Reminder for 2014 USARS National Championships:

(g) Any “B” division skater/team who participates in an “A” division event and qualifies for the final round of the “A” division at the National Championships when there is an Elimination/Final round of competition is mandated to remain in the “A” division of that discipline in subsequent skating seasons.

This rule can be found on page 6 of the 2014 Figure Rule book.

Hi everyone,

Before the Regional Championships begin, I would like to clarify for all the procedure that the officials (event referees and event judges) will follow with the CIPA events at the Regional Championships.  As indicated by e-mails I have received, there seems to be some confusion still.

In CIPA (Jr/JrWC and SrWC events) regarding the take-off on the mapes/toe-walley, the deduction for a “bad” take-off will be taken ONLY at the national championships when both referees agree.  As we know, the number of qualified and available referees is insufficient to conduct Regional Championships in the same manner as at our National Championships.  In many regions, there are few referees, and to impose penalties in one region and not in another places skaters in an unfair competitive environment coming into the National Championships.  I would ask that the Chief Referee at each Regional Championships instruct the judge’s that they are responsible for taking deductions.

Also, I would remind any Jr/JrWC or SrWC coach or athlete that they may submit a rudimentary program to see if their program conforms to the “balanced program” rule imposed by CIPA in 2013.  The submission of the program need not be anything more than a listing as follows, e.g. jump element, spin element, footwork sequence (Straight-line, serpentine, or circular), jump element, spin element, …  These may be submitted to the Chief Referee at the National Championships on the practice day.

With respect to USARS domestic events, the referees are not empowered to take such deductions; such deductions are the responsibility of the judges.  Further, it is the intent of the Official’s committee and Judges’ Selection Committee in our national judge’s meeting to instruct the judges to evaluate ALL jump take-offs, ALL jump rotations, and ALL jump landings as well as the quality and number of revolutions in spins, and the artistry and difficulty of footwork sequences.

If you have any questions, I would be pleased to answer them.

John Cawly

Chairman, Officials Committee

Congratulations to all of the skaters who participated in the 2011 South Central Regional Championships