EDUCATION
What is the Score Impact When Unexpected Problems Occur During the Program? W
e as coaches function as the qualified authority to support our athletes in achieving personal success. Typically, we perform this role via teaching proper technique, patience, consistency, reliability, innovation, emotional support, and so on. Furthermore, we as coaches must be aware of—and prepare our athletes for—how to handle the problems or the unexpected that can occur during competition programs. I realize that the U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook or the ISU Special Regulations and Technical Rules may not be on the top of everyone’s reading list, however, here are some highlights that I would like to bring to your attention. When an occassion arises that your athlete receives a deduction, you may find yourself reviewing the decisions and circumstances that cost them their points. Rule 1071 C in the U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook is where many of the violations are listed for Singles and Pairs. Here are some of the scenarios that can occur: • What happens when the program duration is too long or short? -0.5 for every five seconds lacking or in excess for no-test, pre-pre, pre, pre-juvenile, juvenile, intermediate and all adult singles and pairs events. -1.0 for novice, junior and senior singles, and pairs events. • My athlete wants to perform a backflip. Is this allowed? This is an illegal element and will receive a -2.0 deduction. If this is performed during an element, the element cannot be higher than basic (base) if basic level requirements are fulfilled. • What if my athlete wants to use a prop during their short program or free skating program? -1.0 per program (determined by the Judges Panel including the Referee by the majority of votes with no deduction in case of 50:50 split) • My athlete showed up to compete in an outfit I have not seen before that gives the effect of excessive nudity inappropriate for their discipline! -1.0 per program (Judges Panel including the Referee by the majority of votes with no deduction in case of 50:50 split)
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NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2023
• Oh no, my athlete’s hair ribbon fell onto the ice! -1.0 per program • My singles skater fell in their program three times! › -0.25 for every fall in no-test, pre-pre, pre, pre-juvenile, juvenile and adult pre-bronze, bronze, and silver singles events. › -0.5 for each fall in juvenile, intermediate and novice and adult gold and higher. › -1.0 for every fall in junior singles events.
› In senior singles events, -1.0 each for the first and second falls, -2.0 each for the third and fourth falls, and -3.0 each for the fifth and any further falls. Ouch! • The skate lace of my athlete becomes untied during their program, should they approach the referee? (Similar situation if the strap of the pants comes undone) Suggestion is no. Simply stop skating and tie the lace as quickly as possible (or adjust the strap) and continue. A program interruption is defined “as the period of time starting immediately when the competitor stops performing the program or is ordered to do so by the Referee, whichever is earlier, and ending when the competitor resumes his/her/their performance.” › 11-20 second interruption will be -1.0 for Junior and Senior, -0.5 for juvenile, intermediate, novice and adult bronze and higher, -.25 for no-test, through pre-juvenile and adult pre-bronze. › 21-30 second interruption will be -2.0 for Junior and Senior, -1.0 for juvenile, intermediate, novice and adult bronze and higher, -0.5 for no-test, through pre-juvenile and adult pre-bronze. › 31-40 second interruption will be -3.0 for Junior and Senior, -1.5 for juvenile, intermediate, novice and adult bronze and higher, -.75 for no-test, through pre-juvenile and adult pre-bronze. › After 40 seconds, if the skater/couple has not reported to the event Referee, the
