#step sequences

Q #210:

Hi anon,

Short answer is no. They should have lost levels on the diagonal step sequence, twizzles, and one foot turn sequence. However, for the first time all season EB finally achieved a full lunge position for their SlLi.

DiSt:

MC: flat on S-step RBO exit, no sustained RBO on rocker exit

EB: hopped RBI counter, flat on rocker RBO exit

SyTw:

Both pirouette on CW twizzles, MC pirouettes just 2 rotations in and has 2 rotations with no linear movement, should have been a level and GOE reduction

OFT:

Both hop RBI counter (EB more egregiously) and scratch their RFI brackets on exit

I also want to note that a fall has ALWAYS been defined as a serious error. It’s frankly the one thing that has always unambiguously been defined as a serious error. It doesn’t have to be on an element. As of 2010 In ice dance “a loss of balance or stumble” counts for a 0.5 deduction in SS per partner, so not even a fall, necessitates a cap. So, their PCS of 57.22 should have been maxed out at 52.50 (8.75/mark). Even by the new PCS standards (composition, presentation, skating skills) where the error is penalized less harshly and assuming that otherwise their PCS was worthy of 10s (which… no comment) and should have been capped at 9.50, France, Switzerland, and Estonia all gave 9.75s. France and Switzerland in skating skills.

Stay tuned :)

What's the difference between official and unofficial practices?

Judges and members of the tech panel attend official practices.

Are there figure skaters who don't officially "retire" but after a few good seasons decide to focus on b-level competitions; and competitions outside of the mega competitions like Olympics, World's and GPF's, instead opting for one's like the Universiade?

Not sure, can anyone help with this?

Hi! I've played with Discord, but am confused by bots and roles. What is their purpose, and how do I utilize them?

Bots are installed in servers to perform various functions such as playing music, playing games, sending automatic messages, etc. Members who have a role receive notifications for messages that are @’d to that role, or certain permissions that come with the role. If you are interested in creating your own Discord, there are tutorials online that can explain in better detail. If you are interested in joining our Discord and need help navigating your way, please feel free to ask the members there.

bit of a strange question, but do you guys know who maintains/updates the wikipedia articles on skating (the records page, pages for different events, etc)?

Nope.

When are the team envelopes announced by USFS for the next season(s)?

Historically, in late June before the new season officially starts (July 1).

why does nbc not normally stream galas?

A good question for NBC.

hello :) do you know what Daniil Samsonov's SP music is called?

Rain, in Your Black Eyes by Ezio Bosso

Hi! I'm confused. Generally, what does the director general do? I read a bit of the constitution, but most of it went over my head. can you explain things in laymen terms? Thanks!

Managing the Secretariat and the business and financial activities of the ISU, such as commercial contracts and annual budgets. Advising the ISU Council on the addition of new member federations. Organizing the agenda of ISU Congresses. Facilitating meetings between the ISU Council and member federations or other bodies. There’s more, but you can get the details from Article 18 of the Constitution.

Don't feds need to submit entries to the secretariat? That's what I was referring to; apologies if I confused you.

Yes, that’s just one of the duties the department performs as the administrative branch of the ISU. The department will share many of the same duties as the Director General; see above.

What does the ISU representative do at competitions?

They are a symbolic figurehead of the ISU organization.

Hi! I have trouble distinguishing between the entry/exit edges of twizzles. Any tips when watching video? I read your gif guides, but am still confused.

Watch skaters’ feet carefully and in slow-mo, if possible. There are 4 possible edges to enter a twizzle: Forward outside, forward inside, backward outside, backward inside. Watch which direction the skaters are traveling in and which edge their blade is leaning on as they start or end the twizzle.

Hi! I read your guides, but would appreciate clarity on +REP and +COMBO. Also, is it still the case that a repeated 2nd triple or quad be in combo in the free skate, or is that an old rule?

A second triple or quad in the free skate needs to be in combination, or it will receive +REP and have its base value reduced to 80%. +REP and +COMBO both indicate a missing combo, but +REP is used in the free skate and +COMBO used in the short program. +REP reduces the base value of the jump that is not in combination, jumps with +COMBO receive negative GOE.

hi, what’s the difference between StSq1 and StSqB?

To get step sequence levels you need to perform a minimum variety of turns and steps (turns: 3-turn, twizzle, counter and rocker; steps: mohawk and choctaw). The minimum is 5 steps/turns for Level 1. If you do not complete at least 5 steps and turns cleanly, then you will only get a basic level, which is fewer points than Level 1.

Can ice dancers choose which type of in hold step sequence to perform? Also, can there be fewer than three step sequences in the RD?

Skaters can choose their holds for the step sequence in the FD as they need a minimum of 3. The type of elements performed in the RD are predetermined each year, it just depends on what the ISU decides on. There is always at least 1 non-touch step sequence and now there is a 1-foot sequence in the FD.

Is there a list of jumps that have had a perfect goe (+5 or +3)??

Part I (Jump Identification)  ||  Part II (Combination Jumps)  ||  Part III (Spin Identification) || Part IV (Steps Identification)

Figure skating turns and steps can be identified by the marks produced by the skater's blades on the ice when the turns or steps are executed.

The counter, rocker, bracket, three turn, loop, twizzle, choctaw and mohawk are turns commonly used in figure skating step sequences. They are “turns” because they enable the skater to change directions.

Check out this amazing Youtube channel for slow-mo videos of different steps and turns and this other wonderful video identifying all the steps, turns and other elements in Yuzuru’s Chopin Ballade program.

Thanks for asking!