Communication No. 1154: Ice Dancing
1.  Compulsory Dances 2002/2003

	In accordance with Rule 539 paragraphs 1 and 2, for all ISU Championships and 
        International Competitions in 2002/2003, the four Compulsory Dances are announced 
        as follows:

	Junior events			Senior events

	# 6	Westminster Waltz*	# 8.	Austrian Waltz*
	# 18	Silver Samba*		# 14	Quickstep   
	# 20	Argentine Tango		# 21	Tango Romantica
	# 22	Blues			# 22b	Midnight Blues*

*Pending decisions to be made at ISU Congress 2002 to include all dances in one list with 
 a separate list for International Inter-Club Level dances only. 

The dances that will be skated are announced as follows:

2002/2003 International Senior Competitions (excluding Senior Grand Prix):

	   Midnight Blues preferred and 1 other optional

2002/2003 Grand Prix of Figure Skating 
	
	   Alternate 3 Senior Event Dances but excluding Midnight Blues   
                    
2003 Four Continents and European Figure Skating Championships:  
	
          Quickstep and Tango Romantica

2003 World Figure Skating Championships:	
   
	  Austrian Waltz and Tango Romantica

2003 World Junior Figure Skating Championships: 
  
	  2 dances to be drawn from the above 4 Junior Event Dances

Specific Deduction guidelines are published on Pages 6 & 7 and marking instructions for 
compulsory dances on page 8.

2. Midnight Blues video

An instructional video for the Midnight Blues with commentary in English has been sent 
to every Member. Included in this video are demonstrations of all steps, turns and dance 
positions to provide a useful visual aid for coaches, Skaters and Judges. In addition 
the written description and diagrams (which will be published in the Special Regulations 
Ice Dance 2002) are included. 

Additional copies may be ordered from:

International Skating Union		Telephone: 	(+41) 21 612 66 66
Chemin de Primerose 2			Telefax:	(+41) 21 612 66 77
CH-1007 Lausanne			E-mail:		info@isu.ch 
Switzerland

Please specify the number of copies and the system you require (VHS/PAL or VHS/NTSC)

Price:	50 Swiss Francs for each cassette, plus postage

3. Final GUIDELINES: ORIGINAL DANCE 2002/2003 AND MARKING instructions 

The final guidelines for the Original Dance 2002/2003 (”Memories of a Grand Ball”) are 
published on pages 9 and 10 and the Marking Instructions on page 11.

4. REQUIRED ELEMENTS FOR FREE DANCE 2002/2003 AND MARKING INSTRUCTIONS

The Required Elements for the Free Dance 2002/2003 are published on page 12 and the 
Marking Instructions on page 13.

5.  REVISIONS TO ORIGINAL DANCE AND FREE DANCE FOR 2002/2003 

The following revisions to the Special Regulations Ice Dance 2000 are being proposed 
by the Ice Dance Technical Committee to the ISU Congress being held in Kyoto in June. 
If approved, these will be included in the Special Regulations Ice Dance 2002. If any 
of these proposals are not approved, this will be published in a post Congress Ice 
Dance Communication. 
 
Coaches and Skaters should take these probable revisions into account when preparing 
Original and Free Dance Programs for the season 2002/2003.

Rule 504 para  14 a)	 Twizzle  

Revise to read: A travelling turn on one foot with one or more rotations, which is 
quickly rotated with a continuous (uninterrupted) action. The weight remains on the 
skating foot with the free foot in any position during the turn then placed beside 
the skating foot to skate the next step. A series of checked three turns is not 
acceptable as this does not constitute a continuous action.

Rule 504 para 16a		Dance Spin  

Amend first sentence by deleting: "(except hand in hand)".
Amend second sentence to read:
It should be performed on the spot around a common axis on one foot by each partner 
simultaneously for the required number of revolutions before any change of foot, hold 
or position is made. It may be started and/or completed on two feet. 

Rule 504 para 16 a)	Dance Lift

Delete paragraph 16 a) and revise as follows:

a) Dance Lift - An action in which one partner is elevated to any height and set down. 
Any rotations and positions and changes of such positions during the lift are permitted 
but the lifting partner must not raise the lifting hand(s) higher than the head.
Lifts should enhance the music chosen and express its character and should be performed 
in an elegant manner without obvious feats of strength and awkward and/or undignified 
actions and poses. Therefore the following "acrobatic" movements and/or poses during 
the lift which are more appropriate for an exhibition  than for a sporting competition 
are not allowed:
- sitting or standing on the partner's head, shoulder, back, leg or boot;
- swinging the partner around by holding the hand(s) and/or leg(s), boot(s) and/or 
  skate(s).
The duration of the lift should not exceed of five (5) seconds unless otherwise permitted 
by the IDTC.

Rule 504 para 17a)	Jump

Amend first sentence as follows:

A jump of not more than one revolution, which may be executed by only one partner at a 
time. This jump may be performed either holding hand(s) or separated, but the distance 
between partners must not be more than, two arms-length apart.

Rule 595 para 1		Hand-in-Hand Position

 a)   facing in same direction - The partners face in the same direction and are skating 
      side by side or one behind the other  with their arms extended and their hands 
      clasped. Use of this position in Original Dance and/or Free Dance is not encouraged. 
      A variation of this is the arm-in-arm side by side position which is acceptable.
 b)   facing in opposite directions - The partners usually face each other while one skates 
      backward and the other skates forward with the arms extended to the side but sometimes 
      the position can be skated back to back (e.g. Cha Cha Congelado). Use of this position 
      in the Original Dance and/or Free Dance with arms fully extended toward each other is 
      usually not permitted.

Rule 595 para 3

a)	Open or Foxtrot Position - same

b)	Crossed Foxtrot Position

The partners are in the same position as above except that the man's right arm passes behind 
the lady with his right hand on her right hip, and the lady's left arm passes behind the man 
with her left hand on his left hip.


Rule 510 para 3		Music for Free Dance

Delete from the first sentence words:"(including vocal)" 
Amend second sentence: "The couple should skate primarily in time to the rhythmic beat….
Add new third and fourth sentences as follows:
A program that displays a well balanced use of melody, rhythmic beat and musical accents and 
not melody alone is considered to be of a higher quality because it shows a greater variety of 
dancing skills and reflects the concept of Ice Dancing of as a competitive sport. Skating out 
of time or out of phase with the music must be penalized by the Judges. Vocal music is 
permitted in Junior and Senior Events The final sentence unchanged. 


Rule 510 para 4		Technical Content of Free Dancing

a)    Add at end: A program in which couples gain momentum from cross cuts, simple stroking 
      and running and /or a program which contains excessive posing is/are considered to 
      demonstrate a lack of ice dancing skills and  a tendency toward free skating or show 
      skating, rather than ice dancing.
j)    Delete word "twizzles" and revise to read as follows:
      jumps, dance jumps, dance spins, pirouettes and other dance movements are permitted 
      provided that etc.
k)    Delete sub-paragraph (i) and renumber the rest [as this is now included with definition 
      of lift above] standing or sitting on the partners boot, leg or body without having at 
      least one skate on the ice is not permitted; 
      Renumber sub-paragraph (ii) and revise to read:
      pushing or pulling the partner only by the boot and/or leg; 


510, para 4 l)		Revision to elements to be included

(Redefines the minimum number of lifts and dance spins, simplifies and includes Novice 
requirements):
  
(i) Dance Lifts
     Senior: at least 2 lifts which are specified but not more than 7
     Junior: at least 1 lift which is specified but not more than 5
(ii) Dance Spins
     Senior: at least 1 dance spin which is specified but not more than 3
     Junior: at least 1 dance spin which is specified but not more than 2
(iii) Series of Synchronized Twizzles
     Senior: - the same
     Junior: - the same
(iv) Footwork Sequences
     Senior and Junior:  2 different footwork sequences
     -  one Circular utilizing the full width of the ice surface (the direction and location 
        of which may be specified annually by the IDTC).
     -  one Diagonal, going fully corner to corner or one Midline extending along the full 
        length of the centre axis of the ice surface.
     One of these in Waltz (Closed), Tango (Outside) or  (Open) positions [for 2002/3 this 
     must be the Circular Sequence - see page 12] and
     One in Varied Dance Holds but not Hand in Hand position  [for 2002/3 this must be the 
     Diagonal or Midline Sequence- see page 12]
     Both incorporating difficult turns and steps and edges as defined in Rule 504. Twizzles 
     may be included but shall not be counted as the Required Series of Synchronized Twizzles. 

Lifts, jumps, dance spins, pirouettes and stops during the footwork sequences are not allowed 
(unless designated annually by the IDTC)


Rule 510 paras 5 & 6		Marking Free Dance

5 b) In marking Presentation
Amend sub-paragraph (v) as follows:
Choreography (including required elements) is harmonious throughout the program, and clearly 
reflects the character, accents, and nuances of the chosen music, demonstrates change of pace 
and variations in speed and tempo, and utilizes the whole ice surface. 

Rule 512 			Costumes

Revise 1 a) to read:

a)    Ladies must wear a skirt. The ladies' dress must not give the effect of excessive nudity 
      inappropriate for an athletic sport.  The man must wear full-length trousers: tights are 
      not permitted. The man’s costume may not be sleeveless.		 



6. Compulsory Dances 2003/2004

      In accordance with Rule 539 paragraphs 1 & 2, for all ISU Championships and International
      Competitions in 2002/2003, the four Compulsory Dances are announced as follows:

	Junior EVENTS 	Senior EVENTS

	# 5	Austrian Waltz	# 8.	Viennese Waltz**
	# 12	Kilian	       # 14	Ravensburger Waltz**  
	# 15	Paso Doble     # 21	Yankee Polka
	# 16	Rhumba	       # 22b	Midnight Blues*

* Pending decisions to be made at ISU Congress 2002 to include all dances in one list with a 
  separate list for International Inter-Club Level dance only.

** No two waltzes are to be skated at the same event.

Specific Deduction Guidelines will be published in due time.


7. Guidelines Original Dance for 2003/2004

For all ISU Championships and International Competitions, both Junior and Senior, the rhythm 
of the Original Dance will be:

Swing Combo

Any 2 or 3 of the following: Swing, Jive, Lindy, Boogie Woogie, Jitterbug, Rock n’Roll and/or 
Blues as described in the “Ice Dance Music Rhythms Booklet and Compact Disc 1995” page 22 and 
pages 28 - 30.

Vocal music is permitted
Duration: 2 minutes and 30 seconds (plus or minus 10 seconds)

Guidelines and Required Elements will be published in due course.


8.  CORRECT VERSION OF REFEREES REPORT FORM

Referees and Members should check to ensure that they are using the correct Referee’s Form 
Reference Number IDTC 1/2001 or update of same.  In this version if the Referee has reported 
any Judge as Mediocre or Poor in any part of the event, the Referee must send a copy to the 
Judge in question for any International Competition: not just Championships. This report must 
be completed in full by the Referee either by computer, typewriter or in clear hand printing. 
It may not be completed in hand-written (cursive) form. If the report is submitted in 
hand-written form or is otherwise incomplete, it will be returned to the Referee by the ISU 
Secretariat for resubmission.  The correct forms are available from the ISU Secretariat or on 
the ISU Website.


Milan,					Ottavio Cinquanta, President
	April 10, 2002
Lausanne,				Fredi Schmid, General Secretary



SPECIFIC DEDUCTIONS FOR JUNIOR COMPULSORY DANCES 2002/2003

WESTMINSTER WALTZ     (2 sequences; optional pattern)            	Maximum deduction
							   		(per sequence)
Technique										
A.  Steps 5 & 6						 			
(Open Mohawk) 	- edges not inside to inside for either partner		0.2
		- or foot placement incorrect for turn
   			(e.g. skated as swing mohawk)
                - or turn is jumped, scraped, skidded

B.  Step 13	- incorrect edges for man or lady			0.2
    (Rocker/Counter)	 		 	

Timing/Expression
A.  Step 15	- not turned on count 4				        0.2
     (Lady’s RFI3)

SILVER SAMBA 	      (2 sequences, optional pattern)

Technique								
A.  Steps 4 & 8		 				
     (Quick Cross-over	- extension of free foot behind 	      	0.2
      Slip RFI)		  not accentuated

B.  Steps 27 & 29	- not skated on correct edges  			0.2
      (RBO & XF-RBIO
       & XF -LBI

Timing/Expression
A.  Man’s Step 26	- timing not 1:1				0.2
     (LFO3)

ARGENTINE TANGO 	   (2 sequences; SET pattern)     

Technique								
A.  Step 23		- not turned from distinct LFO			0.2
     (Twizzle/ 		- or incorrect turns 
     Swing Choctaw)	   

Timing/Expression
A.  Step 23		- not turned on “and 1” at end of count 4	0.1
     (Twizzle/		
     Swing Choctaw)
B.  Lady’s short RFI	- not turned on “and 1” at end of count 4	0.1
      to restart

 
BLUES 	  		  (3 sequences; optional pattern)      

Technique								
A.  Steps 11, 12 & 13		 				
    (Closed Choctaw	- edges are incorrect (not inside to outside)	0.3
       Section)		- or turn is jumped, scraped or skidded 
                                              or incorrect execution

 
SPECIFIC DEDUCTIONS FOR SENIOR COMPULSORY DANCES 2002/2003

AUSTRIAN WALTZ         (2 sequences; optional pattern)     	Maximum deduction
								   (per sequence)
Technique									
A.  Lady’s Steps 27& 28						 		
     (Double Twizzles)  - not skated from correct edges 		0.2
                                              (RFI then LBO)

B.  Lady’s Step 21a	- couple unable to stay close together		0.1
    (RFO3-RBIO-Tw1)       for change of hold during rocker

Timing/Expression
A.  Lady’s Steps 5, 9a, 9b   - each three not turned on count of  3	0.3
      (Inside 3’s)			 

QUICKSTEP 	  	(4 sequences; SET pattern)      

Technique								
A.  Steps 5 & 6		 				
     (Swing Choctaw	- not skated from LFO to RBIO      		0.2
     & Change)		- or turn is jumped, scraped or skidded

B.  Step 1		- not started or restarted at center line	0.1

TANGO ROMANTICA 	    (2 sequences; optional pattern)      

Technique								
A.  Steps 1.2.& 3	- poorly matched double threes			0.2
  (Opening Section	- or double threes not turned simultaneously
   “Helicopter”) 		

B.  Steps 45 & 46	- choctaw not skated on correct edges		0.2
     (Lady’s Closed 	- or twizzle not turned correctly 
     Choctaw & Twizzle)    

Timing/Expression
A.  Step 1		- not started on count 4  			0.2


MIDNIGHT BLUES	(2 sequences, optional pattern)

Technique
A.  Man’s Step 11 	- man or lady unable to maintain		0.2
      Lady’s Step 11c	  edge without touching down
      (“The Swoop”)

B.  Step 23 		- man or lady unable to maintain		0.2
     (Layover/Layback)	  edge without touching down

Timing/Expression  	  	       
A.  Step 8		- threes not turned on count 2 of the 		0.1
      (RBOI3)		  second measure (4th beat of the step)


Marking instructions for compulsory dances


Base marks are derived from assessing the quality of the following (Rule 508 para s 3 & 4):

Technique	accuracy				
		& specific requirements   	            			
		placement								
		unison					 		
		style, carriage, form						
		edges, cleanness and sureness

Timing/Expression		timing (not weak beat)
           			expression

			

General Deductions from Base Mark (Rule 508 para 5)

Technique 						

General Technical Mistake  				
(depending on severity) - per dance	 0.1 - 0.4   
Violations of announced specific			
technical requirements 		 			
- per error, as specified		 0.1 - 0.4	
				
                       
Timing/Expression

Skating out of time 			      0.1 - 1.0
(maximum whole performance out of time)
Skating on weak beat			      0.1 - 0.5 
(maximum for whole performance on weak beat)  
Introductory steps exceed phrasing	      0.1 - 0.2 
Inappropriate Clothing			      0.1
Violation of specific timing requirements
(per error, as specified)     		      0.1 - 0.4	



Deductions for Stumble, Fall and Interruption (as per Rule 538 para 2 )

a) The following deductions shall be applied in the case of a Stumble or Fall occurs in any 
   part of a Compulsory Dance:

Under 5 seconds:

		Stumble or brief interruption			0.1
		Fall of one partner (small  down & up)		0.2
		Fall of both partners (small  down & up)	0.3

b)  The following deductions shall be applied when the performance has been interrupted by a 
    Stumble or Fall and the interruption is longer than the above and part or all of a sequence 
    has been omitted:   

Over 5 seconds:

Dance with 		Up to half a sequence	More than half a sequence  Whole Sequence(s)	 
									   (per sequence)

2 sequences	   	 0.4 - 1.0		      1.1 -  1.5		3.0
3 sequences	   	 0.3 - 0.7		      0.8 -  1.0		2.0
4 sequences	   	 0.3 - 0.5		      0.6 -  0.8	        1.5
6 sequences	   	 0.2 - 0.3		      0.4 -  0.5		1.0


c)  Deductions for repeating steps missed by stumble, fall or interruption 	-      0.1


Note: Deduction should be made in the first mark only unless the timing or expression is 
affected, in which case it may also be reflected in the second mark.                            

GUIDELINES FOR ORIGINAL DANCE 2002/2003

For all ISU Championships and International Competitions, both Junior and Senior, the rhythm 
of the Original Dance will be:		

“Memories of a Grand Ball’’

Any 2 or 3 of the following: 	 Waltz, Polka, March, and/or Galop  
Vocal music is permitted
Time Signatures:  	Waltz	 3/4; 	Polka 	2/4 or 2/2 (“cut time”)
				Galop 	 2/4;	March	2/4, 6/8 or 4/4
Descriptions: 	See “Ice Dance Music Rhythms Booklet and Compact Disc 1995”
		(may be ordered from the ISU Secretariat).
Duration: 	2 minutes and 30 seconds (plus or minus 10 seconds)

General nature:  should reflect the refined movement of those dances performed in the grand 
ballroom where couples dance with neat footwork and elegant style rather than those dances 
typical of the country, village or barn. Music may include selections produced for such grand 
balls and/or music from operettas, operas, ballets, and/or movies depicting such dances.

The performance by the couples should demonstrate an obvious distinction among the rhythms 
chosen. 

The following required elements must be included:

·     Two Dance Lifts but not more as defined in Rule 504 para 16 - duration: 5 seconds each.

·     One Dance Spin but not more as defined in Rule 504 para 14 d). The Dance Spin may be 
      executed in any dance hold/position with a minimum of 3 revolutions on one foot for 
      each partner after which a change of foot, position and /or further revolutions are 
      optional.

Combined Spins and Lifts are not permitted.

·     Two Different Step Sequences

a.    One Circular Step Sequence executed in the middle of the rink, in the same direction as 
      the whole program is choreographed (anti-clockwise or clockwise) and utilizing the full 
      width of the ice surface in Waltz/Tango/Foxtrot hold/position only throughout.

b.    One Mid-line Step Sequence along the center axis (mid-line) of the ice surface extending
      as nearly as possible for the full length of the ice surface. This sequence must 
      incorporate difficult mirror and/or matching footwork and at least one series of 
      synchronized twizzles (two twizzles for each skater skated simultaneously with the same 
      number of rotations with no more than three steps between twizzles). During this step 
      sequence the partners should remain close together, so that distance between them is not
      more than 2 arms length, but they may not touch each other.  Twizzles are defined in 
      rule 514 para 14a).

During both step sequences: No lifts, spins, stop or pattern regressions are permitted. 
Intricate footwork and edges for both skaters shall be given credit by the Judges. Small 
jumps, hops and toe steps are permitted.
		
For Modifications to Definitions in Rule 504 for Season 2002/3 see page 2:

For Marking Instructions for Original Dance: Season 2002/3 see page 10.
Original Dance Requirements/Restrictions as outlined in Rule 509 para 2 and reprinted below 
must be strictly observed with the following exceptions as underlined:

a)    The incorrect selection of music for the rhythms chosen must be severely penalized by 
      the Judges. Orchestral music is preferred. Vocal music is permitted.

b)    Only music with a rhythmic beat may be used and the couple must skate to it and not to 
      the melody alone. Two or three selections of music may be used and only one music 
      selection may be used for each rhythm chosen which may be included in any order.  
      (If only two rhythms have been selected, one may be repeated provided that the same 
      tune is used.)  It is recommended that the duration of the two selected rhythms be 
      approximately balanced or, in the case of three piece of music/rhythms being used, that 
      at least two of the three be balanced in duration. Couples are required to list the 
      rhythms chosen and the order in which they will be skated when registering their music 
      for the information of the Referee and Judges of the event.

c)    The musical introduction to the original dance may be without beat or melody for a 
      maximum of 10 seconds.

d)    The duration of the original dance shall be 2 minutes 30 seconds plus or minus 10 
      seconds.

e)    Except during the required footwork sequences, the pattern of the dance must proceed 
      in a generally constant direction (either clockwise or anti-clockwise) and must not 
      cross the long axis of the ice surface except once at each end of the rink (not more 
      than 20 meters from the barrier). Loops in either direction are permitted provided 
      that they do not cross the center axis.

f)    All steps, turns, rotations and changes of position are permitted provided that they 
      are appropriate to the rhythms chosen. Difficult, original and intricate footwork is 
      required for both skaters. A program that relies heavily on the use of chasses and 
      progressives (runs) is considered to be less difficult than one containing changes of 
      edge, rockers, choctaws and other such steps.  One skate of each partner must remain 
      on the ice at all times except for required lifts or to perform small hops, toe steps, 
      and small jumps of no more than ½ rotation.  Excessive skating on two feet, by either 
      partner or both, is considered as showing the inability to skate or maintain balance 
      and therefore should be penalized by the Judges. However, up to 2 highlights for which
      one or both partner(s) are on two feet may be included (maximum duration - 5 seconds).  
      Kneeling on two knees on the ice is not permitted. Repetition of any steps is permitted.

g)    Partners must not separate except to change dance hold, to perform the midline step 
      sequence or the permitted stop mentioned below. Any change of dance hold must not 
      exceed the duration of one measure of music. Separations at the beginning or end of 
       the program are permitted but must not exceed 10 seconds in duration.

h)    The use of varied dance holds are permitted with the following exceptions:
·     During the circular step sequence  for which the holds are specified (see previous 
      page),
·     During the rest of the program, Hand in Hand position is only permitted during the 
      Polka rhythm, if selected, as variations of this hold are in character with this dance.

i)    Pulling or pushing the partner only by the boot and/or leg is not permitted.

j)    No more than one full stop is allowed (maximum duration 10 seconds). Any choreography 
      appropriate to the music selection (including a separation of not more than 2 arms 
      length apart)  may be included. Such stop may not be included in the required footwork 
      sequences. The couples must not remain stationary or in one place at the beginning of 
      the program for longer than 10 seconds duration although they may perform brief stops.

k)    Skating with a hand (or hands) on the ice is not permitted.


MARKING INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORIGINAL DANCE SEASON 2002/2003


Base marks are derived from assessing the quality of the following (Rule 509 para 3):

Composition		difficulty, originality, variety		
			cleanness and sureness						
			skating on edges with depth and flow				
			pattern and utilization of ice surface 				
			inclusion of required elements					


Presentation	correct selection of music
                correct  timing		
                harmonious composition (choreography)
                expression
                carriage, style, and unison


General Deductions from Base Mark (Rule 509 par 4)

Composition		Violation of required elements 	0.1 - 0.4   
			omission of required element	0.5				
	    		(see below for specific details)				
			Other Technical Violations	0.1 each			
											

Presentation	incorrect music		0.1 - 0.4
                skating out of time	0.1 - 1.0
                skating on weak beat	0.1 - 0.5
                lack of expression	0.1
                inappropriate clothing  0.1


Deductions for Falls or Interruptions (Rule 538 para B)  
(from mark for Composition unless affects presentation)

Interruption up to 5 seconds: 			
	Stumble or brief interruption	0.1			
	Fall of one partner		0.2			
	Fall of both partners		0.3	
						
						

Interruption continued for more than 5 seconds:
		Medium (6 to 15 seconds)	0.4 - 1.0
		Large      (15 + seconds)	1.1 - 1.5
Failure to finish (from both Composition & Presentation)
Every 10 seconds lacking (or in excess)		0.1
Program 30 seconds or more less			no marks awarded
	 
Deductions (to be taken from Composition) for violations pertaining to required elements  

Omission: 0.5    					

Lifts [as defined in Rule 504 para 16 a)]	 	
Longer than 5 seconds           0.1 - 0.2               
Lifted too high			0.1			
Sitting, standing or lying on					  	
shoulder/back/leg/boot		0.1			
Other violation			0.1 - 0.2		
Lift in excess of 2 required	0.1 each		


Other as per below:   0.4 Maximum 

Dance Spin [as defined in Rule 504 para 14 d)]
Incorrect position(s)/hold(s)		0.2
Execution on 2 feet (by one partner)	0.1
	  	(by both partners)	0.2
Execution not on the spot		0.1 - 0.2
Less than 3 revolutions 		0.1 - 0.2
Additional Dance Spin(s) 		0.1 each


Two Step Sequences (Circular and Midline)	  	 
Pattern/placement incorrect or incomplete	0.1 - 0.2
Incorrect position(s)/hold(s)			0.1 - 0.2
Stop or retrogression (if not permitted)	0.1
Inclusion of forbidden elements (per each)	0.1
Synchronized twizzles not included/completed	0.1- 0.2
			

If it is impossible to recognize a required element because of a fall it shall be 
counted as an omission									0.5

If a required element has been started but not completed because of a fall by 
both partners										0.3

If a required element has been started but not completed because of a fall by one 
partner											0.2

If a required element has  been started, briefly interrupted without a fall and 
resumed 										0.1

Note: If the interruption continues longer than for the required element, further 
deductions should be taken as per the above deductions for falls/interruptions in excess 
of 5 seconds. 

REQUIRED ELEMENTS FOR FREE DANCE SEASON 2002/2003

Coaches, Skaters & Judges must read the requirements for Free Dance in Rule 510 and the 
definitions in Rule 504. In addition the following shall apply for the season 2002/2003:

SENIOR									
	
LIFTS At least 2 Lifts specified below,  				
but not more than 7        						
Duration: maximum 5 seconds 						
Rotational Lift with at least 3 revolutions for the 			
lifting partner.  	             					  	
Non-Rotational Lift* on 2 different curves 
which are approximately similar in duration 
and curvature and in an “S” shaped pattern. 
Exception for this lift only: maximum  10 seconds.	 	

DANCE SPINS ***  							
· At least 1 specified below, 						
  But not more than 3 							  

Spin in any dance hold in which the partners facing  		 
(i.e. the upper bodies are facing each other as in 		 
Tango or Waltz) for at least 3 revolutions on one 		
foot for both partners simultaneously 				
A change of foot and/or further revolutions are 		
permitted after the required revolutions 	                	

SYNCHRONIZED TWIZZLES 						
2 Series** -one as specified below: 				
- 1 series with the 2 twizzles started from backward 		
edges for both partners, one of which must be of at 		  
least 2 revolutions	   	


JUNIOR
	
LIFTS At least 1 Lift specified below,
but not more than 5
Duration: maximum 5 seconds
Rotational Lift with at least 2 revolutions for
the lifting partner.  	
	 	

DANCE SPINS ***
· At least 1 specified below,
  But not more than 2

Spin in any dance hold in which the partners facing  
(i.e. the upper bodies are facing each other as in Tango 
or Waltz) for at least 3 revolutions on one foot for both 
partners simultaneously
A change of foot and/or further revolutions are 
permitted after the required revolutions	

SYNCHRONIZED TWIZZLES
1 Series** in which
- one of the twizzles must be at least 2 revolutions for
both partners


FOR SENIOR AND JUNIOR	

Two STEP SEQUENCES                             
1 CIRCULAR utilizing the full width of the ice surface, (must be performed in clockwise 
direction, on the short axis of the rink and in Waltz, Tango, or Foxtrot position/hold 
only and not Hand-in -Hand or Kilian.) 

and 1 DIAGONAL skated as fully corner to corner as is practicable         

OR         

1 MIDLINE skated along the full length of the center (long) axis of the ice surface  
(The Diagonal or Midline may be in Varied dance holds, except Hand-in-Hand with fully 
extended arms.) 

Both must incorporate difficult steps and turns and edges as defined in Rule 504 (twizzles 
may be included but are not counted as the required series of synchronized twizzles) 
Lifts, dance spins, pirouettes, and stops are not permitted during either step sequence	

* Non- Rotational Lift  
- Lifting partner on one or both feet, traveling forward, backward or both (if a turn of 
  not more than ½ revolution such as a three, rocker, mohawk is skated linking the curves)
- Lifted partner may be stationary or mobile.

** A "series" of synchronized twizzles: 

- At least two twizzles for each partner with up to 3 small steps between.
- Each twizzle shall be at least one rotation on one foot performed simultaneously (at the 
  same time )
- both partners must skate the same number of rotations for each twizzle
  they may be: - side by side (matching or mirror) - or following one another (one skating 
  forward and/or backward  and  the other skating forward and/or backward) 

Credit should be given in the Base Mark if the twizzles are 2 or more rotations and/or 
skated in varied directions (e.g. one clockwise, the other anti-clockwise or one forward 
and the other backward if not specified.)

***  Spins of more than 3 revolutions on 1 foot, and/or with good speed should be given 
     credit in the Base Mark

Combined  Spins and Lifts: Combined spins and lifts are permitted but are to be counted 
as separate elements: i.e. as one of the permitted lifts and one of the permitted spins.


MARKING INSTRUCTIONS FOR FREE DANCE SEASON 2002/2003

Base marks are derived from assessing the quality of the following (Rule 510 para 5):

Technical Merit 

Difficulty & Variety 
Cleanness & Sureness 
Depth of edges, flow, ice coverage 
Typical dance movements/holds   
Inclusion of required elements	

Presentation 

Music appropriate to ice dancing and rules 
Interpretation expressive of chosen rhythms 
Style and Unison      
Harmonious Choreography (reflects character, accents, nuances with change of pace, speed, 
tempo) 
Utilizes ice surface
	
General Deductions from Base Mark (Rule 510  para 6)

Technical Merit 

Violation of required elements   	0.1 - 0.4
Omission of required element 		0.5
(see below for specific details)    
Other Technical Violations             	0.1
Predominance of pair moves/positions    0.1 - 0.4  	

Presentation 

Music incorrect  		0.1 - 0.4
Timing incorrect  		0.1 - 1.0
Skating on weak beat    	0.1 - 0.5
Interpretations incorrect  	0.1 - 0.4
Poor style & unison 		0.1 - 0.4
Unsuitable choreography 	0.1 - 0.4
Inappropriate clothing    	0.1         	
 
Deductions for Falls or Interruptions (Rule 538 para B)  (from Mark for Technical Merit 
unless affects Presentation)

Interruption up to 5 seconds: 			
	Stumble or brief interruption	0.1			
	Fall of one partner		0.2			
	Fall of both partners		0.3	
					

Interruption continued for more than 5 seconds:
		Medium (6 to 15 seconds)	0.4 - 1.0
		Large      (15 + seconds)	1.1 - 1.5
Failure to finish (from both Technical Merit & Presentation)
for every 10 seconds lacking (or in excess)	0.1
Program 30 seconds or more less			0 marks awarded

	
Deductions (to be taken from Composition) for violations pertaining to required elements  

Omission: 0.5 	   					 

Lifts	 						

Longer than permitted time 		0.1 - 0.2	
Lifted too high				0.1		
Sitting, standing or lying on					  	
shoulder/back/leg/boot			0.1		
Other violations			0.1 each	
Lift in excess of required number	0.1  			

Violation of Specification							
for specified lift			0.1 -0.2	


Other as per below:  0.4 Maximum 

Dance Spin

Incorrect position(s)/hold(s)		0.2
Execution on 2 feet (by one partner)	0.1
	  	(by both partners)	0.2
Execution not on the spot		0.1 - 0.2
Incorrect number of revolutions		0.1 - 0.2
Dance Spin in excess of required number 0.1 		

Violation of  Specification			
for specified spin			0.1 -0.2


Step Sequences							  	 

Pattern/placement incorrect or incomplete	0.1 - 0.2	
Incorrect position(s)/hold(s)			0.1 - 0.2	
Stop or retrogression (if not permitted)	0.1				  
Inclusion of forbidden elements (per each)	0.1


Series of Synchronized Twizzles  	 

Execution not simultaneous	              0.1
Execution of turn incorrect (by one partner)  0.1
		   (by both partners)         0.1


If it is impossible to recognize a required element because of a fall it 
shall be counted as an omission							0.5

If a required element has been started but not completed because of a fall 
by both partners								0.3

If a required element has been started but not completed because of a fall 
by one partner									0.2

If a required element has been started, briefly interrupted without a fall,
and resumed 									0.1

Note: If the interruption continues longer than for the required element, further 
deductions should be taken as per the above deductions for falls/interruptions in 
excess of 5 seconds.  

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