- Joined
- Jun 3, 2009
Junior Grand Prix slots. Top three countries at Juniors get two skaters per GP. 4-6 get one. 7-10 get six slots over seven JGPs.
Junior Grand Prix slots. Top three countries at Juniors get two skaters per GP. 4-6 get one. 7-10 get six slots over seven JGPs.
The ISU uses the trimmed World Rankings (not the Seasons Rankings) and the Seasons Best list for Grand Prix assignments.
So how does Skate Canada decide who geets what slots? Should Skate Canada use one of the summer comps as a qualifier (ie, Quebec, Thornhill, Minto, Wildrose)? Or do they rely on monitoring practice sessions and local competitions where there isn't much competition for the top 1-2-3 skaters? If Skate Canada wants to develop the young skaters it has to push more and tougher competition. Maybe pushing a competition in the US? Canadian skaters have to train and compete as if they are competing on the international stage and not just to win nationals. With that mindset, Nationals will eventually get tougher. It all takes time.
Hi Nadster. I believe event finals are a help, but not all disciplines have enough skaters involved to have an event, alone an event final. Senior Ladies at Wildrose last year had 8 skaters registered with only one skater actually arriving. I agree that the lower levels (Pre-Juv to Pre-Novice) have larger numbers and should have finals. By doing the finals though, the event organisers would lose money on the event as they will not be able to have as many skaters (time restrictions). Most of these events are major funding events for sections and clubs. More skaters = more funds. Skate Canada would have to mandate an event final before that would change.
Perhaps Skate Canada has to push Minto as the JGP "consideration" competition. If you don't compete there, you don't be considered. I understand as Canadians we try to be diplomatic and treat everyone the same. But when it comes to representing your country you have to hold "tryouts". Hockey Canada does it for Junior Hockey - camp in summer and another before Junior Worlds before team is selected. Skate Canada can use a summer comp and Nationals. We have the events, Skate Canada just has to push it. They can rotate events also between Minto, Quebec, BC, Wildrose, Thornhill. Or they could select skaters and push a US competition (Detroit, Liberty, etc).
Liberty is almost a Canadian home away from home, since it is the working location of Uschi Kessler, Elvis Stojko's choreographer, and her Hydroblade institute.
There are always quite a few Canadians competing at Liberty summer competition, both in singles & pairs.
And it looks like there will be a Senior b in Salt Lake City this year. Perhaps Canadian ladies could compete there?
Finally, Skate Canada should get a Senior B started in Canada.
I believe event finals are a help, but not all disciplines have enough skaters involved to have an event, alone an event final. Senior Ladies at Wildrose last year had 8 skaters registered with only one skater actually arriving. I agree that the lower levels (Pre-Juv to Pre-Novice) have larger numbers and should have finals. By doing the finals though, the event organisers would lose money on the event as they will not be able to have as many skaters (time restrictions). Most of these events are major funding events for sections and clubs. More skaters = more funds. Skate Canada would have to mandate an event final before that would change.