Following the Snowflake International Synchronized Skating competition, held in Providence RI, USA, the Synchronized Skating Technical Committee (SysTC) would like to clarify "highlighting" movements used in Free Skating. The Technical Committee would like to give more possibilities and variety to coaches in choreographing the programs, allowing them to prepare with enough time for the inaugural Synchronized Skating World Championships in 2000 in Minneapolis, USA.

The SySTC issues the following clarifications:

FREE SKATING

Movements of a few skaters which are done in isolation from the rest of the team and which do not distract from the team's performance as a whole are permitted, provided these movements are not illegal movements as per Rule 711, paragraph 3. Movements such as short spins, some spirals etc. and other unique or innovative movements must show a relationship to the overall maneuvers and enhance the musical interpretation. The SySTC reminds the coaches not to jeopardize the safety of the skaters. Judges and coaches are also reminded that the team must still predominantly act as one unit (Rule 711, paragraph 2e) and if the above movements are not according to this Rule, 0.2 must be deducted in the mark for technical merit.

WARM-UP

Clarification to Rule 734 paragraph 1a, 1b: "Warm-up time must be reckoned from the moment the first skater enters the ice surface" is further clarified to mean the first skater that enters into the competitive surface away from the waiting area along the barriers, immediately after the announcement of the team. Prior to the announcement, the next team to skate may enter the ice surface immediately after the preceding team has exited the ice and stand quietly alongside the barrier while the marks for the preceding team are being shown. Following the reading of the marks, the next team is announced and the time (one minute) is reckoned from this point.

Milano,						Ottavio Cinquanta, President
		January 30, 1998
Lausanne,					Fredi Schmid, General Secretary