#skating rules

So the ISU Ice Dance Technical Committee just released a wave of brand new changes to the ChRS. I am currently working on a more descriptive video to get into the nitty gritty of identifying the element, how it's judged, and what in general to look for but this table is a bit of a cheat sheet explaining how the element is being called (by the tech panel) and judged (by the judging panel). Hope this helps explain the significance of these rule changes!

Q #212:

Hi anon,

So there are a few different kinds of breaks and they can be instigated by the skater or the referee. I haven’t watched the pairs short program so I can’t comment on G/A but for Ling/Wein they were blown dead by the referee because the referee determined that the costume issue was a safety issue. If you as a skater are whistled to stop by the referee, you must stop or risk disqualification. For obvious reasons, a loose boostrap could be very dangerous in ice dance, especially for lifts and any transition which involves a mini-lift. L/W were mandated to stop to fix his boot because the referee made the call that his bootstrap significantly increased the likelihood of injury or other adverse events (pretty obviously). In case of a costume malfunction, that is deemed somewhat in the skaters’ control (not saying I agree with the logic this is just the rationale) but a medical stoppage is not. For example, a skater is responsible for tying and securing their laces and therefore will receive a deduction if they come loose but would not if they got a bloody nose (not controllable).

In 2013 there was a bit of an uproar because not only did V/M stop in the middle of their FD at 4CC but so did P/C at JWC. These were medical stoppages and therefore did not get deductions. Tessa has a condition called Chronic Exertional Compartments Syndrome where her muscles are overly restricted by her fascia resulting in intense nerve pain and reduced blood flow. I’m sure that when Scott was explaining to the referee the cause of the stoppage that her (documented) compartments syndrome was preventing her from skating and was specifically a safety risk when it came to her kicking up into that straight line lift. CCES is pretty obviously improved by a break because those extra seconds yelp reduce muscle inflammation and restore blood flow.

Gabi sprained her ankle the day of the JWC free dance in warm ups (might have also included a fracture I don’t remember the specifics). You can see that Gabi’s right ankle is taped to high heaven and back in the videos. P/C stop right after a series of transitions that’s pretty heavy on Gabi’s right ankle with a leaning besti squat and lunge and before their circular step sequence. Both of her one foot sections within the steps were on her right foot and you can clearly see that her skating throughout the entire program is affected by limited strength and mobility in her ankle. Again with the stoppage there was a clearly documented and visible injury and when talking with the medical personnel (after the referee) it was clear that they could continue within 3 minutes.

Here are the relevant sections of the special rules and regulations:

Just like many other places, the skatepark has its rules. For safe, comfortable, fun skating, it is important to follow these rules.

Know your surroundings

Observe your surroundings, especially if you are a first-timer at the skatepark. Familiarize yourself with the space, and how things are happening around you at the park.

If you need a break, avoid resting or sitting on anything in the skating area, such as ramps, ledges, boxes, etc.

Be aware of others and your surroundings at all times. Before dropping a line, check that no one else is doing the same one already.

Respect others in the park

Respect and be mindful of others in the park. Everyone is there to enjoy and have fun, so be friendly, and wait your turn. Lend a helping hand whenever needed. Avoid being in someone’s way to avoid accidents and injuries.

Be aware of your limits

Everyone wants to make progress and do all the tricks you may have seen others doing online or at the park, don’t push it. Patience and persistence are key to making progress. Be aware of your limits, and give yourself time and practice before you head for that bowl.

Stay safe

Wear protective and safety gear, no matter where you are skating – at the skatepark, on the streets, or in your backyard. Protective gear, like helmets and knee pads, protects you against injuries and helps you feel more confident – all of which contribute to faster progress.

Keep the park clean

You wouldn’t want to find the skatepark dirty. So, contribute to keeping it tidy and clean. Ensure the trash goes in the bins, and keep food and drinks away from the ramps and obstacles. Follow the rules and guidelines outlined by the skatepark.