Random Figure Skating Questions

[tulosai]

I was looking through old results from the Canadian Championships on Wikipedia, and at the bottom of the 1996 page, I spotted this:

Fours

Rank	Name	FS
1	Jodeyne Higgins / Sean Rice / Alison Purkiss / Scott MacDonald	1
2	Samantha Marchant / Chad Hawse / Cecily Restivo / Scott Cornfoot	2

What on Earth is a Fours Competition?!

From looking elsewhere on the page, each team is made up of two Pairs partnerships. But, how does it work?

1996 is as far back as Wikipedia goes for the Canadian Championships. And by the looks of things the Fours Championships were not held again after that.

So, was this a one-off experimental format competition that didn't really work? Or was 1996 the final year of a run?

Have Fours competitions been held anywhere else?

This has got me really intrigued!

CaroLiza_fan

I have no idea but I hope someone will answer- this blows my mind, too.

 

[gkelly]

It was indeed a competition among groups of four skaters that were essentially two pair teams and did pairs moves.

It was held on and off since the middle of the 20th century in the US and Canada. I don't know about anywhere else, but not as an ISU event.

Here's an example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCK6AG18AcE

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

It was indeed a competition among groups of four skaters that were essentially two pair teams and did pairs moves.

It was held on and off since the middle of the 20th century in the US and Canada. I don't know about anywhere else, but not as an ISU event.

Here's an example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCK6AG18AcE

Thank you so much for the answer, gkelly. And even more thanks for the video.

So, it is 2 Pairs partnerships doing the same routine side by side.

Boys but that must be difficult to do!

Like, we know how difficult it can be for two skaters to do individual moves in sync (sbs spins, twizzles, etc.). But two partnerships doing a whole routine in sync?!

Respect to them!

I can imagine that it is kinda like Synchro in that, when it goes right, it looks amazing. But when something goes wrong, it looks awful.

So, I can understand why not many Pairs partnerships would want to do it. And, hence, why it didn't take off.

Thank you again

CaroLiza_fan

 

[cathlen]

SBS Throw jumps, wow But it looks like mini team sychro for me. With very difficult moves.

 

[MeineKatze]

I am going to attend Skate America and I have some questions about attending figure skating competitions as I am a new fan who's never been to one.
Can we attend their practice sessions for free?
Is there any chance for a regular fan to meet skaters for a few seconds to hand them small gifts and get their autograph?
What should I expected in a fs competition? Will there be any merchandise, fair and fun events outside of or near the venue?
Where do fans get their flags ( I want to bring a flag of Japan) and flower shaped plush toy ?( I assume the plush flowers are better because real ones could make mess on the ice)
Will all the skaters be staying in the same hotel?
Which seats in the arena are the best to see the skater up close like when they are coming in, interacting with their coaches and stuff? or which seats are better for overall view of skaters' performance?

 

[karne]

You will have to ask the Skate America organisers if they require a practice pass to attend practices. At Worlds, a practice pass was included in the all-event ticket.

It might happen but is more likely to happen at the official hotel than at the rink.

There will probably be some merchandise stalls. There will also probably be boot/blade/clothing stalls. Probably not any funfair type stuff.

I bought my Australian flag from a National Geographic store in my home town. If you want a Japanese flag, especially if you live in America, you might do better looking on the internet. Fake flowers are good and can be found at most dollar shops, but stuffed animals are also cute. I used stuffedwithplushtoys.com to get my plush Black Swan for Max at Worlds.

Yes, all of the skaters and officials will be in the official event hotel.

You probably won't get to see the skaters coming in, interacting with their coaches etc because this usually takes place in a backstage area that is closed off to all except those with the right credentials. For me, I was 19 rows back at Worlds and in a corner, which was still a good view; I would like to have sat a little closer. I always thought the judges' side was better until I went to Worlds and saw the judges on a big stand that could impede the view. If I had my time again I'd go for the opposite side of the judges. But it is likely that the best seats for Skate America are gone now, given we're less than a month away.

 

[sabinfire]

Further info to add to karne's answers:

All-event tickets to Skate America include practice passes. There isn't a unique 'practice pass' ticket like last season, but each of the all-event tickets have printed on them "*Practice Session Access*". These will get you into all practice sessions.

Last year, Skate America hosted a "first-ever" tailgate party outside the venue on Friday evening. Unfortunately, much of it was rained-out, and most people stayed inside the venue instead. I haven't seen an announcement about Chicago this year, but last year the info seemed to be given out in the final days leading up to the competition...

There were also Team USA autograph sessions on Saturday & Sunday. But again, this is just based off last year's SkAm.

See my post last year for info about these past events for tailgating & autographs:

http://www.goldenskate.com/forum/sh...kate-America&p=1250972&viewfull=1#post1250972

 

[yyyskate]

I am going to attend Skate America and I have some questions about attending figure skating competitions as I am a new fan who's never been to one.
Can we attend their practice sessions for free?
Is there any chance for a regular fan to meet skaters for a few seconds to hand them small gifts and get their autograph?
What should I expected in a fs competition? Will there be any merchandise, fair and fun events outside of or near the venue?
Where do fans get their flags ( I want to bring a flag of Japan) and flower shaped plush toy ?( I assume the plush flowers are better because real ones could make mess on the ice)
Will all the skaters be staying in the same hotel?
Which seats in the arena are the best to see the skater up close like when they are coming in, interacting with their coaches and stuff? or which seats are better for overall view of skaters' performance?

Skate America sells stuffed plush sun flowers, sometimes plush roses from 5 dollars. They do not sell flags. At the judges side, the view often will be blocked for at least the first 10 rows. Really annoying for fans to get a good view. you will need to sit higher up into the end of club session to get a view without block, That is already kinda too far to appreciate performance to its full extend. but very good at feeling skaters' speed, ice pattern, projection etc.
the side opposite to judged around row 10 is probably the best view(but may miss some facial expression specifically reserved for judges), too close to the ice like row 1, or 2, you will probably miss some jumps towards the shorter ends of the rink.
Anyways, no matter where you sit, it will be a great experience for you, and you will for sure gain some knowledge that you will never get by just watching TVs.
if you wanna interact with skating stars, a good way is to watch practice session. you will watch them quite closely. but you have to be really brave and bold to get a auto or give a gift to them at practice session. there are usually quite a few young girls will do such thing around skater entrance areas, you may mixed with them that will make you feel much easier if you are looking for autograph from Japanese skaters, it is usually quite difficult, you have to be super lucky, either meet them on the street or in the hotel, or asking a lot, maybe you will get one. American skaters will have officially organized autograph session, and you can take photos with them as well.

EDIT: you may wanna bring a translucent bag if you plan to bring a lot of stuffed animal with you. At Boston the security check is kinda strict, and translucent bags are suggested. All these figure skating event gears are highly reusable, such as bags, flags, banners, national themed costumes, head gears, blankets etc. for your future events.

 

[karne]

Right my turn to ask a question. I love looking at URs, counting rotations, checking edges etc, but when it comes to spot assignments, I have a devil of a time keeping the numbers straight.

What does Team Australia need to do to get direct-entry spots to the Olympics and not go through Nebelhorn to qualify?

Also, do we know if there is an updated standings list for the Team Event somewhere or do we think this won't be looked at until next year when we actually have to start looking at it? Because I'm actually thinking #AustraliaForTheTeamEvent is a very good possibility (and we were darned closed last time).

 

[ice coverage]

... What does Team Australia need to do to get direct-entry spots to the Olympics and not go through Nebelhorn to qualify? ...

Caveat that the ISU has not yet designated which specific international will be used for Olympic qualifying. (Has not named it as Nebelhorn, in other words.)

I think the only possible ways for any country to qualify for Olympic spots are via 2017 Worlds or via the Autumn 2017 international.

http://static.isu.org/media/309682/isu-figure-skating-en.pdf (see page 3)​

ETA, re qualifying via 2017 Worlds:

If an Aussie entry places in the top ten at 2017 Worlds, then Australia gets two entries at 2018 OWG.

Otherwise, possible that an Aussie entry at 2017 Worlds could earn one spot at 2018 OWG by the following means:

Next best ranked athlete from the NFs not qualified with three (3) and two (2) places, until the quotas of qualification through the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2017 are reached.
The quotas for qualification via 2017 Worlds are:
Men Single Skating: 24; Ladies Single Skating: 24; Pair Skating: 32 (16 pairs); Ice Dance: 38 (19 couples).​

... Also, do we know if there is an updated standings list for the Team Event somewhere or do we think this won't be looked at until next year when we actually have to start looking at it? Because I'm actually thinking #AustraliaForTheTeamEvent is a very good possibility (and we were darned closed last time).

No comps so far will count toward Olympic Team Event qualification, AFAIK.

The ones that will count:

- ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2017 (season 2016/17)
- ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating events and Final season 2017/18

Plus if necessary the following events:

- ISU European Figure Skating Championships/ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships 2017 (season 2016/17)
- ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships 2017 (season 2016/17) 
- ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating season 2017/18 (only in individual events but not the Final)​

(See pp. 3-5 + p. 8 at the link above.)​

---

... ... I used stuffedwithplushtoys.com to get my plush Black Swan for Max at Worlds. ...

OMG ... if you mentioned it at the time, I am embarrassed :hopelessness: to say that I didn't notice it. So sweet :luv17:.

 

[karne]

I'm trying to figure out minimum placement - so where Brendan, Kailani/Brooklee, Katia and Harley et al need to finish at Worlds. This is very confusing because it depends on the number of spots that the other countries have? Beyond confused now.

 

[Alex D]

Caveat that the ISU has not yet designated which specific international will be used for Olympic qualifying. (Has not named it as Nebelhorn, in other words.)

They had a meeting at Nebelhorn about the qualification event, I have to admit though, that I did not follow the presentation much. But waiting for an official announcement is clearly the best choice.

 

[ice coverage]

I'm trying to figure out minimum placement - so where Brendan, Kailani/Brooklee, Katia and Harley et al need to finish at Worlds. This is very confusing because it depends on the number of spots that the other countries have? Beyond confused now.

Yes, my understanding is that it will depend on how many spots in the quota are used up by other countries who earn three spots or two spots.

Two hypothetical examples, if I understand correctly:

The quota for OWG pairs spots via 2017 Worlds is 16 pairs.
So hypothetically, if we pretend that 2017 Worlds results for pairs end up being identical to 2016 (see below), then all 16 spots in the quota via Worlds would be used up.

3 spots each for Canada and Russia = 6 spots
2 spots each for China, Germany, USA, France, Italy = 10 spots

But we obviously cannot assume that 2017 Worlds results will be identical to 2016.

Pl	Name	Nation	Points	SP	FS
1	Meagan DUHAMEL / Eric RADFORD	CAN	231.99	2	1
2	Wenjing SUI / Cong HAN	CHN	224.47	1	2
3	Aliona SAVCHENKO / Bruno MASSOT	GER	216.17	4	3
4	Ksenia STOLBOVA / Fedor KLIMOV	RUS	214.48	5	4
5	Evgenia TARASOVA / Vladimir MOROZOV	RUS	206.27	6	5
6	Tatiana VOLOSOZHAR / Maxim TRANKOV	RUS	205.81	3	7
7	Lubov ILIUSHECHKINA / Dylan MOSCOVITCH	CAN	199.52	8	6
8	Kirsten MOORE-TOWERS / Michael MARINARO	CAN	190.90	10	8
9	Alexa SCIMECA / Chris KNIERIM	USA	190.06	7	12
10	Vanessa JAMES / Morgan CIPRES	FRA	185.83	9	10
11	Nicole DELLA MONICA / Matteo GUARISE	ITA	183.81	11	13
12	Cheng PENG / Hao ZHANG	CHN	182.46	12	9
13	Tarah KAYNE / Daniel O SHEA	USA	178.23	14	11
14	Valentina MARCHEI / Ondrej HOTAREK	ITA	170.73	13	15
15	Xuehan WANG / Lei WANG	CHN	168.65	15	14
16	Lola ESBRAT / Andrei NOVOSELOV	FRA	137.24	16	16

Final Not Reached
17	Goda BUTKUTE / Nikita ERMOLAEV	LTU	51.65	17
18	Ioulia CHTCHETININA / Noah SCHERER	SUI	49.32	18
19	Adel TANKOVA / Evgeni KRASNOPOLSKI	ISR	46.81	19
20	Tatiana DANILOVA / Mikalai KAMIANCHUK	BLR	45.56	20
21	Miriam ZIEGLER / Severin KIEFER	AUT	45.31	21
22	Sumire SUTO / Francis BOUDREAU AUDET	JPN	38.50	22

http://www.isuresults.com/events/cat00028358.htm

But the quota for OWG men's spots via 2017 Worlds is 24.
So hypothetically, if we pretend that 2017 Worlds results for men end up being identical to 2016 (see below), then only 15 of 24 spots in the quota via Worlds would be used up by countries that earn three slots or two slots.

3 spots for Japan
2 spots each for Spain, China, Russia, Canada, USA, Czech Republic = 12 spots

The remaining 9 spots would go to (in order):
Kazakhstan, Italy, Israel, Latvia, Uzbekistan, Belgium, Australia, Philippines, France.

But we obviously cannot assume that 2017 Worlds results will be identical to 2016.

1	Javier FERNANDEZ	ESP	314.93	2	1
2	Yuzuru HANYU	JPN	295.17	1	2
3	Boyang JIN	CHN	270.99	5	3
4	Mikhail KOLYADA	RUS	267.97	6	5
5	Patrick CHAN	CAN	266.75	3	8
6	Adam RIPPON	USA	264.44	7	4
7	Shoma UNO	JPN	264.25	4	6
8	Max AARON	USA	254.14	8	7
9	Michal BREZINA	CZE	237.99	11	10
10	Grant HOCHSTEIN	USA	237.25	16	9
11	Denis TEN	KAZ	230.13	12	12
12	Ivan RIGHINI	ITA	228.52	9	13
13	Alexei BYCHENKO	ISR	226.07	19	11
14	Deniss VASILJEVS	LAT	224.54	10	16
15	Misha GE	UZB	223.53	15	14
16	Jorik HENDRICKX	BEL	221.43	14	15
17	Brendan KERRY	AUS	210.56	17	17
18	Maxim KOVTUN	RUS	210.14	13	21
19	Michael Christian MARTINEZ	PHI	204.10	23	18
20	Chafik BESSEGHIER	FRA	203.20	20	20
21	Julian Zhi Jie YEE	MAS	202.94	22	19
22	Phillip HARRIS	GBR	190.42	21	22
23	Ivan PAVLOV	UKR	178.89	24	23
24	June Hyoung LEE	KOR	174.88	18	24

Final Not Reached
25	Javier RAYA	ESP	65.06
26	Han YAN	CHN	62.56
27	Nam NGUYEN	CAN	61.61
28	Franz STREUBEL	GER	57.19
29	Denis MARGALIK	ARG	52.31
30	Slavik HAYRAPETYAN	ARM	49.36

http://www.isuresults.com/events/cat00028356.htm

---

They had a meeting at Nebelhorn about the qualification event, I have to admit though, that I did not follow the presentation much. But waiting for an official announcement is clearly the best choice.

Good to know. Thx, Alex .

 

[dorispulaski]

http://www.goldenskate.com/forum/sh...-for-Olympic-Team-Event&p=1506146#post1506146

This is a great question. I have copied your posts to a new thread in the Edge, and I hope the discussion will continue there! Thank you @karne, @ice coverage, @Alex D.

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

...but stuffed animals are also cute. I used stuffedwithplushtoys.com to get my plush Black Swan for Max at Worlds...

Why, oh why, did you tell me about that site?

I could buy up their whole stock!!!

Mind you, I was disappointed that when I went into the "Mythical Creatures" section, there was no Phoenix / Firebird. :disapp:

However, I then did a search on Google. And whilst I couldn't find a Phoenix / Firebird that I liked, I did spot this:

http://www.glasskat.com/2440_Firebird Ballerina_L.jpg

Well, if I can't find a real Anna Pogo to cuddle, I suppose this will have to do!

I know, it's no-where near as cute as the real thing!

CaroLiza_fan



Please let this latest attempt at humour work! My attempts at humour are backfiring too often!

 

[karne]

Why, oh why, did you tell me about that site?

I could buy up their whole stock!!!

I actually, back when I finalised my plans to attend Worlds, had a list on a bit of paper of all my favourite skaters and what Australian animal I would bring to Worlds for them.

I had to throw the list out in January because it was making me too sad, as I crossed name after name after name off the list . In the end, I bought the plush Black Swan for Max, tied some green and gold ribbons around its neck, and bought a couple of emoticon cushions for Brendan and Kailani. And then Kailani never even made the free, so I was even more sad, and threw her cushion to Duhamel/Radford instead.

 

[AndreaRu]

USFS said they would announce host cities/clubs for 2018 regionals in August of this year. I've looked all over and I can't find the announcement. Has anyone seen it? Have they just not announced yet?

 

[musicfan80]

All right, I haven't asked (what I thought was) a dumb question in this thread in the awhile, but I have to wonder: Why did Adam Rippon not get a costume deduction in the Men's SP at Skate America? I thought the men's costumes have to have sleeves - even if they are just cap sleeves.

But then again, wouldn't Rafael Arutyunyan raise an issue with the costume and demand a change if he thought Adam could get a deduction for it?

So maybe, I've asked two dumb questions here.

 

[shiroKJ]

All right, I haven't asked (what I thought was) a dumb question in this thread in the awhile, but I have to wonder: Why did Adam Rippon not get a costume deduction in the Men's SP at Skate America? I thought the men's costumes have to have sleeves - even if they are just cap sleeves.

But then again, wouldn't Rafael Arutyunyan raise an issue with the costume and demand a change if he thought Adam could get a deduction for it?

So maybe, I've asked two dumb questions here.

According to posters over at the SA thread, the rule was changed this season allowing sleeveless shirts/exposed shoulders.

 

[Wisteria]

Does anyone know about throwing presents onto the ice? I'll be going to the Skate Canada event tomorrow and I have some cards I want to give to skaters but I'm not sure how. Do I just throw it onto the ice after the short programs? Is there an alternative way? Also, can someone tell me the dos and donts of skating events such as taking pictures and stuff? Please and thank you!