US Figure Skating Rulebook Dance Diagram Errors

[nicklaszlo]

Discussed before, but I thought we should have an errata reference.

• p. 13 Canasta Tango step 2 should be labeled RFI-Pr.
• p. 19 Cha Cha steps 7-9 rhythm is incorrect.
• p. 105 Rhumba rhythm should say "44 four-beat measures per minute;"
• p. 120 Yankee Polka man's steps 1-2 curvature does not match labels.

[nicklaszlo]

What is the right rhythm for the Cha Cha? 


I think this is what I usually see

• 7 Slalom 4 beats, 1 beat per lobe
• 8 RFO 1 beat
• 9 RFI 1 beat

[Clarice]

The Cha Cha rhythm as written in the rule book is correct. 

Step 7, the slalom, is 1-1-2 (quick, quick, slow), followed by one more slow slalom that pushes into a RFO for the syncopated chasse.  It would be a lot easier to demonstrate than explain.

You're right about the misprint in the Canasta.  I can't speak to the Rhumba or Yankee Polka, as I don't know those dances yet.

[icedancer]

I second Clarice in the Cha-Cha being correct in the rulebook - the syncopated chasse is 1/2 beat.

This comes up again in the Argentine - and probably the Paso-Doble too - the ladies' mohawk.

[Query]

This would be a great sticky thread.

Even better if someone connected with USFS's rulebook would fix the problem(s). I wonder who you would need to contact.

It is interesting to note that USFS[A] lists things different in different web pages.

For example, this, used by figure skating judges for the "scale of values"

  http://usfsa.org/Content/All_CD_Sections_SOVs.pdf

has Canasta right. I haven't looked at your other examples there.

BTW, in the Cha Cha, I find step 3 a lot harder than doing the step 9 rhythm. In particular, why isn't step 3 a wide step too, to reach that inside edge?

[nicklaszlo]

I wonder who you would need to contact.

The canasta error was already brought to the president (then Patricia St. Peter) by a coach I know.

[nicklaszlo]

So, Cha Cha question. In this video, the slalom description matches the rulebook.  Does the slalom skating match the rulebook?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usaKXF49x8s

[nicklaszlo]

This would be a great sticky thread.

Especially if I could update the first post when needed.

[Clarice]

So, Cha Cha question. In this video, the slalom description matches the rulebook.  Does the slalom skating match the rulebook?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usaKXF49x8s

Yes, I think the 2nd pattern is especially clear.

[Query]

So, Cha Cha question. In this video, the slalom description matches the rulebook.  Does the slalom skating match the rulebook?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usaKXF49x8s

I think it does.

What a great channel! Definitely better than going to a test and videoing the Pre-Bronze testers - these guys are much better. They also do the steps much more consistently than does the ice dance DVD I bought. Thanks for pointing it out.

But

1. I think they are doing International style progressives, rather than USFS style ice dance progressives, because step two steps down on the ice ahead of step one, rather than beside it. (See rule DG 5.12 in the USFSA Rulebook, as opposed to Rule 704 in ISU Regulations.)

2. I'm not sure they actually reach inside edges on step 3 in either pattern, or in slow motion. If they do, it is borderline.

3. Also, I think their end-pattern RFI-SW actually briefly starts on an outside edge.

Am I wrong?

[AgnesNitt]

To be blunt, this many errors is shameful.

[Query]

To be blunt, this many errors is shameful.

In the rulebook, or in the posted performance, or in my post?

[AgnesNitt]

In the rulebook, or in the posted performance, or in my post?

Sorry, I meant in the rulebook.

[Query]

Put it in perspective: How many introductory level college textbooks do you know that don't have at least one error, inconsistency, or unstated approximation every few pages, if you look at it very carefully? Or any written by a committee that don't have several per page?

The Rulebook IS written by a committee. And it isn't just factual - it is a set of decisions subject to politics. Perfection is a lot to ask for.

[Loops]

I see your point, but the dance patterns, and any other patterns, should be correct. In my old usfsa rulebook the canasta error isn't present. It was likely introduced when they digitized everything. It's not like they haven't been told, either.....

[FigureSpins]

FWIW, the Canasta pattern is correct in the old Basic Skills Instructors Manual.  The newer version says to show students the (dance pattern) images from the "record book."  Not the rulebook - the "record book" that some Basic Skills programs give out to their students.  (Ours doesn't; we give out an evaluation sheet.)  It's correct in the Basic Skills Program Record Book.

ITA that the patterns in the rulebook should be correct, especially since the error has been reported some time ago.  Maybe next year's rulebook will have the correction.