US Figure Skating Governing Council News

[Doubletoe]

Did it?  Because I'm looking at Page 77 of the meeting book and it certainly looks like it lists "Focus: Power" under both of the new power circle moves under Adult Gold.  I remember the old/current one had "strength and continuous flow" as the focus.

Hmm. . . If that's the case, then it could be that the revision of the test description wording was  done using the current moves and the new moves were introduced after that was already done.  The new wording originated within the Adult Committee but the new moves did not, so that would make sense.

[Isk8NYC]

There's a sticky in this forum that Debbi S wrote - it's very thorough.

http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=368.0

[icedancer]

Hmm. . . If that's the case, then it could be that the revision of the test description wording was  done using the current moves and the new moves were introduced after that was already done.  The new wording originated within the Adult Committee but the new moves did not, so that would make sense.

I have noticed this in the past on test sheets that sometimes new wordings don't make it on all of the moves - I blame the whole "cut and paste" idea - plus lack of editing - I think they try, really they do, but mistakes do happen and as a judge you just have to roll with it. 

Not just on the wording but sometimes the numbers for "passing average" don't add up either - eventually they do get changed.

[Icicle]

How can I start a campaign to get rid of the outside mohawks on the Silver test.  I'm not kidding. I hate those things.

Oh, please don't! Mine are getting close after over a year of working on them. So if they eliminate them, what will they put in instead? 

[Isk8NYC]

If you want to follow the goings-on at this year's Governing Council, the Twitter hashtag is #GC14 or #GCSeattle .  Lots of tweets and blog posts, specifically:
http://govcouncil2014.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/MEHarty
http://stmoritzisc2014gc.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/sk8kate

[Isk8NYC]

Interesting - one of the proposals is to change the "Basic Skills Program" name to "Learn to Skate USA."  Done deal.  Meh.  Guess "Skate USA" was already taken by the ISU Grand Prix competition.

[Isk8NYC]

This is a great observation from #GC14 #GCSeattle -

And a big shout-out to the DoubleTree SeaTac for giving us meeting rooms that have the same temperature as ice rinks.

I hate freezing cold meeting rooms.  I huddle, shiver and get easily distracted.  Or I fall asleep.

[alejeather]

This is a great observation from #GC14 #GCSeattle -

I hate freezing cold meeting rooms.  I huddle, shiver and get easily distracted.  Or I fall asleep.

Me too! It's like all my mental energy becomes focused on staying warm and when I can get out of there to warm-up.

[alejeather]

Also, thanks for posting the links. It's been really interesting to read what's going on. I also read the notes from the meeting at adult nationals that was posted on the usfs website. Great resources for getting a feel for the discussions happening.

[Lola]

Bwahahaha Diet Coke bong! 

[icedancer]

I loved the blog posts!

It looks like the MITF changes/proposals have been sent back to committee.

Also interesting - the idea that the test structure reflect IJS-type-scoring and judging has been proposed - apparently they have this in Canada?  I hope hope hope this happens in my (judging) lifetime.

[irenar5]

Looks like all the changes passed. Loops were the only move that garnered the most votes in opposition. 

[CaraSkates]

Looks like all the changes passed. Loops were the only move that garnered the most votes in opposition.

I believe that all the moves changes were sent back to committee, meaning none of them were voted on at GC.

[sarahspins]

I believe that all the moves changes were sent back to committee, meaning none of them were voted on at GC.

That was my understanding from what I read of the online coverage (blogging) as well.

[Doubletoe]

Yes, all MIF changes were sent back to committee so no changes for now.

[irenar5]

So, what are all the "voted for and "against" numbers in the Meeting Book on their website?   I thought those were the results from the meeting vote.
Can somebody please explain how the USFSA works?
Thanks!

[Clarice]

An item has to be passed by the appropriate committee before it gets put up for a vote by the entire Governing Council.  You're seeing the results of the committee vote.

[irenar5]

So, what does it mean that the items were sent back to the committee? 

[sarahspins]

So, what does it mean that the items were sent back to the committee?

My assumption would be that they require revision - possibly due to wording.

It will be interesting to see how this pans out, as I fully expected the changes to be passed, but I'd like to see what is being changed.

[sk8lady]

I also read the notes from the meeting at adult nationals that was posted on the usfs website. Great resources for getting a feel for the discussions happening.

Can you post a link to these? I wasn't able to attend the meeting and never found out what happened--and I can't find them on the USFS website! Thanks.

[axelwylie]

Does anybody know if the re-leveling of Adult age groups/classes passed at GC? It was a hot topic at Adult Nationals.

[Clarice]

Yes, it passed, but in a revised form.  The new age classes are:
I: 21 - 35
II: 36 - 45
III: 46 - 55
IV: 56 - 65
V:  66 and up
The referee at Adult Nationals can combine groups if numbers warrant - I heard if there were fewer than 6.

[FigureSpins]

Report of Action is online

http://www.usfsa.org/content/2013-14%20Combined%20Report%20of%20Action%20FINAL.pdf

[DelMaggie]

So, as a skater who became an adult....when I left competitive skating/testing I was about to take the 3rd figures & the novice freeskate test.  So right now I can start with the Novice MIF.  From what I have read in the 2014 Governing Council Report, they are removing loops from this test as of Sept. 2, 2014.  Can anyone comfirm?  Loops are very difficult to perform correctly on a freestyle blade (figures were my specialty believe it or not!) and this would totally make my day!

[alejeather]

No, the loops were not removed from the Novice MITF test. It was a proposed moves change, but it was sent back to committee, along with all the other proposed moves changes. This means that the earliest it might change will be after governing council next year (May 2015) but the proposed changes may not even be the same.