ISU Congress: Age limit to gradually increase to 17

[Baron Vladimir]

Not that I know of, but there were a few countries that raised concerns at the Session who almost certainly voted against the resolution (Israel, Russia). Interestingly, there were several (surprising) nations like Austria, the USA, Serbia, Poland, Armenia, etc. that spoke up in favour of changing the age to 16 instead of 17, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they voted against the resolution. Arguably the most dramatic moment of the debate came when a different spokesperson for Austria stood up and basically made it clear that they were not in agreement with their colleague.

At least some countries were thinking rationally, instead to think with their emotions (based on what we like and what we don't like).

 

[beachmouse]

We know some countries with higher levels of creativity. So instead of seeing 15 years old girls looking to be 11 we will see 17 years old looking to be 11

Though at least FIG and the IOC’s handling of age fraud in artistic gymnastics was harsh enough that the countries involved in that back in the 00s are unlikely to try to do it again in another sport.

 

[formersk8ter]

Tara Lipinski's international records need to have a major asterisk after them from now until the end of time.

And Michelle Kwan's 1996 world and national title, Sonia Henie's 1st Olympic title and two world titles, two of Tenley Albright's national championships, Carol Heiss's 1st World Championship, 2 of Peggy Fleming's national titles, Linda Fratianne's 1st world and national titles, and Elaine Zayak's World and national titles.

And get rid of Oksana Baiul's world and Olympic titles, Sarah Hughes' Olympic title, Alina Zagitova's Olympic and world titles, and no 2016 world title for Evgenia Medvedeva.

All stripped away. Changes the history of figure skating considerably, doesn't it?

 

[formersk8ter]

Considering figure skating as an Olympic SPORT, I think it will be very odd for the Junior ladies skaters to be performing athletically more difficult elements than the Senior ladies. It's inevitable that Juniors will become the "real" sporting event for the ladies.

 

[flanker]

At least some countries were thinking rationally, instead to think with their emotions (based on what we like and what we don't like).

I think change to 16 would not raise that much emotions and would be much more reasonable. Too many delegates took it as a crusade.

But just from mere math angle, the passed bill doesn't make much sense because even if it changes the age gradually, it is only optical matter. This year 15 yet, but the 16 the very next year is basically the very same year of birth and again 17 the year after. So even iof that looks like continual raising of age, in practice it means strict cut one year of birth 15, the very next year of birth three years later. There should have been at least two years in the middle to make it reasonable.

 

[lariko]

Considering figure skating as an Olympic SPORT, I think it will be very odd for the Junior ladies skaters to be performing athletically more difficult elements than the Senior ladies. It's inevitable that Juniors will become the "real" sporting event for the ladies.

I am still worried that the juniors lump 13 to 19 together, with obligatory inclusion of 15 to 17 now. All the junior disciplines will look very different now, creating 3 tier system (not experienced enough/smaller feds, the best of the best and no prospects stragglers)… and I am looking forward to it, but I feel bad for younger skaters who will not have their quiet intro to international stage any more with sweet guy Ted Barton and low hype.

But, for sure, juniors is where it’s going to be at, and I hope to attend a few JWCs before less adaptable fans realize what’s happening. JWCs are already the best deal in town, now it’s going to be awesome. And JGP stages always take place in interesting cities, so will become worth travelling for with the infusion of the best skaters.

Lol, i am so exciting & praying traveling becomes easier and easier and Russians are back sooner rather than later, by the time changes come into effect.

 

[beachmouse]

I think you get the most interesting and creative skating in ladies around age 17-19 anyways. It’s so often a point where the artistic catches up with the power elements in a program and also a point where they usually haven’t started to recycle programs from a previous season yet.

 

[lariko]

I think you get the most interesting and creative skating in ladies around age 17-19 anyways. It’s so often a point where the artistic catches up with the power elements in a program and also a point where they usually haven’t started to recycle programs from a previous season yet.

Personally, I disagree, but I don’t care which medal, junior or senior, I see my favs to win or compete for, so it’s not like anyone is cancelling junior competitions. In fact, they are beefing them up. So… the drama over it is just so excessive. People who want to watch seniors, let them watch seniors. The main thing, they will get junior EC and 4CC going, and then we’re all happy, because we get more skating that way.

 

[Amei]

Considering figure skating as an Olympic SPORT, I think it will be very odd for the Junior ladies skaters to be performing athletically more difficult elements than the Senior ladies. It's inevitable that Juniors will become the "real" sporting event for the ladies.

That will only happen if the "theory" that ladies can't keep their quads/triple axels past puberty - Shcherbakova and Trusova who have pioneered quads being a norm in their routines (and not just a 'get me a record' or 'I'll do 1 to prove i can' moment) are either 18 or close to it and still have their quads. Quads are still in their infancy, it will be a wait and see game, my prediction some will keep/maintain them some won't, just like we've seen with triples.

 

[el henry]

At least some countries were thinking rationally, instead to think with their emotions (based on what we like and what we don't like).

I am very glad that my country, the US, thought logically and rationally,

and voted in favor of the motion to raise the age.

Rather than voting emotionally on "oh what will happen to our poor skaters who we want to see in seniors as soon as possible, poor poor pitiful us".



ETA: I love watching the junior and senior men and will continue to watch both. Everyone still gets to watch what they want to watch.

 

[lariko]

Anyone knows if they are voting on Junior EC/4CC introduction this congress or is it for next year?

 

[Amei]

Anyone knows if they are voting on Junior EC/4CC introduction this congress or is it for next year?

I think that was already shot down - no money to do it

 

[lariko]

That will only happen if the "theory" that ladies can't keep their quads/triple axels part puberty - Shcherbakova and Trusova who have pioneered quads being a norm in their routines (and not just a 'get me a record' or 'I'll do 1 to prove i can' moment) are either 18 or close to it and still have their quads. Quads are still in their infancy, it will be a wait and see game, my prediction some will keep/maintain them some won't, just like we've seen with triples.

There is a whole pile of fallacies, like that there is an artistic je-ne-sais-quoi that is in opposition to jumping vs individual's athletes ability, and that it is for some reason age-dependent, so a 15 yo who has no idea what music says, by 18 has enough life experience to totally get it.

 

[lariko]

I think that was already shot down - no money to do it

Argh. But, on the upside, each of the JGP stages is going to become more saturated, they are in August-October, during the really travelable part of the year vs the dead of winter/early spring and they are held places like Riga or Yerevan... I think I actually can't wait for the rule change. Ted's just got the biggest boost in his career. Go, Ted!

 

[gkelly]

And Michelle Kwan's 1996 world and national title, Sonia Henie's 1st Olympic title and two world titles, two of Tenley Albright's national championships, Carol Heiss's 1st World Championship, 2 of Peggy Fleming's national titles, Linda Fratianne's 1st world and national titles, and Elaine Zayak's World and national titles.

ISU age rules have no impact on who a federation allows to compete in (and potentially win) its national championships.

 

[macy]

Considering figure skating as an Olympic SPORT, I think it will be very odd for the Junior ladies skaters to be performing athletically more difficult elements than the Senior ladies. It's inevitable that Juniors will become the "real" sporting event for the ladies.

i don't think this is the path the sport will take- now that skaters can't enter seniors at such an early age it will force them to learn better technique for long term, or they will simply learn them later. why burn yourself out before you even get to where you want to go? there won't be such a big push for all the quads and 3As by the time you're 14-15.

 

[el henry]

continuation of quote about Eric:

.on behalf of the ISU Athletes Commission, whose statement came as a result of extensive interviews and discussions with coaches and athletes from around the world, in support of these changes.

 

[lariko]

i don't think this is the path the sport will take- now that skaters can't enter seniors at such an early age it will force them to learn better technique for long term, or they will simply learn them later. why burn yourself out before you even get to where you want to go? there won't be such a big push for all the quads and 3As by the time you're 14-15.

Yeah, but the 14-15s now won’t be winning in Juniors among the women. It will be 15-17 yos, ramping up to go into Seniors with a serious portfolio. The quads and 3As will be there, no question. Basically, women will be like men now, the higher age range of the bracket would have the advantage, save for a few die-hard stragglers over 17.

Quads ain’t going anywhere.

 

[macy]

Yeah, but the 14-15s now won’t be winning in Juniors among the women. It will be 15-17 yos, ramping up to go into Seniors with a serious portfolio. The quads and 3As will be there, no question. Basically, women will be like men now, the higher age range of the bracket would have the advantage, save for a few die-hard stragglers over 17.

Quads ain’t going anywhere.

i think it's a bit uncertain what exactly the future of quads will be 10-15 years down the road. for the next few years as the new rule comes into play and adjustments are made we will see them as we have, but many of those who are landing them now are very very young. i'd argue we have seen more below senior than at senior for women. we still don't really know the entire picture of women and sustainable quads yet, its too new. developed bodies (or mid puberty bodies) will have a lot more difficulty learning and keeping them and the amount of ultra si could definitely decrease.

 

[Amei]

.on behalf of the ISU Athletes Commission, whose statement came as a result of extensive interviews and discussions with coaches and athletes from around the world, in support of these changes.

Would be curious to know the age demographics of those athletes, while some may be altruistic, let's be honest any female that will make this new age cut line got a big boost with the age increase (including Russians).