So did I! I just re-read that and barely caught it! It's a little confusing that it's mixed in there as though it's a step sequence shape/pattern rather than TYPE of step sequence. I hope that gets re-worded so that it's clearer to judges, TS's and referees. Current wording is nice and clear, saying it can be "either a step sequence or spiral sequence".

It will be important for people to note, too, that if they do a step sequence and a spiral sequence, only the one done first in the program will get point credit. The other will simply be part of transitions.

Hee, hee. I'd better trash the flip-loop idea

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Well, I've got the new rules and maybe I have a different approach, I recently changed my program and have an opening spiral sequence which leads directly into my first difficult jump, I am going to keep the sequence and not list it on the ppc page because these spirals lift up my second marks (component scores) I will also keep my diagonal foot work as the item I want counted it is level 2 and is something I rountinely do well.

I think the idea is to promote quality skating you will be rewarded via the component marks for good quality edge work and showing solid skills, it doesn't seem there is anything to lose, just to gain.

IMHO

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How do you manage to fit a full-ice spiral sequence and a full-ice footwork sequence into your program and have any time left for jumps and spins? How long is your program?

Am I mistaken: Just because you don't list an element on the PPC does not mean the technician will not call it as such. If you *do* a spiral sequence, then it will be called as such.

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But can you do a step sequence AND a spiral. Not a spiral sequence, just a spiral.

You are not mistaken, that is exactly right.

coskater64, it won't matter if you don't list the spiral sequence. If you perform one, it will be called. People change their programs around all the time, so they don't go specifically by your sheet. They only use that as a guide to get a headstart on inputting your elements. It would take a lot longer if they didn't.

Yes.

Huzzah!

Hey NoVa, Be very careful that each of your position changes are clear and held the right number of revolutions. And be careful about how you count your revolutions. On the elite track, there are a lot of examples of elements such as steps or spins being downgraded at times to lower levels, because either the caller makes a mistake or the skater doesn't do exactly what he/she is supposed to do to achieve the level. One coach/tech specialist told me they replay and just look to see how the blade turns on the ice and whether the heel crosses the starting point to decide if all the required revolutions were held. Not that you're necessarily going to have instant replay in your competitions, but just to say they are pretty strict in calling these things, and you may not end up with the level you think you will.

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The application spells out how many positions, revs are needed. I can only do my best and leave it up to the experts to decipher my somewhat inchoate skating! (But I'm hoping for at least two level-2 spins.) Interestingly, I am allowed to do a step AND a spiral sequence.

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If I shorten the spiral sequence so it is not a full circle though it should not be called, it is 3 spirals well actually 2, w/ a leg catch into a jump. That shouldn't be a spiral sequence... once again I'm gonna go for quality, or at least try, I mean it's better than crossovers...

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That sounds like a good plan.

What if you do just a spiral, not a sequence, first in the program and the step sequence later. Will they count the spiral with a low level and GOE due to the fact it wasn't a full sequence and not count the step sequence later in the program? Or just count the spiral as a transition?

I would much rather the step sequence count than a spiral sequence, but I always choreograph my step sequence at the end of a program.

It would just be a transition. One spiral does not a sequence make!

Here's what ISU says (I assume USFS has the same language), from Communication 1319:

Spiral Sequence
-Consists primarily of spirals, either commencing at the end of the ice surface, progressing in bold curves and ending at the opposite end of the ice surface(serpentine) or skated in a complete circle or oval utilizing the full width of the ice surface (circular) or a combination of the two. There must be at least two (2) spiral positions.
Pushes in order to gain speed are permitted. Connecting steps (including spread eagles and two footed movements with one leg extended and the other bent, or "Ina Bauer"), turns, small jumps are permitted at any point in the sequence. Except during such pushes, steps, turns and small jumps, the competitor must be primarily in a spiral position, that is with the free leg higher than the hip level and each position must be maintained for at least 3 seconds hold. Any variations of the position are permitted, including holding the knee or skate blade and the position of the free leg is otherwise free.
A spiral sequence in which all executed spiral positions are held with less than 3 seconds receives no Level and therefore no value. A Spiral Sequence in which less than two positions (with at least 3 seconds hold) are executed will receive Level 1.

Some people have told me that 3 positions are needed; that is not correct (well, 3 are mandatory in a SP). It' s just that the highest level you would ever garner would be level 1.

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Doubt whom you will, but never yourself.
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Amen! Patty, don't be afraid that you'll find yourself compromised by having unprotected spiral encounters; now that I'm actively trying to conceive a legitimate spiral sequence, I'm finding it's actually quite difficult to do, LOL!

A nice universal quote that I can see applied to my skating for years to come!

But your postions, grace, and beauty (and calendar projects ) are LEVEL 5!!!

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Doubt whom you will, but never yourself.
"Do what you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life."
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Here here! Well, okay, at least the the calendar projects, since I haven't seen you skate yet...

(Which reminds me... are you doing another one? )

ETA: To stay on topic... ummm... the question I had regarding the spin requirements for the "well balanced program" requirement... are there plans in the future to adjust the test requirements to match it? I was just thinking about the test requirements of 3 spins in a test program vs. 2 in a competition. Was wondering how much trouble is it to choreography for both???

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11-04-2006: Shredded "Pre-Bronze FS for Life" Club Membership card!!!
Silver Moves is the next "Mission Impossible"
(Dare I try for Championship Adult Gold someday???)

Thank you for the support, you guys!!!

My guess is that there are very few adult skaters who would get more points for doing a level 2 spin than for doing a good level 1 spin. If you look at the difference between a level 1 base value with a positive GOE and a level 2 base value with a negative GOE, you'll see why. (The way I see it, the GOE is the judges' opportunity to punish you for making them watch something difficult but ugly, LOL!)

You LOL, but my philosophy as a judge has always been that I would rather see a nicely done single or double than a poorly done double or triple!

I wholeheartedly agree! When I judge competitions, I would rather see and therefore reward a clean program skated with good carriage than a program skated with many errors on elements that are too difficult for the skater.

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Christy

<blush> You're too kind.

I don't know when I'll get another calendar done, since I'm not attending any comps this year. It's a long way to go to Peach just to watch. I may have to think up a different arts and crafts project for this year.

Can you judge my events please? It seems that I do better with a 2-footed or cheated double than a big, clean single. Do you think that will change?

__________________
"The only place where success comes before work is in a dictionary." -- Vidal Sasson

"Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway." -- Unknown