Skate Canada AGM

[LynRose]

Does any know which amendments passed at the 2002 Skate Canada AGM which was held this past weekend? In particular I was wondering about rule 4502 - can diamond dances and artistic be single panelled all the time. The other one I was wondering about was rule 4303 regarding dance tests - has the Dance Variation, Bronze Rhythm, Silver Interpretive and Gold Interpretive Dances been eliminated?

Thanks :lol:

[Madame Saccoche]

Yes it is my understanding that Diamond and artistic tests can now be single pannel. Go to the skate canada web site for full details. It is my understanding that variation, broze rythm dances will be eliminated in 2003 but agian it's a good idead to check with Skate Canada.

[Lee]

Also, the amendment regarding the soloing/shadowing/partnering of dance tests was split into two different amendments. The first part for the Prelim and Jr Bronze dances was withdrawn, and a consultation process will take place with coaches across the country. The Sr Bronze - Gold changes will take place as presented.

In competitive tests, the short program has been removed from the pairs tests, and so have the patch exercises from the Novice Comp Dance test.

The effective date for the elimination of the Variation, Bronze Rhythm, Silver and Gold Interpretive dances [i:276e2124df]is[/i:276e2124df] July 2003 -- still some time for anyone interested in those tests.

[Intensity20]

Although I can fully understand the convenience and less hassle of single panelling artistic tests being the test chair of a small local club, I can't get my head around how a test where so many of the criteria are based on subjectivity and opinion can be judged my one judge only. It just doesn't make sense to me and seems unethical.

[arena_gal]

The Skate Canada website hasn't been updated with any of the ACGM information, they're still popping up the window to buy tickets for the social.
I am very interested in the amendment regarding the soloing of preliminary dances, I can understand some of the reasoning behind wanting to have them solo'd (the skill of the partner being a big factor in passing the test), but it isn't a popular amendment with the coaches at the clubs I hang out at. Preliminary dances are encouragement tests and should stay that way.

[Lee]

[quote:10dee36e31="Intensity20"]Although I can fully understand the convenience and less hassle of single panelling artistic tests being the test chair of a small local club, I can't get my head around how a test where so many of the criteria are based on subjectivity and opinion can be judged my one judge only. It just doesn't make sense to me and seems unethical.[/quote:10dee36e31]

Some of the 'subjectivity' is being removed though, with the change from 'artistic' to 'interpretive' -- to the extent that the skaters won't have to depend on the judges to 'get' the theme of the program. More of the emphasis will be on the quality of skating, the use of the whole body and the use of various 'levels' in interpreting the music chosen. The new criteria for evaluating the artistic (to be known as 'interpretive' as of July 1, 2002) tests can be found amongst the regulation changes passed by the Board of Directors; the specific one relating to artistic/interpretive tests can be found here (http://www.skatecanada.ca/english/info/rules/regchgs02_9.html). The 'table of contents' for the other regulation changes can be found here (http://www.skatecanada.ca/english/info/rules/index_regs02.html).

As a former test chair and region test coordinator, and the parent of a skater who took all her artistic tests in front of single panels (all tests were passed), I greatly welcome this change (as well as the change for the single panels for Diamonds -- heaven knows how difficult it is outside the major centres to find three judges qualified to evaluate those dances!).

[Intensity20]

Thanks for the clarification. I've been away from participant artistic skating for only a short while now, but in terms of being active in the artistic testing process, it's been a long while. I think the change from artistic to interpretive is more suitable, and hope the judges are able to make a reasonable transition.

I recall being in a position where I was skating a more "out of the box" artistic program called "One man's struggle" and having several officials speak to me afterwards about how they 'didn't get it'. I even refrained from skating a 'rave' themed program simply because my coach explained that the judge's age placed them in a position where they were so removed sociologically that there's no way the would pass it no matter how great it was - they were too old to understand what a rave even was.

I only hope the judges can adapt - here in N.S. it's mainly a crusty older crowd - I'm glad I'm away from that aspect of the sport. Gross stuff.

[LynRose]

Thanks everyone! That is too bad about the Dance Variation/Bronze Rhythm, Silver and Gold Interpretive Dances being removed. I am happy about the diamond dances though...but it will still be a problem finding someone to partner them - especially in the outlying areas.