British Ice Skating

Last updated

British Ice Skating
Sport Ice skating
Founded1879
Affiliation International Skating Union
HeadquartersEnglish Institute of Sport

Coleridge Road Sheffield

S9 5DA
PresidentDavid Hartley
CEO Michelle Draper
Official website
www.iceskating.org.uk
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg

British Ice Skating (formerly the National Ice Skating Association) is the national governing body of ice skating within the United Kingdom. Formed in 1879, it is responsible for overseeing all disciplines of ice skating: figure skating (singles, pairs and ice dance); synchronised skating; and speed skating (including short track).

Contents

History

On Saturday 1 February 1879 a number of prominent men of Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire met in the Guildhall, Cambridge, to set up the National Skating Association with the aim of regulating the sport of fen skating. A Cambridge journalist, James Drake Digby, had thought that the Fen speed skaters were worthy of national recognition and he was also concerned that betting was leading to malpractice. He thought that skating needed a national organisation to control it, like the Jockey Club. The founding committee included several landowners, a vicar, a fellow of Trinity College, a magistrate, two members of parliament, the mayor of Cambridge, the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, the president of Cambridge University Skating Club, and Neville Goodman, a graduate of Peterhouse, Cambridge. [1] Even though the National Skating Association was formed to regulate speed skating, figure skaters began joining the organization within a year of its founding. [2]

The newly formed National Skating Association held their first one-and-a-half-mile British professional championship at Thorney in December 1879. There was a field of 32, including former champions Turkey Smart and Tom Watkinson. Fish Smart beat Knocker Carter in the final. His reward was a badge, a sash and a cash prize, given as an annual salary in instalments to encourage the champion to "keep himself temperate". [1] The NSA also established an amateur championship, which was held for the first time at Welsh Harp, London, in January 1880, and won by Frederick Norman, a farmer’s son from Willingham. The professionals were labourers who skated for cash prizes; the amateurs were gentlemen who skated for trophies. [1]

In 1892 the NSA aided in the foundation of the International Skating Union (ISU). The NSA hosted the first international ice skating competition in Britain in Birmingham in 1899 and has hosted all events in the UK since in various locations.

In 1894 the National Skating Association decided to move their headquarters from Cambridge to London, from where they concentrated on figure skaters and rinkmen. Their new base, the National Skating Palace, is now better known as the London Palladium.

Until 1990, when an independent society was formed, the NSA was also the UK's governing body of roller skating. As a consequence of the segmentation, the NSA became NISA (National Ice Skating Association), the headquarters of which are now based in Nottingham.

In November 2018, the National Ice Skating Association began rebranding as British Ice Skating. [3]

Assessment

Complying to the purpose of the organisation, the BIS levels are used by instructors to grade learners of ice skating in the UK. There are various levels of student grades, as well as instructor grades.

Skate UK

These levels are generally taught in group classes, and are assessed by the instructors of these classes. The levels are as follows: [4]

  1. Sit down and stand up
  2. March forwards across the ice
  3. Forward two-foot glide
  4. Skate and dip (little man)
  5. Turn around on the spot
  1. Backwards marching across the ice
  2. Forward swizzles (lemons)
  3. Forward two-foot glide on a curve (left and right)
  4. Two-foot turn on the spot (forwards to backwards, back to forwards)
  5. Snowplough or T-stop
  1. Forward stroking (showing correct use of blade)
  2. Moving two-foot turn (forwards to backwards, back to forwards)
  3. Backwards swizzles (lemons)
  4. Back two-foot glide
  5. Forward one-foot glide (left and right)
  1. Forward outside edges on a circle (left and right)
  2. Forward inside edges on a circle (left and right )
  3. Basic forward slalom (basic outside/inside edges)
  4. Backwards stroking
  5. Forward continuous chasses around a circle (left and right)
  1. Backward outside edges on a circle (left and right)
  2. Backward inside edges on a circle (left and right)
  3. Backward continuous chasses around a circle (clockwise and counter-clockwise)
  4. Forward crossovers (clockwise and anti-clockwise)
  5. Forward outside three turns (left and right) from standstill
  1. Forward inside three turn (left and right) from standstill
  2. Backward outside edges step to forward outside edge on a circle
  3. Backward crossovers (clockwise and anti-clockwise)
  4. Backward two-foot slalom
  5. Two-foot spin (min 2 revs)
  1. Forward inside open mohawk (left and right)
  2. Backward crossovers to landing position glide
  3. Continuous forward outside edges along a straight line (as per Level 1 Field Moves)
  4. Continuous forward inside edges along a straight line (As per level 1 Field Moves)
  5. Basic forward cross rolls
  1. Continuous outside three turns around a circle (3 in a row); left and right
  2. Continuous inside three turns around a circle (3 in a row); left and right
  3. Step sequence: three turns, mohawk, cross rolls, twizzles, toe steps etc.
  4. Forward inside single twizzle (left and right) (hockey skaters forward drag; left and right)
  5. One foot spin (min 2 revs) (hockey skaters 2 foot spin; min 4 revs)

Skate UK Star Levels (formerly known as Passport)

These levels may be attempted once the Skate UK levels have been passed. Skate UK Star levels may be taken in any or all of singles skating (free), ice dance, speed skating or synchronised skating, although you must complete a level in a given discipline before moving onto the next level in that discipline. These levels as also assessed by the instructor, but will be expected to be of a higher standard than the same moves in the Skate UK system. The levels are as follows: [5]

Singles Skating

  • Bronze
  1. Forwards and backwards crossovers in a figure of 8
  2. Forward outside spiral on a curve (left and right)
  3. Spin on one foot (min 4 revs) optional entry and exit
  4. Waltz jump from 4-5 back crossovers (held landing for count of 3)
  5. Bunny hop into drag
  • Silver
  1. Single salchow
  2. Spin on one foot (min 4 revs) entry from backwards crossovers, stepping into a forward outside edge, with a landing position exit
  3. Backward spiral on a curve (left and right)
  4. Backwards crossovers around a circle into an extended landing position for the count of 3 (left and right)
  5. Teapot on either foot (forwards or backwards)
  • Gold
  1. Backwards outside one-foot spin (min 1 rev)
  2. Single toe loop (with correct take-off - not a toe three jump)
  3. Spiral sequence: forward outside spiral, forward outside three turn, two backwards crossovers, back inside spiral (spirals held for 3 seconds) clockwise and counter-clockwise
  4. A simple step sequence: must have three turns, mohawks, chasses, crossrolls, toe steps; these can be done on any edge, forwards or backwards
  5. Combination of skating movements: to include turns, jumps and spins in a short routine; with or without music (max 1 minute and 30 seconds)

Ice Dance

  • Bronze
  1. Forward open chasses/crossed (closed) chasses continuously on a circle (min 3) left and right
  2. Left forward outside mohawk, cross in front onto left back inside and step forwards to right forward inside (3 times) left and right
  3. Forward progressive runs
  4. Two consecutive left forward outside 3 turns followed by a sustained outside edge with the free leg extended for a count of 3 (left and right)
  5. Forward spiral inside and outside edges (either foot)
  • Silver
  1. Forward progressive runs in a figure of 8
  2. Backward open chasses (3 on each foot) in a serpentine sequence
  3. Backward progressive runs in a figure of 8
  4. A 7-step dance sequence as follows: right forward inside open mohawk, right back outside run, right back outside cross in front left back inside, step forwards to right forward inside edge and repeat twice
  5. Forward inside single twizzles, left and right (min 4 in a row)
  • Gold
  1. Forward run, forward slip chasses (3 times) in a figure of 8
  2. Basic backwards crossrolls
  3. Solo Novice Foxtrot with music
  4. Forward inside double twizzles (left and right)
  5. A 9-step dance sequence as follows; left forward outside progressive run, left forward outside closed chasses, left forward outside progressive run, left forward outside open mohawk, step behind to a left back inside edge and repeat twice.

Synchronized Skating

  • Bronze
  1. Forward block (full length of the rink) in shoulder hold using alternating left and right chasses
  2. Forward line (full length of the rink) in shoulder hold using alternating left and right chasses and swings
  3. Forward circle (at least 2 revolutions in both directions) in hand hold, facing inward using continuous chasses.
  4. Forward pin wheel (at least 2 revolutions in both directions) in shoulder hold, using consecutive chasses. 2, 3 or 4 spokes may be performed, depending on the number of skaters.
  • Silver
  1. Block in shoulder hold. Push Left, push right, left cross edge, right cross edge, LFO 3 turn, right back cross edge, left back cross edge
  2. Line in shoulder hold. Push Left, push right, left cross edge, right cross edge, LFO 3 turn, right back cross edge, left back cross edge
  3. Circle in elbow hold (tea pot hold), facing in and performed in both directions. At least 2 consecutive sequences of; forward chasse, forward cross, FO 3 turn, backward chasse, backward cross, step to forward inside edge to repeat
  4. Forward intersection using alternating forward chasses. At least 3 pass throughs. Drag position may be introduced for variety.
  • Gold
  1. Forward line in shoulder hold turning to back line into elbow hold. Step may be a combination of chasses, progressive runs, and back cross overs. This movement to be performed using full length of the rink.
  2. Block introducing a change of axis. Commence in shoulder hold down long axis. Push Left, push right, left cross edge, right cross edge, LFO 3 turn, right back cross edge, left back cross edge. Change to elbow hold, backward right chasse, right cross, right chasse, right cross, step to right forward inside edge to repeat.
  3. Change of configuration wheel, from 2 spokes to 4 spokes. A combination of forward chasses and crossovers and a 3 turn to backward chasses and crossovers. At least one change of hold must be performed.
  4. Forward intersection with a one revolution turn at the point of intersection (e.g. an inside twizzles or Austrian 3 turn). At least 3 pass throughs to be performed.

Pairs Skating

  • Bronze
  1. Forward stroking side by side (min 4 pushes) focus and emphasis on unison.
  2. Forward stroking in hand to hand hold (min 4 pushes)
  3. Basic upright spin side by side (min 2 revs) any entry and exit
  4. Bunny hop side by side
  5. Forward spiral in a straight line side by side.
  • Silver
  1. Forward stroking in Kilian Hold (min 4 pushes) focus and emphasis on timing and unison.
  2. Forwards cross overs around a circle in hand to hand hold (clockwise and counter-clockwise)
  3. Side by side Waltz jumps from 3 backward crossovers (emphasis on unison)
  4. Two-foot spiralling curve in Kilian hold.
  5. Forward spiral in a straight line in Kilian hold
  • Gold
  1. Forwards crossovers in a figure of 8 in hand to hand hold.
  2. Backward crossovers around a circle in hand to hand hold (clockwise and counter-clockwise)
  3. Side by side Single Salchow from 3 backward crossovers
  4. Simple Pairs spin (min 2 revs) in Kilian hold, any entry and exit.
  5. Spirals: One skater forward spiral/ one skater backward spiral hand to hand hold

Judged Levels

These levels either go from 1 to 10 or correspond to competition categories (Basic Novice, Intermediate Novice, etc.) and are assessed by at least one BIS qualified judge. Skaters must show proof that they have completed the Skate UK Star programme before being allowed to apply for the judged levels. Tests are available in each of the following disciplines – skaters may take tests in whichever disciplines they wish. Skaters do not need to complete the tests in every discipline before moving up to the next level, but cannot skip levels in any given discipline (i.e. must do Level 1 Field Moves before doing Level 2 Field Moves, but Level 1 Elements is not required to do Level 2 field moves).

In summer 2020, BIS introduced new Interim Test Levels for Field Moves and Singles (Elements and Free) tests. [6] The current levels will still be available for applications until 31st December 2020, after which time only the interim levels will be available.

Field Moves

Until beginning of January 2021
  • Level 1: Forward Outside edges down one side of the rink, between 4 and 8 semicircles required; Forward Inside edges, between 4 and 8 semicircles required; Forward Crossovers in both directions, done as a figure of 8; Backwards crossovers in both directions done as a figure of 8; backward crossovers into landing position in both directions; spirals in a straight line down one side of the rink, half the length on each foot, repeat on other side of rink.
  • Level 2: Back Outside edges down one side of the rink, between 4 and 8 semicircles required; Back Inside edges, between 4 and 8 semicircles required; Forwards and backwards crossrolls; Mohawk sequence – push LFO, RFI mohawk to LBI, step wide R crossover, step to forward and repeat on other foot. Repeat down the rink; Outside 3 turns in figure of 8; Inside 3 turns in figure of 8.
  • Level 3: Forward edge changes on 1 foot; Alternating 3 turns (LFO RBI for half the rink, RFO LBI for second half, then second side LFI RBO then RFI LBO), ; Forward stroking with extended positions; Spirals on curves (LFO toe push LFI push RFI toe push RFO then to other side of rink RFI RFO LFO LFI).
  • Level 4: Outside back 3 turns; Mohawk step sequence; Back outside 3 turns – forward inside mohawks in a circle; Backward stroking with extended positions
  • Level 5: Perimeter BO and BI double threes; Perimeter back changes of edge (BO/BI and BI/BO); One foot slaloms (forwards and backwards on each foot – half a side of rink on each foot – one side forwards one side backwards); Alternating choctaws (BO 3, FI choctaw, cross cut, cross roll BO three, then repeat)
  • Level 6: Perimeter FI and FO double threes; FI rockers and BI double rockers; FO and FI brackets; Russian stroking (clockwise and anti-clockwise) (NB they look for quick changes and steep lobes for this exercise at this level)
  • Level 7: BO change of edge to BI double threes, BI change of edge to BO double threes; BI rocker/choctaw on a circle; BO and BI quick three turns (intro to twizzles) – basically a double twizzle or double double three; BI brackets (FI 3 cross in front, BI bracket)
  • Level 8: (skater selects 4 out of 6) Perimeter Skating – Forward Counters, Perimeter Skating – Backward Counters, Barrel Roll and Toe Steps, Perimeter Skating – Quick 3 turns and Choctaws, Kilian Choctaws, Counter Twizzles and Back Outside Twizzles
  • Level 9: (skater selects 4 out of 6) Fast circular Mohawks and Slip Step, Perimeter Skating – Forward Rockers, Perimeter Skating – 1-foot power rockers, inside double threes and twizzle, backward outside twizzles, closed choctaws
  • Level 10: (skater selects 4 out of 6) Perimeter Skating – Backward Rockers, Perimeter backward loops and quick bracket three turn, Ina Bauer exercise, quick hip twists, double twizzles (both feet, both edges), swing rockers
Interim Field Moves 2020
  • Level 1: Basic Forward Continuous Edges; Backward Outside Edge in Sustained Position; Forward and Backward Crosscuts in Figure of Eight Pattern; Basic Backward Continuous Edges
  • Level 2: Perimeter Skating – Cross Rolls; Forward Outside and Forward Inside Three Turn Exercises; Forward Outside and Forward Inside Three Turn Exercise; Forward Inside Open Mohawk Exercises; Forward Perimeter Change of Edges
  • Level 3: Perimeter Skating – Forward Three Turns; Forward Outside Closed Mohawk Sequence; Backward Three Turn/Forward Mohawk Step; Perimeter Skating – Spirals on Curves
  • Basic Novice: Backward Perimeter Change of Edges; Forwards and Backwards One Foot Slalom; Perimeter Skating – Backward Double Threes; Progressive Serpentine Forward Double Three Turns Exercise
  • Intermediate Novice: Perimeter Skating – Inside Rockers; Perimeter Skating – Forward Brackets; Backward Rocker & Choctaw; Back Inside Brackets
  • Advanced Novice: Perimeter Skating – Forward Counters; Perimeter Skating – Backward Counters; Barrel Roll and Toe Steps; Perimeter Skating – Quick Three Turns & Choctaws; Kilian Choctaws; Counter Twizzles & Backward Outside Twizzles
  • Junior: Fast Circular Mohawks and Slip Step; Perimeter Skating – Forward Rockers; Perimeter Skating – One Foot Power Rockers; Inside Double Threes and Twizzles; Backward Outside Twizzles; Closed Choctaws
  • Senior: Perimeter Skating – Backward Rockers; Perimeter Backward Loops and Quick Bracket Three Turn; Ina Bauer Exercise; Quick Hip Twists; Double Twizzles; Swing Rockers

Elements

Until beginning of January 2021
  • Level 1: Perimeter skating; Toe Loop; Three jump or salchow; Upright spin 3 revs; Step sequence; Forward spiral; Backward spiral on a curve
  • Level 2: Perimeter skating; 3 jump; salchow or toe loop; upright spin (5 revs); sit spin (3 revs); backspin from a 3 turn entry (1–2 revs); step sequence
  • Level 3: Figure 8 crossovers; loop; flip; combination jump with a toe loop as the second jump; camel spin (3 revs); backspin (3 revs); step sequence – with forward and backward 3 turns
  • Level 4: lutz; axel; jump combination with loop as the second jump; camel-sit spin combination (2 revs in each position); change foot upright spin (4 revs on each foot); circular step sequence with mohawks and 3 turns; a sequence with at least 2 of these in: Spread eagle, Ina bauer, spiral, drag, pivot
  • Level 5: Perimeter power crossover stroking; Axel with flow; Double Salchow; Jump combination, one of which must be a Lutz or Flip; Flying Camel spin (2–3 revolutions); Sit-Change Sit spin (minimum of 4 revolutions on each foot); Spin with one change of position and one change of foot (minimum of 3 revolutions on each foot)
  • Level 6: Double Toe Loop; Jump combination consisting of Axel, Double Toe Loop; Jump sequence consisting of 2 single jumps; Camel-Change Camel spin (minimum 3 revolutions on each foot); Layback spin (minimum 5 revolutions) or Crossfoot spin (min 4 revolutions); Incorporate 3 of the following into a simple figure of eight pattern sequence – forward spiral, backward spiral, pivot, Ina Bauer, spreadeagle, drag; Serpentine step sequence (half the size of the rink)
  • Level 7: Double salchow, double toe, jump combination double+single, flying camel to back sit spin (4 revs per position), spin combo with one change of foot and one of position (5 revs per foot), jump sequence of 3 jumps including 1 double, straight line step sequence using full ice
  • Level 8: Double loop, axel with speed and flow, jump combinations with double toe as second jump, jump sequence to include at least 2 double jumps, flying camel spin (6 revs), sit-sit or camel-camel (6 revs per foot), serpentine step sequence
  • Level 9: Double flip, jump combination 2 doubles NOT including double loop, jump combination 2 doubles with double loop as second, flying sit spin (5 revs), spin combo with 1 change of foot and 2 changes of position (6 revs per foot), layback or sideways spin (8 revs) or 2 foot cross foot spin (6 revs), sequence of spirals using full ice.
  • Level 10: Double lutz, jump combo of 2 doubles (one must be double flip or double lutz), jump sequence to involve 2 double jumps, death drop or flying change sit spin (6 revs), spin combo with one change of foot and 2 changes of position showing 3 different positions (6 revs per foot), spiral step sequence using full ice, free choice step sequence using full ice.
Interim Elements 2020
  • Level 1:
  1. 3 x Single jumps, excluding axel
  2. 1 x Combination jump, consisting of 2 x Single jumps
  3. Upright spin (Upright position only) with a change of foot and a minimum of 6 revolutions or without a change of foot and a minimum of 4 revolutions.
  4. Sit Spin or Camel Spin with no change of foot and 4 revs in total with minimum 2 in position
  5. 1 x Forward and 1 x Backward Spiral on a curve held for a minimum of 10 metres
  6. 1 x Choreographic sequence.
  • Level 2:
  1. Simple forward perimeter stroking in both directions. To be skated clockwise and anti-clockwise using a maximum of four to six strokes along the long sides.
  2. 3 x single jumps, one of which must be Flip, Lutz or axel
  3. 1 x Combination jump consisting of 2 x Single jumps.
  4. 1 x Combination Spin with only 1 change of position and no change of foot and 6 revs with minimum 2 revs in each basic position
  5. 1 x Spin with no change of position, excluding upright.
  6. 1 x Simple step sequence with full ice coverage
  • Level 3:
  1. 1 x Single Lutz
  2. 1 x Single Axel
  3. 1 x Jump combination of 2 x single jumps
  4. EITHER 1 x Jump sequence consisting of 1 x Single jump and 1 x Single Axel or 1 x Combination jump consisting of 1 x axel and 1 x single jump.
  5. 1 x Back entry Upright spin either with change of foot (min 6 revs) or without a change of foot (min 4 revs)
  6. 1 x Combination spin with at least 1 change of basic position and 1 change of foot, and minimum 6 revs in total with each basic position a minimum of 2 revs in position
  7. 1 x Step sequence utilising the full ice surface and including at least 3 one-footed turns of 2 different types.
  • Basic Novice:
  1. 1 x Single Axel
  2. 1 x Double jump
  3. 1 x Jump combination of 2 jumps consisting of EITHER 2 x Single jumps OR 1 x Double jump and 1 x Single jump
  4. 1 x Jump sequence consisting of 2 jumps maintaining rhythm and flow throughout consisting of EITHER 1 x Single jump + 1 x Single Axel OR 1 x Double jump + 1 x Single Axel
  5. 1 x Combination Spin with only 1 change of position and no change of foot and 6 revs with minimum 2 revs in each basic position
  6. A Basic Position spin, either Camel or Sit, with (only) one change of foot. (Minimum 3 revs in total and 2 revs in basic position on each foot)
  7. A step sequence utilising the full surface of the ice including at least 4 one-footed turns of minimum 2 different types with nothing repeated more than twice.
  • Intermediate Novice:
  1. 1 x Double Jump
  2. 1 x Double jump different from No. 1
  3. 1 Jump combination consisting of 2 x Double jumps
  4. EITHER 1 x Jump sequence consisting of 1 x Double jump and 1 x Single Axel or 1 x Combination jump consisting of 1 x Single Axel and 1 x Double jump.
  5. 1 x Basic Position spin from Camel or Sit with a change of foot and minimum 3 rev. on each foot or without a change of foot and minimum 6 revs in total.
  6. 1 x Combination Spin either with a change of foot and minimum 8 revs or without a change of foot and minimum 6 revs.
  7. 1 x Step sequence utilising the full ice surface including at least 5 one-footed turns with nothing repeated more than twice.
  • Advanced Novice:
  1. A double Flip or Lutz or Double Axel
  2. 3 different solo Double jumps different from that chosen in No. 1.
  3. A jump combination consisting of two double jumps
  4. 1 x jump sequence consisting of 1 x Double jump and 1 x Axel (single or double)
  5. A Combination Spin with a change of foot showing all 3 basic positions, with 8 revs in total and minimum 2 revs in each basic position.
  6. A Flying Camel spin (minimum 6 revs)
  7. One step sequence utilising the full ice surface including at least 5 one-footed turns with nothing repeated more than twice.
  • Junior:
  1. A double Axel
  2. 2 x different double jumps or triple jumps, not including axel.
  3. A jump combination consisting of two double jumps, one of which must be an edge take off.
  4. A jump combination consisting of two double jumps, one of which must be a toe take off. Must not be identical to No. 3 5. A flying sit spin or death drop with a minimum of 6 revs.
  5. A spin combination showing all 3 basic positions. Must have a change of foot and a minimum of 10 rev. in total. Flying entrance is not permitted.
  6. A Choreographic Sequence utilising the ice surface. As per ISU single free skating programme requirements.
  7. A Step Sequence fully utilising the Ice Surface. Must include at least 7 one-foot turns none of which can be counted more than twice.
  • Senior:
  1. A double Axel with speed and flow
  2. A Triple jump
  3. A Jump combination consisting of one double and one triple. (Triple jump may be a repeat of 2). One of the jumps must be a toe take off.
  4. A jump combination consisting of either 2 x double jumps or 1 x triple jump and 1 x double jump. One of the jumps must be an edge take off.
  5. A Flying (free choice) spin with a minimum of 8 revs in total.
  6. A spin combination showing all 3 basic positions. Must have a change of foot and a minimum of 10 rev. in total. Flying entrance is not permitted.
  7. A Choreographic Sequence fully utilising the ice surface as per ISU single free skating programme requirements.
  8. A Step Sequence fully utilising the Ice Surface. Must include at least 7 one foot turns, none of which can be counted more than twice.

Free programme

Until beginning of January 2021
  • Level 1: 1 min 30 second programme to include 2 different jumps, 1 spin, spiral (forward or backward), step sequence (10 metres)
  • Level 2: 1 min 30 second programme with 2 different jumps, a combination, 2 different spins, a step sequence (2/3 length of rink)
  • Level 3: 1 min 30 seconds with 2 different jumps one of which must be a flip, one jump combination, 2 different spins (from camel, sit, upright), step sequence (full length of rink)
  • Level 4: 2 mins with 2 different jumps one of which must be an axel, a jump combination with a flip or a lutz, 1 spin combination (which must include one change of position – 2 revs per position), 1 additional spin (min 4 revs), circular step sequence and a moves (i.e. spirals bauers) sequence
  • Level 5: 2 mins including axel with flow, 2 different jumps including one double, one jump combo including a flip/lutz, at least 2 different spins one with change of foot and one with change of position (3 revs per foot/position), and a spiral or Moves in the Field sequence (covering half the ice surface).
  • Level 6: 2 min 30 seconds, as for L5 but both jumps must be doubles and spiral sequence must use full ice.
  • Level 7: 3 mins including axel with flow, 2 different double jumps, one jump combo including a double, jump sequence including one double, at least 2 different spins including a spin combo and a flying spin (4 revs per foot/position), spiral sequence covering full ice.
  • Level 8: 3 mins (ladies) 3 mins 30 (men) including axel with speed and flow, 3 different double jumps, one jump combo including 2 doubles, at least 3 different spins including a spin combo and a flying spin (4 revs per foot/position), step sequence covering full ice.
  • Level 9: 3 mins 30 (ladies) 4 mins (men) including 4 different double jumps, one jump combo including 2 doubles, one flying spin (5 revs), 2 different spins including a spin combo (6 revs per foot), spiral sequence covering full ice.
  • Level 10: 4 mins (ladies) 4 mins 30 (men) including 5 different double jumps, one jump combo including 2 doubles, one flying spin (5 revs), 2 different spins including a spin combo (6 revs per foot), spiral sequence covering full ice, step sequence covering full ice
Interim Free 2020
  • Level 1: 1 minute 30 second programme consisting of 4 jump elements (singles, 1 x jump combination), a maximum of 2 spins of a different nature (one spin combination and one spin with no change of position), a maximum of 1 x choreographic sequence
  • Level 2: 1 minute 30 second OR 2 minute programme consisting of 4 jump elements (singles, minimum 1 and maximum 2 x jump combinations), 2 spins of a different nature - one spin combination and one spin with no change of position (both spins: min 6 revolutions with a change of foot OR min 4 revolutions without change of foot), 1 simple step sequence
  • Level 3: 2 minute programme consisting of max. 4 jump elements (singles or doubles, minimum 1 and maximum 2 x jump combinations), 2 spins of a different nature - one spin combination and one spin with no change of position (both spins: min 6 revolutions with a change of foot OR min 4 revolutions without change of foot), 1 step sequence with at least 3 one foot turns of 2 different types
  • Basic Novice: 2 minute OR 2 minute 30 seconds programme consisting of max. 4 jump elements (minimum 1 axel, minimum 1 and maximum 2 x jump combinations), 2 spins of a different nature - one spin combination and one spin with no change of position (both spins: min 6 revolutions with a change of foot OR min 4 revolutions without change of foot, flying entries permitted), 1 step sequence with at least 4 one foot turns of 2 different types
  • Intermediate Novice: 2 minute 30 seconds OR 3 minute programme consisting of max. 5 jump elements (minimum 1 axel, 2 different solo double jumps, 1 jump combination of 2 jumps - either 1 x double and 1 x single or 2 x double), 2 spins of a different nature - one spin combination and one spin with no change of position (both spins: min 8 revolutions with a change of foot OR min 6 revolutions without change of foot, flying entries permitted), 1 step sequence with at least 5 one foot turns of 2 different types
  • Advanced Novice: 3 minute programme consisting of 6 jump elements (1 axel, 3 different solo double jumps, 1 jump combination of 2 double jumps), 2 spins of a different nature - one spin combination and one spin with no change of position (both spins: min 8 revolutions with a change of foot OR min 6 revolutions without change of foot, flying entries permitted), 1 step sequence with at least 5 one foot turns
  • Junior: 3 minute or 3 minute 30 seconds programme consisting of 7 jump elements (1 double axel, 4 solo double or triple jumps, 2 jump combinations of 2 double jumps), 3 spins of a different nature - one spin combination, one flying spin and one spin with no change of position (spin combination min 10 revolutions, flying spin min 6 revolutions or 10 with flying entrance, basic position spin min 6 revolutions), 1 step sequence with at least 7 one foot turns
  • Senior: 4 minute programme consisting of 7 jump elements (1 double axel, 1 triple jump, 3 solo double jumps, 2 jump combinations of 2 double jumps), 3 spins of a different nature - one spin combination, one flying spin and one spin with no change of position (spin combination min 10 revolutions, flying spin min 6 revolutions or 10 with flying entrance, basic position spin min 6 revolutions), 1 step sequence with at least 7 one foot turns, 1 choreographic sequence

Compulsory Dance

It is not always clear which of the official tunes are needed for each dance, so these are shown in brackets where different from the dance name. Coaches will have copies of the official tunes which must be used for tests. Step patterns for many of the dances may be found Ice-Dance.com.

  • Level 1: Novice Foxtrot (Foxtrot), Rhythm Blues (Blues)
  • Level 2: Canasta Tango (Tango), Dutch Waltz (Waltz)
  • Level 3: Golden Skaters Waltz (Westminster Waltz), Riverside Rhumba
  • Level 4: Fiesta Tango (Tango), Swing Dance (Rocker Foxtrot)
  • Level 5: 14 Step, Willow Waltz (Waltz)
  • Level 6: European Waltz (Waltz), Foxtrot
  • Level 7: American Waltz, 22 Step
  • Level 8A: Rocker Foxtrot, Blues
  • Level 8B: Tango, Silver Samba (Samba)
  • Level 9A: Kilian, Starlight Waltz
  • Level 9B: Paso Doble, Argentine Tango
  • Level 10A: Viennese Waltz, Quickstep
  • Level 10B: Westminster Waltz, Rhumba
  • Level Gold Bar 1: Austrian Waltz, Cha Cha Congelado (must be skated as a couple)
  • Level Gold Bar 2: Ravensburger Waltz, Yankee Polka (must be skated as a couple)
  • Level Gold Star: Golden Waltz, Tango Romantica, Midnight Blues (must be skated as a couple)

Variations

  • Level 1: Rhythm Blues
  • Level 2: Canasta Tango

Original Dance

  • Level 3: 1 min 30 including a midline or diagonal step sequence. Couples may have one lift
  • Level 4: as for L3 plus 1 twizzle (1 rotation minimum).
  • Level 5: as for L4, plus twizzles in both directions (1 rotation minimum), up to 2 spins now allowed.
  • Level 6: as for L5, twizzles must be one set of twizzles (1 rotation minimum clockwise and anticlockwise) up to one step between
  • Level 7: 2 min including a midline or circular or diagonal step sequence, one set of twizzles (2 rotation minimum clockwise and anticlockwise) up to one step between, one but no more than 2 spins (3 revs). Couples may have one lift
  • Level 8: as for L7
  • Level 9: 2 mins 30 requirements as for L8
  • Level 10: as for L9 (2 lifts allowed)
  • Level Gold Bar 1: 2 min 30 program of senior championship standard
  • Level Gold Bar 2: 2 min 30 program of senior championship standard
  • Level Gold Star: 2 min 30 program of senior championship standard

FreeDance

  • Level 1: 1 min 30 including a midline or diagonal step sequence. Couples may have one lift
  • Level 2: as for L1
  • Level 3: as for L2, step sequence must be full length plus spin (3 revs), one twizzle (1 rotation).
  • Level 4: as for L3 may have 2 spins, plus twizzle (1 clockwise, 1 anticlockwise, 1 rotation minimum).
  • Level 5: as for L4
  • Level 6: as for L5, twizzles must be one set of twizzles clockwise and anticlockwise (2 rotation on each foot) up to three steps between.
  • Level 7: 2 min as for L6
  • Level 8: 2 min as for L7 couples may have 2 lifts, Step seq can also be serpentine.
  • Level 9: 3 mins as for L8
  • Level 10:3 mins as for L9
  • Level Gold Bar 1: 4 min program of senior championship standard
  • Level Gold Bar 2: 4 min program of senior championship standard
  • Level Gold Star: 4 min program of senior championship standard

Events

A calendar of events that British Ice Skating will host and organise can be found here.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Figure skating</span> Ice sport performed on figure skates

Figure skating is a sport in which individuals, pairs, or groups perform on figure skates on ice. It was the first winter sport to be included in the Olympic Games, with its introduction occurring at the 1908 Olympics in London. The Olympic disciplines are men's singles, women's singles, pair skating, and ice dance; the four individual disciplines are also combined into a team event, which was first included in the Winter Olympics in 2014. The non-Olympic disciplines include synchronized skating, Theater on Ice, and four skating. From intermediate through senior-level competition, skaters generally perform two programs, which, depending on the discipline, may include spins, jumps, moves in the field, lifts, throw jumps, death spirals, and other elements or moves.

Figure skating jumps are an element of three competitive figure skating disciplines: men's singles, women's singles, and pair skating – but not ice dancing. Jumping in figure skating is "relatively recent". They were originally individual compulsory figures, and sometimes special figures; many jumps were named after the skaters who invented them or from the figures from which they were developed. It was not until the early part of the 20th century, well after the establishment of organized skating competitions, when jumps with the potential of being completed with multiple revolutions were invented and when jumps were formally categorized. In the 1920s Austrian skaters began to perform the first double jumps in practice. Skaters experimented with jumps, and by the end of the period, the modern repertoire of jumps had been developed. Jumps did not have a major role in free skating programs during international competitions until the 1930s. During the post-war period and into the 1950s and early 1960s, triple jumps became more common for both male and female skaters, and a full repertoire of two-revolution jumps had been fully developed. In the 1980s men were expected to complete four or five difficult triple jumps, and women had to perform the easier triples. By the 1990s, after compulsory figures were removed from competitions, multi-revolution jumps became more important in figure skating.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Figure skating spins</span> Element in competitve figure skating

Spins are an element in figure skating in which the skater rotates, centered on a single point on the ice, while holding one or more body positions. They are performed by all disciplines of the sport, single skating, pair skating, and ice dance, and are a required element in most figure skating competitions. As The New York Times says, "While jumps look like sport, spins look more like art. While jumps provide the suspense, spins provide the scenery, but there is so much more to the scenery than most viewers have time or means to grasp". According to world champion and figure skating commentator Scott Hamilton, spins are often used "as breathing points or transitions to bigger things".

The toe loop jump is the simplest jump in the sport of figure skating. It was invented in the 1920s by American professional figure skater Bruce Mapes. The toe loop is accomplished with a forward approach on the inside edge of the blade; the skater then switches to a backward-facing position before their takeoff, which is accomplished from the skater's right back outside edge and left toepick. The jump is exited from the back outside edge of the same foot. It is often added to more difficult jumps during combinations and is the most common second jump performed in combinations. It is also the most commonly attempted jump.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Artistic roller skating</span> Type of sport similar to figure skating

Artistic roller skating is a competitive sport similar to figure skating but where competitors wear roller skates instead of ice skates. Within artistic roller skating, there are several disciplines:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kimmie Meissner</span> American figure skater (born 1989)

Kimberly Claire Meissner is an American former competitive figure skater. She is the 2006 World champion, the 2007 Four Continents champion, and the 2007 U.S. national champion. She is the first American and the first woman to simultaneously hold the World, Four Continents, and national titles. In 2005, Meissner became the second American woman to land the triple Axel jump in national competition. She was the youngest American athlete to compete at the 2006 Olympics, coming in sixth place. She won the World Championships the following month, and the U.S. Nationals the following season. She was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2020.

A spiral is an element in figure skating where the skater glides on one foot while raising the free leg above hip level. It is akin to the arabesque in ballet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Three-turn</span> Figure skating element

A three-turn is a figure skating element which involves both a change in direction and a change in edge. For example, when a skater executes a forward outside three-turn, the skater begins on a forward outside edge and finishes on a backwards inside edge. There are eight three-turns in all; one for each possible combination of direction, skating foot, and edge.

A twizzle is "a multirotational, one-foot turn that moves across the ice" in the sport of figure skating. First performed by David Grant in 1990 the International Skating Union (ISU) defines a twizzle as "a traveling turn on one foot with one or more rotations which is quickly rotated with a continuous (uninterrupted) action". It is most often performed in ice dance, although single skaters and pair skaters also perform the element. Twizzles have been called "the quads of ice dance" because like quadruple jumps in other disciplines, twizzles are risky and technically demanding.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pair skating</span> Discipline of figure skating

Pair skating is a figure skating discipline defined by the International Skating Union (ISU) as "the skating of two persons in unison who perform their movements in such harmony with each other as to give the impression of genuine Pair Skating as compared with independent Single Skating". The ISU also states that a pairs team consists of "one Woman and one Man". Pair skating, along with men's and women's single skating, has been an Olympic discipline since figure skating, the oldest Winter Olympic sport, was introduced at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London. The ISU World Figure Skating Championships introduced pair skating in 1908.

The ISU Judging System or the International Judging System (IJS), occasionally referred to as the Code of Points (COP) system, is the scoring system that has been used since 2004 to judge the figure skating disciplines of men's and ladies' singles, pair skating, ice dance, and synchronized skating. It was designed and implemented by the International Skating Union (ISU), the ruling body of the sport.

The following is a glossary of figure skating terms, sorted alphabetically.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Single skating</span> Discipline of figure skating

Single skating is a discipline of figure skating in which male and female skaters compete individually. Men's singles and women's singles are governed by the International Skating Union (ISU). Figure skating is the oldest winter sport contested at the Olympics, with men's and women's single skating appearing as two of the four figure skating events at the London Games in 1908.

The short program of figure skating is the first of two segments of competitions, skated before the free skating program. It lasts, for both senior and junior singles and pair skaters, 2 minutes and 40 seconds. In synchronized skating, for both juniors and seniors, the short program lasts 2 minutes and 50 seconds. Vocal music with lyrics is allowed for all disciplines since the 2014–2015 season. The short program for single skaters and for pair skaters consists of seven required elements, and there are six required elements for synchronized skaters.

The free skating segment of figure skating, also called the free skate and the long program, is the second of two segments of competitions, skated after the short program. Its duration, across all disciplines, is four minutes for senior skaters and teams, and three and one-half minutes for junior skaters and teams. Vocal music with lyrics is allowed for all disciplines since the 2014—2015 season. The free skating program, across all disciplines, must be well-balanced and include certain elements described and published by the International Skating Union (ISU).

A step sequence is a required element in all four disciplines of figure skating, men's single skating, women's single skating, pair skating, and ice dance. Step sequences have been defined as "steps and turns in a pattern on the ice". Skaters earn the most points in step sequences by performing steps and movements with "flair and personality", by turning in both directions, by using one foot and then the other, and by including up and down movements.

The Axel jump or Axel Paulsen jump, named after its inventor, Norwegian figure skater Axel Paulsen, is an edge jump performed in figure skating. It is the sport's oldest and most difficult jump, and the only basic jump in competition with a forward take-off, which makes it the easiest to identify. A double or triple Axel is required in both the short program and the free skating segment for junior and senior single skaters in all events sanctioned by the International Skating Union (ISU).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bradie Tennell</span> American figure skater

Bradie Tennell is an American figure skater. She is a 2018 Olympic team event bronze medalist, the 2020 Four Continents bronze medalist, the 2018 CS Autumn Classic champion, the 2018 CS Golden Spin of Zagreb champion, and a two-time U.S. national champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Competition elements in ice dance</span>

Ice dance, a discipline of figure skating, has required elements that make up a well-balanced rhythm dance program and free dance program, which must be performed during competitions. They include: the dance lift, the dance spin, the step sequence, turn sequences, and choreographic elements. The elements must be performed in specific ways, as described by published communications by the International Skating Union (ISU), unless otherwise specified. The ISU has also provided a list of illegal movements.

A choreographic sequence is a required element for figure skating in all international competitions. It is required in the free skating programs of senior and junior single skaters and in the free skating programs of senior pair skaters. It is also required during ice dancers' rhythm dances and free dances. Judges do not evaluate individual elements in a choreographic sequence; rather, they note that it was accomplished. Skaters must fulfill certain requirements to fulfill the highest points possible during choreographic sequences. There are six types of choreographic elements in ice dance: the Choreographic lift, the Choreographic spinning movement, the Choreographic assisted jump movement, the Choreographic twizzling movement, the Choreographic sliding movement, and the Choreographic character step sequence.

References

  1. 1 2 3 DL Bird 1979 Our Skating Heritage. London.
  2. ↑ Hines, James R. (2011). Historical Dictionary of Figure Skating. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. p. xxxi. ISBN   978-0-8108-6859-5.
  3. ↑ "Exciting times ahead as NISA glides to its future as British Ice Skating". National Ice Skating Association. November 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
  4. ↑ "Learn to Skate - Skate UK - Basic Skills Programme". British Ice Skating. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
  5. ↑ "Learn to Skate - Skate UK Star". British Ice Skating. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
  6. ↑ "Test Update for Members - 27.08.2020". British Ice Skating. 27 August 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
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