Interpreting the MITF pattern diagrams

[jjane45]

There were some quite interesting discussions going on in the video vault on rule book interpretation. The USFS rule book provides diagrams for each MITF pattern, are those diagrams to be followed 100% strictly when the descriptions did not specify? Or should the coaches and skaters make the call within reason?

For example, in the perimeter stroking pattern, the diagram shows 4 crossovers at each end while the description did not specify how many. Does the skater have to do exactly 4? Should 3 or 5 crossovers lead to a retry or a negative judge's comment?

The diagram for straight line spirals shows right foot first, can the skater start with left foot without losing the judge's favor?

The diagram shows 4 lobes for consecutive edges and the rule book says 4-6, is it OK for a smaller skater to do 6? What about 5, do they have to be even numbers?

What about cross strokes / edge pulls? Does the skater have to count exactly how many edge pulls are shown on the diagram and do exactly the same?

Please share what is your coaching team's stand on interpreting the MITF diagrams  

[jjane45]

When I took the pre-bronze MITF test, my coach insisted on 4 crossovers on the perimeter stroking end pattern, even though I claimed 3 is more natural for me. He did not explain why. OTOH, he wanted me to do 4 strokes down the rink, saying 6 strokes are for very small skaters. The diagram shows 6 strokes while rule book says

perform four to eight straight strokes depending on the length of the ice and the strength of the skater.

But for the Perimeter Power Stroking on bronze MITF, he never specified the number of crossovers for the end pattern, I just did whatever I felt comfortable with.

For outside and inside spirals, the rule book says

The exact number of spirals will depend on the size of the rink and the strength of the skater, however a minimum of four spirals down each length of the rink must be skated.

even though the diagram shows 5 spirals, I have been practicing 4.

Based on the wording quoted above, *my* understanding is the USFS testing committee allows some room for interpretation because skater's size, strength, and even rink size vary. If they want to be really specific with the number of steps, the number appears in the test description.

Or if they want to be REALLLLLLY specific, they could number the steps like the compulsory ice dance patterns, lol.

[nicklaszlo]

I would not take the diagrams (or the rest of the book) too literally.  Look at it from a judge's point of view.

[nicklaszlo]

even though the diagram shows 5 spirals, I have been practicing 4.

5 makes the pattern fit the rink better.  I did 4 for a while, but I am converted now.

[jjane45]

5 makes the pattern fit the rink better.  I did 4 for a while, but I am converted now.

Ha, I think I'll be forced to convert at some point. IMO coaches try to make the skater follow the diagram as closely as possible for the skater's benefit. In the case of a border line skate, every tiny detail matters and it's better not to give the judges any chance to doubt.

[AgnesNitt]

When I took the pre-bronze MITF test, my coach insisted on 4 crossovers on the perimeter stroking end pattern, even though I claimed 3 is more natural for me. He did not explain why. OTOH, he wanted me to do 4 strokes down the rink, saying 6 strokes are for very small skaters. The diagram shows 6 strokes while rule book says
But for the Perimeter Power Stroking on bronze MITF, he never specified the number of crossovers for the end pattern, I just did whatever I felt comfortable with.

For outside and inside spirals, the rule book says even though the diagram shows 5 spirals, I have been practicing 4.

Based on the wording quoted above, *my* understanding is the USFS testing committee allows some room for interpretation because skater's size, strength, and even rink size vary. If they want to be really specific with the number of steps, the number appears in the test description.

Or if they want to be REALLLLLLY specific, they could number the steps like the compulsory ice dance patterns, lol.

I had  a coach who insisted it had to be 3 crossovers on the end. To show power, I think.  Apparently little kids get a bye.
Stroking down the side had to be 4.

I felt moves was a bit like the Holy Hand grenade of Antioch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOrgLj9lOwk

[Skittl1321]

If the description of the move deviates from the pattern, you too can deviate from the pattern diagram.  The description is what the judges go on.


And I agree with perimeter stroking, adults shouldn't need as many strokes as kids (please don't go look at my videos to see what I did. I honestly don't remember!)

[Janie]

I had  a coach who insisted it had to be 3 crossovers on the end. To show power, I think.

Oh that's the first time I've ever heard anyone say that! I wish USFSA could just be clearer and save us all this speculation/discussion.

[Purple Sparkly]

There is always room for interpretation.  The diagrams are to help you get an idea of where the pattern is supposed to go; however, they are computer generated images, so they can't be taken literally.

For example, in the perimeter stroking pattern, the diagram shows 4 crossovers at each end while the description did not specify how many. Does the skater have to do exactly 4? Should 3 or 5 crossovers lead to a retry or a negative judge's comment?

I insist that my skaters do four crossovers at each end.  I do this to make sure they are not cutting off the corners and to show they can do powerful crossovers with quickness (if you don't move quickly enough, you will not have room for all four).

The diagram for straight line spirals shows right foot first, can the skater start with left foot without losing the judge's favor?

I have my skaters start with the weaker foot so they finish with the strong foot.  I think the description says they can choose.

The diagram shows 4 lobes for consecutive edges and the rule book says 4-6, is it OK for a smaller skater to do 6? What about 5, do they have to be even numbers?

I like even numbers because it shows you are equally strong on both sides.  In my opinion, doing an uneven number gives you an opportunity to do fewer of the weak side.  I want all of my skaters to do six lobes, regardless of size.  Four lobes makes them huge and I want to see control and edge quality.  I also always start on the right foot for consecutive edges and alternating three-turns.  Figures always started on the right foot, and while it doesn't really matter for moves in the field, some judges may appreciate the tradition of starting on the right foot.

What about cross strokes / edge pulls? Does the skater have to count exactly how many edge pulls are shown on the diagram and do exactly the same?

I doubt any judge counts how many they do.  They just want to see them done correctly with power.

[VAsk8r]

Our rink is shorter than a standard hockey rink, and we still hold test sessions. That might be part of the reason the descriptions give a range. The judges get a better idea of the skater's abilities if the skater, for example, cuts the number of strokes on the perimeter stroking instead of shortening each stroke to cram a certain number in on a shorter rink.

My coach teaches me the range if there is one in the rulebook, rather than the exact number shown on the diagram, and it hasn't hurt me yet on a test.

[nicklaszlo]

Our rink is shorter than a standard hockey rink.

How often do visitors hit the wall?

[jjane45]

How often do visitors hit the wall?

I'm most curious about ice dance tests

[PinkLaces]

How often do visitors hit the wall?

Our rink is bigger than most rinks.  My DD has hit the wall on twice on dance tests at standard size rinks.  I've also seen a couple kids from our rink hit the wall on moves tests at other rinks.

[Kim to the Max]

How often do visitors hit the wall?

I primarily skate at 2 different sized rinks - one large and one smaller (not tiny, but not as large as the other) and I regularly either run into the wall or get really really close on my moves (the sustained edge and power power pulls primarily)...I can often be heard saying to myself "wall!"

[techskater]

How often do visitors hit the wall?

I saw that at a rink with "clipped" corners with a Junior MIF test.  Not pretty.