re:
Why not cut out the pseudo-competitions and turn them into exhibitions?
The pro competitions that remain should use a serious judging system. Ice Wars so far has pathetic judging. Why have a 10 point system when no one gets anything less than 9.4? When the score range from 9.6 to 9.9, it seems like there's no real evaluation of the differences in performances. Therefore, the scores seem to be there just for decoration. How can someone respect judging where where terrible skating still gets 9.6 point and much better performances only score .2 points better? It's ridiculous.
The reason skating has declined in sponsorship and viewing is because skating has been turned into a less than serious sport with pseudo competitions like Marshall's and cheesy musical/skating shows. When skating was about serious head to head competition only, and when it wasn't OVEREXPOSED, there were plenty of sponsors and network coverage. The other issue is charisma. Until we have a skater with the charisma of a Michelle, Peggy, Katarina, or Dorothy, there won't be significant national interest. It is also still very much a woman's sport, which can be a death sentence where the major networks are concerned. Apart from the Olympic skating competitions, skating isn't viewed as a serious sport by the general public, especially men. Men make most of the decisions regarding tlelevision programing.
Why not cut out the pseudo-competitions and turn them into exhibitions?
The pro competitions that remain should use a serious judging system. Ice Wars so far has pathetic judging. Why have a 10 point system when no one gets anything less than 9.4? When the score range from 9.6 to 9.9, it seems like there's no real evaluation of the differences in performances. Therefore, the scores seem to be there just for decoration. How can someone respect judging where where terrible skating still gets 9.6 point and much better performances only score .2 points better? It's ridiculous.