What I was trying to say, badly, is that USFSA was clear that skaters who participated in this TV show permanently gave up USFSA eligibility. It was stated before the fact, not after - that may not be a real sacrifice to most of these kids but it might be to some.
I must have missed that punishment announcement. When was this published and where?
This was the only relevant statement that I remember reading and it didn't come from the USFSA itself, but from the WFSC:
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150376609151438That was in response to a different production company trying to recruit skaters directly for a reality series called "Kids on Ice." This is a little different since it focuses on the coaches and I'd say the kids were not compensated for their appearance.
The WFSC did state that the USFSA requires skaters involved in to apply for sanction before the appearance, but that's the norm. All the skaters on the documentary series, "Ice Diaries," also had to secure USFSA sanctions in advance, as did all of the skaters in "Ice Princess." It's also required for performances and exhibitions, including charity events.
http://www.usfigureskating.org/content/SANCTIONSPRIMER.pdfThere's nothing in there about permanent sanctions. I think it's a one-season ineligibility for Regionals/Sectionals/Nationals, not a ban from all USFSA activities. So these rec kids, who weren't planning to enter those events anyway, can't enter regionals - no great loss. Unless you have a different source, I don't see any grounds for the claim that these kids are permanently banned.
Back on topic - it wasn't as much of a train wreck as I expected. *cough*dancemoms*cough* Once you ignored the frequent infighting and staged drama, it was interesting to see obviously recreational skaters on screen. Too often, this sport is portrayed as only being for the "serious skaters." These kids
were serious about their skating and worked hard.
I don't think it was the best week to be a student in the rink, given the pressure, distractions and TMI, but at least they didn't have a skating show for LTS groups where the oldest participant was awarded a "Pass" test six rungs up the ladder, with no prerequisites or requirements, lol. I like science fiction and fantasy, but unfortunately, many movies about figure skating seem to require a suspension of disbelief. This was an more like a documentary. (BTW, the Lake Placid competition is open to any ISI skater and I don't ever recall there being an audition or cut list. It's really the more, the merrier.)
I did notice that the skaters were in the new ISI groupings of Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum instead of the old ones of FS1, FS2...FS10. Those events have become very popular since they allow USFSA skaters to use their programs for both types of competition.