Paul Wylie

[lilwish]

I think Paul Wylie is one of the best commentators I have heard in a long time. He made me understand the cop better than anyone has at all!

[AxelAnnie22]

I think Paul Wylie is one of the best commentators I have heard in a long time. He made me understand the cop better than anyone has at all!
Couldn't agree with you more. I learned more last night than in the entire last season. If he was commentating all the time, I think we would start to see more people watching.

[skateflo]

I too was very impressed with his commentary. He actually explained technical issues and provided education for all viewers. I also liked the side by side column of elements and the scores for Weir and Goebel.

He is the first commentator that I feel compares with Susie Wynne in focusing on the technical aspect of the skater/s. While some may not like Wynne, at least for dance she focused on the requirements, stated specifics, not just generalities.

This is a big leap forward for the broadcasting companies - I had to wonder if they finally got the message that many people want more substance and less fluff or personal 'opinions.' I hope to hear more from him as the season progresses!

[Alexa]

I thought he did better for the NHK than Skate Canada, because he gave more details and information for the NHK. However, he seemed to go from being mute at Skate Canada to talking way too much at NHK. During Michael Weiss's program he would not shut up (and not that Michael is my favorite, but I do like his music and would have liked to hear it).

[skateflo]

I know talking over a program is really annoying but please understand they are just following orders from their bosses at the network via their earpieces or when in the studio doing voice-overs. It is not always a commentator's choice to be so wordy.....if he wants to keep his job.

Complain to the network producers.

[doubletoe]

Yes, not only is Paul Wylie an excellent skater, but he is an extremely intelligent and articulate person. If I recall correctly, didn't he actually go to Harvard, either during or right after his amateur skating career?

[dr.frog]

Yes, not only is Paul Wylie an excellent skater, but he is an extremely intelligent and articulate person. If I recall correctly, didn't he actually go to Harvard, either during or right after his amateur skating career?

Paul got his bachelor's degree from Harvard College around 1991. IIRC, he was a government or political science major. He was admitted to Harvard Law School after that, but never enrolled because his pro career took off after the Albertville Olympics. He eventually went back to Harvard for an MBA instead.

[NoVa Sk8r]

Yes, too true!
During one of the men's long programs (was it Weir's?), he actually explained (to an amazed Terry Gannon) what a bracket was. It got kinda annoying to hear Mr. Button say time and time again that "these moves in the field include such things as spirals and spread eagles."
Go Paul!


He actually explained technical issues and provided education for all viewers. I also liked the side by side column of elements and the scores for Weir and Goebel. He is the first commentator that I feel compares with Susie Wynne in focusing on the technical aspect of the skater/s.

[pennybeagle]

I agree with Alexa--the commentary was MUCH improved from Skate Canada. He seemed much more comfortable speaking off the cuff.

Question: Wylie mentioned that Johnny Weir's footwork "looks like a level 3 to me." Who determines the level of a footwork pass or a spin? Is it the technical specialist, or the individual judge? If it is the technical specialist, is there a written set of criteria that would determine what kind of footwork merits a level 1/2/3? I just ask, because Weir's footwork was SO different from the kinds of staccato straight-line passes that are so common in men's skating today...how do you compare them?

[dr.frog]

Who determines the level of a footwork pass or a spin? Is it the technical specialist, or the individual judge? If it is the technical specialist, is there a written set of criteria that would determine what kind of footwork merits a level 1/2/3?

Why don't you read the rules, instead of asking such basic questions here? This information is all on the ISU web site.

http://www.isu.org/vsite/vnavsite/page/directory/0,10853,4844-152055-169271-nav-list,00.html

[Alexa]

Why don't you read the rules, instead of asking such basic questions here? This information is all on the ISU web site.

http://www.isu.org/vsite/vnavsite/page/directory/0,10853,4844-152055-169271-nav-list,00.html

This is a skating discussion board--thus it is fine for someone to ask these types of questions. Sure, we can find info all over the web, but sometimes it is nice to get the input from other skating fans that know the answer.

[dr.frog]

This is a skating discussion board--thus it is fine for someone to ask these types of questions. Sure, we can find info all over the web, but sometimes it is nice to get the input from other skating fans that know the answer.

It's one thing for people to ask questions when they have read the rules and are still confused, but why should they expect other people to take the time to write an essay on how the CoP works when they haven't even made the slightest effort to track down the information themselves? Especially when it's readily available in primary source form on the net?

[Alexa]

Perhaps because they thought that some nice person would give a brief summary of the answer. I don't think they really expected an essay on the topic.

Normally when people ask questions like this, a friendly response is given that usually includes the answer to the question. Not an essay--but a simple answer to the question based on that poster's knowledge of the situation.

[sk8er1964]

It's one thing for people to ask questions when they have read the rules and are still confused, but why should they expect other people to take the time to write an essay on how the CoP works when they haven't even made the slightest effort to track down the information themselves? Especially when it's readily available in primary source form on the net?

Ummm, I think Pennybeagle's question is perfectly valid. Questions like that are asked on the forums all of the time. If you didn't like it, then you didn't have to respond. No need to jump on her.

PS - Pennybeagle - Sorry, I don't know the answer to your question. :??

[jpeach]

Why don't you read the rules, instead of asking such basic questions here? This information is all on the ISU web site.

http://www.isu.org/vsite/vnavsite/page/directory/0,10853,4844-152055-169271-nav-list,00.html

Jeezy-peezy, froggie dude, kinda harsh there (tho you did provide a great link...)

Having read the section of the rules that I think speaks to the topic of 1-2-3 level of difficulty, pennybeagle, I am unable to answer your question with any authority, lol. I would love to hear from a knowledgable poster. (And, please, Mr/Ms Poster - NO ESSAYS :P)

[lilwish]

I have read the rules and I don't understand them at all. I think it is a fair question and I have been begging for someone who is knowledgeable about the rules to explain them in simple terms for those of us who do not skate or judge. Paul made SOME of the explanations for me but how a level is dertmined is still mysterious to me AND I suspect this is all still fairly subjective. Also, I would like to see more break downs of every element instead of just the final scores which would make the final scores more manageable to understand.

Dr. Frog, I am glad you are so brilliant that you don't need help interpreting the rules. I think you were kind of mean. Just my opinion.

[daisies]

This is from the USFS website and points out that it is the technical specialist who identifies the difficulty of an element:

At all future ISU competitions, there will be a technical panel with five people who work as a team and have direct communication with each other.

In real time as the skater performs, the technical specialist will identify the element the skater is performing and the level of difficulty of the element, if applicable (for a spin, for instance). The level of difficulty of certain elements is defined by the new judging system. The work of the technical specialist allows the judge to concentrate on marking the quality of each element. All technical specialists are national and international skaters or coaches involved in skating on a regular basis.

The technical controller, and a second technical specialist, support the primary technical specialist to ensure that any potential mistakes are corrected immediately. Any element can be reviewed by either the technical controller, the technical specialist, the assistant technical specialist or the judges. All final decisions made on elements and levels will be made from the majority opinion of the three technical positions. Each of these people will be recorded with an audio tape during each program, and video tape will be available to verify the calls. The elements are available for review after a skater's performance and scores can be changed accordingly. Review is over and scores are final once they are posted and announced to the public.

Under the new system, the judges focus totally on scoring the quality of each element and the five program components. Their marks will be based on specific criteria for each element and will provide a comprehensive assessment of each skater's skills and performance. The computer will keep track of comparative scores, record results and calculate totals to determine rankings.

The full text on how it works is here: http://www.usfsa.org/New_Judging.asp?id=289

[PaulWyliefan]

I thought Paul was fantastic, too. Of course it's obvious from my screenname what I think of him as a skater. ;) But he's also the most intelligent and helpful commentator I've ever heard. When he has something relevant to say, he puts it clearly and concisely, and when he has nothing to say, he keeps his mouth shut. Mr. Button, take notes!

[Flatfoote]

It's one thing for people to ask questions when they have read the rules and are still confused, but why should they expect other people to take the time to write an essay on how the CoP works when they haven't even made the slightest effort to track down the information themselves? Especially when it's readily available in primary source form on the net?How do you know they didn't make the "slightest effort to track down the information themselves." Not everyone is as research efficient as you must be. Maybe the person didn't know where to get info like that. You could have just politely provided the link and told them the rules are listed there. Instead, you jumped down the throat of someone who was trying to educate themselves about the sport.

I wonder, have you ever been one of the ones who complain about media types who mouth off about the sport when they have no clue what they're talking about? At least give Pennybeagle credit for wanting to learn more and asking questions.

[jcspkbfan]

I haven't heard Paul's commentary on ESPN yet, but I remember he also did some commentary for a few of FOX's pro competition broadcasts (the Grand Prix of Skating, etc.) a few years ago. At the time, I thought he wasn't the best commentator I've ever heard, but definitely not the worst, either! I hope Paul's commentary will only improve over time. :)

[sk8er1964]

In real time as the skater performs, the technical specialist will identify the element the skater is performing and the level of difficulty of the element, if applicable (for a spin, for instance). The level of difficulty of certain elements is defined by the new judging system. The work of the technical specialist allows the judge to concentrate on marking the quality of each element. All technical specialists are national and international skaters or coaches involved in skating on a regular basis.


Hmmmm. I wonder. Does the technical specialist know beforehand what a footwork sequence will contain? It's kind of hard, I would think, to be able to truly rank the technical difficulty of a footwork sequence while it's happening. Or do they use the replay option to help?

[loveskating]

Hmmmm. I wonder. Does the technical specialist know beforehand what a footwork sequence will contain? It's kind of hard, I would think, to be able to truly rank the technical difficulty of a footwork sequence while it's happening. Or do they use the replay option to help?

If its anything like the lower levels of competiton, you have to submit in writing what you plan to do...its like sanskrit unless you are a skater...every edge is there!

Its not hard if you know it, skate it, teach it, just like it is not hard for a court reporter on that crazy machine to get every word right.

Anyway, I totally agree about Paul Wylie! Not only is he intelligent and articulate, he seems to have a high degree of personal integrity, and I admire him so much for that!

I never found him intrusive at all...he used to get a bit too excited for me, which wound up being a bit manipulative, although he never intended that...he was just thrilled by something someone did...but now I think he is just perfect!

I too had many of my questions about COP answered...and its not clear if you go read it on the ISU web site. I even downloaded all those things so I could put in in a form I could do searches, say for "spirals" and still, some things were just not clear.

I'm glad to know there are still base points for a program. I'm satisfied now that a skater does get a bit of credit for doing a 3 jump in the later part of the program, and lots of other things which I couldn't find clearly in the rules.

[doubletoe]

[QUOTE=loveskating]If its anything like the lower levels of competiton, you have to submit in writing what you plan to do...its like sanskrit unless you are a skater...every edge is there!

Its not hard if you know it, skate it, teach it, just like it is not hard for a court reporter on that crazy machine to get every word right.
QUOTE]

They actually have to submit their intended elements? I thought the technical guy would just watch them in their practices in the days preceding the competition.

[lilwish]

at 98 worlds we got a hold of a "Press book", in it were all of the planned elements of every skaters program with the name of their coach, the music they planned to use, everything you needed to know. We got one by accident, they don't sell them to the public (no idea why), sometimes it changes but mostly it is correct and it was very helpful.