International Skating Union Established 1892 The Official Home of Speed * Figure * Synchronized * Short Track

Communication 1036 Synchronized Skating

I. CLARIFICATION SHORT PROGRAM AND FREE SKATING ELEMENTS

The SySTC has discussed requests which arose during the past season and has decided to make the following clarifications / amendments to the Rules (changes or additions are indicated in bold):

• Step sequence - Short Program for Senior and Junior / New definition
  is applicable to Rule 705, paragraph 2 a) (iii) Circle, b) (iii) Line and c) (vi) Block as well as to Rule 705, paragraph 3 a) (iii) Circle, b) (iii) Line and c) (v) Block:

Two (2) different required step sequences should include steps of a difficult nature such as twizzles, rockers, counters, mohawks, choctaws, three turns etc. Step sequences which include a combination of crossovers, chassés and progressives only, do not fulfill the step sequence requirement for the Short Program.

Free skating moves (such as lunges, spirals, Ina Bauers, spread eagles) are not considered as steps in the Short Program but may be used as identifiable connecting steps between step sequences.

• Wheel - Short Program for Senior and Junior / Clarification
  is applicable to Rule 705, paragraph 2 d) (ii) Wheel and to Rule 705, paragraph 3 d) (ii):

To fulfill the requirement for a geometrical shape, a wheel must rotate at least 180 degrees in that shape.

• Circle - Short Program for Seniors / Clarification
  is applicable to Rule 705, paragraph 2. - Remarks Senior: Circle:

There may be different numbers of skaters in each of the circles. The circle(s) may revolve clockwise or counter-clockwise or a combination of both directions. The circles must not be linked or intersecting. During the two (2) required step sequences, all the skaters must execute the same steps in all circles and use the same holds. The two (2) required step sequences may be executed on opposite feet and the skaters may be skating in either a forward or backward direction. Different heights and different free leg extensions may be used even during the required step sequences. Very small hops of not more than one-half (1/2) revolution are permitted. The circles may travel together and/or separately and may revolve and/or travel in opposite directions. Free skating moves (such as lunges, spirals, Ina Bauers, spread eagles) are permitted. These free skating moves must be done at the same moment in both circles but need not be the same by all skaters. Separations are permitted.

• Line - Short Program for Seniors / Clarification
  is applicable to Rule 705, paragraph 2. - Remarks Senior: Line:

The maximum number of lines is two (2). The lines may but do not have to be parallel. The lines may have different numbers of skaters. The lines must start and end parallel to and close to the short barrier traveling the full length of the ice surface. The line must end at the opposite barrier. As long as parallel lines are in close proximity, one of the lines may be slightly forward of the red hockey line at the start and end of the maneuver. Lines may move horizontally and/or vertically and retrogression is permitted. Some minor deviation in the straight line(s) is permitted when changing from horizontal to vertical or reverse.

Pivot lines may be used but they must not pivot more than 90 degrees at any one time. Lines may be joined or separate and may pass by each other when going from either a single to parallel lines or parallel to a single line. During the two (2) required step sequences, all the skaters must execute the same steps in all lines and use the same holds. The two (2) required step sequences may be executed on opposite feet and the skaters may be skating in either a forward or backward direction. Different heights and different free leg extensions may be used even during the required step sequences. Very small hops of not more than one-half (1/2) revolution are permitted. Free skating moves (such as lunges, spirals, Ina Bauers, spread eagles) are permitted.These free skating moves must be done at the same moment in all lines but need not be the same by all skaters. Separations are permitted.

• Spiral - Short Program and Free Skating / Definition
  A position in which the free leg is at the same height or higher than hip level.

• Intersection / New Definition
  In Judges' handbook V. Synchronized Skating, 2nd edition 1999

Maneuvers incorporating movement of one part of a team through the remaining part. Lines passing through - lines (three or more) passing through each other are an intersection.

Lines passing by - lines passing by are not intersections.

The SySTC recommends that backwards spirals, in the lines passing by maneuvers, are not used. A line intersection with backward spirals is still forbidden.

• Assisted jump - Free Skating
  Revision of the definition in Communication No.1002.

A jump, of not more than one revolution, in which a skater(s) provides passive assistance to another skater(s) in a non-supportive role. The take off must be done by the skater that jumps. In this action there is a continuous ascending and descending movement. The hands of a skater(s) providing the passive assistance must not be raised higher than the shoulders.

II. JUDGES GUIDELINES FOR DEDUCTIONS IN SYNCHRONIZED SKATING

Communication No.1003 has been revised and is issued as ISU Communication No. 1033.

III. ISU SPONSORED JUDGES SEMINAR 1999

The ISU Synchronized Skating Technical Committee will conduct a provide activity either for their present Judges / Referees for International Synchronized Skating Competitions or their National Judges who will be nominated as Judges for International Synchronized Skating Competitions at the end of this season 1999/2000, should send applications to the ISU Secretariat, with copies to the Chairman of the Synchronized Skating Technical Committee, not later than December 1, 1999.

Expenses

All expenses for participation (travel and room/board) are the responsibility of the respective Member.

V. APPLICATION FORMS FOR JUDGES / REFEREES NOMINATIONS

All ISU Members are reminded to use the most recent and the official ISU Synchronized Skating Forms for appointments as well as for re-nominations of Judges and Referees which are available from the ISU Secretariat in Lausanne.

Judges' and Referees' Documents
ISU Members are also reminded that according to the Rules 807 paragraph 11 and 818 paragraph 11, for national activities required for the first appointment to Judge / respective promotion to Referee International Synchronized Skating Competitions, the Member must submit the respective documents with the applications such as a classification list of the events judged / refereed.

VI. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS
Revision of Communication No.1024

The revised schedule of the Synchronized Skating International Competitions organized in 1999/2000 is as follows:

2000

January         28 - 30, 2000   Finland         Helsinki        Finlandia Cup
                                                                Junior, Senior  

February        03 -06, 2000    France          Rouen           Coupe Internationale
                                                                Novice, Junior, Senior

February        10 - 13, 2000   Italy           Milano          Spring Cup 2000
                                                                Junior, Senior

March           16 - 18, 2000   Switzerland     Neuchâtel       Neuchâtel Trophy
                                                                Junior, Senior

April           05 - 08, 2000   USA             Minneapolis     World Synchronized 
                                                                Skating championship

Milano,                                            Ottavio Cinquanta, President
                August 25, 1999
Lausanne,                                       Fredi Schmid, General Secretary