goes on…that we forget to stop and remember what drives us. Competition drives each and every one of us in one way or another. We are skaters, which mean we are perfectionists, we are detail oriented, and we are performers. Most importantly, we are passionate about every aspect of our sport.

That passion has led me to dig deep for that competitor in me. I have asked myself, “Why do I do what I do?

Where is the self-improvement in my day-to-day routine?”

This led me on the path to become more involved with my own future as a coach through the ratings process that PSA offers. I tell my skaters all of the time to step outside their comfort zone in order to better themselves and make forward progress as they climb each pedestal.

Well, as they say, “practice as you preach”! I signed up for my first two rating exams at the 2013 Conference.

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I went over the study guides again and again—through every book I had and every note I’ve ever taken about skating. I was ready—or so I thought. I fell flat on my face in the first exam and it wasn’t just a few stumbles; it was a completely humiliating and devastating experience. I had another exam yet to take and there I was, questioning everything I knew as a coach. I thought back to that former competitor and realized the word “former” should not be there. I was still a competitor; get up, brush it off, and recover quickly! I realized I was competing against myself to be a better coach and went into my second exam and passed with flying colors!

I now had the bug! I was ready for more and wanted to continue my quest for knowledge. After all, broadening my horizons is what will better my skaters and at the end of the day, they are what matter and why I became a coach. I have met so many wonderful people at PSA events, but the VIP awards for getting me on track definitely go to Janet Tremer and Dave DeCaprio! It was through them I realized that while each exam is valuable in its own right, it isn't the 60 minutes in the room that is most valuable—it is the weeks/months of preparation leading up to these exams. The process is unequivocally, without a doubt, the best thing I ever began for myself and my career! The push from mentors, ratings prep, apprenticing, and even the side bar conversations with peers is the true path to self-improvement through the ratings process.

As with any competitor, I set a goal: Master Rated by 30 years old. Since I have been a director for ten years, I thought this would be a good place to start. In September 2013 I took Registered Group and Certified Program Director and in October 2013 I took Registered Free Skating, Registered Moves in the Field, and Senior Program Director…and passed them all. What a relief!

The competition against myself was in full swing—I will do better! I will be better! I will always strive to be better than yesterday so my athletes can be their best because a champion doesn’t settle!

Soon, the big day at the 2014 Conference arrived—my Master Program Director exam. For the first time, I wasn’t nervous. I had been a director for ten years and if I didn't

Recently Passed

RATING EXAMS Congratulations to the following coaches who passed the Basic Accreditation (BA):

Congratulations to the following candidates who passed a rating exam:

BA online

Las Vegas, NV | March 7-9, 2015

Vicka Belovol Kirsty Cameron Gretchen Caudill-Bauer Taylor Crowson Lindsay Danner Olga Garrity Stacy Holland Brock Huddleston Ellie Karamati Mary Kroll Ashley Lasater Sarah Pulido-West Stephanie Siswick Stefanie Walsh

James Bowser CG Rebecca Clark RM, RG Editha Dotson-Bowser RG, CG Ginger Gober CM Carrie Greene SM, SG Shannon Grossman CG Grant Huang CM Tammy Jimenez CM Emily Keppeler SFS Christopher Kinser SG Melinda Mowdy RG Cheri Neset RFS Anne Peyton Brown CG Glenn Replogle RG

RANKINGS Angela Pace-Toussignant – Level I Laurel Combs – Level II Heidi Whitlow – Level II Brielle Francis – Level II Kayleah Crosby –Rowley – Level II Tim Covington – Level III

Anglea Roesch-Davis SM Russ Scott RM, CM Gina Testa CM Calla Urbanski-Petka RM, CM, RFS Stefanie Walsh RFS

Congra

t

coachuelastions !

EMERITUS Jessica Mills –Kincade – Level III Kelsey Himmel – Level III Jacques Gilson – Level III Tiffany Thornton – Level III Nilda Nancy Garcia Villarreal – Level V

know my job by now, there was a much larger problem at hand. I went in feeling relaxed and even got a few laughs out of my examiners! It was a great exam and an even better experience than any of the others. I did it—I accomplished my goal! And now what? Well, I guess it is time for a new goal…maybe Master Moves in the Field or Master Group Instructor? I am one step closer now; I took Certified Group Instructor and Certified Moves in the Field during the 2015 U.S. Champinoships and they turned out in my favor as well. Maybe I can challenge all of you, my fellow colleagues, to join me in the quest to start our Figures Ratings Exams together because I believe we should all be on the quest to preserve Figures! Always remember that competition is great but the collaboration of minds is what truly makes us better.

So, I challenge each of you to step outside of your comfort zone and explore the ratings process and ask questions. Reach out to coaches—I know I speak for

Mike Tamres | Lakewood, CO Emeritus 14: MD-81, MM-97, MG-03, CFS-06

many coaches when I say we are only a phone call away.

By continuing to strive for self-improvement, you are able to get the most out of what you give. If you soak in every bit of knowledge you find, it will allow you to continually give your best to your athletes. You owe it to yourself and most importantly, you owe it to the skaters you coach to practice as you preach, to step outside your comfort zone, to compete for your own personal greatness in the quest for complete understanding and knowledge. Let’s face it, is learning ever really complete? Let’s embark on this challenge and enjoy the journey together!

Elizabeth Egetoe has been a Skating Director for over 10 years in North Carolina. She has her master Program Director rating and is also rated in Moves in the Field, Free Skating, and Group Instruction.

PS MAGAZINE

9

SAFESPORT

The USOC SafeSport Refresher Course

BY HEIDI DELIO THIBERT

M

any coaches have not only completed the required CER ET 100 SafeSport for Figure Skating Coaches last season to fulfill the CER requirement under the topic of professional ethics, but many of us have also taken the course offered by the U.S. Olympic Committee at http:// safesport.org/take-the-training/ In short, when coaches complete the training and/or the CER course, they will have the tools to protect athletes and reduce misconduct.

Why SafeSport?

SafeSport was designed to help us recognize emotional, physical and sexual misconduct. The training examines the coach-athlete relationship; it defines the six primary forms of misconduct: bullying, harassment, and hazing, as well as emotional, physical, and sexual misconduct. It describes sexual abuse and identifies the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse and discusses how to respond and report misconduct. SafeSport’s library of resources and training are all designed with athlete safety in mind. The sources cite that the problem is widespread and can happen in all sports and organizations. In fact, the rate of athlete abuse is strikingly high. According to the USOC, before the age of 18, between 6%-13% of competitive athletes experience some form of sexual abuse or assault within their sport. That is as many as one out of every eight athletes, and the numbers may be even greater for elite athletes.

USOC Launches a “SafeSport Refresher Course”

This year the USOC has launched a “refresher course” for those who have taken the original one, and wish to refresh their training in this important area. The refresher course reviews key concepts to help keep athletes safe. If it has been a year or more since completing the initial SafeSport training, I highly recommend this brief refresher course. It will take a well-invested 30 minutes of time and reviews critical concepts to help keep programs safe and positive for every participant.

The Steps of the Grooming Process

One of the expanded components of the refresher course is the section on “Grooming Behaviors.” The video features an interview with Rachel Mitchell, Sex Crimes Bureau Chief, Maricopa County, Arizona.

Prosecutor Mitchell provided details showing the

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distinctive and identifiable behavior grooming process: Step 1: Targeting a victim Rachel explains that the first step in the process is selecting a victim, or targeting a victim, and that there are a lot of different things that offenders look for. She says that offenders are looking for vulnerability in that particular child.

Step 2: Gaining trust Rachel explains that next, the predator will work on gaining the trust of the athlete, since one of the key things that predators need in order to accomplish their crime is the trust of the victim. She explains that the coach is often times perceived as a hero, as a mentor, as a figure to be looked up to by children. And so the trust comes automatically, not only to the victim, but to those around the victim.

Step 3: Recognizing and filling needs After trust is gained, Rachel says the process progresses as the predator recognizes what the needs of the child are and then fulfills those needs in order to accomplish the abuse. Examples of those needs could be attention, positive reinforcement, a starting position, a scholarship or an introduction to recruiters. The predator is now getting to know the athlete, developing a special relationship with them, and learning what the athlete values. She explains that to exert greater power over the athlete, they begin giving gifts, extra attention and affection—and the predator begins trying to control the athlete, even off the field.

Step 4: Isolating the child In the video, Rachel gives details about the next step in the process of isolation of the child. When somebody is being engaged, they might be told that there’s a special relationship that they share with the coach. They might share secrets; they might be told that the offender’s the only one who really understands them.

Step 5: Sexualizing the relationship Rachel enlightens the viewer as she puts into plain words how the next step in the process is the sexualizing of the relationship. She clarifies that this is accomplished after the breaking down of psychological and physical barriers. One of those ways can involve what Professor Mitchell refers to as “accidental nudity.” The locker room is the perfect place

for this to happen. The offender will set up a situation where the victim “accidentally” sees the offender naked, for example, and this can lead to a discussion of sex or nudity or body parts. Rachel describes another way to groom a child would be to use pornography or to touch a child and get that child desensitized to touch, confusing the child about the nature of the touch.

Step 6: Maintaining control Rachel discusses the final step is maintaining control over the relationship. This is also called the “secrecy” or “concealment” phase. She states that basically, the better the coach is at picking a victim and breaking down the psychological and physical barriers, the less overt the coach has to be in keeping the secret. It’s inherent in the relationship.

Waving Red Flags

The USOC course teaches that we can recognize sexual predators through an observable pattern of behaviors known as “grooming behaviors.” Alone, many of these behaviors or similar behaviors may occur without these behaviors being part of a grooming process. While we want to closely examine any behaviors that may constitute grooming, it does not necessarily mean that the individual is a sexual predator. Nonetheless, the course teaches that with these techniques in mind, we can identify red flags and disrupt a predator at the beginning stages of their grooming process.

• The individual buys expensive gifts for the athlete or provides them with money.

• The individual separates the athlete from his or her peers.

• The individual treats a particular athlete differently from their teammates, perhaps giving the athlete far more attention than teammates.

• The individual tries to find ways to be alone with the athlete. For example, the individual may offer to take the athlete to and from practice, help them with homework or take them on unsupervised trips outside of the program.

• The individual tells the athlete that they “need” him or her to succeed in sport.

• The individual pushes boundaries in public and doesn’t follow policies. For example, this individual may have athletes sit on their laps in public, even if against club policy.

• The individual manipulates the athlete emotionally, praising them one day and degrading them the next.

• The individual spends an unusual amount of time with the athlete’s parents outside of the program, trying to win their trust.

• Your athlete tells you that the coach doesn’t want them talking about what they do when they’re together.

• The individual attempts to control a particular athlete, on and off the field.

Enter at Your Own Risk

Training and competition sites provide predators with ample opportunity for abuse to occur. Predators frequently

target athletes in “private” spaces, such as locker rooms, bathroom facilities and other unmonitored spaces, such as a personal office. The most common opportunities are: • Locker rooms, bathrooms or other unmonitored areas on site • Unsupervised, out-of-program contact, usually at an off-site residence • Social events involving alcohol • Local travel to and from practice or competition • Overnight travel Athletes are also more vulnerable to abuse when they are changing clothes, showering or unclothed. If they are undressed, they often won’t run away. The risk of abuse increases if the athlete is alone with an adult. Also keep in mind that if your athlete group includes a wide range of ages and developmental stages, the opportunity for athleteto-athlete abuse increases. One suggestion to minimize these opportunities is conduct regular sweeps of the locker room to make sure a child is not alone with an adult or an older athlete.

Out of Sight – Out of Mind?

Finally, if a coach needs to have a meeting with an athlete, leaving the door to the office/room open, or holding the meeting in a room with windows (to ensure clear lines of sight) or having another person attend the meeting are all good ideas to protect athletes well-being and coaches’ reputations.

The course lists another common way to isolate athletes is through unsupervised out-of-program contact. One way to reduce these risks is by adopting and monitoring compliance with a policy that limits out-of-program contact. The club or program should describe what activities provides and supervises. Any other activities may be a red flag and should be scrutinized. In team sports, the organization can impose this rule, but often in figure skating, it is up to the individual coaches to set their own policies. Best advice: Always consider what you are doing might look like to an observer.

In conclusion, (and the premise behind SafeSport) it is everyone’s responsibility to protect our athletes by disrupting, sharing and reporting any suspicions or allegations of misconduct or abuse. Any suspicions or allegations of child abuse should be reported to the club and the proper law enforcement authorities. Bear in mind, that while reporting is obligatory, it is not a coach’s responsibility to investigate allegations of abuse. Coaches should know their state’s reporting laws and what constitutes abuse in that state. Coaches may be subject to legal and/ or civil liability if we don’t report. Understanding how to recognize misconduct and properly report it is essential to maintaining the safe and fun environment that sport creates for athletes and coaches of all ages.

For any questions, inquiries or to make a report, contact safesport@usfigureskating.org.

Portions of this article are excerpted with permission from the free SafeSport Refresher Course available at: http://safesport.org/take-the-training/

PS MAGAZINE

11

Sport Science HEIDI THIBERT

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport B Y S U S I E P A R K E R - S I M M O N S , Sen io r S p o r t D i e t i t i a n , U S OC R E V I E W E D B Y P E T E R Z A P A L O , U. S . F i g u r e S ka t i n g D i r e ct o r o f S p o r t S ci e n ce & Me d i ci n e

M

y work as part of the team of performance dietitians at the USOC requires me to help elite athletes and their coaches optimize their health while maximizing performance. For a sport like figure skating, body composition can play a critical role in competition success. Professionals such as Sport Dietitians are required to assist athletes with physique management and to perform continual assessment. It can be a difficult balance of maintaining an aesthetic athletic body and avoiding a negative effect on an athlete’s health, growth and performance.

Athletes participating in weight-sensitive sports like figure skating can be put at a greater risk for injury and illness related to trying to stay too thin or lean. Weight sensitive sports can be classified into three main groups: • Gravitational sports such as long distance running, cross-country skiing and ski jumping.

• Weight-class sports such as combat sports, light weight rowing, and weight lifting.

• Aesthetically judged sports such as figure skating, gymnastics, diving and synchronized swimming (1).

In aesthetically judged sports, comments on body composition by peers, parents, coaches and/or judges may place associated psychological pressure to perform extreme dieting. In addition, for some sports there is a culture for weight loss prior to competition (especially sports with weight classes like wrestling and rowing).

Coaches, parents, and support staff all experience the challenges of handling the issue of body composition management/weight loss with their athlete. At high developmental and elite levels, it can be particularly useful for the athlete to work with specialists (i.e. Sports Dietitians, physicians with experience and training in the sport, and Sport Psychologists) to assist with optimizing body composition while parents provide food service support and coaches continue to technically train the athlete and support the process.

The Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport Syndrome:

Over the last 25 years there has been a syndrome referred to as the Female Athlete Triad. Over time consensus state-

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ments have been written by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In 2007, the American College of Sports Medicine redefined the triad as a clinical presentation referring to the “relationship between three interrelated components: energy availability, menstrual function and bone health” (2).

In 2014, the IOC adopted a new terminology beyond the Female Athlete Triad – ‘Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport’ (RED-S). The RED-S syndrome refers to impaired physiological function caused by relative energy deficiency.

This terminology is useful because it pays respect to deficiencies in performance brought on by athletes taking in insufficient calories to support their needs in training and normal growth and development.

Some of the issues seen in RED-S include, but are not limited to: disturbances in metabolic rate, hormonal function, bone health, immunity, cardiovascular health and protein synthesis. Energy deficiency is defined as the imbalance of energy intake to energy expenditure required for health and activities of daily living, growth and sporting activities (3).

How do athletes fall into situations like RED-S? What can lead to energy deficiency in athletes and how can we recognize and help correct these issues in our athletes?

Components of Energy Deficiency:

Extreme Dieting, Disordered Eating and Low Energy Availability The health effects of extreme dieting and disordered eating depends on the general health, age and body composition of the athlete prior to their attempt (consciously or unconsciously) to lose weight. Other influential factors are the duration, amount, frequency and rate of weight loss.

The continuum starts with appropriate eating and exercise behaviors interspersed with some extreme dieting. These behaviors progress to chronic dieting and frequent weight fluctuations. If these negative habits and patterns are not addressed, the continuum can end with clinical eating disorders and distorted body image (1).

Hormonal and Metabolic Imbalance Some of the causes of abnormal levels of hormones are inadequate body fat stores, low energy availability, and exercise stress. Normal hormone function is critical for athletes to maintain optimal performance and health, particularly in the area of bone health. Estrogen increases the uptake of calcium into the blood and deposition into the bone; progesterone facilitates the actions of estrogen, and testosterone has anabolic effects on bone which increases bone formation and calcium absorption (3). All of these hormones are negatively impacted by insufficient energy intake.

Bone Health An athlete in impact sports like figure skating should have 5-15% higher bone mineral density (BMD) than non-athletes. Bone density is typically evaluated by using a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry machine (DXA). In the athlete population, low energy availability and hormonal disturbances can cause low BMD which is defined as a Z-score between -1.0 and -2.0 and these values warrant further attention (4). Athletes can be referred for a DXA by their physician, and may be covered by insurance.

Preventing and Treating Energy Deficiency in Athletes:

Screening, Diagnosis and Re-assessment: Early detection is crucial to prevent long term consequences and to maintain optimal performance. An annual health examination (pre-participation exam, or PPE) is recommended for all athletes. Ideally, screening should include an examination of daily energy balance and the process would involve a medical team of Doctors, Sport Dietitians and Sport Psychologists. While this is more readily available to elite athletes, it can be challenging to find a specialist or team at developmental levels. In this case, having an excellent GP boarded in sports medicine can be helpful.

Dietary Recommendations: It is critical to recognize that caloric intake is highly specific to each athlete and changes should not be taken lightly.

It is U.S. Figure Skating’s position that recommendations for specific dietary intake should come from a Registered Dietitian. RD’s have a four year degree in a nutrition or health field, have completed a clinical internship, passed a licensing exam, and maintain ongoing educational credits.

If possible, look for an RD with additional certification in Sports Dietetics (CSSD).

Once it is recognized in an athlete, treatment of low energy availability involves an increase in energy intake, reduction in energy expenditure (typically volume of training) or both. The athlete’s diet should be reviewed and an increase of ~300-600 kcal per day is generally required. This can occur by optimizing the training diet; introducing fueling during training sessions, and/or consuming an energy-rich supplement (such as a liquid meal product). It is important to also include 1500mg calcium per day and test the vitamin D status of the athletes. Vitamin D deficiency is common in northern

latitudes, in winter and in sports that train indoors, so not uncommon for figure skaters.

Training Recommendations for Energy Deficient Athletes:

For training an introduction of a rest day to the weekly program should occur and non-specific training sessions (i.e. purposeless or extra training) should be removed.

Hormonal and Bone Health: Weight gain is the strongest predictor of recovery of hormonal status and therefore correcting an athlete to an optimal weight will help to improve bone mineral density.

Physicians should be able to help with hormonal function and replacements. Commonly, oral contraceptives for women may be considered for athletes requiring contraception. As hormonal replacements do not correct the cause of the relative energy deficiency and may compromise the attainment of peak bone density it may not be recommended to the athlete. It is important to restore the energy and hormonal-dependent mechanisms of bone loss, not to use medications as a long term solution without addressing the underlying issues.

The recommended interval to reassess BMD via DXA scans for athletes at risk or who are being treated for low BMD is 12 months for adults and 6 months in adolescents.

Psychological Support Athletes resistant to treatment should seek Sports Psychology support to help the athlete complete the necessary behavior change. Given that maintaining a certain look or weight can be encouraged either implicitly or directly, having a sports psychologist versed in body image and adolescent health is important in figure skating.

In conclusion, RED-S can affect many body systems resulting in short or long term effect on health and performance. These include: chronic fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, and increased risk of infection, psychological stress and/or depression and medical complications involving the gastro-intestinal, reproductive, endocrine, skeletal, cardiovascular systems. All these potential factors can critically reduce adaptation to training and performance.

References: 1.) Sundgot-Borgen J, Meyer NL, Lohman TG, et al. How to minimize the health risks to athletes who compete in weight-sensitive sports review and position statement on behalf of the Ad Hoc Research Working Group on Body Composition, Health and Performance, under the auspices of the IOC Medical Commission. Br J Sports Med 2013 47:1012-1022.

2.) Nattiv A, Loucks AB, Manore MM, et al. American Journal of Sports Medicine position stand. The female athlete triad. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2007; 39 1867-82.

3.) Mountjoy M, Sundgot-Borgen J, Burke L, et al. Br J Sports Med 2014 48:491-497.

4.) Tenforde AS, Fredericson M. Influence of sports participation on bone health in the young athlete: a review of the literature. PM R 2011;3:861-7.

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l a n o i t a c Edu fun!

NAT I ONWIDE SE M IN A RS

2015 Nationwide Seminars here isn’t an elite skater out there who Tgratitude! doesn’t owe their first coach a debt of In response to last year’s strong

positive feedback, this year’s seminar agenda will continue to present interactive concepts, tools, and ideas that, while advantageous to coaches of all levels, targets the development and advancement of grassroots and beginner (LTS through Intermediate) level coaches.

Our seminar agenda will include (but is not limited to): • Concepts-In-Action: Presentation of IJS and MIF concepts and exercises as they relate to enhancing skater potential beyond beginner. Presenters will create function and action plans from basic IJS rules and guidelines, and include MIF exercises as tools for skater achievement.

• Competitive Advantage 2.0: Extremely popular last year was the inclusion of our presenters’ personal experience with making decisions that make a difference.

Topics to create that competitive advantage include client retention, ethical and proud self-promotion, and time management.

• Presenter-Attendee Facetime: Each site will have highly accomplished and expert professionals who will share some personal experiences, anecdotes, and advice.

Questions and discussions will give you tips and tools for problem solving, as well as client and workplace professionalism.

These insights include creating an identity (in the rink, online, and through the PSA) and implementing practices most likely to benefit your business, your personal goals, and your students’ experiences.

2015 Full Day AREA LOCATION

DATE

1

Boston, MA

Sunday, September 13, 2015

9

Indianapolis, IN

Sunday, September 2015

16

Scottsdale, AZ * PSA Ratings Offered

Sunday, September 13, 2015

11

Park Ridge, IL

Sunday, September 27, 2015

13

Denver, CO

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Saturday September 12, 2015

2015 Half Day AREA LOCATION

14

DATE

7

Coral Spring, FL

Sunday, September 13, 2015

8

Detroit , MI

Saturday August 29, 2015

11

Independence, MO

Sunday August 30, 2015

MAY | JUNE 2015

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PS MAGAZINE

15

Education CAROL ROSSIGNOL

Tai Chi and Figure Skating

BY VINCENT CHUN

F

igure skaters can benefit from cross training – ballet and ballroom dancing are well recognized as popular cross training activities. Few people, though, think of Tai Chi as beneficial to figure skating. I am a Tai Chi instructor and an adult figure skater. Through my experience of learning to skate, I’ve greatly benefited from my Tai Chi background.

There are many ways in which Tai Chi training can help a figure skater.

force to the elbows and hands to create an impulsive impact upon the opponent. In skating, the flowing down-up-down movements are similar to the interplay of yin and yang in Tai Chi. The upward movement generates potential energy while the downward movement creates a wave motion that starts near the belly button, travels down the hip, and smoothly to the knees and skating foot to create a flowing graceful movement.

Balance

Cat Stepping

Balance is essential to the art of skating. And so it is with Tai Chi. In Tai Chi, balance is initially learned through incessant attention to weight shifting. The vast majority of Tai Chi movements are carried out with most of the body’s weight on one leg or the other, with very few moments when weight is equally distributed. This is similar to how skaters transfer weight quickly from the old skating foot to the new skating foot.

Balance in Tai Chi is further learned through slow motion kicking and back stepping movements which require great control of balance on one foot. Several techniques are utilized. Uniform pressure distribution is maintained across key points under each foot to ensure that the weight carried by each foot is kept at the center of the sole. The head is held as if suspended on a string, like a puppet. The pelvis is rotated, pointing the coccyx forward to straighten the lower spine, and the hip has a sinking feeling that presses down onto the legs. These techniques nurture body awareness and proprioception.

In ordinary walking, one leg pushes the body up and forward. As the torso starts coming down, the other leg arrests the motion and then begins the cycle again as the body’s center goes past the leg. The body’s center of mass goes up and down like a bouncing ball. In contrast, Tai Chi utilizes a “cat stepping” technique, whereby the body’s center of mass remains level, like a rolling ball. The upper body is kept fixed while one leg is put out in the desired direction of stepping. Only when the foot has touched ground is the body allowed to move. This produces a gliding movement, with no upward or downward displacement of the center of mass, which is accomplished through pre-bending of the forward knee (when stepping forward).

The resulting movement is much like skating on land.

Continuity and Flow

The yin and yang in Tai Chi philosophy is represented by the smooth and flowing interplay of opposing forces, such as forward and backward stepping, and attacking and neutralizing movements. Tai Chi emphasizes the use of wave motions rather than brute force. In a typical move, the body’s weight is used to generate a force downward toward the ground, pressing on the weighted foot. The resulting reactive force travels back up the leg, gets directed by the hip and waist, moving the shoulders which propagate the

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MAY | JUNE 2015

Being Loose

Tai Chi teaches the concept of “soong,” meaning loose.

Muscles can be loose while bearing loads, allowing them to more easily absorb shocks, such as when neutralizing an opponent’s force, skiing moguls or landing a free skate jump. The ultimate level of “soong” is when the mind has achieved a state of calm. This calmness encourages the looseness of the muscles, which further calms the mind in a mutually supportive cycle. This has obvious mental advantages in competition and testing.

Mind-Body Integration

Tai Chi is much about mind-body integration. Some have said that the mental aspects are even more important than the body aspects. “Yi,” roughly translated as “intent,” is

where the mind is. The movement of this “yi” across the body also directs the energy (the “qi”) of the movement, much like the movement of energy balls taught by figure skating choreographer Ricky Harris. In Tai Chi, the proper direction of this “yi” is based on the martial application of each move. In skating, it is the dynamics and biomechanics of each move that guides the placement and movement of “yi.” In a demanding, intricate sport like figure skating, the mind is often the final determinant of performance. The mind-body integration developed throughout Tai Chi training is as useful to skating as it is to Tai Chi. To conclude, Tai Chi has benefited me personally in my figure skating practice. Perhaps others may find it useful for them as well.

Vincent Chun is an executive at a publicly traded innovation and commercialization company. He first learned Tai Chi at around age 15 and currently teaches intermediate level Tai Chi in his spare time. Vincent has passed the adult bronze moves in the field test. His education includes a PhD in aeronautics and astronautics, and an MBA.

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2015 PSA CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW • May 20-23, 2015

Knowledge in the north Learn. Network. Grow.

B Y T E R R I M I L N E R -TA R Q U I N I

It has been over a decade since the International Judging System went into place for all ISU-sanctioned events—but sometimes it can still be a head-scratcher.

This month, speakers at the 2015 PSA Conference and Trade Show in Minneapolis will be on hand to answer the questions of coaches on this topic and so many more.

“Last year, there were enormous changes that were rolled out with regards to IJS,” said Denise Williamson, a U.S. Figure Skating national technical specialist for singles and a national data operator, as well as U.S. Figure Skating Singles Vice Chair of Technical Education. “We are not anticipating nearly the changes we experienced last year, but one of the things we’ll be covering is continuing to explain these changes.”

The conference’s IJS sessions are always well-attended and teeming with inquiring coaches, so Williamson, who is also PSA master rated with a level IV ranking and is on the PSA Board of Governors, will be doing a two-part presentation with Alex Chang, a national technical specialist in singles, as well as a national video operator and sectional data operator.

“We can discuss V1 and V2 when applied to flying spins, as well as where change of foot spins are concerned, as it can be a challenge to understand,” Williamson said. “What is a difficult change of position feature is something that always seems to be discussed.”

The duo will also go over some IJS changes that could be cropping up in the future.

“It looks like it will be implemented in the 2016-2017 season that if there is a

18

MAY | JUNE 2015

severe wrong edge into a Lutz, it’s going to be called a flip,” Williamson said.

“Then of course it creates a problem with the repetition rule if the skater has already done two flips and a jump can only appear twice in a program.”

Back in the day, that particular error was called a “flutz.” That term is long gone as more and more IJS terminology is taking over—and it’s a language that coaches need to know how to speak as the system isn’t going anywhere.

“It’s not a flying camel anymore; it’s a camel with a flying entry,” Williamson said. “Sometimes it’s hard to speak the newer language of skating because we all grew up with a different language. But if you’re a professional, you have to know the system. You cannot fake your way through this.”

The conference is going to be packed full with things for the inquiring professional mind, highlighted by keynote speeches by Olympic medalists Dick Button and Brian Orser.

“Dick has been a speaker before, but not for a long time,” said Carol Rossignol, national education and accreditation director for PSA. “He’ll probably share some things from his book, ‘Push Dick’s Button,’ which is his look at where figure skating has been and where it’s headed.

It’s hard to know what he’s going to say, but he’s always entertaining.”

There are featured speakers, including Chris Snyder, director of coaching education for the United States Olympic Committee, and two sessions with David Benzel, founder of Growing Champions for Life.

“As a coach, it’s not enough to know

2015 BEST PERFORMANCES AWARD WINNERS 2015 U.S. Championships | Greensboro, NC Best Female Performance

Ashley Wagner – Championship Free Skate PSA Coaches - Rafael Arutyunyan, Nadezda(Nadia) Kanaeva, John Nicks Choreographer - Shae-Lynn Bourne Music selection - Soundtrack of Moulin Rouge Costume designer - Jan Longmire Best Male Performance

Adam Rippon – Championship Free Skate PSA Coaches - Rafael Arutyunyan, Vera Arutyunyan, Denys Petrov Choreographer - Tom Dickson Music selection - Piano concerto No. 1 by Franz List Costume designer - Braden Overett Best Dance Performance

Kaitlin Hawayek and Jean-Luc Baker - Championship Free Dance PSA Coaches – Pasquale Camerlengom Angelika Krylova Choreographer – Pasquale Camerlengo Music Selection - Soundtrack of Romeo and Juliet (2013) Costume Designer – Stephanie Miller & Nina Maluda Best Pair Performance

Alexa Scimeca and Chris Knierim – Championship Short Program PSA Coaches – Dalilah Sappenfield, Laureano Ibarra Choreographer - Julie Marcotte Music Selection - "Tango de Roxanne" from Moulin Rouge Costume Designer - Elena from Luda Designs

2015 U.S. Synchronized Championships | Providence, RI Best Synchronized Performance

Haydenettes - Senior Free Skate PSA Coach – Saga Krantz (with assistance from Suzanne Schurman, Becky Stump, Genevieve Coulombe, Dmitri Kazarlyga) Choreographer – Saga Krantz (with assistance from Jamie Isley) Music – Sunset Boulevard Costume Designer – Del Arbour

Do you follow PSA on social media?

Check us out – take advantage of special offers and industry information and updates!

profsk8rsassoc

#psa2015msp

featured EXTRA EVENT

U.S. Open Professional Figure Skating Championships Saturday, May 23 • 5-7:00pm Presented by the Professional Skaters Association, the 2015 U.S. Open Professional Figure Skating Championships will take place at the Bloomington Ice Garden, Bloomington, MN, on Saturday, May 23 at 5:00pm and will feature one event comprised of men’s, ladies, pairs, dance, and group. This free competition will be judged based on skaters’ “total performance” with an eye to costuming, presentation, music selection, choreography, style, and technique. ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE PROFESSIONAL SKATERS FOUNDATION!

sessioHn TS HIGHLIG

Panel Discussion: Current Topics in Figure Skating Concussion Management and Return to Play – Dr. Kathy

Lawler, Michael Cook, Michael Santee, Patricia St. Peter MODERATOR: Peter Zapolo | Sponsored by This moderated panel will discuss the current U.S. Figure Skating policy (updated at 2015 Governing Council) and best practices in concussion recognition, management, and return to play.

The Top 5 Most Common Skater Foot Ailments and Remedies for Your Skater – Dr. Ross Nelson The five most common skater foot problems are: bunions, plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendinitis, hammer toe, and Haglunds deformity. With Dr. Nelson’s tips and training you can help your skater get back on the ice!

He will uncover why these issues happen and what you can do to relieve them.

the technique and strategies,” said Rossignol, speaking on one of Benzel’s sessions titled “How Credible Coaches Think.” “Coaches need a mastery of emotional skills and relationship skills so they can create a positive learning environment and can reframe their perspective to fit the needs of the skater.”

The conference, held in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” is being called the “Conference of 10,000 Tips”—and there certainly does seem to be something for everyone.

On and off-ice classes include the following: dance and edge with Ben Agosto, spins with specialist Bobbe Shire, triple and quad jumps with Alex Ouriashev, pairs with Serguei Zaitsev, synchronized skating with Holly Malewski and Vicki Korn, as well as sessions on moves in the field, hockey, and using a pole harness.

Off-ice sessions will cover a range of topics such as budgeting and accounting for skating directors; choreography; legal issues coaches might face; ethical solicitation and promotion; maximizing an ISI or USFS skating school; a panel discussion on concussions; a session with coaches Kori Ade and Ryan Jahnke; and a session with Lee Cabell, professor in the health science department at Seton Hall University, who will be speaking specifics as to how to make skaters of different sizes jump higher.

“Some skaters are short and some skaters are tall and those types of things of course influence their jumping and jumping abilities,” Cabell said. “I will be discussing effective jumping through qualitative biomechanical analysis. By that, I mean how a jump can be improved

by the naked eye.”

Cabell said this qualitative biomechanical analysis can be applied to any athlete in any sport, but that when it comes to figure skating specifically, a jump must be done the way it is supposed to be done somewhere between 700 and 1,000 times to accomplish it being done the same way every time.

Cabell has a four-phase process that starts with a coach knowing what he or she wants to see, to the observation of the skater, to the evaluation of the jump, and finishing with the instruction to the skater.

“The third phase is the evaluation or diagnosis and this is where professional critical thinking comes in,” Cabell said. “This is where identification and evaluation of errors comes in and this is where I will go into specific muscle groups and how to activate them to accomplish the goal.”

Something that can be heard regularly when coaches talk skating is that they miss the big jumps of yesteryear—the huge double Salchows and the delayed Axels that seemingly lifted up effortlessly and floated across the ice. Cabell wants to restore some of that hugeness to the elements.

“We want big jumps,” he said. “When you can spend the most time in the air, then you are maximizing your flight time.

And it looks so much better too.”

For more information on this year’s conference, go to www.skatepsa.com.

PS MAGAZINE

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MAY | JUNE 2015

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From www.skatecanada.ca

Photos from Toronto Cricket, Skating, & Curling Club

SHELDON GALBRAITH Skate Canada Hall of Fame coach Sheldon Galbraith passed away at the age of 92 on April 14th in Toronto.

Galbraith had a record of success unequaled by any other Canadian coach. He was a dedicated teacher and technical innovator that led his skaters to world titles in men’s, ladies, and pair, as well as Canada’s first ladies and pair Olympic gold medals.

After a successful skating career, he began to coach at the Minto Club in 1946, then moving to the Toronto Skating Club in 1949. His students included Barbara Ann Scott, Francis Dafoe and Norris Bowden, Barbara Wagner and Robert Paul, and Donald Jackson. He was the Olympic team coach in 1948, 1956 and 1960 and was instrumental in the formation of the Professional Skating Association of Canada.

He was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1980 as the first figure skating coach ever to be honored. He later entered the Skate Canada Hall of Fame, World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame, and the Professional Skaters Association Coaches Hall of Fame (in 2003). Galbraith was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1999 and in 2005 was awarded the Order of Ontario.

The Professional Skaters Association offers its sincere sympathies to Mr. Galbraith’s family and friends.

MAY 26-28 • DOUBLETREE BY HILTON BOSTON NORTH SHORE

BEANTOWN BECKONS! It’s back to Boston for the 2015 ISI Ice Arena Conference & Trade Show! We last made Boston our conference destination in 2006, and it has since been the location of three ISI World Recreational Team Championships. This time we will gather in the Boston North Shore area, a short drive from historic downtown Boston and Logan International Airport.

All four iAIM certification tracks will once again be offered, including the popular Certified Skating Director course. This year’s

event will also feature a specially priced one-day opportunity for coaches, which includes on-ice training and education plus trade show admission.

On-ice and rink sessions will be held at FMC Cronin Ice Rink in Revere, Mass., with Frank Carroll as our featured guest presenter.

Preceding the conference and trade show will be the ISI Conference Championships, May 22-24, at Nashoba Valley Olympia in Boxborough.

See you in Boston!

2015 HIGHLIGHTS: • •

REGISTER NOW FOR THE EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT!

•

•

On- and off-ice sessions with Frank Carroll PSA ratings May 26 & 28 Full conference earns 16 PSA credits; Wednesday-only educational session for $99 earns 7 credits iAIM Skating Director Certification

• • • • • • •

Judge & referee sessions Teaching, training & choreography tips weSKATE Instructor Certification Breakfast roundtables Arena programming Social & networking opportunities and much more!

skateisi.org/conference Photo credits: Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

PS MAGAZINE

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HONOR ROLL

3 of 4

COACHES 2015 S Y N C H R O N I Z E D S K AT I N G National Synchronized Skating Championships Senior Haydenettes Miami University Senior Varsity Skyliners Crystallettes

Pacific Coast Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships 1 2 3 4

Saga Krantz Kathleen Bowling, Carla DeGirolamo, Lee Ann Shoker Josh Babb, Jenny Gibson, Pamela May Holly Malewski, Shannon Peterson

Junior Skyliners Lexettes Hockettes Chicago Jazz

1 2 3 4

Josh Babb, Jenny Gibson, Pamela May Saga Krantz Erin Donovan, Marisa Hutchinson, Alison Maki Paula Bischoffer, Jaime Catalano, Lisa Darken

Adult Esprit de Corps DC Edge Crystallettes California Gold

1 2 3 4

Erika Hoffman, Deirdre Wilson Jennifer DeSimone, Elizabeth Rhoads Stacy Sue Holland, Holly Malewski Amanda Falkowski

Senior Team Del Sol

1

Karen Wiesmeier

Junior California Gold Ice'kateers

1 2

Jillian Cipresso, Amanda Falkowski Stefani Andrews, John Saitta, Sarah Sherman

Adult Denver Synchronicity California Gold

1 2

Alicia Carr Amanda Falkowski

Masters Denver Synchronicity Tremors Capitol Ice

1 2

Caitlin Balch-Burnett Charlene Lambros, Lindsey Wolkin

Novice Team Del Sol Rose City Crystals

1 2

Intermediate Denver Synchronictiy Epic Edge The Tremors Sliver Stars

Ashlyn Nadeau, Karen Wiesmeier Crystal Uribe-Schoelen, Sabrina Uribe-Ventrella, Russ Witherby

1 2 3 4

Alicia Carr, Caitlin Balch-Burnett Brittney Olson Mackenzie Vaillancourt, Lindsey Wolkin Laura Erle, Lauren Wrenn

Juvenile Team Del Sol The Tremors Ice'kateers

1 2 3

Ashlyn Nadeau, Karen Wiesmeier Mackenzie Vaillancourt, Lindsey Wolkin Kimberly Kelly, Kathleen Pargee

Masters Esprit de Corps DC Edge Allegro!

Tremors Capital Ice

1 2 3 4

Donna Mitchell, Deirdre Wilson Jennifer DeSimone, Elizabeth Rhoads Carrie Brown Charlene Lambros, Lindsey Wolkin

Collegiate Miami University Collegiate Varsity University of Michigan Metroettes University of Delaware

1 2 3 4

Kathleen Bowling, Carla DeGirolamo, Lee Ann Shoker Erin Donovan, Ashley Korn Samuel Mortimer Wendy Deppe, Megan O'Donnell

Novice Ice Mates Crystallettes Skyliners Starlights

1 2 3 4

Saga Krantz, Samuel Mortimer Denise Dobert, Holly Malewski Jenny Gibson, Nikki Wylan Melissa Hampson, Kristi King, Nicole Marconi-Voloch

Intermediate DC Edge Star Mates Ice Diamonds Capital Ice Chips

Open Juvenile Star Lit Blades ICE'Kateers The Rockers Synchronized Skating Team Fusion

1 2 3 4

Kelly Dalebout Cassity, Ellie Karmati Jamie Streeter Sarah Sherman Jenny Rose Hendrickson

1 2 3 4

Nicole Davies, Jennifer DeSimone, Elizabeth Rhoads Erika Hoffman Debi Gamber, Alexandra Gamber Rebecca Gallion

Juvenile Mini Mates Skyliners Starlights Synchroettes

Pre-Juvenile San Diego Shining Blades Fusion EPIC EDGE Ice-Cadettes

1 2 3 4

Susan Morrison, Brian Thayer Jenny Rose Hendrickson Brittney Olson Christina Sheehan

1 2 3 4

Kendra Flanagan Natalie Martello, Nikki Wylan Loni Bertone, Christine Heiser, Laura Kaplan Kaleigh Corbett, Bobette Guerrieri, Geri Lynch-Tomich

Preliminary San Diego Shining Blades Denver Synchronicity

1 2

Susan Morrison, Brian Thayer Lindsay Mariage

PS MAGAZINE

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2015 HONOR ROLL

Midwestern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships Senior Adrian College Starlights Western Michigan University

1 2 3

Ashley Carlson, Brandon Forsyth, Cassandra Milosh Jenna King, Heather Paige Alyssa Sutter, Lauren Tseng

Junior Chicago Jazz Team Braemar Crystallettes Miami University Junior Varsity

1 2 3 4

Adult Crystallettes Starlights Goldenettes

Paula Bischoffer, Jaime Catalano, Lisa Darken Vicki Korn Emily Naperkoski, Katilyn Peterson Kathleen Bowling, Carla DeGirolamo, Lee Ann Shoker

1 2 3

Stacy Holland, Holly Malewski Melissa Hampson, Stephanie Viggiano Debi Gamber, Dena Grissman

Open Adult Eclipse University of Illinois Fighting Alumni Phoenix Rhythm and Blades

1 2 3 4

Deanna Willmarth Audrey Kamm Heather Blasko, Helene Wolf Elizabeth Thornton

Open Juvenile Allegro!

Chicago Skates Capital Ice Chill Starfire

1 2 3 4

Carrie Brown, Hillary Menestrina, Amy Yuengert Jessica Burbano, Kathy Janik, Shaheen Kazmi Rebecca Gallion, Robyn Markhouse, Rachel Schuehle Margaret Madaras, Michelle Tepkasetkul Martineau

Pre-Juvenile Teams Elite Capital Ice Crystals Starlights Chicago Skates

1 2 3 4

Kelly Nicol Aubrie Anderson, Rebecca Gallion, Robyn Markhouse Loni Bertone, Nicole Marconi-Voloch Kimberly Palumbo

Preliminary Wisconsin Edge Chicago Jazz Starlights Capital Ice Cadence

1 2 3 4

Sarah Arnold, Angela Johnstad, Sally-Anne Kaminski Carol Gohde Christine Heiser, Stephanie Viggiano Aubrie Anderson, Rebecca Gallion, Rachel Schuehle

Senior Skyliners Team Excel

1 2

Josh Babb, Jenny Gibson, Pamela May Melissa Delano, Merita Mullen

Junior Synchroettes Team Delaware

1 2

Kaleigh Corbett, Bobette Guerrieri, Geri Lynch-Tomich Wendy Deppe, Megan O'Donnell

Eastern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships

Masters Allegro!

Synchro Panache Ice Connect Wisconsin Edge

1 2 3 4

Carrie Brown Janet Hoitomt, Jerre LeTourneau Amy Wright Angela Johnstad, David Redlin

Open Masters Allegro!

Revolution Radiance on Ice

1 2 3

Carrie Brown, Kelsey Roggenbuch Jennifer Caron Kristin Adamczyk

Collegiate Miami University

Adult DC Edge Espirit de Corps The Colonials Team Delaware

1 2 3 4

Jennifer DeSimone, Elizabeth Rhoads Erika Hoffman, Deirdre Wilson Kelly Richall, Amanda Werner Wendy Deppe, Megan O'Donnell

1

Michigan State University University of Michigan Adrian College

2 3 4

Kathleen Bowling, Carla DeGirolamo, Lee Ann Shoker Tracey Daniels, Laura Sienkowski Erin Donovan, Ashley Korn Ashley Carlson, Cassandra Milosh

Open Adult Cutting Edge Team Reflections Gotham City Synchro Espirit de Corps

1 2 3 4

Amy Henderson Celeste Cote-Estrada, Holly Frei, Raegan Johnston Donna Mitchell, Deirdre Wilson

Open Collegiate Team North Dakota Miami University Club Team Lindenwood University University of Minnesota - Duluth SST

1 2 3 4

Mallory Olson Rachel Funk Heather Hyatt Alison Kending-Wade

Masters DC Edge Espirit de Corps Essex Blades Gotham City Synchro

1 2 3 4

Jennifer DeSimone, Elizabeth Rhoads Donna Mitchell, Deirdre Wilson Christina Lee Raegan Johnston

Novice Crystallettes Starlights

1 2

Chicago Jazz SwanSyncSation

3 4

Denise Dobert, Holly Malewski Melissa Hampson, Kristi King, Nicole Marconi-Voloch Paula Bischoffer, Jaime Catalano, Lisa Darken Lisa Henning, Karen Rucks, Christine Wenger

Open Masters DC Edge Precisley Right Team Delaware Colonials

1 2 3 4

Stefanie O'Connor, Shira Selis-Bradford Kathy Ortolani, John Towill Anne Humphrey, Pam Welch Amy Boucher

Collegiate University of Delaware Metroettes Team Excel University of New Hampshire

1 2 3 4

Wendy Deppe, Megan O'Donnell Samuel Mortimer Merita Mullen Kelly Richall, Amanda Werner

Open Collegiate Princeton University Oswego State Ice Effects Catamount Blades Liberty University Flames

1 2 3 4

Rose Villalva Marie Driscoll, Melissa Manwaring

Intermediate Capitol Ice Chips Ice Diamonds Crystallettes SwanSyncSation

1 2 3 4

Juvenile Starlights Fond Du Lac Blades

1 2

Chicago Jazz Teams Elite

3 4

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Rebecca Gallion Alexandra Gamber, Debi Gamber Denise Dobert, Jaclyn Young Lisa Henning, Karen Rucks, Christine Wenger Loni Bertone, Christine Heiser, Laura Kaplan Jennifer McMahon, Holly Nudelbacher, Heather Pagel, Stephanie Vogds Tammy Cervone, Kristi Frank Kelly Nicol

Tatiana Payne, Meghan Schenker

2015 HONOR ROLL

Novice Ice Mates Skyliners DC Edge Synchroettes

1 2 3 4

Intermediate DC Edge Skyliners Team Delaware Star Mates

Saga Krantz, Samuel Mortimer Jenny Gibson, Nikki Wylan Christine Burke, Susan Petruccelli Kaleigh Corbett, Bobette Guerrieri, Geri Lynch-Tomich

1 2 3 4

Nicole Davies, Jennifer DeSimone, Elizabeth Rhoads Natalie Martello, Pamela May Wendy Deppe, Megan O'Donnell Erika Hoffman

Juvenile Skyliners Mini Mates Synchroettes

1 2 3

DC Edge

4

Open Juvenile DC Edge CNY Blizzard Green Shadows Nor'easters

Natalie Martello, Nikki Wylan Kendra Flanagan Kaleigh Corbett, Bobette Guerrieri, Geri Lynch-Tomich Christine Burke, Jennifer DeSimone, Elizabeth Rhoads

1 2 3 4

Kimberly Eddy, Elyse Lerman Carolyn Quinn Valerie Legutko, Kari Pace, Gina Valenzano-Gomez Beth Houghton

Pre-Juvenile Shooting Stars Skyliners Colonials National Blades

1 2 3 4

Elise Larsson Sarah Blosat, Celeste Cote-Estrada Kelly Richall, Amanda Werner Laurie Bates, Erica Campbell, Teresa Yuengert

Preliminary DC Edge Skyliners Shooting Stars Richmond Synchro

1 2 3 4

Christine Burke, Jennifer DeSimone Sarah Blosat, Nina Newby Erika Hoffman Stephanie Brand, Stephanie Meier

Lexettes

miami university senior varsity

We asked the teams on twitter why they love synchro, and here are the most popular reasons:

Synchro feels like family

Creativity

Laughter Camaraderie HO N O R RO LL CO R R E C T I O NS

U.S. Figure Skating Championships Intermediate Ladies Gia Kokotakis

3

Alex Chang, Jere Michael, Natalie Shaby

Team work Unison

What’s not to LOVE?

Eastern Sectional Figure Skating Championships Senior Ladies Katie McBeath

3

Sally Tasca, Jacqueline Redenshek-Henry PS MAGAZINE

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Haydenettes

miami university senior varsity

skyliners

Lexettes

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T

he 2015 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships took place in Providence, Rhode Island at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center on Feb 25-28. Despite the cold weather, I enjoyed seeing the best of the sport compete, and I imagine the week was even more of an incredible experience for the athletes.

Out of all the teams that competed, one stood out the most. This year’s PSA Edi Award for Best Performance was awarded to Haydenettes for their senior free skate program to music from Sunset Boulevard. Haydenettes are coached by Saga Krantz, and we congratulate Saga and Haydenettes for exhibiting such a moving and expressive program. The program was so emotionally captivating that more than a few people were deeply affected.

As synchro was born to have an audience watch and feel the program, I’d like to encourage you to check the teams out on Icenetwork. I could continue to simply run through the names of teams and what they skated to; however, watching the synchro programs is an experience, and just one reason it should receive more exposure on TV than it does, which is why I would rather tell you about why we love synchro.

If you have ever been to a synchro

Junior Final Standings

Love

Why we

1. Skyliners 2. Lexettes 3. Hockettes 4. Chicago Jazz Senior Final Standings 1. Haydenettes 2. Miami University Senior Varsity SST 3. Skyliners 4. Crystallettes

Synchro

BY ELIZABETH THORNTON P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F U . S . F I G U R E S K AT I N G

competition, you know that it is vastly different than a singles competition.

Synchro competitions are loud, they are full of energy, and they are passionate.

Unfortunately, there are some who do not see this discipline as equally deserving of the recognition elite singles, pairs, and ice dancers receive. Tragically, one of those people is ISU President Ottavio Cinquanta. In a poorly translated excerpt from the October 2014 ISU newsletter, Cinquanta makes backhanded compliments that essentially assert his belief that synchro skaters are not “real” skaters. Well Mr. Cinquanta, please take note of the following.

While every skater on a synchro team may not be as technically gifted in the same way as our elite singles athletes, our elite synchro teams are strong in other ways. Perhaps if you judged the skills a synchro team performs to a singles skater, you would then find that the singles skater

isn’t the “real” skater. Skaters on synchro teams have to understand the multifaceted details of performing a move that requires multiple people to do it, i.e. tension in a circle, constantly changing jobs in a travelling circle, staying lined up using peripheral vision, body awareness in relation to other skaters, as well as matching leg and arm positions with the entire team. In ice dance, video commentators always mention the difficulty in matching twizzles—now imagine doing that with 16 skaters instead of two. If you have ever seen a strong free skate skater try synchro for the first time, you know that having double or triple jumps does not necessarily make you a great synchro skater. It is a totally different skill set.

I believe it is fair to say that synchro skaters, in general, are extremely wellrounded athletes. Elite synchro teams perform lifts, spins, and jumps. They incorporate the tracking and timing

needed for pairs and dance. It’s not unusual for a senior team to have multiple double and triple gold medalists. Synchro skaters have to foster communication and trust with their teammates, and they are both accountable to and depending on those same teammates. These unique dynamics translate into life lessons that carry these skaters much farther in life. And they are also what makes synchro unique.

Albert Einstein once said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing it is stupid.” Mr. Cinquanta’s inability to see synchro as a valid and independent discipline is a major blockade in the road to the Olympics for synchro.

So I say to Mr. Cinquanta—stop comparing synchro to other disciplines, because if you don’t, you will continue to be blind to all it has to offer on the world and Olympic stage.

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PART

5

1990-1999

g n i g d u J

The Winds of Change

by Bruce Poodles

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MARCH 1994: Last test session at the World Arena in Colorado Springs, CO. PHOTO COURTESY OF GLENNACE COHEN

F

rom 1896 until 1947 there were twelve figures to be skated in competition, in 1972 there were six, by 1988 there were three, and in 1990 there were two… finally there were none… On Wednesday, March 7, 1990, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Zeljka Cizmesija of Yugoslavia laid out a RFO paragraph loop, the final figure to be competed at an ISU event. The referee of the event was Benjamin Wright of the United States.

Arguably the most controversial decision made in the history of the ISU was the abolishment of compulsory figures effective with the 1990-1991 season. It was a death blow to figures that was almost a hundred years in the making, according to Susan Johnson, international judge and chair of the judges committee of the USFSA (Johnson, 1991). With figures gone, the short program was changed to the “original program” consisting of eight elements. In opposition to specifically named elements, the new original program had only one required jump—a double Axel—and allowed the skater to select the remaining elements from several categories that included a jump combination, a double or triple jump with connecting steps, three spins and two footwork sequences (Wright, 1992). It was also in 1990 that discussion began to focus on the ISU’s eligibility rules. A controversy at the time, the ISU had signed a contract with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to televise ISU events.

Regarding the contract, Sonia Bianchetti says in her book, Cracked Ice, “… any proposed amendment of this [eligibility] rule which may be submitted to the ISU Congress will first be discussed and agreed with EBU.” It is assumed that those that held the rights to televise ISU events most like influenced the removal of figures as well in order to bolster the chance that professional would be willing to compete. The eligibility rule was passed in 1992, opening up the door for the return of professionals like Brian Boitano, Katerina Witt, and Torvil and Dean to compete in the 1994 Olympics.

But first was the 1992 Olympic Games in Albertville, France, and like many skating events there was plenty of controversy. In the Men’s event, Paul Wylie skated the program of his life and earned the silver medal, even though the winner Viktor Petrenko was less than his normal self. Quoted in the LA Times, Brian Orser said, “I’m a big fan of Petrenko’s, and I admire his skating and his ability, but tonight, he just wasn’t there, and somebody else was. I thought Paul Wylie was excellent.” John Nicks quoted in the same article said, “I thought the winner of the men’s gold medal had the worst performance I’ve seen since my first Olympics in 1948.” (Harvey, These Silvers Didn’t Figure : Figure skating: Wylie is second to Petrenko as judging comes under fire., 1992) But it wasn’t just the Wylie/Petrenko result that was a

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problem. An even bigger controversy, at least in Canada, was the placement of Kurt Browning over Elvis Stojko.

Kurt was the favorite coming into the games but was battling a back injury that severely hampered his skating.

Even though most felt that Elvis outskated Kurt in the free, the Canadian judge Dennis McFarlane, place Kurt second, allowing him to beat Elvis by one place.

According to Brian Orser, “That demonstration of judging is very bad for the sport.” In fact, when the Canadian judges returned home their friends and family were all over them wanting the judges to justify their scores (Smith, Talking Figure Skating, 1997).

Behind the scenes at Albertville however, an even larger issue was brewing that would eventually impact figure skating and how it was judged. Octavio Cinquanta from Italy was on the ballot from the speed skating section for a seat on the council (Bianchetti-Garbato, 2004).

Sonia Bianchetti, also from Italy, was already a council member and would be running again. However, only one member from a country could sit on the council.

As the speed skating section voted first, if Octavio was elected, Sonia would be removed from the ballot. Ms. Bianchetti was a powerful member of the council and a strong voice for figure skating. The council held a meeting at the Albertville games; the outcome was a vote of no confidence directed at Sonia for allegedly claiming that Cinquanta would be expelled from the Italian Federation if he was elected. Subsequently, Cinquanta was elected and Bianchetti was ineligible to run for the council. As history played out, the speed skaters were able to retain the presidency, much to the dismay of the figure skating section. Octavio Cinquanta was elected president in 1994 and in 1997, ordered a complete review of the judging system (Reuters, 1997) after the results of the Men’s event at the European Championships were questioned. At a news conference, Cinquanta was quoted as saying, “The fact that millions of spectators watching on television did not understand the system of judging does not mean the system is wrong, but it does mean the ISU must do something to ensure the spectators are not in that position again. It is time the ISU took the initiative to avoid this happening.”

While figures ceased to be competed at ISU events, the U.S. still had their figure test structure and figure competitions were held as independent events. In the mid-nineties however, the USFSA chose to eliminate the figure test requirement and move that responsibility to the new Moves in the Field (Loosemore, 1998). Large numbers of skaters stopped doing figures and by the end of the nineties, “patch sessions” were almost nonexistent. In 1998 and 1999, a combined figures event with men and women was held. Lisa Frenzl Swain of the Los Angeles Figure Skating Club was the last figure champion.

Continuing with another controversy in judging was the dance event at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan.

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Ukrainian judge Yuri Balkov was suspended for a year after being taped by Canadian judge Jean Senft (Pilon, 2014) explaining the final results before the event even took place. Initially, it was Senft who was cited by the ISU for national bias, but when she produced the tape for the Court of Arbitration for Sport, it was overturned and the Ukrainian was suspended (Reaves, 2002). At the following World Championships in 1999, another Ukrainian judge, Alfred Korytek, and Russian Sviatoslav Babenko where caught cheating during the pair event. Canadian television showed the two judges exchanging information on the performances of the Chinese and Polish pairs, the silver and bronze medalists in the event. Babenko received a three year ban initially as this was the third occurrence of his having been cited for misconduct (Hersch, 2000). According to Hersch of the Chicago Tribune, “One occurred during an international competition in 1995, the other when Babenko was judging men’s singles at the 1997 World Championships.” After, the Russian Federation President Valentin Piseyev threatened to, “… go all the way to [the European Court of Justice in] The Hague if we have to, to fight this decision” (Unkown, 1999). As the ISU was already fighting several other cases in court, it was decided to halve the suspension to save money. Subsequently, Babenko dropped his suit.

In the next PS Magazine - The History of Judging: Part VI, 2000 – Today–The New Millennium

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bianchetti-Garbato, S. (2004). Cracked Ice - Figure Skating’s Inner World. Milano: Libreia dello Sport.

Brennan, C. (1996). Inside Edge. New York: Scribner.

Brennan, C. (1998). Edge of Glory -The Inside Story of the Quest for Figure Skating’s Olympic Gold Medal. New York: Scribner.

Hamilton, S. (1999). Landing It: My Life On and Off the Ice. New York: Kensington.

Harvey, R. (1992, February 21). Bonaly Is Issued Warning : Figure skating: She is told by women’s referee not to perform her flip in practice. Her mother is furious. Retrieved from Los Angeles Times: http://articles.latimes.com/1992-02-21/sports/sp-2686_1_figure-skating-officials Harvey, R. (1992, February 16). These Silvers Didn’t Figure : Figure skating: Wylie is second to Petrenko as judging comes under fire. Retrieved from Los Angeles Times: http://articles.latimes. com/1992-02-16/sports/sp-4606_1_u-s-figure Hersch, P. (2000, March 16). Skate Judge’s Penalty Halved to Avoid Legal Fight. Chicago Tribune.

Hines, J. R. (2006). Figure Skating, A History. Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press and the World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame.

Hines, J. R. (2011). The Historical Dictionary of Figure Skating. Lanham: Scarecrow Press. Inc. Johnson, S. A. (1991, April). And Then There Were None. Skating Magazine.

Loosemore, S. (1998, December 16). Figures Don’t Add Up In Competition Anymore. Retrieved from CBS SportsLine.

Pilon, M. (2014, February 20). Who Were the Figure Skating Judges. Retrieved from N.Y. Times.

Com: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/21/sports/olympics/who-were-the-figure-skatingjudges.html?_r=0 Reaves, J. (2002, February 15). Interview: Candian Skating Judge Jean Senft. Time.

Reuters. (1997, March). I.S.U. Head Orders Review of Judging System. Skating.

Smith, B. (1997). Talking Figure Skating. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart Inc. Smith, B. (2014, February 22). Beverley Smith A figure skating insider. Retrieved October 21, 2014, from More on the Women’s Controversy: http://bevsmithwrites.wordpress.com/2014/02/22/ more-on-the-womens-controversy/ The Associated Press. (1998, June 9). No More Figures In Figure Skating. The New York Times.

Unkown. (1999, April 15). Russian Defends Judges. Retrieved from The Moscow Times: The Moscow Times http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/russian-defends-judges/278239. html Wright, B. T. (1992). Skating Around the World: International Skating Union, The One Hundreth Anniversary History1892-1992. Davos Platz, Switzerland: Beat Hasler.

We may or may not be the best team

TODAy FIT! But we will be the most

Benefits of

Off-ice

Training

By Denise Dobert & Laura Friedman BS Health Science & Exercise Physiology CRYSTALLETTE COACH & SKATER

As individuals we set individual goals for each skating season and work towards them, but as a synchronized skating team there is so much more. We are only as fast as our slowest skater, as strong as our weakest teammate, and as powerful as our team of 16 can be together at one time on the ice. Individually, we can push ourselves towards being the best we can, but as a synchronized skating team we need to push each other and work towards the same goal as a group.

As coaches and skaters we have emphasized this year after year by starting the season with fitness testing and then training as a team both on and off the ice once the summer schedule begins.

Off ice training needs to include the five components of exercise:

1. Muscular strength working with a heavy weight, allowing you to perform an exercise with 6-12 repetitions and 3 to 5 sets to the point of fatigue 2. Muscular endurance working with a light weight with a higher amount of repetitions (15-20) to put a force on the body for a longer period of time. This will benefit the heart and lungs as well as the muscle you are working.

3. Cardiovascular endurance aerobic exercise with a minimum of 15-20 minutes everyday to condition your heart and lungs which supply oxygen to the heart.

Some examples you could do as a team together include running, jump roping or swimming.

4. Flexibility involves moving the joints in a full range of motion and beyond to increase elasticity in the muscle.

Stretching before and after all on-ice practices and off-ice training will increase your individual flexibility and make your team stronger as a whole.

5. Body composition (body fat percentage) a way to check (by a fitness professional) your fat mass to your lean body mass and make sure you are in a healthy percent range Working with all five of these components will allow teams to grow in core strength, balance, power, muscular strength, and flexibility. Your team will excel in speed, power, posture, and body positions on the ice, upper/ lower body strength, and the stamina to complete your programs with more efficiency (especially if working on both short and long programs). As skaters we need exceptional strength and stability in order to spin, jump, lift, and perform step sequences with speed and flow.

Our competition season is a mere five months long and we believe champions are made in the off season, during which you first begin your conditioning both on and off the ice. Find a professional that is proficient and knowledgeable of skating, and has experience with off ice training. You want someone who will push your team beyond what they have done before and encourage them to be as fast as your fastest skater, as strong as their strongest teammate, as powerful as they can be together.

Watch your team (and score) improve as you work to peak at your national championships!

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What Would Rafael Arutyunyan Do? Rafael Arutyunyan, a Russian-based Armenian figure skating coach, sees himself as somewhat of a fixer. “I don’t get my skaters on their way up,” he said. “I get them when they’re having a tough time.” And bringing his skills as a noted technician to skaters who need it certainly seems to be his forte, as he recently coached Ashley Wagner to redeeming performances at the Olympics and a first place at the 2015 U.S. Championships and Adam Rippon to a silver medal at Nationals. Having moved to the United States in 2000, his former students include a slew of talent: Alexander Abt, two-time European medalist and Olympic competitor; Mao Asada, Olympic silver medalist; Jeffrey Buttle, World champion and Olympic bronze medalist; Sasha Cohen, Olympic silver medalist and U.S. Champion; and Michelle Kwan, two-time Olympic medalist and five-time World champion, who, under Arutyunyan’s tutelage, won her final two of her record-tying nine U.S. Championships. So what would Rafael Arutyunyan do?

first thing I did was to go to Mirai and apologize for such a decision, emphasizing that, personally, I adhere to the sporting principle. Second, I spoke with Ashley and said that from now on she’s bearing a double responsibility at all training sessions and competitions, as she must do her very best to justify the mission entrusted to her. To her credit, she immediately agreed with me on this.

Understanding all the seriousness of our situation, we both worked hard to prepare ourselves and not let the people down who made this decision. But Sochi was just one of the steps. Ashley keeps climbing up and up and hopefully she keeps doing that.

What drives you or inspires you as an elite level coach?

First of all, I don’t really think of myself as an elite coach. When I think of elite coaches I think of Frank Carroll, Stanislav Zhuk, and John Nicks.

Rather, I seem to be the coach who gets approached when someone needs urgent assistance. I think I became a coach because I love this work, and I’m practically never satisfied with the result.

She seems to be gaining confidence with each performance. What have you done to work on her mental game?

There may be coaches who believe in some kind of separate, specialized psychological adjustment of the athlete.

I don’t belong to this category—I believe in a combination called “training,” in the process of which you’re preparing the skater for anything unexpected, and the better you have this combination worked out, the more reliable the result.

I often make their programs so difficult in practice that competition seems easy. Their psychological strength comes from confidence.

You were coaching Ashley Wagner when she had a rough skate at the 2014 U.S. Championships, but then was named to the Olympic team instead of Mirai Nagasu, based on her history of consistency and international results. The debate went viral, with legions of skating fans dissecting the decision. Now with the perspective of several months, what do you say?

Now, as then, my opinion is firm. The

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Wagner has said that she told you she was “terrified” before what turned out to be a redeeming short program in the team event in Sochi. Reportedly, she told you the same thing before shattering records for her recent third win at Nationals. Can you share with us what you said to her to calm her down and get her to skate so well?

Lately, I’ve been saying essentially the same thing to her: “You’re so welltrained that it absolutely doesn’t matter how you feel.” Hopefully, she’s going to continue training this well so I won’t have to change my words of motivation.

Wagner has announced that she plans to compete in the 2018 Winter Olympics. What do you think she can accomplish by then?

Planning is the first, relatively easy part of the undertaking, but there exists the

By Terri Milner Tarquini

second, difficult part—the execution.

It’s like if you say, “I’m going to start running every morning.” And then you do - for a few mornings. And then suddenly a morning comes and you stay in bed and don’t run. You can plan a lot, but you must know how to execute your plan and sometimes it’s hard, but you have to go and do your job. I really hope that Ashley is one of those people who are equal to tasks like these.

Wagner has credited her consistency with the triple-triple to you, as has Adam Rippon with regards to his quad jumps. Do you have a theory behind your technique that you use with your skaters?

I don’t know any coach working in figure skating or near it—and I’ve seen a lot of coaches over the last 50 years—who don’t have a theory. But the question is not whether you have a theory or not, but how you use it and if it benefits your students. By analyzing your experience and drawing the bottom line you can arrive at certain conclusions—and quite often they’re not flattering to yourself.

Of course, I also have a concept that I use to help my students be successful, but more importantly, in the case of failure I mostly blame myself, and that means that I instantly analyze the cause of the failure. This allows me to reach the right conclusions and avoid mistakes in the future. If they are struggling I always, always blame myself. If you are managing a skater the way you want to manage them, then how can you blame them if things aren’t working? Now, if they’re not listening, then I need to either make them listen or I need to stop teaching them.

I’m not a dictator, but they need to follow my direction. Sometimes, they say, “You’re too tough.” And I say, “You forget who I am. I’m your coach and I’m the guy who cares what happens.”

I’m tough, but when they try their hardest, then they will skate well and then they love me. What if I was a coach who is nice all of the time? And then we just go along and everything is nice and then we go to competition and everything falls apart. Then what?

2015 U.S. Figure Skating Championships |

It’s not fun sometimes to be tough, but sometimes that’s what is needed. I am tough because I care.

What is your favorite move to watch when it is performed really well?

Delayed Axel.

If there was one thing you could change about the sport, what would it be?

I would make the free skate free. Now it is just a longer short program. I would like some freedoms given back to the free program. I understand it’s difficult to judge; I understand that point.

But maybe there’s a solution for more exciting elements and choices of what to put in a program to bring people back to watching skating. Everybody has something special and, so often, that is something that is not allowed for. People waited—waited—for Michelle Kwan’s spiral. And they remember it still today.

I think either the program needs to be free or the name needs to be changed.

If you hadn’t been a skating coach what would you have done?

PHOTO BY VICKI LUY

I’d be a painter, a sculptor, or a historian, something like that. But it seems I actually do those things now as a coach!

I’m a happy man, because I achieved everything I had dreamt of in childhood, and I consider myself to be very lucky that fate brought me together with each of them. It’s hard to tell who of us influenced whom the most.

Do you have an overall coaching philosophy or mission statement?

To be honest, with time my philosophy has finally acquired clear contours. I don’t know if it has to do with my age or my move to the United States, but it’s summed up like this: “I’d like to see my students not only as great sportsmen, but as good people.” This may sound like a big concept, but it’s true. When I was in Russia, I was much tougher. But since I’ve been in the U.S. my philosophy has changed. I’ve learned to give the skaters a little more freedom to have some choices. I realized I needed to take time to talk with them - not only about skating - to help them be better people and to better understand them.

Any hopes for the future?

I know for sure that I can keep doing better. I would love to head up a skating center and have the chance to use all of my skills and talents. If a center works well, then it will produce successful skaters over and over. Ford built a factory and produced cars out of that factory—boom, boom, boom. You can get different colors and different types, but each one is still a car. I have been so many places in my life and I know my ideas can work. I have in my head a way that we can be ahead of other countries.

Maybe one day I will get my shot.

Michelle Kwan, Mao Asada, Sasha Cohen, Wagner, Rippon - you have had your influence on many great skating talents of the past and the present. How would you describe your journey in the skating world so far?

You forgot to mention two of my other students—Jeffrey Buttle and Alex Abt. All of these athletes have been champions of their respective countries, medalists of the European and World championships, as well as the Olympics.

From what I’ve read, you don’t often talk to the media, believing your skaters performances will speak louder than words. With that in mind, what do you think your skaters’ skating is saying at this juncture?

You’re a very discerning journalist and a good psychologist. What you said about me is exactly what I think—your deeds and what other people say about you should speak on your behalf. Sometimes this process can take a lifetime, but I’m not in a hurry—I simply do the work I love.

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Legal Ease DAVID SHULMAN

Solicitation Discipline W

ell, the dawn came...sunlight, but no great noise.

The day progressed and still no report that tremors had upset the force. Day turned to night and STILL nothing had occurred to show PSA coaches the end of the world was upon them. To the numerous coaches making inquiries to me by phone and letter, I say stand down and stay the course of good manners.

Much has been written and more is being composed on the issue of conduct among coaches when seeking to attract new students. As members know, PSA had in place rules it thought to be clear guidance. Allowing for the aggressive marketing of a coach, one should avoid methods that are best described as obnoxious.

It was assumed the open market and free enterprise system would always be the forum.

Likewise, it was never determined that the establishment of a rule or two aimed at giving some order to the business of acquiring students was really a disguised attempt to 1.) Limit entry into the ranks of the high level coach, 2.) Restrict certain methods and actions by the coach thus impeding open, free range competition or 3.) Impede the movement of skaters from one coach to another coach.

Now enters into this arena the United States of America, represented by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). At the time the FTC first notified PSA, they were interested in the origin of the ethics rule on solicitation, and in the process of investigating a board of realtors, assembly of music teachers, and an organization of process servers to name a few. These other organizations, as did PSA, enjoyed a common heritage. Each had in place a rule or two which directed the membership away from the "what's mine is mine and what's yours is mine if i can get it" activity when doing business.

Attracting customers to sell them your product or service is a necessary part of business.

With the FTC comes legal proceedings. With legal proceedings come cost. With cost comes decisions—

34

MAY | JUNE 2015

flight or fight. Those who have been in litigation know that winning can be losing. Making deals, settling, and moving on can seem like a loss, but maybe not. You can read about how PSA has been dealt with and how it is dealing with the FTC in other news stories. It is a fact supported by much experience that winning may be measured by how much of your person and property leave with you when departing the battlefield.

When analyizing your coaching career, what steps do you take to get the customer to notice who you are, what you offer, and why you are the best of many choices? Are some steps good? Are some better? Is there a best step to take? Should businesses have a no-holds-barred approach as a way of getting to their potential customers? Fight, bite, kick, and scratch but no lying, cheating, or stealing?

Should there be rules controlling conduct—the violation of such rules bearing consequences for those who break them? Who makes the rules? Who enforces the rules? You should be getting the picture. How will it all change?

Will things have to change? It all depends.

You can read the press release and PSA statement regarding the FTC settlement in the last issue of PS Magazine, the March/April 2015 edition, on page 14.

Ice Show Celebration!

June 22nd – 24th, 2015

Las Vegas, Nevada

Ice Capades is having their 75th Reunion and would like to invite any and all ice show alumni to join in the celebration!

Ice Follies, Holiday On Ice, Disney On Ice, any ice show is welcomed.

‘Escape to Las Vegas’ and have fun!

Visit this link for all celebration details

www.icecapadesreunion2015.com EMAIL:

icecapadesreunion2015@gmail.com ICE CAPADES Reunion 2015

FACEBOOK GROUP:

Add On Sheila Thelen PRESIDENT – Champion Cords EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR –

Grassroots To Champions

We’re expanding at Champion Cords! INTRODUCING our new Champion Skating Harness! We’ve created a new “Off Ice Rotation Harness” perfect for teaching your skaters – AIR POSITION! You can watch videos on our new Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ChampionSkatingHarness When you combine: Champion Skating Harness + Champion Cords + G2C Ankle Buzzer (and add in “bite the coat”) = Skater learning to BALANCE THE AIR POSITION. Coaches you need to add this to your training plans. Perfect for the rink/house/garage. Contact our offices for more information & pricing!

651-257-1004 (central time).

Champion Cords are endorsed by the PSA! Order yours at www.ChampionCords.com OR www.SkatePSA.com

www.ChampionCords.com

PS MAGAZINE

35

New

MEMBERS NEW MEMBER SPONSOR Melissa ABEAR Beth ADDIS

NEW MEMBER SPONSOR

Carol Rossignol

Darrell LEVACK

Matthew Gates

Laura Harvey

Rebeccah LILLY

Bridget Kaus

Alexander ALLEN

Holly Eisenhour

Cristina LIN

Denise Myers

Ashley BAIN

Roland Burghart

Jessica MCCORMICK

Laura Holsing

Whitney MEYER

Lynda Murphy

Jean-luc BAKER

Sharon Jones Baker

Benjamin BECKER

Sheryl Franks

Ally MORIN-VIALL

Holly Viall

Ellen BENNETT

Jamye Gaster

Michael MURPHY

Deanna Vokes

Julia BIECHLER

Robbie Kaine

Noelle NELSON

Alexa BRADSHAW-KREIMER

Mary Jo Bulin

Yuka ODOM

Yuka Odom

Melanie BRAUND

Felicia Beck

Molly OLSON

Alexis CARON

John Mucko

Jessica OSBORNE

Sigrid Berge

Lauren CARRIG

Bridget Carrig

Ana PALOMO

Marel Flores

Sarah Pulido-West

Sara PANZER

Tami Mickle

Gretchen CAUDILL-BAUER Raissa CHAZOVA Denise CHRISTIANSEN

Ikaika Young Phillip DiGuglielmo

Ellyn PETRINO

Patti Brinkley

Ashley PHILLIPPS

Cheyne COPPAGE

B-J Chapman

Arisa PISTULKA

Molly CYR Christianna DANIELSON

Carol Rossignol Karen Meck

Michaela DAVIS

Shanyn Vallon

Sonya DICKSON

Sarah Pifer

Joshua FARRIS

Christy Krall

Julia FENNELL

Jessica Anastasio

Gabriela PLACERES Julianna PURCELL Luke PURNELL

Rebecca Hatch-Purnell Carol Rossignol

Michael SEIBERT

Renee Roca

Ellen SENDELBACH

Carol Rossignol Carol Rossignol

Olga GARRITY

Tiffany Thornton

Heather STELLABOTT

Katy GARRITY

Jeffrey Philip Chang Jackie Brenner

Jimmy Crockett

Marti SAURER

Mackenzie SHAY

Holly GRISSO

Nancy Garcia

Leah Weinberg

Carol Rossignol

Ikaika Young

Jackie Brenner

Jamila ROBINSON

Lucy FUGLESTAD

Matthew GREENLAW

Cathryn Schwab Aggie Richhart

Angela Conley Peter Biver

Carol Rossignol

Katherine PETUSKY

Crystal CONLEY Bernadette CROTTEAU

Helen STREFF Brittany STROUD Sheryl SULEK

Christopher HARWOOD

Dawn Harwood

Cassandra TIPPS

Madelaine HUGO

Carol Rossignol

Corin TREAT

Allison JOHNSTON

Kristin Andrews

Jenna VAUGHN

Shay Sterlace Carol Rossignol Macy Wilson Jessica Swinton Lilli Erickson Carol Rossignol Sarah Cammarata

Lukas KAUGARS

Damon Allen

Megan VIOZZI

Carol Rossignol

Alexandra KIELY

John Towill

Angela WANG

Christine Krall

Jennifer KIRK Natasha KLOYZNER Renee KRAMER

36

Carol Rossignol

Matthew Lind Daniil Barantsev Jamye Gaster

Phil KUHN

Jimmie Santee

Talia LEROL

Carol Rossignol

MAY | JUNE 2015

Samantha WILSON

Luke Capizzo

Welcome coaches!

Do you know coaches who are new to the profession, or are there skaters (age 16 or older) in your rink who have the potential to be a great coach?

Help them get a head start on their coaching career, and encourage them to join PSA! As their sponsor, you can guide and encourage them to get educated and maintain professional membership with PSA. Visit www.skatepsa.com or contact Elizabeth at ethornton@skatepsa.com to learn more about PSA membership opportunities.

PS MAGAZINE

37

CALENDAR

OF

EVENTS

M AY Date: Location: Event: Credits: Contact:

May 18-20 Area 9 Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 N High Street, Columbus, OH 43215 U.S. Figure Skating NARCE – Skating Director Course 14 Pre-approved credits Susi Wehrli-McLaughlin 719-635-5200 ext. 423 swehrli@usfigureskating.org

Date: Location: Event: Contact: Credits: Deadlines:

May 18-20 Area 10 Radisson Blu Hotel- Minneapolis, 2100 Killebrew Dr, Bloomington, MN 55425 Oral Rating Site at 2015 PSA Conference PSA Office 507-281-5122 or byackel@skatepsa.com 1 PSA credit per oral exam taken Oral Rating Exams: March 16, 2015

Date: Location:

Event: Contact: Credits: Deadlines:

May 20-23 Area 10 Radisson Blu Hotel- Minneapolis, 2100 Killebrew Dr, Bloomington, MN 55425 and Bloomington Ice Garden, 3600 W 98th St, Bloomington, MN 55431 2015 PSA International Conference & Trade Show PSA Office at office@skatepsa.com or 507-281-5122 28 - 30 PSA credits Early Bird Deadline: January 20, 2015 Advanced: April 21, 2015

Date: Location: Event: Contact: Credits: Deadlines:

May 26 & 28 Area 2 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston North Shore, 50 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA 0923 978-777-2500 Oral Rating Site at 2015 ISI Conference & Trade Show PSA Office 507-281-5122 or byackel@skatepsa.com 1 PSA credit per oral exam taken Oral Rating Exams: March 16, 2015

JUNE Date: Location: Event: Host: Contact:

Credits: Deadline:

Wed. June 24 Area 12 Line Creek Community Center Ice Arena, 5940 NW Waukomis Dr., Kansas City, MO 64151 Foundations of Coaching Course (FCC) – a professional development course for coaches [8:00 am to 5:00 pm] Amy Fankhauser afank67@gmail.com and Shannon Palumbo spalumbosk8@gmail.com PSA Office 507-281-5122 or byackel@skatepsa.com Register online at www.skatepsa.com 12 PSA credits May 26, 2015

AUGUST Date: Location:

Event: Contact:

Credits: Deadline:

38

August 13-14 Area 9 Ford Ice Center – Home of the Scott Hamilton Skating Academy 5264 Hickory Hollow Pl, Antioch, TN 37013 [615-742-4399] Oral Rating Site at Ratings Prep [Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-12:15pm] PSA Office 507-281-5122 or byackel@skatepsa.com Register online at www.skatepsa.com 1 PSA credit per oral exam taken Oral Rating Exams June 12, 2015

MAY | JUNE 2015

A U G U S T continued

Please vis www.ska it tep for the co sa.com mpl Calendar ete of Events

Date: August 13-16 Area 9 Location: Ford Ice Center – Home of the Scott Hamilton Skating

Academy 5264 Hickory Hollow Pl, Antioch, TN 37013 [615-742-4399] Event: Ratings Prep [Fri 1-6pm, Sat 8am-6pm,

Sun 8am-12:30pm Contact: PSA Office 507-281-5122 or byackel@skatepsa.com

Register online at www.skatepsa.com Host: Paula Trujillo Fargo360@cox.net Credits: 28 PSA credits Deadline: Prep Deadline July 24, 2015 Date: Saturday, September 12 Area 16 Location: Ice Den, 9375 E Bell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 [480-585-7465] Event: Oral Rating Site [8:00 am to 8:00 pm] Contact: PSA Office 507-281-5122 or byackel@skatepsa.com

Register online at www.skatepsa.com Credits: 1 PSA credit per oral exam taken Deadline: Oral Rating Exams July 20, 2015

Coach Gear PSA

Show off your membership and education with PSA apparel!

new!

Ladies & Men's Softshell Jacket 3-layer softshell jacket in ladies teal or men's navy blue with metallic silver embroidered PSA logo

Nationwide Seminar locations and dates can be found on page 14.

JOB OPENINGS The Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club located in Ann Arbor, Michigan is looking for elite freestyle figure skating coaches. Successful applicants should have a history of building on past successes of taking skaters to “the next level.” Please respond with a resume. Bonnie Shay – bshay@umich.edu

Ladies Vest Stay warm and stylish in our popular vest.

Available in black too!

Advertise With Us! Let the skating community know about your upcoming event, product, service, or job opportunity by advertising with the PSA! We offer many different advertising options at affordable rates. For more information go to our website at www.skatepsa.com and click on “Advertise With Us”.

Ladies Rhinestone Tee Dazzle them at the rink with this fun tee

See more at

www.skatepsa.com PS MAGAZINE

39

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d r a W e Rohen e k n h a FREE Ryan J e or m ADMISSION l e D k c i r Der r a s s a C n a h t a n Jo i k s l o k O Colleen vers Heidi E rk a l C y e l h As i r a d n a h B i r u y Ma i u B m a T s n i g g i H e n y e d o J & e c i s o b Sean R m o C d l o C e c and more!

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schedulepdete to com

PROFESSIONAL

SKATERS ASSOCIATION

Saturday May 23, 2015

BLOOMINGTON ICE GARDEN

Bloomington, MN

ted by

suppor