NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER
2014
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COLUMNS 4
Over the Edge | Jimmie Santee
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FEATURES 13
Conference of 10,000 Tips 2015 PSA International Conference & Trade Show Preview
President’s Message | Angie Riviello
8
Ratings | Brandon Forsyth
10
Evolution of Coaching
SafeSport | U.S. Figure Skating
14
Sport Science | Heidi Thibert
18
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20 | by Terri Milner Tarquini
22 From Humble Beginnings: Iceland
Education | Carol Rossignol
20
| by Kent McDill
34
Legal Ease | David Shulman
6 In the Trenches
9 Ratings Exams Passed
17 Excellence On Ice 17, 18 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
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History of Judging Part II: 1930-1950 | by Bruce Poodles
32
FRANK J. ZAMBONI & CO., INC.
What Would Bobby Martin Do? | by Terri Milner Tarquini
28 Take note...
K EEP U P W ITH T HE PSA...
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NOVEMBER | DECEMBER
2014 ~ No 6 #ISSN-574770
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Over the Edge
PSA OFFICERS President First Vice President Second Vice President Third Vice President Treasurer Past President
JIMMIE SANTEE
People Don't Fail, Leaders Do PART III
I
had a conversation early this past summer with an international judge in Sun Valley, Idaho. The discussion centered on my editorial People Don’t Fail, Leaders Do, Part I. While I thought I was pretty thorough, the judge pointed out some other ISU/Cinquanta issues that I neglected to call attention to. One glaring omission was that I said I would rectify was the introduction or lack thereof, of new rules by the ISU. As it stands currently, before the introduction of a new rule, it is held as a state secret. While bits and pieces do filter out at certain events, it is very similar to the unveiling of a new Apple product. The rules for singles and pairs are written under the chairmanship of Alexander Lakernik of Russia. Mr. Lakernik was voted the chair of the technical committee following the 2002 judging scandal in Salt Lake and has held the position ever since. Interesting to note, Lakernik was the assistant referee of the pair’s panel in Salt Lake and was the technical controller for the women in Sochi… arguably two of the most controversial events in skating history. Each technical committee—singles, pairs, dance, and synchro, is made up of six members; a chair, three voted members, one athlete, and one coach. A simple majority is needed to adopt a rule. The current members live in geographically distant locations, making it difficult to communicate by any other way than by e-mail. Generally, the committees meet in the summer in Frankfurt and shortly thereafter adopt the rules for the season. For several years, Lakernik has traveled to Skate Milwaukee just prior to Frankfort. It has given him the opportunity to see how these new rules may work. If you are lucky enough to be one of the “Crash Test Dummies”, you get a real advantage for the competitive year. Earlier in the summer is the Broadmoor open, a competition where the rules are a mix of the previous year’s and what our technical committee “believes” the new rules will be. To be fair, our technical specialists here in the United States work very hard to understand the new rules and to educate our skaters and coaches. My issue is not with our crew. To be honest, based on public opinion the dance and synchronized committees seem to be getting it right. But for singles and pairs, we are trying to make the best of a system growing out of control. New rules this year only exacerbate the growing confusion of the system. Something has to give….but how? Rules can only be passed once a year and once they are a rule, only clarifications of the interpretation of the rule are allowed. This means we are stuck with bad rules for the whole season. Lakernik himself said in an interview in a Russian magazine in 2011, “…several years ago, we added a difficult variation for the lady as a death spiral feature, and all the ladies started to do the catchfoot. As a result, death spiral was no longer a death spiral, and the last Olympic Games have passed under the sign of that awful back out death spiral. Now this feature was removed since we realized that this was a road to nowhere.” This is the most frustrating part of the ISU rule process. Cinquanta, the supreme ruler of all things frozen, and who by his own admission knows next to nothing of our sport, allows rules to be made without any organized vetting. As a leader, if direction is not given, those below will make up their own direction. Why do the IJS rules change so much every year? Because they are never given an adequate amount of time to be tested. The process seems to never see the
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Mid-West East
Doug Ladret Todd Sand Teri Klingworth Hooper Brandon Forsyth Denise Williamson Robyn Petroskey-Poe Kirsten Miller-Zisholz Alex Chang Tom Hickey Robbie Kaine Brandon Forsyth Doug Mattis Scott McCoy Karen Oppegard Alex Chang
PSA
Crash Test Dummies
PSA BOARD OF GOVERNORS West
Angela Riviello Christine Fowler-Binder Dorothi Cassini Rebecca Stump Carol Murphy Kelley Morris Adair
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Denise Williamson Kelley Morris Adair Heidi Thibert Doug Mattis Tom Hickey Rebecca Stump Gloria Leous Paul Paprocki Bob Mock Heidi Thibert Jamie Santee Angela Riviello Kelley Morris Adair Carol Murphy Patrick O’Neil David Santee David Shulman Kelley Morris Adair Robbie Kaine Gerry Lane Brandon Forsyth Eleanor Fraser-Taylor
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THE PROFESSIONAL SKATER Magazine Mission: To bring to our readers the best information from the most knowledgeable sources. To select and generate the information free from the influence of bias. And to provide needed information quickly, accurately and efficiently. The views expressed in THE PROFESSIONAL SKATER Magazine and products are not necessarily those of the Professional Skaters Association. The Professional Skater, a newsletter of the Professional Skaters Association, Inc., is published bimonthly, six times a year, as the official publication of the PSA, 3006 Allegro Park SW, Rochester, MN 55902. 507.281.5122, Fax 507.281.5491, Email: office@skatepsa.com © 2004 by Professional Skaters Association, all rights reserved. Subscription price is $19.95 per year, Canadian $29.00 and foreign $45.00/year, U.S. Funds. ISSN-574770. Second-class Postage Paid at Rochester, MN 55901 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER send address changes to The Professional Skater, 3006 Allegro Park SW, Rochester, MN 55902. Printed in the USA.
unintended consequences of the rule until it’s too late. But because of the very nature of the process and to minimize confusion of disseminating rules that are not yet official, only a minority of officials, coaches, and skaters on the inside know what’s coming. Here is the problem as I see it. First there is only one coach on the six member technical panel that helps write the rules and attempts to figure out all the possible issues each rule will create. Once the rule is written, in the United States alone, there are 6000 coaches who are paid to find the loop holes and the easiest way to achieve the most difficult levels. When a rule is kept so closely guarded before its inception, should we be surprised when all heck breaks loose when thousands of us attack it? Again for the whole year we are subject to a plethora of clarifications until the next summer when they rewrite the rules. While I don’t know if the same problem exists anywhere else in the world, parents continually complain about the costs, and the coaches agonize while figuring out how to change programs to fit the yearly adjustments to the rules. Here’s one thought on how we could possibly fix the problem. First, the week following the World Championships, the different Technical Committees meet and discuss the adjustments needed to make the competitions more competitive and efficient. A set of provisional rules are set and published, available for the spring competition season. Prior to the Frankfort meeting, survey as many judges, coaches, and skaters in all member countries and see what the consensus is regarding the provisional rules. The Technical Committees can then evaluate the survey and adjust or remove rules as necessary. If the rules are properly vetted, major changes to programs should not be necessary. While I think that would work in utopia, the reality is that Mr. Cinquanta would never give the public that much power. He will continue to run ice sports into the ground on his terms and even more unfortunate, the issues he has created will most likely outlast his presidency.
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 Joy of Coaching is about you and who you are as a coach today. It is about your coaching heritage, your skating DNA and where you sit in the coaching family tree.” ~ BOB MOCK, PSA President 1994-1999
Order your copy at www.skatepsa.com
PS MAGAZINE
5
President’s Message ANGIE RIVIELLO
Happy Holidays! T
here are many things to be thankful for and this is the perfect time of year to reflect on them. Here are a few things I can think of… 2014 has been a spectacular year for figure skating with Meryl and Charlie winning Olympic gold, to Jason Brown’s River Dance program going viral, and of course America has a new sweetheart in Gracie Gold. Team USA certainly made America proud and won over many new fans to figure skating. I’m very thankful that our athletes represented this country with superior sportsmanship and integrity. Well done! This year has been a good year for PSA. The staff at headquarters works with such passion and commitment to this organization that it’s inspirational. Those of you that attended Conference this past May had the opportunity to see first-hand the dedication of the headquarters staff. It was by far one of the most exciting Conferences I have ever had the privilege of attending. All of the PSA staff works well beyond their “job descriptions” and gives so much to the greater good of this organization. It starts with our Executive Director’s example of passion and hard work and it flows through the entire staff. The staff needs a standing ovation as this organization only becomes stronger and better because of their dedication.
In the TRENCHES by
SCOTT BROWN
The Board of Governors—this is an amazing working group of individuals that are willing to donate and give their time and talents to make a difference. There are two board meetings every year and it’s inspiring to sit and listen to the wonderful ideas that are offered with so much energy and excitement. This group of people truly change the way we look at things and how we do things. We cannot forget ratings examiners! This group of volunteers is the heartbeat of the PSA. For each exam that is administered, it takes three Master rated coaches to give the exam. This equals 3.75 volunteer hours per exam. There are hundreds of exams given each year with hundreds and hundreds of volunteer hours donated to the PSA so we can continue to offer the most advanced coaching accreditation program. This is always the special time of year we have the opportunity to spend it with family and friends. As we close 2014, let’s look at all the amazing things it held and look forward to 2015 with excitement. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and may the New Year be just what you wished for. Happy holidays and happy coaching!
Top Ten Secrets of Brilliant Coaches
I recently came across a wonderful article by Anne Josephson on Huff Post Sports titled, 35 Secrets of Brilliant Coaches. I'd like to now share my top ten secrets:
1. Cherish the child over the athlete. Brilliant coaches Master-rated know that being an athlete is just a small part of being coach & IJS Technical a child. Specialist 2. Break skills into chunks. Brilliant coaches know that by isolating the individual elements that are woven together to achieve the skill, athletes will succeed faster. 3. State corrections in the positive. Brilliant coaches say “do this” not “don’t do this.” 4. Use positive coaching techniques. Brilliant coaches do not yell, belittle, threaten, or intimidate to get results. 5. Know what they don’t know. Brilliant coaches are not afraid to admit that they don’t have all the answers. 6. Constantly are seeking continuing education. Brilliant coaches never believe they know it all or that they cannot improve themselves.
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7. Have clear rules and logical consequences. Brilliant coaches do not keep their athletes guessing with respect to the standards of conduct or the result that can be expected for breeches of those standards. 8. Understand that fun is an essential element in training, no matter how elite an athlete becomes. Fun is not a frivolous sentiment but is the foundation of an athletes’ healthy commitment to a sport. 9. Communicate with parents. Brilliant coaches understand that parents are not the enemy and, in fact, are an important ally in the development of the athlete. 10. End practice on a positive note. Brilliant coaches always find a way to seek the positive at the end of even the most awful workout. You can find the entire post at www.huffingtonpost.com/anne-josephson/
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Ratings BRANDON FORSYTH
Raise Your Teaching Rate with a Rating By Patrick O’Neil MSW, CSW, MFS, MM
S
o often I hear coaches talking about wanting to raise their rates. Some coaches raise their rate for the sake of raising it while others believe there should be a justification for the rate increase. For example, the success of their athletes in a high level competition/test or a personal accomplishment related to skating may warrant an increase. Obtaining a rating or a ranking would be an excellent reason to justify a rate increase! Ratings have many benefits that include the respect of your colleagues, furthering your education, gaining more knowledge, and creating friendships. In the May/June 2014 issue of PS Magazine, my good friend and colleague, Rebecca (Becky) Stump, asked if the collective “we” are a certified coach. Becky reminded all of us that being CER compliant has nothing to do with being a credentialed or certified coach. She reminded us that CER compliancy has only to do with a coach completing “Continuing Education Requirements” set forth by U.S. Figure Skating. This is an important distinction because having credentials in any profession, figure skating included, can help a professional in one very important aspect; it can help the professional ask for a raise or set a rate. As Becky said, “Coaches who have passed the PSA Rating exams have earned the right to advertise as a certified coach.” Most coaches are independent contractors and, as such, we set our own rates. There are many facets to setting a teaching rate: competitive experiences (both personal and as a coach), show experiences, obtaining a college degree, number of years teaching, the number of gold tests your athletes have achieved under your tutelage, etc. Holding a rating or several ratings is a tangible credential and one a coach can “hang their hat on.” A rating tells people that a group of your peers has validated your coaching technique in a discipline. The rating can be a valuable tool for raising your rates as a coach. There are many clubs and rinks across the nation that will automatically pay you at a higher rate for having a master rating. I have had the good fortune in my lifetime to work in and out of ice arenas. In the “real world” of working, in
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Rating Chevrons
"A rating tells people that a group of your peers has validated your coaching technique in a discipline. The rating can be a valuable tool for raising your rates as a coach. There are many clubs and rinks across the nation that will automatically pay you at a higher rate for having a master rating." order to secure a raise, the employee has to demonstrate many things and obtaining a new certification or credential is something the employer, your client, can actually see. Being rated to the level at which you teach tells your clients, your colleagues, rink management, and your club that you care about your chosen profession. It tells those around you that you have a proven methodology of teaching. It by no means should tell anyone you are the perfect teacher—education is a lifelong process for sure. However, it does set you apart from other coaches who do not hold a rating. So, are you a rated coach?
Recently Passed
RATING EXAMS Congratulations to the following candidates who passed a rating exam:
Congratulations to the following coaches who passed the Basic Accreditation (BA): BA online Natalie Burnette Karen Bushanam Kevin Coppola Laura Duell Danielle Fanelle Nicholas Kole Makayla Krajewski Amy Nunn
Denver, CO | September 27, 2014 Abigail Peschges Kristen Riordan Matthew Savoie Gabrielle Scanlon Leigh Seitz Alison Skalla Brown Pippa Teague
Kimberly Berry RPD, CPD Alyssa Craig RM,CG Shane Douglas CM Nicholas Kole RFS Amber Kole RFS Andrea Kunz Williamson RPD Stacy McAllister RG, RFS Jenny Nelson RM, RFS Shellanne Pasquale CM, CFS Chanelle Schoonmaker RFS Jaime Uribe Rossi SG Liyen Vong RM, RG Lezlea Zessin RM
Congratulations to the following coaches who passed the Foundations of Coaching Course (FCC): Foundations of Coaching Course Lynn Babcock Lisa Butler Penny Carpenter Dorothi Cassini Beverly Durborow Benjamin Lee Ellis Pam Garverick Celia Glastris
Lisa Graham Sarah Halverson-Johnson Danielle Ingram Robin Jones Debbie Labuz-Miller Rachel Lafonte Jessica Laporte Caroline Leadmon
Jessica Lemoine Holly Mcdonell Ellie Messinger Elizabeth Monaghan Jeff Privett Victoria Robb Katherine Ruch Jennifer Schechter-Lawson
Cynthia Sonntag Nina Stute Emily Thomas Bethany Vondran Ashleigh Welch Deborah Wyatt
The Foundatio of Coachin ns g cour held Sep tember 7 th se Dennison in Camp ,O from Ken H, saw coaches tr ave tu Michigan cky, Colorado, Illin l , West Vir ois, ginia, N and Virgin ia in addit ew York ion to Ohio atte ndees!
Congratualtions to the following coach on her Emeritus rating: Sandy Lamb (Morgantown, IN) Emeritus-14: MDFD-70, MG-81, RFF-81, MPD-89, MM-03 Congratualtions to the following coaches and their master-rated mentors for completing a PSA Apprentice Program: Apprentice:
Level & Discipline:
Mentor(s):
Stephen Chasmans Morgan Davis
Level 4 Free Skating Level 1 Group Inst.
Kori Ade, Janet Champion, Ryan Jahnke, Christy Krall, & Julie Morris-McKenny Deborah Jones
RANKINGS — Awarded July 1, 2014 Jenessa Adams — Level I Jacqueline Sadowski — Level I Kelly Crumpton — Level I Lisa Martin — Level II Veronica Wargo — Level II Elizabeth Wright-Johnson — Level II Jordan Mann — Level II Dia Toussaint-McGaughey — Level IV
LouAnne Petersen Conant — Level IV Ashley Carlson — Level IV Tahlma Slingerland Ahlers — Level IV Natalia Bobrina — Level VII Bobby Martin — Level VIII Peter Oppegard — Level VIII Kathy Johnson — Level IX PS MAGAZINE
9
SAFESPORT
Why Should I Care?
Willful Tolerance By Alison Hershberger Filo
H
ow is it possible that respectable organizations like USA Swimming, the Catholic Church, and Penn State could abandon their moral compasses at the expense of children? What went wrong? How did once wellintentioned people get so far off track and how can it be prevented from happening again? The United States Olympic Committee has directed each of its participating sports to develop a SafeSport program – designed to educate sporting participants and organizations on ways to prevent abuse, recognize it when it occurs, and report it when necessary. While the program is a step in the right direction, the program can only be effective if people realize that what happened at Penn State was not an isolated incident driven by the influence and power of a football program. Instead, the abuse of children, and failure to properly report such abuse, happens all around us in our simple, everyday lives. U.S. Figure Skating’s SafeSport handbook defines willful tolerance of misconduct as follows: “It is a violation of this Athlete Protection policy if a coach, official, director, employee, parent or volunteer knows of misconduct, but takes no action to intervene on behalf of the athlete(s), participant(s), staff member and/or volunteer.” It may also be a crime. By way of example, California Penal Code section 11166 requires mandated reporters to make a report whenever the reporter “has knowledge of or observes a child whom the mandated reporter knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of child abuse or neglect.” You should review the law of your own state to determine who is, and who isn’t, a mandatory reporter. But, the moral message of the USOC and U.S. Figure Skating is simple enough—if you work with, supervise, or coach children regularly, you must avoid situations that facilitate abuse, recognize abuse when it happens, and promptly report it when it does. As a child sexual assault prosecutor in Santa Clara County, California, I have handled many cases that could
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have been prevented if someone had exercised common sense, paid attention, and reported what they’d seen. We all think we would do the right thing when called upon, but throughout my career, I have watched people make terrible decisions that have endangered children. These are not people trying to protect a multi-million dollar football program. They are parents, neighbors, relatives, friends, co-workers, and peers who, for one reason or another, don’t do the right thing. Over the past two years, I prosecuted the companion cases of school teacher Craig Chandler and elementary school Principal Lyn Vijayendran. The story of their prosecution demonstrates exactly how the tragedy at Penn State can happen at any place, at any time. In October 2011, a 7-year-old student at an elementary school in northern California told her mother that she didn’t want to go to school. She said that her second grade teacher, Craig Chandler, kept her in at recess, blindfolded her and put things in her mouth. She showed her mom a jacket that she had been wearing at school the day before. It had a conspicuous evidentiary stain on it. When the child’s mom went to the school principal, Lyn Vijayendran, to report the incident, the principal interviewed the child and took copious notes of their conversation. The notes were shocking. They included quotations from the child which were unmistakable descriptions of child abuse. Yet, rather than calling the police and letting professionals trained in the art of interviewing children and suspects handle the investigation, Vijayendran initiated her own investigation. She interviewed Chandler to get his side of the story. Not surprisingly, Chandler convinced the principal he was teaching a lesson to the children about sensitivity —making them navigate the world without sight—by blindfolding them and having them guess what he had put in their mouths. She did not ask why this “lesson” was being taught exclusively to girls, during recess, with the classroom door closed. Instead, Vijayendran admonished Chandler not to do it again. There was no follow
RESOURCES up to insure that her admonition was being followed. The mother and the student were sent home. The student’s jacket was washed and any evidentiary value it had was lost. The police were not notified. Within three months, another child had been molested. By the time the investigation and prosecution were over, Chandler stood convicted of molesting five second and third grade students over a two year period. He has been sentenced to 45 years to life in a state prison. Sadly, his prosecution and conviction are not that newsworthy. Save and except his position as a school teacher, he is not that unique. He is a convicted pedophile who will spend the rest of his life in prison as he deserves. Principal Vijayendran’s conviction however, is highly unique. She is the first school administrator in the State of California convicted of violating Penal Code section 11166—a misdemeanor—Mandatory Reporter who Failed to Report a Suspected Incident of Child Abuse. Her conviction is an important lesson to anyone who works with children—especially teachers and coaches. First and foremost, our obligation to prevent misconduct and abuse before it can happen is paramount. Principal Vijayendran not only accepted a ridiculous explanation for Chandler’s actions, she also did nothing to insure that his misconduct ceased. He continued to pull children out of recess to “meet” with them behind closed doors. Another child was molested and no one noticed. U.S. Figure Skating has taken steps to eliminate those opportunities. Requiring at least two adults to be present during off-ice meetings, directing appropriate locker room supervision, and announcing travel policies are just some of the ways that U.S. Figure Skating is limiting and controlling the situations in which abuse occurs. Second, pay attention to what is happening around you and trust what you see. Although the debate rages on about who knew what at Penn State, many people believe that administrators knew what was happening to children and knowingly swept it under the rug to perpetuate a successful football program. If true, they are unforgivably complicit in the molestation of additional children. It is easy to morally and legally condemn the intentional ignorance of those who are protecting a successful football program, but it is important to remember that it is not just intentional acts that lead to harm. By all accounts, Principal Vijayendran is an ordinary woman who has dedicated her life to the education of children. She allowed herself to accept a completely ridiculous explanation for what was clearly a report of child abuse. Through her rose colored glasses, she could not see that monsters walk among us. They can be our family members, neighbors, teachers, co-workers, and coaches. They can be clever and convincing. Vijayendran failed to trust her instincts and instead, was glad for an explanation that left her world intact and spinning. Lastly, we need to act by promptly reporting intoler-
• U.S. Figure Skating SafeSport Handbook • How to make a report: 1. If you are aware of an incident of misconduct, contact your local child protective services office or law enforcement agency so the proper professionals can make an assessment. Many states have a toll-free hotline to report suspected child abuse or neglect; visit www.childwelfare.gov to find out where to call. 2. Report the incident to U.S. Figure Skating by sending a detailed description to safesport@usfigureskating.org and U.S. Figure Skating will take appropriate action. 3. Report the incident to your local club SafeSport Compliance Chair to file a complaint at the club level and begin the conflict resolution process and/or alert rink management, if appropriate. • State Law • Although federal legislation sets the minimum standards for defining child abuse and neglect, their definitions vary by state. To read more about mandatory reporting and state reporting laws, visit: www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/ laws_policies/statutes/manda.cfm • For state toll-free child abuse reporting numbers and to search the definitions of child abuse by state, visit: www.childwelfare.gov
able conduct—not by investigating it ourselves. The police are trained to investigate reports of abuse. They are charged with collecting evidence to convict the guilty and exonerate the innocent. Principal Vijayendran was fooled by a predator who planned and schemed to facilitate his crimes. She alerted Chandler to a mother’s complaint and gave him the opportunity to destroy evidence. The jacket was washed. Thankfully, the San Jose Police Department’s trained investigators were able to expose the ridiculous story and collect key evidence from the classroom. They identified three additional victims. Their work was extraordinary. The lesson here is simple: leave the investigation to the experts. Do not be afraid to report. At least in the State of California, the law is replete with protection for reporters. Maybe you are wrong. Maybe you didn’t see what you think you saw, but what happens if you did? Wouldn’t you rather be wrong than be banished from the sport you love, convicted of a crime, and sentenced to live a life full of guilt for failing to protect children in your charge? Alison Hershberger Filo is a National U.S. Figure Skating Judge and a member of the SafeSport sub-committee. She has been a Deputy District Attorney for Santa Clara County since 2000. She has been assigned to the sexual assault unit for the better part of her career and has successfully prosecuted and convicted hundreds of child predators.
PS MAGAZINE
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Up to four scholarships will be awarded for the 2015 season and must be used for 2015 programs only.
APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR THE
WALTER AND IRENE MUEHLBRONNER PSA SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarship applications are available to PSA members for attendance at PSA education programs. These scholarships are intended for the development of coaching skills. Awards are based on financial need, dedication to coaching, sound character and ethical practices. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Applicant must have been a full member in good standing of the PSA for at least one year and hold a Registered or higher rating in any discipline. The award of scholarships is made by the Scholarship Committee of the Professional Skaters Foundation. Contact the PSA office for additional information or an application or visit www.skatepsa.com and click on the PS Foundation Scholarship link.
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2 0 1 5 P SA CO NF E RE NCE & TRADE SHOW
Tentative Schedule MONDAY, MAY 18 Events at the Radisson Blu Hotel MOA
Ratings Committee meetings Examiner Training Sessions Rating Exams TUESDAY, MAY 19 Events at the Radisson Blu Hotel MOA
Examiner Training Sessions Rating Exams Reception for new Master-rated coaches WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 Events at the Radisson Blu Hotel MOA
Examiner Training Sessions Rating Exams Tour of Riedell Skates in Red Wing Conference Registration Newcomers’ meeting 1:00pm Start of conference 2:00 pm Opening Keynote Speaker Breakout sessions President’s Reception THURSDAY, MAY 21
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Events at the Radisson Blu Hotel MOA
Featured Speakers - afternoon Breakout Sessions - afternoon Trade Show - afternoon Awards Dinner SATURDAY, MAY 23 Events at the Radisson Blu Hotel MOA
Trade Show Sport Medicine & Science Symposium Closing Panel Discussion/ Keynote Speaker Conference concludes 12:00pm **Schedule subject to change**
Radisson Blu Hotel
Wednesday to Saturday
May 20-23, 2015
Bloomington Ice Garden
Visit www.skatepsa.com for more information & to register
PS MAGAZINE
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Sport Science HEIDI THIBERT
Principles, Role and Value of Planning A
s most of us have entered the post-regional/sectional portion of the training year, many of us will be holding goal meetings with our athletes to plan out the coming year. There is a great deal of planning that goes into a year of skating, so I thought this topic would be timely. The information is excerpted from the Coaches Guide to Figure Skating Sport Science and Medicine 3rd Ed, authored by Charlene Boudreau. This article incorporates the Physical Conditioning Domain #3 as defined by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education: “Sport requires proper physical preparation in order to perform safely and effectively. The coach is responsible for implementing research-based, developmentally appropriate drills and teaching techniques that support athlete development while maintaining safety. The coach should encourage healthful decisions by the athlete to promote healthy lifestyles and low-risk training practices” In particular the article explores the National Standard #12: The coach will design programs of training, conditioning, and recovery that properly utilize exercise physiology and biomechanical principles. “Use of appropriate conditioning practices increases opportunities for successful sport performance and helps prevent injuries. Knowledge of exercise physiology and biomechanics is critical in the design of effective conditioning programs. In addition, coaches must consider the proper use of rest and recovery in specific training programs. Design of programs includes consideration of individual athlete characteristics and demands.” Planning as a Pre-Requisite for Performance Like our tendency to take fitness for granted, we often underestimate the value of sound planning. While “planning” may sound boring, complicated and/or too time-consuming, many of the problems we encounter in daily skating and coaching are brought on by a lack of it. Plans help us understand the factors that affect performance, such as goals (big/small, short-/long-term), strengths/
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weaknesses/opportunities to improve, needs (athlete, coach, parent, support team) and resources (personal, professional, human, financial). Plans also foster communication about roles and expectations among our circle of athletes, coaches, parents, and support team members. Without planning, we as coaches lack direction, and our athletes are at risk of becoming sick, injured, ill-prepared, burned out and disappointed. Cooperative planning breeds a culture of success and helps establish a renewal continuum of shared intentions, consistent behavior, aligned systems and processes, and desired culture. Like proper conditioning, proper planning is an effective way to reduce technical error and injury and should also be considered a pre-requisite to healthy, safe and successful performance. Planning via Deterministic Modeling Deterministic Modeling shows relationships between the result of a performance and the factors contributing to it (see Figure). Coaches can use deterministic modeling to focus, objectify and prioritize hourly, daily and seasonal training emphasis and feedback, improve understanding of factors contributing to sport performance. In planning, deterministic modeling helps set the stage for coaches and athletes by posing three questions: Where do we want to be? What will we need to do to get there? How will we track our progress? It can help start the process of planning strategically for the upcoming season, month, week, day and LESSON! Seasonal Planning as a Pre-Requisite for Performance A seasonal plan is a personalized document that describes in various levels of detail what a skater will learn this YEAR and how he will progress towards his annual skating goal(s). A seasonal plan is typically created cooperatively by the coach and skater but integrates input from and/or about a variety of people involved in the overall development of the skater. A seasonal plan integrates and balances on- and off-ice training, physical and mental recovery,
DETERMINISTIC MODEL-BASED PLANNING:
JUMP SUCCESS Time in air
VR in air
Take-off angle
Horizontal momentum
VH and VV at take-off
Body mass
Entry Pattern
Rhythm/ timing
Angular momentum VH on approach
Moment of inertia Body position
Time to position
Physique
Leg force
CRITICAL FEATURES (AP-MM)
and meaningful performance assessment to enhance the physical, mental, and technical development of the skater. A seasonal plan can be valuable at any level of skating, but should be considered a mandatory part of coaching once a skater has started competing at the Novice level at National Junior Championships. From a performance perspective, the seasonal plan serves as the joint commitment to teaching and learning through science-based coaching. From a business perspective, the seasonal plan serves as the investment prospectus for the coach, the skater, the family, and the skating club. In the case of elite skaters, the seasonal plan also serves as the investment prospectus for U.S. Figure Skating and the United States Olympic Committee. All skaters in all Olympic disciplines who are eligible to represent the United States in international competition are required to provide complete seasonal plans to U.S. Figure Skating on an annual basis. Cohesive, well-communicated, scientifically sound, professionallysupported plans are related to successful weekly, seasonal and career performance. Creating the Seasonal Plan The process of creating the seasonal plan is not difficult, but it does require a solid understanding of the skater (or team) AND the coach relative to the upcoming skating season. Completing a seasonal plan is a seven-step process. Step 1 – Define the Ultimate Performance Goal For skaters in the competitive system, the ultimate performance goal should be defined in terms of total points and placement at the highest priority competition of the upcoming season. The ultimate performance goal is an “outcome” goal. If the plan is followed, all paths will lead to achieving this goal. Step 2 – Reflect and Analyze Self-Progress Reflecting on the previous season and acknowledging strengths and weakness is a valuable process in defining how to go about achieving the next ultimate performance goal.
1. Identify the performance goal. 2. Determine factors affecting the execution of the performance. 3. Identify true deterministic factors (those not directly connected to any lower factor). 4. Eliminate factors athlete cannot affect in the time frame being considered. 5. Observe athlete performance on remaining factors. 6. Evaluate and prioritize the errors (weaknesses). Sensitive errors are those that can change. Exclude errors that appear to be caused by other errors. Consider time frame. 7. Intervene—PLAN feedback, practice and training strategically in preparation for the upcoming competitive season.
A SWOT analysis involves listing Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Strengths are current internal features that consistently contribute our success and require some maintenance, whereas opportunities are external features that are or may become available to us that we have yet to take advantage of. Weaknesses are generally current internal features can be improved upon, whereas threats are external challenges that will need to be overcome in order to reach the ultimate performance goal. “SWOTs” may be any combination of physical, mental, financial, social, and competitive factors and may be associated with physical development and/or our situation or surroundings. SWOTs should be described relative to how they impact performance in general and how they may contribute to or work against achieving the ultimate performance goal. Step 3 – Define Performance Objectives Based on the reflection and SWOT analysis, the skater should be able to identify five to ten items that need attention. These items should be described as specific and attainable objectives and be accompanied by details that demonstrate how they are related to the ultimate performance goal and the process of achieving them. Scientifically speaking, these performance objectives are “process” goals. Meeting process goals directly related to an outcome goal improves the likelihood of realizing that outcome goal. Step 4 – Establish the Timeline Once the ultimate performance goal and performance objectives have been defined, they must be put into the context of time. A seasonal planning chart/spreadsheet is governed by a 52-week calendar into which these goals and objectives must fit. To arrive at the timeline, complete the following sub-steps: (1) List the start of each week at the top of the chart (2) List the names
Seven Sections of the Seasonal Plan: 1. Ultimate Performance Goal 2. Reflection / S.W.O.T. Analysis 3. Performance Objectives 4. Calendar / Seasonal Planning Chart 5. Fitness Plan (FITT Plan) 6. Resources / Support Team 7. Commitment
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of all anticipated competitions at the top of the chart under the appropriate week; (3) Assign a priority (1, 2 or 3) to each competition, considering the ultimate performance goal; (4) Add other significant non-negotiable engagements (shows, camps, weddings, graduations, etc) to the top of the chart; (5) List standard and objective-related areas of focus to the left of the chart (ex. base fitness, program development, technique, speed recovery, fitness testing); (6) With colors or symbols, mark off the week(s) during which the emphasis in training will likely be on each area of focus; (7) Add/mark relevant medical and/or performance assessment events and dates (ex. pre-participation physical, baseline and follow-up fitness assessments, doping control deadlines). Step 5 – Establish/Request the Fitness Plan Once the ultimate performance goal and performance objectives have been set to an established timeline, it is possible for the conditioning professional to design a fitness program to support the needs of the skater. This process of designing volumes and training schedules to balance training with recovery and other stressors is called PERIODIZATION. This systematic approach allows the skater, coach and conditioning specialist to plan the year so the skater derives optimal on- and off-ice conditioning gains and experiences “peak” performance at the appropriate (and designated) times, all the while avoiding injury and other medical issues. Simply stated, periodization involves integrating ALL of the different training variables to enhance performance and prevent “overtraining.” The key to periodization is the integration and balance of ALL training variables, including but not limited to exercise frequency, duration, volume, intensity, type, rest periods, learning new technical skills, passing tests, having choreography set, strength training, plyometrics, aerobic conditioning, anaerobic conditioning, developing mental skills and improving nutrition eating habits. Periodization incorporates the three primary principles of conditioning, overload, progression and adaptation. To accommodate these principles, the season is typically divided or “periodized” into phases and cycles. Phases include Transition, Accumulation (includes general and
specific preparation), Pre-Season (aka Intensification) and Competition Season (aka Transformation). Each phase will cycle through mesoocycles (four-six week cycles within a phase) and microcycles (three-seven day cycles within each mesoocycle). Microcycles are often used to tailor a skater’s training leading up to and in between high-priority competitions. Although periodization may appear to be a complex process, qualified conditioning professionals specialize in its application and can design highly-tailored fitness plans for skaters, as long as the rest of the seasonal plan is communicated to them in advance. Step 6 – Identify Resources and Support Team As mentioned previously, a seasonal plan integrates input from and/or about a variety of people involved in the overall development of the skater. It is important to recognize all available resources, as well as any that may be missing. Professional human resources include members of your support team, such as a nutritionist, psychologist, conditioning specialist, primary care physician, orthopedist, physical therapist, and any other specialist you work with on a regular basis to support your skater’s mental and physical training and development. Personal human resources include friends, family members, and any other person with whom your skater works and/or seeks personal support. Financial resources include any funds or investments your skater has access to. Compare this list to your performance objectives! Step 7 – Declare Commitment Once a seasonal plan has been developed, it is appropriate for skater and coach to sign a JOINT statement of commitment to the seasonal plan. An example of a joint commitment is provided below.
“A great idea is a job half done.”
Sample Joint Commitment to Seasonal Plan: We, the skater and the coach, agree to adhere to this seasonal plan and to develop and maintain a level of health and fitness in the skater that will enable him/her to train and compete at a high level. In the event that the skater becomes injured and/or ill to the extent that he/she is unable to train consistently, effectively, and according to this seasonal plan, we agree to take reasonable measures to help the skater recover, especially those measures recommended by a qualified physician or healthcare professional. We understand that in the case of such injury or other significant and unforeseen incidents, this seasonal plan may require adjustment, in which case we agree to collectively revise the plan to meet the developmental needs of the skater and with respect to the ultimate performance goal. Coach Signature _____________________________________________ Date: _______________________ Parent of Guardian Signature ___________________________________ Date: _______________________ Athlete Signature ____________________________________________ Date: _______________________
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PROFESSIONAL SKATERS ASSOCIATION
OBITUARY
EXCELLENCE ON ICE
Charles was awarded the PSA Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2012 PSA Conference in Boston, MA.
Wouldn’t you like to count your club or rink among the most progressive in the nation? AMES FIGURE SKATING CLUB Ames, IA CAROLINA ICE PALACE North Charleston, SC CENTRAL IOWA FSC Ankeny, IA CINCINNATI SKATING SCHOOL Cincinnati, OH COLORADO SPRINGS WORLD ARENA ICE HALL Colorado Springs, CO CRYSTAL ICE HOUSE Crystal Lake, IL EDGE ICE ARENA/ EDGE SKATING SCHOOL Littleton, CO EXTREME ICE CENTER Indian Trail, NC GERMAIN ARENA Estero, FL GREENSBORO ICE HOUSE Greensboro, NC ICE AND BLADES OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA INC. Pittsburgh, PA ICE CENTRE AT THE PROMENADE Westminster, CO ICE DEN-CHANDLER Chandler, AZ
KENDALL ICE ARENA Miami, FL MARQUETTE FSC Marquette, MI MEDIACOM ICE PARK Springfield, MO MID-SOUTH ICE HOUSE Olive Branch, MS PELHAM CIVIC COMPLEX & ICE ARENA Pelham, AL PANTHERS ICE DEN Coral Springs, FL PARK CITY ICE ARENA Park City, UT PHILADELPHIA SKATING CLUB & HUMANE SOCIETY Ardmore, PA SHATTUCKST. MARY'S FSC Faribault, MN SKATE FREDERICK ICE SPORTS Frederick, MD STAMFORD TWIN RINKS Stamford, CT SPRINKER RECREATION CENTER Tacoma, WA THE GREENSBORO ICE HOUSE Greensboro, NC
ICE DEN-SCOTTSDALE Scottsdale, AZ
THE RINX TOTAL SKATING PROGRAM Hauppauge, NY
JACKSONVILLE ICE AND SPORTSPLEX Jacksonville, FL
WINTER CLUB OF INDIANAPOLIS Indianapolis, IN
THE JONES CENTER Springdale, AR
In Memory of
CHARLES DEWEY FETTER On August 16th, Charles Dewey Fetter of Princeton, NJ, and Ketchum, ID, died following a courageous and inspiring 12-year battle against cancer. He was 70 years of age yet very young at heart. Charles was born on April 3, 1944, in Princeton, IN, and spent most of his childhood in Louisville, KY. He attended Butler University and was the 1964 U.S. National Champion in Ice Dancing and a member of the U.S. World Figure Skating Team. He coached figure skating for 50 years at the Skating Club of New York, the Philadelphia Skating Club & Humane Society, Sun Valley, the Princeton Day School, and the Princeton Skating Club. In 1998 he started and became the President of the Skaters Fund, a 501 (3c) for coaches and performing skaters who have fallen upon hard times due to accident, illness, or problems due to aging. He received a Humanitarian award from the Ice Skating Institute for his work with the Skaters’ Fund. A long-time member of the Professional Skaters Association, in 2011 he was bestowed the Betty Berens Award which is presented to a coach who has "overcome adversity—physical or emotional—who has continued in dedication and perseverance to serve their profession with dignity and fortitude." Additionaly, in 2012 he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for "Dedication and service to the PSA". In 2013, he received “The Rising Star Award” by the Princeton Skating Club. A loving, artistic and joyful person, Charles was known for his booming laugh, his love of skating and teaching, and his ability to see only beauty and goodness in life. He will be greatly missed by everyone whose life he touched. Charles is survived by his wife of 23 years, Alice “Sandy” McGlinn Fetter, his son Charles “Chase” Fetter, and daughters Hilary Howerton and Amy Fetter-Johnson, and his seven grandchildren. In addition, he leaves behind his former wife, Sandra Fetter, his two stepsons Jim and Alex Connell, and two sisters Janet Sledge and Debbie Klempner. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Charles’ name to the Skaters’ Fund (202 Park Knoll, Princeton, NJ), the Princeton Day School (P.O. Box 75, Princeton, NJ 08542), or Hospice & Palliative Care of the Wood River Valley (PO Box 4320, Ketchum, ID 83340).
PS MAGAZINE
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Education CAROL ROSSIGNOL
Lessons From 150 Years on the Ice By Wilma Dee & Frances Duroure
M
y sister Frances and I have been skating and coaching a combined 150 and 125 years, respectively. Now that we’re in our mid to late 80’s, we don’t mind saying so as the days of tight leotards and short skirts are well behind us. Over this time period, we have coached thousands of students and come to know even more parents. While our lifelong passion and profession was coaching students in the sport of figure skating, we always saw ourselves as educators of life skills first and foremost. Even as coaches we also were students ourselves and learned a few things along the way, which we would like to share with athletes and parents alike. Discipline
The first thing to understand about figure skating is its required mastery of not only physical attributes, but mental and emotional aspects as well. Central to both skating and life success is the role of discipline- the ability to remain in control and organized under all conditions. It often surprised students and parents alike how, given all the time demands of figure skating, grades so often improved and there was still plenty of time for skating. Discipline and time management meant less time wasted and more time allocated efficiently and productively. Once you attain discipline it is a life skill which becomes integral to all aspects of one’s life. With discipline anything can be achieved. Education Second, skating is learning. Skating is a holistic education. Great skaters are smart. All skaters (and their parents) should focus on academic education in tandem with physical training. Excellence in skating is informed by many diverse aspects of life. Having a good education creates more options both in life and on the ice. My sister and I were always just as interested in grades as double jumps, favorite courses as much as costume color, and college plans as much as choreography. Our own children, skaters all, knew the maxim, “no school, no skating”. Over the years we saw a relationship between academic success and athletic accomplishment and our
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students and our own children applied learning skills to all their future pursuits. Skaters from Tenley Albright and Dick Button to Michelle Kwan and Paul Wiley demonstrate how skating prepares one for success via education. Falling and perseverance Third, the first thing to learn in skating is not only how to fall, but why to fall. Safety is paramount but progress is based on failure. To fall and fall again is to take yourself to a higher level, to improve, and to do it in a systematic and disciplined manner. Learning that failure is the oxygen of success at an early age is another life skill that pays off in the long run. Overcoming failure is persistence, and the willingness to fail is tenacity, both of which are the twin pillars upon which exceptional performance is built. Character and personality Fourth, children begin to develop character and personality at a young age. Skating provides children an opportunity to express who they want to be at an early age. Music selection, costume choice, and choreography are all part of the creative selections to be made. Children should make their own choices and feel free to experiment. Personalities and character are built slowly from experiences and experimentation. Parents and coaches should be supportive yet not prescriptive. Guide the athlete but let the decision be theirs for each of us are unique and who we become is up to each of us. Judging Fifth, judging as we developed in the sport was a highly subjective exercise, and despite new judging rules it still largely is. Figure skating is not a clock-based 500 meter sprint race, it is a unique and qualitative assessment process, and so is life. We are judged continuously in life; get used to it. Figure skating at the competitive level trains us to take into account that perceptions matter and that being judged is normal. By no means does this imply being conformist is desired, since some of the best skaters were also its biggest innovators. Figure skating prepares you for the requirements of presentation, style and of course
OBITUARY substance which affect and shape our personal actions and behavior. Note to ISU: figure skating is not speed skating. Figure skating is a holistic life pursuit with emotion, passion, character and athleticism. They all blend to create a performance. Embrace the subjective, the beauty and the artistry rather than mere quantitative measurement. Support Finally, we have seen the role of parents up close and personal. Sometimes coaching a student also involves coaching a parent. We have always found our students quite informed about what coaching style works for them and we listen to them carefully and adjust as needed. Just as one coaching methodology does not fit all students, the same goes for parenting. It almost goes without saying that the parent and the coach must be in sync and consistent to achieve the best results. Skating parents who see the role of skating as an integrated part of their child’s life do them a great service in preparing them for future challenges and opportunities. Allowing children to develop at their own rate and in their own way also provides the space by which they come to love what they do, thereby increasing their passion, interest and ultimately success. If it indeed takes 10,000 hours to excel, then one had best deeply enjoy what they are doing. We have loved our role as coaches and mentors in figure skating over the past six decades. It has kept us young and made us very happy. While the sport has evolved greatly since the 1950’s, we believe the human aspect of the sport and how it informs one’s life trajectory has not changed very much. More than ever we believe figure skating is an important sport to prepare our children for success in life. Our family life as children and parents was largely centered around, but not exclusively tied to, the figure skating community we were part of. The training, tests, competitions and exhibitions provided an experience-rich family environment. The skills of figure skating, when achieved in their proper balance, afford children an excellent opportunity to achieve an almost unlimited series of life options. This isn’t idle speculation, it’s the result of two lifetimes deeply engaged in what we believe is the world’s greatest sport.
Wilma Georgia Dee January 29, 1927 – July 31, 2014 Wilma Dee’s impact on skating stretched seven decades as both a skater/competitor and coach. She passed away unexpectedly at her home in St. Petersburg, FL. She is survived by her daughter Anne, her son Michael, his wife Shelly, four grandchildren, and her sister, Frances Duroure. Her husband, Edward, a regional champion ice dancer, died in 2002. Wilma and her sister, Frances, started skating in Montreal, Canada and later moved to the Buffalo area where they had a major impact on the growth of skating. Mrs. Dee was on the ice for 75 years and taught skating for 65 years. While a skating coach, she was first and foremost an educator. She believed that skating skills and life skills were inseparable. “Any great skater”, she said, “has skills which would allow them to succeed at anything.” In addition, Wilma believed that “We are all unique, so develop your own style, personality and character” and these were values she taught equally for the ice and for life. Up to last year she would still put her skates on to teach. She truly devoted her life to the sport of figure skating and to her family. She will be missed by the many people whose lives she touched. The Amherst Skating Club presents an award in her name to skaters who pass gold medals in USFSA tests. Services were held on Thursday, August 7th in Seminole, FL. In lieu of flowers the family “She was beautiful and requests donations be made in healthy at age 87. She her name to Special Olympics. Her daughter, Anne, who has loved figure skating and Downs Syndrome, has been a it was her passion in life. competitor in Special Olympics She was buried in her for over 35 years.
skates.”
~ son Michael Dee
Wilma Dee and Frances Duroure, sisters, were Canadian national competitors, high test judges and administrators of figure skating programs, and taught all levels of free skating, figures and choreography. They both had extremely fulfilling coaching careers and have been PSA members since 1950. See past articles in SKATING magazine – December 1950 and May 2011 issues. Note: Shortly after this article was written Wilma Dee passed away. Frances is still coaching at the Florida SunCoast Figure Skating Club in Florida.
Wilma, left, with sister Frances. PHOTOS COURTESY MICHAEL DEE
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Coach Gus Lussi with Evelyn Keyes and Dick Button in 1950s Lake Placid, NY.
Evolution of Coaching
I
n the history books of figure skating, two of the biggest names in coaching are Gus Lussi and Maribel Vinson Owen. Over the course of their respective careers, they produced countless Olympic, World, and National medalists. What they also produced were skaters who went on to make the sport their life’s calling. And those students-turnedcoaches produced skaters who won countless Olympic, World and National medals. That’s the stuff that legacies are made out of. Lussi’s skaters include such notables as Carlo Fassi, Ron Ludington, Robin Wagner, Evelyn Kramer, and Mary Scotvold - all of whom went on to become successful coaches themselves and have continued to pass on his theories to their own skaters. “Gus was 20 years ahead of his time,” Mary Scotvold said. “For me, in my coaching, not a lot has changed. He was such a man of vision. I don’t know where his ideas on technique came from, but they were right on.” Scotvold, with her husband, Evy, handed down Lussi’s techniques to their Olympic medalists, Paul Wylie and Nancy Kerrigan. “I was skating in the 1940s and ’50s,” Evy Scotvold said. “The sport was just beginning on double jumps and school figures counted for sixty percent. So I was mostly coached by figure coaches who didn’t have as much to offer about freestyle. Technique was mysterious and the concepts of momentum and centrifugal force and laws of physics had yet to be figured out. You didn’t run into those concepts in figures.” During this time, Lussi was honing a technique that, in a multitude of ways, would stand the test of time. Having invented the flip jump with his student Bud Wilson in 1928,
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Lussi also introduced the sport to checking jump landings instead of turning a three-turn on the landing. In what turned out to be a formidable and fantastic partnership, Lussi began teaching Dick Button when he was 12 years old. During their partnership, Button became the first skater to land the double Axel in competition and they developed the flying camel spin and the triple loop - elements that are standard in modern day programs. “As a coach, you learn as you go, but you also learn from coaching great skaters as well,” Evy Scotvold said. “Gus had the insight to look at different things and how he could make his skater better so Dick could be as good as he was. And Dick accelerated Gus’ growth as a coach because of his talent.” While Lussi is also credited with developing the delayed Axel and delayed-rotation double and triple jumps, these were techniques that the superior coaches of the time were teaching their skaters. “I had the greatest teacher who ever lived,” Frank Carroll said. “She was a master teacher and a true genius. You can’t get much better than that.” Carroll, a Vinson Owen student, famously coached Olympic medalists and multiple World medalists Linda Fratianne, Michelle Kwan, and Evan Lysacek. While Vinson Owen is often in Carroll’s head when he coaches, he said that the sport of figure skating has changed so much that coaching technique cannot possibly be the same as it once was, particularly when it comes to those big, delayed jumps that were taught back in the day. “Jumping is much quicker and much more rotational,” Carroll said. “We used to teach the free leg really big on the double axel so it was a huge jump. Now it’s triple Axel and it’s almost rotating as it’s leaving the ice so the real soaring
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Maribel Vinson PHOTO COURTESY OF WORLD FIGURE SKATING MUSEUM & HALL OF FAME
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through the air is gone. It’s not about how long it stays in the air; it’s all rotation, rotation, rotation. We don’t teach that suspended feeling anymore.” Evelyn Kramer, also a Lussi protege, has worked with Olympic medalists Robin Cousins, Peggy Flemming, and Kwan. “The biggest difference is in jumping because the skaters start jumping so much younger,” Kramer said. “They are not as strong so the concept of how to lift and open up is not done. I find myself fairly flexible with the techniques I use to teach jumps.” While the initial free leg position might have changed to be quicker and not as open to accommodate triple and quadruple jumps, Lussi is credited with developing the standard back spin crossed-leg position in the air that has stood the test of time. “He really taught physics,” Scotvold said. “I still teach through double Axel pretty much the way he taught me.” Lussi’s skaters were particularly known for their strong spinning technique, the principles of which are remarkably similar to basic spin entrances taught across the country today. “Gus had a big blackboard that he used to draw the spin entries on during lessons,” Mary Scotvold said. “It was so easy to see what he wanted as far as stepping into the same circle, not another circle.” Kramer certainly took Lussi’s teachings to heart. Dubbed the “Spin Doctor” by the media, Button gave her credit for the marked improvement in Kwan’s spins during his television commentary of the 2002 Winter Olympic broadcast. “The thing I am not flexible with is spin technique,” Kramer said. “A while ago I had made some changes regarding action at the moment of entry of the spin, but I realized that it was not working so now I have completely gone back. I am totally back to the Lussi technique entirely.”
Judy Thomas Talent Director and Production Coordinator Feld Entertainment. 1313 17th Street. East Palmetto, FL 34221 USA Phone (941) 721-1234 • Fax (941) 349-4280 • Email jthomas@feldinc.com
continued on page 26 PS MAGAZINE
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FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
T
oday, the Zamboni® ice resurfacer means one thing, and it’s a huge and significant thing. It is the machine that prepares ice surfaces for skating events, whether they be figure skating or hockey. For fans of ice events, the Zamboni® ice resurfacing machine represents a new beginning. Nothing is better than freshly resurfaced BY KENT MCDILL
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRANK J. ZAMBONI & CO., INC.
In 1920, teenagers Frank and Lawrence Zamboni left the family farm in Idaho to go to work for their older brother George in Southern California. George had an auto repair business, and the Zamboni boys were all good with mechanical things from time spent on the farm with equipment there.
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ice. Whether it redresses wounds from earlier hockey periods, or signals another stage of a figure skating event, the path of an ice resurfacer across the ice rink is to ice events what an umpire’s brush across home plate is to a baseball game…only more complicated, it being mechanical and all.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014
But Frank and Lawrence were also businessmen, and they saw an opportunity to start their own business, working with refrigeration units used by local dairy farmers to keep their milk chilled in transport. Their interest wasn’t the ice-making so much as the electrical engineering required to keep refrigera-
tors running and cooling properly. But they built an ice-making plant in order to make the blocks of ice that refrigeration units needed before electricity could be used to cool the appliance. But you know how these things work in the “humble beginnings’’ stories. With their foot in the door of the
“Paramount Iceland offers an impressive training facility for all levels of figure skating. Management and staff have done an outstanding job in creating an environment where all levels can successfully train together and thrive. I am proud to call Paramount Iceland my home rink and I am excited to be involved with a facility so rich in history and in its progressive approach to our sport.� ~ KEN CONGEMI
refrigeration business, (and because with fresh water, and then squeegee the they were losing money on their block water away to collect the floating dirt. ice plant when that form of refrigera- Another layer of water would be tion became antiquated), they wanted applied, then it would have to freeze. to figure out a way to make more The entire process took about an money by cooling things. hour and a half and required a lot of It was at that time that the sport of manpower. It took away from the time figure skating was making in-roads in the skaters could use the ice (and pay the Western part of the United States for that privilege). From a business after being cultivated so actively in the standpoint, this was a problem that East. But the Eastern seaboard was needed a solution. built for ice skating; it took some doing to get the sport situated in California. THE SOLUTION (EVENTUALLY) In 1939, Frank and Lawrence teamed Frank Zamboni believed machinery with cousin Pete Zamboni to build a should be able to take the human skating rink in Paramount, California. element out of the ice resurfacing The Paramount Iceland Skating Rink, puzzle. Starting in 1942, he put his which remains open today, got its start mind to developing the machinery. in 1940, and when it opened it was one There were several attempts to attach of the largest rinks in the country. It a device to the back of a tractor in was also outdoors, which means exactly order to create the perfect sheet of ice. develop his prototypes. The experiwhat it sounds like—an outdoor ice But there were too many moving parts. mental models included a two-wheel skating rink in Southern California. Zamboni spent five years trying to drive vehicle (scuttled because it could The Zambonis were talented at create a tractor-sled combination before not get the necessary traction on the ice), making ice, but not that good. They he set out to rebuild the tractor itself. and another that could not maintain a decided to put a roof on the place, and The design was to build a machine tight control on the blade cutting the thus was born the building known for that could shave off the prior layer of ice, so that it clattered and cut divots decades as Paramount Iceland. ice, collect and remove the shavings into the ice as it made circuits. Besides being an ice rink in Southern from that cut, and wash and squeegee By 1949, he had the first successful California, Paramount Iceland was the ice again, with a tank large enough model, a four-wheel drive, four-wheel unique because of the way the ice was to hold the amount of water necessary steering truck with an adjustable made and maintained. Prior to Iceland, to complete that task. blade that could be controlled by the the ice on a rink was maintained By 1947, there were numerous war operator to hold it firmly in place through the use of refrigerated steel surplus vehicles to be had at low prices, rather than bouncing as it made cuts. piping that ran under the ice, which and that is what Zamboni used to This model became known as Model A created varying degrees of temperature along the surface. Zamboni created large flat tanks which covered the entire area of the ice floor above, and ran the frigid salt brine underneath to freeze the water above. Iceland was built upon those tanks, and that freezing mechanism was used from 1939 to 1977, when it was converted to a more modern and conventional plastic pipe grid. Iceland was a huge place, thanks to the fact that it started out as an outdoor rink. With 20,000 square feet of ice surface, there was a lot of work for a resurfacing machine to do. In 1940, resurfacing ice meant driving a tractor onto the ice with a scraping device trailing behind it. The scraper would create shavings, and a team of workers would have to collect the shaved ice, Frank Zamboni with his Model B machine then use a hose to spray the surface PS MAGAZINE
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Iceland's grand opening in 1940
1940s Iceland
Zamboni® ice resurfacer. He received a patent for the vehicle in 1953. All of the work on the Zamboni® ice resurfacer models took place at Paramount Iceland Skating Rink, to this day known as the birthplace of the Zamboni® ice resurfacing machine. The Model A had a tank for snow with a cover to keep the snow from falling back onto the ice, an in-tank snow-melting system to allow for greater capacity, and a wash water system. The wash-water system was the key to the invention, as it cleaned the ice prior to the final application of water to create a fresher, smoother seat of ice. The final innovation was to get rid of the independent rear steering. With four-wheel steering, the rear wheels would run into the rink walls when the front wheels were turned away, often jamming the machine into the walls, and requiring humans to pull it free. The Model A had front-wheel steering and four-wheel drive. The first Zamboni® ice resurfacer, the one for which the initial patent was received, can still be seen on display at Paramount Iceland. But in 1950, the resurfacer found another home, albeit one that required a great deal of travel.
HITTING THE ROAD
Sonja Henie, the fabled Olympic ice skating star who turned her athletic achievement into a career, was practicing for an upcoming traveling ice show at Paramount Iceland and saw the Zamboni® ice resurfacer in operation. Having dealt with uneven ice and difficult procedures for preparing ice for her shows
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around the country, she asked Zamboni if he could create one in time for an upcoming show she had in Chicago. Zamboni located the parts he would need, and a new Jeep® truck that would be the base unit for the Henie model, then loaded all of the parts into a trailer attached to the back of the Jeep®. He drove to Chicago and assembled the device in the Windy City, and that machine became Model B. Eventually, Henie ordered two of the Model Bs, using one in the United States and one in Europe. Zamboni built one for the Pasadena, Calif. rink called Winter Garden, and built another for the Ice Capades. These four orders convinced Zamboni that he had found his life’s work, and he founded the Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. for further developing and manufacturing of the machines. It is telling in the nature of Frank Zamboni that he initially did not want to name the company after himself. But after applying under another name that was already taken, he accepted his fate and the fact that his name would live on. There were continued modifications. The driver’s seat was raised, the snow tank was lowered, and eventually Zamboni hit upon a model that
would serve as the model to be produced for the next 20 machines. This was known as Model E, and its final design came in 1954. In the 1950s, the Zamboni® ice resurfacer was a vehicle unlike any other, but it was a drivable machine. It could be driven the way a car could be driven, although it has a top speed of about 10 miles per hour. Still, Zamboni had no problem getting around the country by trailer to show it off to future clients. Zamboni hauled his contraption around to National Hockey League arenas in the United States and Canada to show arena managers what was available to them. On New Year’s Day in 1954, a Zamboni® ice resurfacing machine used for the Ice Capades was on hand at Boston Garden as a Boston Bruins game was scheduled. Boston Garden manager Bob Skrak decided to use the machine to resurface the ice between periods, and it was deemed a successful test by team management.
1.
2.
3.
1.) Today the rink offers a great space for group lessons
coaching staff pictured: back row, left to right: Ken Congemi, Aurora Hall, Galvani Hopson, Jere Michael, Darlene Sparks, Rafel Artunian Front row: Katie Shepard, Teri Suzanne, Christina Sheehan, Tim Boore, and Alex Chang. 2.) Iceland
3.) The
Wurlitzer pipe organ, originally installed in 1941, remains on display at its original home.
4.) Zamboni Model A machine
4.
HONORING FRANK
Thus, the relationship between the NHL and the Zamboni® ice resurfacing machine was born. Eventually, Frank Zamboni abandoned the Jeep® body, using only the chassis while rebuilding the body for better functionality. Further innovations included reducing (and eventually eliminating) emissions from the vehicle, new coolant systems for the engines to extend life, and converting the operating systems to new technologies, reducing the number of manual tasks required.
By the time Frank Zamboni passed away in 1988, his invention was a brand name that represented the machine he invented. Frank Zamboni is enshrined in the United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame, World Figure Skating Hall of Fame, National Inventor’s Hall of Fame, and U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Zamboni had an effect on sports other than ice skating and ice hockey. At the request of the Monsanto Co., which created the first artificial grass surface known as Astro-Turf, Zamboni created the “Astro Zamboni” resurfacer which vacuumed water up from the Astro-Turf, as well as the “Grasshopper’’ which was used to roll up artificial turf. The Grasshopper was first used at the Superdome in New Orleans in 1975. Due to its use at National Hockey League games and minor league games as well, the Zamboni® ice resurfacer has become more than just a functional vehicle. It has become a carnival ride of sorts. Many professional hockey teams have offered as a prize to a lucky fan a ride upon the machine as it cleans the ice from one period to the next.
MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE RANCH
Left in the slowly building wake of the history of the Zamboni® ice resurfacer is the remarkable history of Paramount Iceland, where the first ice resurfacing machine was created. Paramount Iceland has had its share of world and national competitors and world-class entertainers grace its ice, including Peggy Fleming, Henie, and Robby Robertson. It houses the oddity of a fully functioning and yet truly ancient Wurlitzer pipe organ, which was first installed at the rink in 1941. The pipe organ is on display, sitting just off and above one end of the skating ice. There is a game room and a snack room and there is a gift shop, where one can get a t-shirt honoring the Zamboni® ice resurfacer, or a toy ice resurfacer in various sizes. And, on display in the rink’s lobby, is the restored and fully operational Model A Zamboni® ice resurfacer. ZAMBONI and the configuration of the Zamboni® ice resurfacing machine are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as the trademarks of Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc.
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continued from page 21
While Carroll concedes that, on the modern-day ratings exams, when coaches are asked to draw spin entrances, the placements are very similar to Lussi’s blackboard drawings of yesteryear, he feels that some of the biggest changes in skating have been with spins. “Spinning is so entirely different,” Carroll said. “Gus Lussi's spins spun for a long time and the speed of the spin mattered. A camel with a beautiful line that you held for twelve rotations was what we worked for. Now we do gyrations and emphasize as many positions as possible and just go from one to the other.” When Kramer considers the evolution of her own coaching, she sees both sides of the spinning coin. “A spin is still a spin is still a spin,” she said. “The basic spins are all still there—camel, sit, upright front and back—but, in terms of what you have to do with the spin, that has all changed. I have to be very good about reading the body and effectively and fluidly getting the skater from one position to another.” With some techniques staying true through the years and others having had to morph and meld and change and compromise, where will coaching head next? “Coaching is always evolving,” Carroll said. “It depends on where you want it to go. Is it five turns in the air? Then you’ve got to look to see how to get up quicker and in harder. If the sport continues to change then, yes, techniques will have to keep
ISI Winter Classic Feb. 13-15 St. Peters Rec-Plex St. Peters, Mo. Entry/test deadline: Dec. 1
skateisi.org/winterclassic
ISI Conference Championships May 22-24 Nashoba Valley Olympia Boxborough, Mass. Entry/test deadline: March 1
skateisi.org/conferencechamps
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“The
thing I am not flexible with is spin technique,” Kramer said. “A while ago I had made some changes regarding action at the moment of entry of the spin, but I realized that it was not working so now I have completely gone back. I am totally back to the Lussi technique entirely.”~EVELYN KRAMER
evolving. But I hope that it will change back a little bit, that it won’t be all about quick, quick, quick and change, change, change. I’d like a little of the flow and beauty back.” Even when passing on the lessons of one of the greatest coaches in skating history, Evy Scotvold says the coaches in today’s trenches have to make their own way. “The fundamentals are all basically the same,” he said. “Of course, each coach develops all kinds of insights and techniques as they progress. You evolve and fine tune things to get quicker and more direct results. An important part of coaching is putting your own stamp on it. Coaches should always keep experimenting and striving.”
ISI Synchronized Championships April 10-12 Goggin Ice Center, Miami University Oxford, Ohio Entry deadline: Feb. 1
skateisi.org/synchro
ISI World Recreational Team Championships July 27-Aug. 1 Edge Ice Arena Bensenville, Ill. Entry/test deadline: May 1
skateisi.org/worlds
Spin Class with Evelyn Kramer at the 2014 PSA International Conference & Trade Show in Palm Springs, CA, this past May.
And what about the newer coaches, the ones who are sometimes several generations removed from such greats as Lussi and Vinson Owen? When considering the advice she would give the up and coming coaches, Kramer reaches back to an era of skating that ended in the 1990s. “What concerns me is that figures no longer exist,” Kramer said. “In Lake Placid (where she coaches), all of the coaches have done figures, which is rare today. I was much more of a freestyler, but what I learned from figures was invaluable.” By all accounts an extremely smart woman, Vinson Owen voiced her own outlook on this very topic decades before the abolition of figures was ever considered. “Maribel and I used to talk for hours as we drove from rink to rink and she said to me once, ‘Frank, if they ever get rid of school figures, we’re going to have acrobats on ice,’” Carroll said. “And that’s what we have - less skating and more acrobatics. It’s not clear, clean beautiful skating anymore; it’s all so busy now. It used to be beautiful to do a spiral that went all the way around the rink, but you can’t do that anymore because you have to do four things in that time.” Teaching the fundamentals that school figures inherently taught without coaching the figures themselves has been a major change in technique over the decades. “Counters and rockers?” Carrol said. “They don’t really do them. There’s no real strong control. As long as you can stand up and stay on one foot, then they pass.” The moves in the field patterns of current day will probably be debated for their effectiveness for many years to come. “It will never be quite the same, but they’ve done a good job trying to come up with something,” Mary Scotvold said. “It’s the tool we have. Some teach it brilliantly and some just get it done. I’m fairly certain that Patrick Chan and Jason Brown didn’t do school figures. In the end, there are still great skaters and great edges out there today.” There are, indeed, great skaters. And they all learned the same basic jumps that have been taught throughout the history of skating. The difference, of course, is that, at the higher levels, they are being performed as triple-triple-triple combinations and quadruple jumps. Similarly, while the basic spins are all still
alive and being taught, there are newer spins that are commonplace in today’s programs with exotic and strange names, such as the donut, the A-frame, the haircutter, the pancake and the bent-leg layover spin - spins that Gus Lussi in his infinite wisdom likely didn’t envision. “Every time I coach in Lake Placid, I say, ‘I’m sorry, Mr. Lussi,’” Kramer said, “because a Yuka Sato camel-change-camel just doesn’t count anymore.” But time marches on and, even when a coach’s mentor was an icon of the sport, it’s important to take what you agree with and build on the rest. “To new coaches out there I would say: listen, learn from the best, look at styles you like and see what you want to mimic and how you want to develop your skaters in the future,” Carroll said. “I was so enamored by Janet Lynn. My goal was to have someone skate like her and be world champion and have people think she was amazing. That’s what I wanted to accomplish as a coach.” Perhaps some of the biggest change in the coaching of figure skating has less to do with how the elements themselves are taught and more in the coaching itself. “I always felt I mattered to my coach, but I see how coaches behave now and oftentimes they seem more interested in the athlete than the person,” Kramer said. “Techniques can sometimes change over time, but coaching is more than that. It really comes down to the old Maya Angelou saying, ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ Coaches would do well to remember that in their daily coaching.”
For further reading on our coaching heritage— complete with memories and antecdotes from coaching legends—order your beautiful, hardcover copy of PSA's own The Joy of Coaching. Available at www.skatepsa.com
PS MAGAZINE
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PART
2
1930-1950
Willy Boeckl executes his f igures at the 1928 Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland. PHOTO COURT ESY
World Figure Of Fame
Skating Museum & Hall
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Judging
by Bruce Poodles
The history of Judging: The depression and boom era Photos courtesy of the World Figure Skating Museum & Hall of Fame
F
ollowing the stock market crash of 1929, the world itself was in economic turmoil, which lasted throughout the 1930s. Skating during the period of depression and boom began with “… one of the more bizarre incidents in the ISU.1” The European Championships were held in Slovakia and organized by the Czechoslovakian association. In a surprising result, Josef Sliva of Czechoslovakia defeated the reigning champion, Karl Schafer of Austria. According to the 1992 ISU History, the referee was neither an ISU referee nor judge. Even more shocking, the Yugoslavian judge, Ivo Kavsek was replaced by Victor Vadisek who was not an ISU judge and in fact judged under Kavsek’s identity! After the competition was over and the ISU council discovered the deception, the results were annulled and the competition reskated in Berlin following the World Championships. Schafer won the second contest; Sliva did not compete. Also interesting to note is that at the 1931 World Championships the following year, Sliva placed 12th with the Czechoslovakian judge placing him first. The same judge placed another Czech third that eventually finished 10th. As the author wrote, “Such was the state of judging in those days!” 1 Benjamin T. Wright, Skating Around the World: International Skating Union, the One Hundredth Anniversary History 1892 -1992, Davos Platz, 1992
At the Congress immediately following the 1931 Championships, two committees were formed to receive and review proposals for the next Congress. These committees would eventually become todays Technical committees. Two of the new rules adopted tried to deal with the ongoing judges controversies. It would be required of the Championship Referees to confirm the identities of all judges and to complete a written report regarding the “outstanding errors in their [ Judges] markings.” The next big change happened in 1935 when the ISU adopted open judging which had been in use in Sweden for several years prior.2 As Ben Wright wrote in Skating Around the World: International Skating Union, the One Hundredth Anniversary History 1892 -1992, the change made judges “more readily accountable for their actions.” Additionally, specific rules were written regarding the conduct of judges and procedures for the removal of unskilled or biased judges. In the summer of 1936, the USFSA decided to hold the first judges school in order to grow the judging ranks as well as improve and standardize judging in general. Charles Rotch, Richard Hapgood, and Theresa Weld Blanchard, organized the school with the assistance of the Manager of the Lake Placid 2 JOHN Z. MACHADO, Thoughts on Open System of Judging, Skating Magazine November 1936
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Montreal Worlds 1932
Arena, H. L. Garren.3 During the school, several Junior and Senior free skate programs were skated and were judged using the Open Judging system, the first experiment in North America.4 Each score is displayed after each skater, allowing the participants and spectators to follow the progress throughout the event. While open judging was used by the ISU in 1935, it did not officially premiere in the United States until the 1937 US Championships. It was also used that season for the North American Championships in Boston and a new experience for the Canadians.5 As written in Skating magazine at the time, “There is certainly everything to be said for this system from the spectators’ point of view…during the free skating, a chorus of boos greeted a decision of the judges, much to their amusement.” Teresa Blanchard had first witnessed Open Judging at the 1936 Olympic Games in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, and wrote in SKATING, “The open marking must be spoken of. Each judge has a leather box hung around his neck. In it are black numbers from 1-6 and red numbers from 1-10. The figure is skated and barely a second later the referee blows a whistle and the judge is supposed to hold up the mark he gives.” In the “closed” system of judging, the eraser was the most important tool of the judge. John Machado wrote in Skating, “Not infrequently judges were to be seen wielding the eraser in surreptitious fashion while programs were being skated. Why? Because a judge discovers he has given someone too much or too little to bring him in behind or before some other competitor.” While the reasoning is plausible, the skaters and spectators say Machado, “…are prone to attribute a certain amount of rubbing and changing to dishonest fixing of results.” The ISU further developed the judge’s rules in 1937 to redirect the effects open marking had on judges. Two of those issues, not using their full range of marks and being influenced by the audience, is still a concern today. A more important concern to be resolved by open judging was to expose the apparent collusion between certain judges to place certain skaters above 3 School for Judges, Skating Magazine, May 1936 4 THERESA WELD BL ANCHARD, School for Judges, Skating Magazine November 1936 5 DOROTH Y WELD GRANNIS, The North American Championships. Skating Magazine April 1937
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others, something that also has never seemed to be fixed. That being said, an article written in London, England journal, The Skating Times and reprinted in SKATING in April of 1938, criticizes open judging and the issue of high marking.6 The author, who wrote under the initials A.B.C., referred to a competition in which a skater was awarded two 6.0 scores. His concern was that there were four skaters remaining—one of which was the reigning champion, Cecilia Colledge—who had yet to skate. With the marks already made public, they could not be adjusted should a skater earn a higher score. A.B.C. went on to point out that the European judges were also in the habit of using a five for the opening mark. With the fields getting larger, it was easy for judges to “box” themselves in. “…when the first skater is given five, or as we have seen, more than five, and then turns out to be nearly the worst of the bunch, it’s just too bad for the best.” Several times a season over the first 20 years of the USFSA, articles would be published regarding the quality of judging. The strong opinions of those authors often focused on the lack of standards, still a common complaint today. One of the more frequent contributors was Maribel Vinson Owen. She wrote in SKATING, “To make up one’s mind whether one type of mistake is more or less important than another requires a working acquaintance with bad skating as well as good, and it is this relative evaluation that is particularly difficult.”7 The prior January, Vinson Owen had written, “the chief problem in competitive free skating is again one of relative merit, the most moot aspect of which is the ever-recurring question of whether a simple program smoothly executed should rate higher than a far more difficult program less smoothly executed.”8 In international competitions she writes, judges often support their own countrymen. While many concluded the issue was national bias, Vinson Owen believed that many judges reacted favorably to skaters and a style of skating that they were more familiar with. As reported in Part I, an article appeared in the May 1925 SKATING magazine called, “The Judging Problem,”9 Richard Hapgood, questioned the basis of “6” on which to “mark” performances, saying for years, judges and skaters “discussed the difficulty of grading skaters on so limited of a scale.” Why he had written, has no one suggested a scale of 10? 6 A. B. C. The Danger of High Marking, Skating Magazine, April 1938. Reprinted f rom The Skating Times, London, England 7 MARIBEL VINSON OWEN, The Crucial Problem of Judging, Skating Magazine March 1942 8 MARIBEL VINSON OWEN, Evaluation of Free Skating, Skating Magazine January 1941 9 RICHARD L. HAPGOOD, The Judging Problem, Skating Magazine, May 1925
The treasurer of the Los Angeles Figure Skating Club, Forrest Burke, created a conversion diagram as a visual aid for skaters.
In 1941, sixteen years later the USFSA did in fact stray from the ISU scale of points and introduced their own 10 point scale. Canada followed the USFSA’s lead and used the 10 scale as well. Initially, many skaters were reporting that they had a difficult time adjusting to the new scale, and in fact the ISU required the North American Championships to be scored on the 6.0 scale even though neither country was using it. Typical of US ingenuity, the USFSA adjusted the Open System. At the 1942 Sectional Championships, a new “Modified Open” judging system was debuted as well as the new 0 to 10 marking scale. It was reported by Harry Keighley of the Chicago FSC that both worked out very well.10 Using the Modified Open Judging system, the scores of each Judge are turned over to the Accountants after all skaters have completed one figure. The scores are recorded and the results of each individual figure are posted in a public place.11 The modification shortened the length of the completion considerably as the judges were not required to show their marks after each skater. During World War II, the Internationale Eislauf-Verein struggled to operate and the first meeting following the war happened in 194712. Now operating as the International Skating Union, the USFSA, who up to that point was a member of the union, passed its membership position on to the newly-formed speed skating association, the ASU. Shortly thereafter the Executive council voted a new membership to the USFSA. At that congress, several methods of judging were discussed but not adopted. One, the “diving method” would throw out the high and low marks and the second was the “conference method” that was used in the United States (the author could not find a description 10 Harry N. Keighley, The 1942 Sectional Championships – The Mid-Westerns, Skating Magazine March 1942 11 HENRY M. BEAT T Y, Changes in USFSA Competition Rules, Skating Magazine, November 1949 12 WALTER S. POWELL, 1947 Congress of the ISU, Skating Magazine, November 1947
of this method as of the publishing deadline). The “modified” Open Judging System was still in use in the U.S. in 1947 while at ISU competitions the Open System was employed. Interesting to note at the World Championships, five judges were used for the men’s event and nine for the women, with one judge for each nationality in the event.13 The USFSA continued to use the “Modified” Open Judging through 1950 although not without its detractors. Roger F. Turner wrote in 194814, “…the respective merits of closed, open, or modified open systems of judging rest entirely upon the premise of how may a judge best serve his responsibility in arriving at an impartial and proper evaluation. And in the final analysis, the system will be no better than the intelligence and good taste of the judge. No system, regardless of merit, will assure correct results without proper judging.” Several attempts were made to highlight the judging issues by comparing scores at certain events. Many charts and graphs were assembled, but as Turner surmised, “these charts only indicate the consistency or inconsistency of the trend of judging. They do not presume to explain the reason for the marks recorded.” The History of Judging: Part III, 1950 – 1969 – The Golden Age of American Skating EXCERPT: Beginning in the late forties and early fifties, the ISU council made a concerted effort to clean up the image of biased judging. It was required that a referee immediately request an explanation of a particular judge’s mark if it appeared to be out of line. Furthermore, the ISU required a written report by the referee denoting any judging issues at the conclusion of the competition. The protocol for establishing formal procedures regarding “incompetency or dishonesty” was given to the elected technical committees. IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF PS MAGAZINE
13 LYMAN E. WAKEFIELD, JR, The Championships of the World, Skating Magazine, April 1947 14 ROGER F. TURNER, On Judging Free Skating, Skating Magazine, February 1948
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What Would Bobby Martin Do?
By Terri Milner Tarquini
When Bobby to reflect and see where we’re going. What has to be there to pair two skaters Martin was It is so important to take the time to together? awarded the analyze performances, revisit yearly and Well, you need a boy and you need a Order of long term plans, and be flexible and girl. Seriously, I wish I had a crystal ball Ikkos Medal nimble so you can adapt to changes. of matching people up, but the reality for Coaching Acknowledging and removing distrac- is that we are teaming skaters up at still E x c e l l e n c e tions can also be a huge thing and relatively early ages when they’re still by his team sometimes can mean lifestyle changes evolving and changing so it’s hard to of Marissa and simplifying things in order to move predict where they’re going to end up. Of C a s t e l l i in the desired direction. course, musicality and similar skill levels and Simon The reality is, when you talk about all can play in to the equation, but in the Shnapir, it was high-level athletes that are highly skilled, end we don’t have the luxury to line up for his role in I’m not as much of a skating coach as 20 boys on one side and 20 girls on the helping the I am, yes, a performance coach. I am other and do the Myers-Briggs test (an pair achieve back-to-back U.S. Figure there to help my athletes stay on track, assessment that measures psychological Skating Championship gold medals in keep organized, and get out of their preferences and decision-making). With 2013 and 2014 and an Olympic Team own way. A big thing is keeping them the more seasoned pair skaters, they have bronze medal in Sochi. With a bachelor’s inspired. Look, they are all obviously a history and body of work that can degree in Human Development from the highly motivated to keep showing up be studied and matched up against the School of Education at Boston College every day, but it’s hard to stay motivated ideal. Physicality plays a significant role, (in addition to a master’s degree in Visual day in and day out, so I always try to mix but work ethic, coachability, personality and Media Arts), Martin puts heavy it up. traits all play into it as well. emphasis on working with his skaters to Simon recently teamed up with DeeDee Leng. make a plan and to carve a clear path for You work with Carrie Wall, Sheryl Franks, Peter What is the plan for the short-term and longsuccess as athletes and people. Hoping Johansson, Mark Mitchell, Michael Cook and Kat term? to end the medal drought for the U.S. Arbour, among others, with regularity. (Martin in the pairs event that stretches back to was nominated for PSA Coach of the Year with Simon and DeeDee are off to a great 1988, “What Would Bobby Martin Do?” Wall and for PSA Developmental Coach of the start in their new partnership. We are Year with Wall and Franks) It would seem you taking a clear, long term approach to Your pair team of Castelli and Shnapir recently are a proponent of team coaching. Do you have DeeDee and Simon’s development, and won the bronze medal in the team event at the any advice for building a successful team coachthey are growing into a strong team. 2014 Winter Olympics. What would you say are ing situation? The obvious answer is they would like some of the more important aspects in develop- The list of people that have and continue to be representing the U.S. in Korea in ing high-level competitors? to be instrumental in my life would four years, and my opinion is that they Patience and perseverance are extremely take up this entire interview. I could have the desire, skill and work ethic to important, especially in the pairs disci- not imagine doing this job alone. It achieve that goal. They also plan on pline where it can often be a later- just would not work. It is a much more getting comfortable standing on internablooming sport as far as age goes. Our enjoyable journey and experience when tional podiums and helping to lead the athletes overall start at an early age, but it is shared with people you respect U.S. pairs program to a new level. To get success in pairs can take more time. So and enjoy being around. I grew up in there we have a lot of short-term, clear it really can come down to developing a big family, six brothers and sisters, stages and goals that we are working a clear long-term plan, not only for the so I learned to adapt and make things hard to meet. It will be a fun journey. athletes skating but for their lives as work. As far as advice goes, be honest, well. It is critical that the athletes have be a good communicator, be transparent balance and enjoy things outside of and be willing to admit that you don’t In your view, what’s it going to take to get a skating. Also, keeping them healthy and know everything. Also, probably one of medal in the pairs event back to the United sane—those are as important as the skill the most critical things is to surround States? set itself. yourself with high quality, intelligent I think the U.S. is well on its way to and motivated people who have similar achieving podium performances at interOn your website you talk about being a perforgoals and perspective on life. Lastly, national events. It starts with desire and mance coach, which you define as maximizing the more clear the expectations and passion for U.S. pairs, and there is a lot potential, eliminating distractions and helping understanding of roles the better. I am of support and efforts continuing to be skaters be razor-focused. That all sounds aweextremely fortunate to work daily with made within U.S. Figure Skating to see some, but one question: How? exceptional people at The Skating Club this accomplished. We have seasoned, A very clear plan. You have to know of Boston. professional athletes in our pair program where they want to go. You have to take that have experience and skill, strong the time to find out. In this sport we coaching within our U.S. ranks and a lot don’t always feel we have enough time
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for over 13 years now and he would be an Olympic medalist. I think we are both glad we found each other when we did.
of grit and intelligence. Refocusing our attention on skating skills, unison and consistency will bear fruit for our pair teams. I am confident of this.
Are there any specific qualities you look for in a skater for them to be a successful pairs skater? The males have to be good athletes. For instance, the New England Patriots often have a positional need they hope to draft, but a lot of times they will simply take the best athlete on the board. I mean, if I could throw a ball at a kid’s face and he can catch it, we would have a good start (laughs). For a female, it’s how tough she is. Firecrackers, tough personality types, the kind of girl that has brothers that are usually scared of her, those are the kind we like to see. It also helps to be a determined and persistent athlete. Grit and determination can get you pretty far.
You started out as a singles skater and then went on to compete in pairs with Nancy Kerrigan. Do you think there’s an advantage to competing in singles and in pairs or do you discourage it? This certainly isn’t a black and white situation, and has to depend again on what the plan and strategy is for each athlete. There is nothing wrong at all with competing in more than one discipline, and in fact it can create a stronger athlete in the long run. That being said, there tends to be a point in a skater’s career where zeroing in on one discipline is a necessity. Often I feel we specialize too much in this sport. There are studies that show specialization at a young age does not necessarily predict our future elite athletes. For example, DeeDee Leng left the sport for three years and became a diver, gymnast and track athlete before returning to the ice. There are a lot of things that singles skating can always teach, so I’m definitely for it as long as it fits into the master plan for the skater’s time and life. My skaters skate one singles session to every two pair sessions.
anymore. “American Idol” has it right they show these minute-and-a-half clips of the contestants and in two weeks you know them and you’re voting so they can stay. We have to start thinking way outside the box about how our sport is shown. Our athletes have amazing stories - every single one of them. The product I feel is very strong. We live in a world where “branding” is critical, there is a lot of competition for viewers and fans time. We have to create reasons to watch and attend.
If you hadn’t been a skating coach, what would you have done? I’m a sports junkie and I have a master’s degree in visual and media arts so I probably would have married the two and been involved in sports behind the scenes at NBC or ESPN. Do you have an overall coaching philosophy or mission statement? Yes. Guide athletes to the highest level of competitive and personal success. Inspire athletic achievement and personal development. Teach technical skills and sportsmanship. Create and maintain a supportive, competitive and collaborative environment. How would you describe your journey in the skating world so far? It mirrors my life: Exciting. Rocky. Tiring. Magical. Educational. And I’ve had a lot of personal growth from it, that’s for sure. Hopefully my athletes will tell a similar story down the road.
What is your favorite pairs move to watch when it is performed really well? I do love a big, awesome throw on the climax of the music. That’s always a real showstopper. I remember from when I was a kid Barb Underhill and Paul Martini doing a throw and him just racing to chase her down. It was so exciting, romantic and powerful. That was when I fell in love with pair skating.
What did you see in Simon that led you to encourage him to try pairs when he was 13? I wish I had a better answer for this than reality. He was a growing boy, seemed to have a sensibility about him that would make him able to work in a partner- If there was one thing you could change about ship, and the opportunity was there. He the sport, what would it be? loved to skate, was a guy and I am in I would like to see figure skating the business of developing pair teams. marketed differently. Our sport should I never would have guessed at the time be much more popular than it is. It’s not that he and I would be working together enough to just put the sport out there
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Legal Ease DAVID SHULMAN
Old Dogs, New Tricks T
he phrase used in the title to this article gave me pause to consider how the world views each generation. If you are one of those who say “nothing new under the sun”, I would venture to say you have been in the sun too long. What follows herein will be a heads up in two areas of the law and the direction I believe the law appears headed. This is my version of “risk recognition can lead to risk avoidance". Let me know if this information has been useful to you. Social Media Recently in bar journals across the country, litigators (lawyers who specialize in court room proceedings) have been sharing styles, research, and methods to use in order to discover evidence and materials leading to getting ever more evidence to further the interest of their client in court. An example is the Twitter “tweets”. There is no privacy protection. As it was told to me, a well-placed google search results in all sorts of information useful in filing a claim in court. I am certain when the sender placed the information in the electronic universe, the thought of seeing the information spread across public court documents was not an issue. There are methods to use if you want to keep material private. Avoid sending messages or participating in exchanges of information via public tweets. If the postings are sent through private messaging, only a court order served NOT on the social network, but on the party who wrote or received the message is likely to dislodge useful information. A federal law, the Stored Communications Act, prohibits the social network from turning over private postings, messages, or any such information, unless they have specific instruction from the account user. Release of Liability With a Release of Liability Agreement—or Recreational Liability Waiver in the “old days”—it was common to hear comments about the unenforceability of agreements signed by participants in sport activities. A release agreement states that the party signing the release gives up
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all right to make claim against the party being released, regardless of being negligent and the direct cause of the loss. Skiing, skating, and trips to the water park generated such documents in the hope that such paper would offer protection against claims. I am now seeing such forms offered to coaches teaching as independent contractors from rinks, clubs, cities, municipalities, and other hiring parties. Do not sign such waivers or release of liability. This is the kind of agreement your students/parents should sign to protect you! This release may affect your coverage with your carrier. Do not sign. Your insurance company must agree to these terms prior to you signing because you are giving up right(s) to sue others for injury to you, and giving up your insurance company’s right to sue on your behalf. A quick example...you are injured in a manner which permits you to collect on a “claims made because of an injury.” When your carrier pays you, the carrier has a right to step into your shoes (skates) to make claim against the party causing this injury. However, the language of the Release agreement prohibits the making of such a claim. Since you cannot make the claim, as a result of the Agreement you also took the right to make the claim from your insurance carrier to retrieve what they paid you. That right you have given up is called the right of subrogation. You risk voiding your insurance protection. Not good. When you are injured and paid benefits, the payor may have a right to collect those payments from the party causing you injury. You may void your right to receive benefits from your insurance carrier if you have released your claim. Such release takes away the right of subrogation of the party making payments to you.
P R O F E S S I O N A L S K AT E R S A S S O C I AT I O N
This holiday season, tell your fellow coach
“THANK YOU” with a PSA gift certificate! Gift certificates from the Professional Skaters Association can be used for PSA clothing, coaching products and tools, educational event attendance, membership fees, and more! Gift certificates can be purchased online in $5 increments at
www.skatepsa.com
It's A Fabulous Seminar!
Sheila Thelen PRESIDENT – Champion Cords EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR –
Grassroots To Champions
Champion Cords is celebrating over 10 years in business! Thank you to: COACHES WORLD WIDE, PSA, Grassroots To Champions, iCoachSkating, Rainbo Sports, tons of little skate shops, The Internet Gods, and Google Search. We couldn’t have done it without YOU! We’re still fascinated when skaters or coaches say, “I’ve never used Champion Cords…” WHY? They fit in your coaching jacket! CHAMPION CORDS ARE SO EASY TO USE! Take the plunge. Try something new. Change your coaching “day to day grind.” Bring something new to a lesson. Experiment. Let Champion Cords help you & your skaters! »»CHAMPION CORDS ARE ENDORSED BY THE PSA Champion Cords can be purchased online at the PSA Store www.skatepsa.com
www.ChampionCords.com
Grassroots To Champions Seminar (with Champion Cords) in Chaska, Minnesota
PS MAGAZINE
35
New
MEMBERS NEW MEMBER SPONSOR Brooke ABBOTT
Josh Babb
NEW MEMBER SPONSOR Catherine LAFLAMME
Kathryn Conger
Eve AGLER
Yelena Agler
Marlo LUNDAK
Andrea Kunz-Williamson
Angela AMES
Jenny Gwyn
Bailey MANUEL
Madalyn Brook
Susan MARGO
Mark Fitzgerald
Robin ANDERSON Brittnay ANDERSON Nicholas BAROCO
Tom Incantalupo Angela Helm
Natalie METZGAR
Gina DiNapoli
Melissa Bulanhagui
Robert MITCHELL
Katherine Mitchell
Paige BARTHOLOMEW
Patrick O'Neil
Elizabeth MONAGHAN
Abigail BIEHL
Patrick O'Neil
Britany NESLADEK
Dia Toussaint-McGaughey
Linh BROWN
Linda Cowper
Tatum NEUSTADT
Michelle Lauerman
Kaylee BUCKLEY
Ashlyn OLSON
Patrick O'Neil Heidi Thibert
Stephanie BURDETTE
Karen Ludington
Jason PACINI
Chelsea CHIAPPA
Justin Kozikowski
Tippy PACKARD
Alex Chang
Viktoria CHIAPPA
Chelsea Chiappa
Tonyea PATTERSON
Janelle Wall
Tom Hickey
Ashley ROCHE
Aurore Hall
Katie Nyman
Haemi ROGERS
Dawn CHRIST Misti COLE Jaclyn DALY Alexis DARROW Mikaela DICOMITIS
Mandy Edwards Lenel Van Den Berg Kristine McKenzie-Wilkinson
Kari SACKETT Alexandra SCERBAK
Mandy Edwards Elizabeth Thornton Johnathan Barksdale
Colette SCOTT
Leanne Martin Kathleen Gates
Michelle DILILNG
Stephanie Troyer
Laura SEAL
Aislyn DIRISIO
Karla Schallehn
Jacqueline SHRADER-GOETZ
Patrick O'Neil
Hailey FAGAN
Wendy Baker
Sasha SMITH
Sheryl Franks
Brandon FRAZIER
Nancy Mariani
Sara FREERICKS
Bobbi Marks
Brianna FULLERTON Meredith GANN
Tamara Jimenez Kimberly Williams
Marta GARCIA PRATS
Serhii Vaypan
Celia GLASTRIS
Debbie Stoery
Cynthia SONNTAG Shandra STAI Emily THOMAS
Carol Rossignol
Chris VU Ally WALSH Stefanie WALSH
Diane HANSEN
Carol Monaghan
Erica WANAMAKER
Deyette HELMINSKI Chris HILL Kaitlyn HOWLAND Erin HUSSEY Lacey JENSEN Madison JONES Britni KELLY Chelsey KELSO Cindy KIM Delaney KIRK Sarah KLEINMAN Rose KRZEMIEN
Taylor Galarnyk Paul Paprocki
Cheri Neset Irma Sveiteryte
Amanda Pearson Ryan Berning
Carol Rossignol
Katarina SVRCKOVA
Sarah GOSEN Cynthia HARADA
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Ross Lansel
Lisa Graham
Katrina WANG Christopher WARREN Laura WEBER
Christopher Warren Rachel Patterson Tim Covington Christina Hennesy Gale Pilla Anthony Lamiratta Margo Pryzby
Rebecca Stump
Jillian WESTRUM
Anna Sternhagen
Shannon Middleton
Ciarra WILLIAMS
Whitney Wappel
Peter Biver
Juliette ZIELINSKI
Laura Kielb
Natascia ZULLO
Sally Tasca
Julie Patterson Sarah Tar Don Mitchell Fiona Curry Julie Kirk Cathryn Schwab Beth Sutton
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014
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
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CALENDAR
OF
EVENTS
NOVEMBER Date: Location: Event: Contact: Register: Credits: Deadline:
November 1-3 Area 16 Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport, 427 North 44th Street, Phoenix, AZ 86008 Master Oral Rating Site including master exams PSA Office 507-281-5122 or byackel@skatepsa.com Online at www.skatepsa.com 1 PSA credit per oral exam taken Oral Rating Exams September 1, 2014
JANUARY Date: Location: Event: Time: Contact: Credits: Deadline:
January 20 & 21 Area 7 Sheraton Greensboro, 3121 High Point Road, Greensboro, NC 27407 Oral Rating Site at the 2015 U.S. Figure Skating Championships Times to be determined PSA Office 507-281-5122 or byackel@skatepsa.com Register online at www.skatepsa.com 1 PSA credit per oral exam taken December 1, 2014
MARCH
38
Date: Location: Event: Contact: Credits: Deadline:
March 8-9 Area 16 Fiesta Rancho Hotel/Casino, 2400 North Rancho Drive, North Las Vegas, NV 89130 Oral Rating Site at Ratings Prep Training 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 January 7, 2015
Date: Location: Event: Contact: Host: Credits: Deadline:
March 9--11 Area 16 Fiesta Rancho Ice Arena & Hotel, 2400 North Rancho Drive, North Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, NV 89130 [Room rate $25 plus tax] Ratings Prep Training [Mon 1-6pm, Tue 8am-6pm, Wed 8am-12:30pm] PSA Office 507-281-5122 or byackel@skatepsa.com Register online at www.skatepsa.com Paula Trujillo Fargo360@cox.net 28 PSA credits February 9, 2015
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014
Please vis www.ska it tep for the co sa.com mpl Calendar ete of Events
Did you know? AROUND THE WARMING CIRCLE SKATING, December 1941
A department in which anything can happen—and probably will! DEAR EDITOR: Does anyone know the correct name and origin of what we call the "Lutz" or "Toepoint Counter" Jump? In the nineteen-teens it was skated here as the "Toe-point Counter Jump." In the late nineteen-twenties, after quite a vacation, it reappeared as the "Lutz Jump." Who on earth is this "Lutz"? —J. C.
2015 PSA Conference & Trade Show
** There was, we are fairly positive, a German skater named Lutz for whom this jump was named. Has anyone more definite information? —Ed.
P R O F E S S I O N A L S K AT E R S A S S O C I AT I O N
to be held
Radisson Blu Hotel at the Mall of America and the Bloomington Ice Garden
Give the gift that keeps on giving this holiday season. The Joy of Coaching is a delightful, hardcover, 9x12" keepsake of stories and memories of inspiring coaches who helped shape the PSA and this sport we love.
www.skatepsa.com
Wednesday to Saturday
May 20-23, 2015 PS MAGAZINE
39
#NNGITQ 2CTM 59 4QEJGUVGT /0
PSA is proud to announce
The Professional Skaters Association and U.S. Figure Skating are two of three national governing bodies which have garnered recognition from the US Olympic Committee for coaches education, addressing 40 national standards within our curriculum. The USOC C.N.S. Curriculum is established to recognize and track NGB coaching education programs. The C.N.S. Curriculum is viewed as part of a dynamic education program to develop the knowledge, skills, and values that are associated with effective and appropriate coaching and the contents are used to ensure preparation of coaches who can, in turn, ensure the success, enjoyment, safety, and positive skill development of all athletes. It is intended to show how coaching education fits into the USOC High Performance Process, outlining the importance of coaches and the investment the NGBs make in their coaching staff through creating ongoing professional development opportunities for coaches. It is also intended to better outline a performance pipeline for coaches, identifying baseline/foundational elements all coaches should know/have and courses they should take to achieve the next performance level.
The Professional Skaters Association
“Complies with National Standards�