Why then don't they answer the 1st question with a simple "yes"?
This is confusing. I *think* I understand the difference in the two situations.
Quote:
Q: In the layback spin, if a skater's stays in a traditional layback position for eight revolutions and moves arms and/or leg to increase speed, will they get the two features – holding position for eight revolutions and increase of speed) (Body position/core does NOT change)?
A: Increase of speed is not its own feature anymore but is now considered a difficult variation (camel, sit and layback). We will need to research this question further with the ISU before we can provide an answer.
The gray area here is that the skater is performing her 8 revolutions of layback hoping to receive that feature, and *during* those 8 revolutions she is moving her arms and/or leg to increase the speed. The question would be whether the arm and/or leg movements disqualify the 8 revolutions from counting as one position without change.
This is also related to the previous question about whether the skater's position has to stay absolutely still during the 8 revolutions or whether it will still count if there are small arm or head variations. Note that that question also requires further clarification.
Quote:
Q: If a skater increases the speed and holds the position with increased speed for eight revolutions, will they receive two features?
A: Yes
Here the 8 revolutions that count all take place *after* the increase in speed, with no further variations in the arm or leg positions mentioned, so the 8 revolutions without changes in position/variation feature is clearly fulfilled, as well as the increase in speed feature.