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COMPETITORS’ CORNER
NEWS & NOTESTeam Compulsory: Great Event for Skaters of Similar Ability!
One of the key elements of ISI competitions is the fact that every skater earns points for their rink team, both for participation and for placement. This unique factor helps to create team spirit within the rink and among the skaters, which adds another dimension to the sense of accomplishment for everyone.
Team points are accumulated for all events — solo, couples and group — but several group events are given a higher weight in points due to their need for advance planning, additional ice requirements and, in some cases, level-specific skaters. These events receive 25 points for first place as opposed to the 5 that are normally awarded.
One such event is Team Compulsory. This is a great event for skaters of similar ability who would like to do something together that is fun and creative as well as judged technically. The key to this event is finding 6 or 7 skaters (depending on the level) who are able to demonstrate the required maneuvers from a specific Freestyle level.
For example, if your rink wants to do a Freestyle 4 Team Compulsory, you will need to have 6 skaters who are able to perform one of the following: flip jump, loop jump, sit spin, half-loop jump, 2 backward arabesques and dance step.
None of the skaters could be tested higher than Freestyle 4; however, it would be fine for a skater of a lower level to participate on that team provided they can perform one of the elements.
While the program should focus on presenting each of the required moves in an accomplished manner, there is a lot of room for creativity. For example, costumes are encouraged if they add to the performance, and props are allowed as long as there is no additional setup time. The program should be no longer than 3:30 (three minutes, 30 seconds) and the maneuvers must be presented in the order they are listed in The ISI Handbook.
So, if your rink team wants to rack up some great points and have a little fun in the process, get a group together and start planning your number now for your next competition. It’s not only a fun way to skate with your friends and show off your skills, but it can also mean a big trophy at the end of the day!
Established in 1959, the Ice Sports Industry (ISI) — creator of America’s first learn-to-skate curriculum — is an international trade association encompassing all aspects of the ice sports industry. Our goal is to promote ice skating as a participant sport and recreational activity for everyone — all ages and abilities. Learn more about the ISI Ice Skating Program.
