Latest News On USFSA Governing Council

[adrianchew]

From George Rossano...

http://www.iceskatingintnl.com/current/content/govcouncil2003.htm

[conc]

Thanks for the update, George & Adrian!

[sonora]

I pretty much agree with the above report. I felt Paul Wylie's endorsement of WSF was particularly moving.

We have finished the first morning of the actual Gov Con. A lot of time was burned up with a rules amendmend propsoed by Jack Curtis that got sent back to committee for more study after an hour of fooling with it.

The USFSA has hired a professional parliamentarian who seems to be a nice and knowledgeable lady, and who has been ruling on technical points when requested by the Chair.

Treas. Joan Rozulis made a nice presentation about TV revenues.

I am still convinced that the WSF deserves our support or the sport will end up worht nothing. I have talked with several athlete members here and all favor the WSF.

Pretty soon we will be discussing the proposed changes in the logo and the redistricting proposal, both of which will burn up lots of time I'm sure.

[DancerFan]

Thank you SO much for posting the timely information from George here, Adrian. It is really super to have an inside look at what's happening for those of who can't be there, and not have to wait weeks for updates to the USFSA site. Thank you, and please thank George!:D

[chattykathy]

The USFSA has hired a professional parliamentarian


So she rules on points of parlimentary procedure? Interesting.

[Rae]

yahoo!

[vesperholly]

I'm baaaack! GC was WONDERFUl! I had so much fun and met a lot of crazy adult skaters. It was very exciting to be able to "talk shop" all weekend with people who are equally (and more) committed as I to not only improving skating locally, but nationally and internationally.

I am putting together an official report for my club, so I will post a link here when I finish it. Until then here are some quick hits on the biggest subjects.

1. Logo change

There was a lot of rumblings about the new logo, especially at the Eastern Caucus on Thursday night. I thought it looks too similar to the US Postal Service logo.

http://www.usfsa.org/news/2002-03/GC2003/newlogo-sm.jpg

http://www.usps.com/common/images/hdr_uspsLogo.jpg

I do however agree that it is long overdue for a change. There was confusion among the delegates because some (including myself) thought that there was to be a vote to change logos when it was presented on Saturday. Apparently there was never to be a vote, it was decided by the Executive Committee and we could not isolate and vote on it. I think everyone will like it once they calm down.

2. ISU vs WSF

I'm not going to go in depth here, but from where I sat, everything that the Board said was very pro-ISU. It was mentioned repeatedly how our contract with ABC and our By-Laws specifically mention the ISU, not "international federation" - which leaves us basically NO room to maneuver. I think this was very poor planning by whomever wrote the contracts.

There was also some misinformation, like the USFSA could not hold US Nationals if there was no ISU. Well, yes we could, it just wouldn't lead to 4Cs/Worlds/Olys. The ISU CANNOT stop or continue our national events except to sanction them and we still can apply our own rules - which is why our judging system remains Majority Ordinal, not the new Sekret Komputer or even OBO. The USFSA can always hold a competition and call it Nationals. This part REALLY pissed me off because as I was listening to this and knowing it was incorrect, a synchro skater delegate sitting next to me was taking notes and wrote down "Consequences of WSF - 1. No US Nationals" AAAAUUUGH!!!!

3. Redistricting

It was apparent that this was going to be close. Indeed the paper vote ended up being unclear, so we stood up which was also too close to call, then it was counted. It was 578 to adopt 12/4 and 450 against.

4. New Judging System

The presentation was interesting and made sense. However, I have one HUGE problem with it. The system purports to judge a program on "its own merits". Well, isn't the purpose of a competition to judge skaters against each other?!

5. Dance/Adult stuff

Pre-Silver dance tests no longer have solos beginning Sept 1, 2003. Adult Nationals got its grant increased from $18,000 to $25,000 (yaay!). The proposal to increase the grant to (non-Adult) Sectionals from $27,000 to $35,000 was defeated (boo but it was probably too much of an increase). The proposal to decrease Adult dance tests passing mark by .3 was sent back to committee.

And by the way...

http://www.vesperis.com/jocmk-sm.jpg

AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
(I will only, ONLY ever do the crazy-stalker-fan thing for The Kwan)

Jocelyn

Editing to say: the parliamentarian was AWESOME. She was very logical and fair (unemotionally involved thank god) without ever coming off as harsh, and had a wonderfully dry sense of humor. Quite a spade.

[Terri C]

Hello all,
I enjoyed the experience and realized how big the USFSA really is!
I feel as if there are two components to the organization, the grassroots part of the the membership ( which would be us), and the elite part of the membership (elite atheletes and international officials).
The best part for me was last night, when some of the young skaters I skate with attended the banquet and got to meet MK! They came while the meeting was in progress and while I felt bad for them having to wait I told them that they could "stargaze" at the various skaters that were there!
They had a blast!

P.S. Jack Curtis was a total flake, IMHO!!!

[ice2]

any news about the envelopes?

[Mel On Ice]

*ahen* Joceyln, I think it is only fair for you to give proper credit to your photographer!

[vesperholly]

Of course, the lovely Melissa/Mel On Ice was the paparazzi for me (and I for her)!

ice2, I have a sheet with the Team Envelopes on it, I can type it up later if you want.

Jocelyn

[Stormy]

Was it said anywhere where it would be held next year? Just curious. :)

[vesperholly]

San Diego CA, May 4-8.

2005 is in Columbus, OH, May 3-7.

Jocelyn

[luv2lutz]

Did they approve the new jump rule for juveniles, allowing only two double jumps to be repeated in a program?

[vesperholly]

No

[luv2lutz]

thanks for the quick reply!

[texasdancer]

Please if anyone has information on the new team envelopes, I would really appreciate it.

[sonora]

Good report from vesperholly, one correction however. The No Solo on Pre Silvers was made urgent so it is effective immediately.

The treatment of the WSF was alternately touching and horrifying. I would like to discuss this in more detail but will have to come back to it later, maybe in a new thread.

[flo]

Hi,
Any news on the motion for the required elements for a balanced adult program?
Thanks

[vesperholly]

Flo, the motion was adopted by the Board of Directors in their interim report. It was not isolated on the floor which means that no one wanted to change it and it was therefore adopted.

They were not required elements but recommendations.

Jocelyn

[Candleonwater]

A quick random question on the redistricting (keep in mind I'm new to the skating world)... anyone familiar with the South Atlantic Region... looking at the map, PA is no longer in the same region as Virginia - does this mean South Atlantics will not be in PA again? Maybe we can look forward to some trips south?

[flo]

Thanks Vesper,
I'm not so sure about them not being "required". They start out by saying the program "should" have bla bla bla, then interestingly also include the language "these required spins..."
I would like to see, in writing exactly how it impacts on competition judging.

I would have liked this one brought up to the adults more before it was put to the governing council.

[Skatewind]

Originally posted by Candleonwater
A quick random question on the redistricting (keep in mind I'm new to the skating world)... anyone familiar with the South Atlantic Region... looking at the map, PA is no longer in the same region as Virginia - does this mean South Atlantics will not be in PA again? Maybe we can look forward to some trips south?
It won't go into effect until 2005. One of the reasons they were having it so much in PA the last several years was because other areas weren't submitting bids to host regionals. More clubs need to get involved & host S Atlantics.

[vesperholly]

http://www.usfsa.org/news/2002-03/GC2003/singles-pairs-roa.htm

The rule reads:

"A well-balanced [level] program should include..."

So there would be no deductions for not doing an element listed, simply that it is ideal to have a balanced program. Same goes for the existing standard-track competitive well-balanced program recommendations. To me they are standards, ideals for that level. It gives a good idea of what to expect in a competition of that level.

Should does not mean must.

Why exactly don't you like it?

Jocelyn

[flo]

I believe that last year was passed a rule providing for a deduction of "non-balanced programs", including adults. So there is a provision for deductions. I don't like it because we will see cookie cutter programs. It's ok for the tests, but I like to see the variations with the competition programs. For example in the new silver rules:

"Spins: A minimum of three spins of a different nature (i.e. scratch, sit, combination). These required spins must have a minimum of three (3) revolutions and if a spin combination is included must have a minimum of three (3) revolutions on each foot. "

The rules do not state (yet) what the three "required" spins are, but realistically there won't be a lot of variation. I believe adults have greater variability among elements at the same level. If someone, for example, is weak in spins, I would rather see them present their strength, rather than another weak spin.

I think it's just another example of the difference in kid and adult skating. The suggestion for the levels is already there in the test requirements, we don't need it "suggested" again.

[dcden]

I hear where you're coming from but I actually like the recommendations. True, skaters can choose to perform only those elements that they does well, but they should be encouraged to cover all aspects of skating (jumps, spins, edges, etc.). And the higher the level of competition, the more likely the judges will need to scrutinize the programs' level of balance to distinguish between the good programs from the great programs. We, as skaters, might as well be aware of what the judges' perspective is, whether or not we gear our programs around it.

I wouldn't be surprised if the judges have already been judging adults according to these standards. In fact, I remember as far back as early 2001 a lesson I had with my coach where she took out a spin in my program and replaced it with footwork for reasons of program balance. I'm sure that all began from either a judge's recommendation or a PSA seminar. I wasn't crazy about doing the footwork at the time, but I realize now that it was probably a good move, since a straight line footwork sequence was a required test element for me the in summer 2002. You can only ignore problem elements for so long before you're forced to address them.

[flo]

Hi,
I'm all for balanced programs and giving everything attention as well, I just don't think there needs to be another rule and provision for deductions for adults. Like I said, I don't like seeing cookie cutter programs - with all the suggestions/requirements there's little room, let alone encouragement left for creativity. It's not as much a matter as "ignoring problem elements" but going with your strengths and what you enjoy doing.

[pairs_guy]

ITA but the way competitions are judged now a days its not always the best overall program that wins, but who does the best jumps. Ive seen people win who have the worst spins and program but they win just because they landed a jump that no one else did. I think that judges should give a skater with the best "complete" program the edge over someone who lands a jump another didnt.

[flo]

Good point. If anything I'd limit the jumps and spins and encourage more skating.

[WeBeEducated]

Does the new redistricting plan begin next fall(Oct 2004),
for the 2004/2005 season?

[Sylvia]

Originally posted by WeBeEducated
Does the new redistricting plan begin next fall(Oct 2004),
for the 2004/2005 season?

The 12/4 plan will be implemented in 2005-06:
http://www.usfsa.org/news/2002-03/GC2003/index.htm

[vesperholly]

Actually it will be implemented "one year following the passage of Governance rules" - the details about representation on committees and the Board hadn't been cleaned up and were sent back to committee. In all likelyhood these rules will be passed at next year's GC and 12/4 will take effect for the 2005/2006 competitive season.

One thing I didn't think about: How are they going to name the regions and sections? I personally would appreciate all efforts to keep as many of the current names as possible.

Jocelyn

[blue111moon]

The way I understood it, the 12/4 plan would use Numbers instead of names for the regions. For example, New England (excluding CT) would be Region 1. North and South Atlantics (plus CT) would be split into Regions 2,3 and 4.

I don't like it myself. It's too much like ISI's Regions and tells the public nothing about the area represented. New England Regional Champion sounds much better to my ears than "Region 1 Champion".

I don't remember what they were planning on calling the Sections.

[pennskater]

I like the idea of keeping names also.
I hope they were NOT trying to avoid a problem with the SCNY if they named the new Eastern Region as Middle Atlantics, because the SCNY annual non-qual competition is named that.
But SCNY could just change the name to the SCNY Invitational (or something similar).
It is dumb to just have region 1, 2, 3. So cold and unmeaningful.
So I vote for Middle Atlantics - any ideas for the other regions/sections?

[vesperholly]

Middle Atlantics is older than dirt - SCNY is never going to change that. I wouldn't be surprised if they had it trademarked.

I suggest keeping New Englands, North Atlantics, South Atlantics. The rest of South Atlantics that got turned into a new region could be South Easterns.

Jocelyn

[pennskater]

If you call it South Easterns, then it gets confusing with the names of the regions. Besides, PA, NJ and DE are not considered southern states. They are considered as central/middle US Atlantic states, hence the name Keystone State for PA (It is the keystone of the North/South).

Wissahickon (another high prestige event) is now Liberty, so SCNY, even though it is older than dirt, could change a competition name. And I doubt it is trademarked, or they would have the trademark symbol on it.

Maybe this is why the USFSA didn't want to name the new regions, but it's a cop out. I guess you can't make everyone happy, but 1,2,3 is definitely worse than any name they come up with, even if it gets NY mad (which by the way, I heard that NY was one of the only areas that did not want the 12/4/split - maybe the competition name had something to do with it).

Guess there may not be a name that suits everyone.
What about Middle Tri-State?

[Skatewind]

I agree pennskater. They should stick with naming the regions & not numbering them. South Atlantics should remain the name of the MD-FL region & they should come up with a new name for the new PA-DE-NJ region.

[blue111moon]

"Central Atlantics"?

[Skatewind]

That's a good one. :)

[sk8ndancr]

Does anyone know if they passed the proposal to add Starlight Waltz to Pre-Gold dance?

[sonora]

Yes it did.And the Midnight Blues is now an International, and there is no distinction between Jr and Sr Intls.

Unlike the no solo on presilvers however, these changes were not made urgent.

[Poohsk8s2]

Where can I find a map of the redistricting?

[conc]

The 12 Region map can be found here.

http://www.usfsa.org/about/committees/stratplan/12region-largepage.htm

[pennskater]

blue111 - I love the Central Atlantics name! It goes well with Central Pacifics, and the other new region could be Central America or Central Mid Westerns (KS, MO and IL).
For the new Section name, we could have South Easterns and change Easterns to North Easterns.
(Assuming everyone wants new names) Does anyone have influence to get this to the USFSA? Since they have an extra year before it's effective, maybe they could have a vote on the new names (and whether people prefer names over numbers).

[dr.frog]

Originally posted by pennskater

For the new Section name, we could have South Easterns and change Easterns to North Easterns.


It seems kind of strange to me to classify Upper Michigan -- which borders on Canada and includes a large chunk farther west than Chicago -- as part of the "South East". :roll:

[blue111moon]

Can we come up with a list of names for each of the 12 regions and 4 Sections/Divisions? Presenting a proposal to governing council is easy once you have it written up.

If we go by the map we have:

Division A - ?East?
Region 1: New England
Region 2: North Atlantic
Region 3: Central Atlantic

Division B - ?Mid East?
Region 4 - South Atlantics
Region 5 – Eastern Great Lakes
Region 6 – ???


Division C - ?Midwest?
Region 7 - Upper Great Lakes
Region 8 - Central ???
Region 9 – South ???

Division D - ?Pacific Coasts?
Region 10 – Southwest
Region 11 – Northwest
Region 12 – West

Edited to refelct possible new Section/Dvision names - thanks!

[pairs_guy]

How did they decide to devide the groups? By the amount of skaters in each region \ division?

I know here in Canada they have the sections(regions USFSA) split up by the amount of skaters \ skating clubs. Thats why Ontario has 4 sections(regions).

[vesperholly]

Originally posted by dr.frog
It seems kind of strange to me to classify Upper Michigan -- which borders on Canada and includes a large chunk farther west than Chicago -- as part of the "South East". :roll:

The sections were referred to as Eastern, MidEast, MidWest, and Pacific Coast at Governing Council. It seems to me that they do want to preserve the names.

I like Central Atlantics, too. I don't see how South Eastern going to Mid-Eastern Sectionals is any more confusing than Central Pacific which goes to Pacific Coast sectionals.

Jocelyn

[blue111moon]

Pairs guy, The regions were roughly split by number of skaters, but there were a whole bunch of factors figured in, like number of competitors at Regionals and how many advanced to Sectionals and Nationals. The whole presentation and proposal is on the USFSA site under the Strategic Planning Committee report.

[pennskater]

working from Blue's list (and trying to keep as many of the previous names as possible while trying to maintain consistent naming standards across regions). There are 3 new regions and 1 new section:

Division A - Easterns
Region 1: New England
Region 2: North Atlantics
Region 3: Central Atlantics *NEW*

Division B - Mid Easterns *NEW*
(NOTE: This name was proposed at USFSA mtg)
Region 4 - South Atlantics
Region 5 – Eastern Great Lakes
Region 6 – Central Mid Easterns *NEW*

Division C - Mid Westerns
Region 7 - Upper Great Lakes
Region 8 - Central Mid Westerns *NEW*
Region 9 – South Westerns

Division D - Pacific Coasts
Region 10 – Central Pacifics
Region 11 – North West Pacifics
Region 12 – South West Pacifics

Any thoughts? Any better names for the new regions?
PS - sorry dr.frog - I was looking at the new sections wrong when I proposed South Easterns - you are right - that makes no sense.