A Slice of Ice
Volume 15, Number 4
December, 2002

RFSC Sweeps Up!! 
By Norie Quatroche

They explode onto the ice to gather the tokens of affection -- flowers, stuffed animals, and candy – tossed by fans to their favorite skaters. They’re the flower sweepers. You see them at every major competition, these “flower children” of the figure skating world. Now, with the 2003 World Figure Skating Championships being held in Washington, DC, several of our own club members will have the unique opportunity to share the spotlight, and TV screens across the world, as flower sweepers.

The role of flower sweeper has evolved over the years as figure skating fans and the seating capacities of figure skating venues have grown. Years ago, the skaters themselves used to collect the items thrown to them. Today, it would be impractical to expect the skaters to “sweep” the ice before heading to the “kiss and cry” area to await their scores.

The call went out in May for regional skaters interested in trying out for the role of ice sweeper. In August the skaters gathered at the Fort DuPont Ice Arena in Washington to showcase their skating skills with the hopes of being one of the chosen few selected. Sixty-two children heeded the call, including RFSC’s Michael Conigliaro, Jessica Crenshaw, Meagan Johnson, Laura Pickard, Brooke Shortridge, and Jessica Lee Smith. Sweeper hopefuls had to demonstrate their skating skills, ice presence, poise, and enthusiasm. According to the local organizing committee, the high quality of skating skills exhibited at the tryouts prompted the judges to award all of our skaters one of the coveted spots.

Are there any special preparations or training given to the sweepers before taking the world stage? According to Laura Pickard, there are four optional sessions that will be held at Fort DuPont Ice Arena. Each of the sessions are divided into one hour of training, including stroking, stops, and basic edges; 30 minutes of freestyle skating, with two skaters selected to do exhibition programs; and 30 minutes of off-ice discussions about various skating topics such as USFSA testing, world competitions, and skating elements.

An additional incentive is the opportunity for skaters to share their skills with the Fort DuPont “Kids on Ice” Learn to Skate program. This program is an outreach program for Washington children who might not otherwise have the opportunity or the means to participate in the sport.

Sweepers need to skate fast, and they need to have a good eye. The sweepers, 10 at a time, have approximately 15 to 30 seconds to clear the ice in preparation for the next skater. In addition to collecting the tokens from the fans, the sweepers will also be looking out for sequins, hairpins, feathers, or other items left on the ice that could spell disaster for a skater if accidentally hit by a blade.

How did it feel to be selected? Laura Pickard gave a big smile and said, wistfully, “I’m going to worlds.” When she received her letter from the selection committee, Brooke Shortridge said, “I was so excited! I called Laura (Pickard) and when I found out she was picked, too, we both started screaming.” 

Now that selections have been made, what are these ice sweepers looking forward to? Typical of most young ladies, Brooke Shortridge said she couldn’t wait to see what they would wear. “No puffy sleeves, I hope” said Brooke. No matter what the organizing committee selects, the experience of being an integral part of the 2003 Worlds is surely something all of these young skaters will always remember as a highlight of their skating experiences.

It’s About the JOY! 
By Mary Ruth Halapatz

Wherever you see the name Janet Lynn, the words charismatic, exuberant, and popular are sure to be nearby. Although the 5-time U.S. National Champion with outstanding freeskating never won an Olympic gold medal, she won the heart of the world by smiling through her tears in defeat. It’s been 30 years since Janet’s last amateur appearance, but fans still talk about her brilliant smile as she sat on the Olympic ice after a flubbed flying sitspin. Toller Cranston, who competed in many of the same competitions as Janet, said, “…on the ice, she became ethereal, magical. – … she had million dollar teeth. It wasn’t that they were perfect teeth, but she had a smile that was worth a million. It electrified you. It was a scandalous smile. People ran to see her… “ [Figure Skating: A Celebration by Beverley Smith, pp. 55-56] 

Janet Lynn, Scott Hamilton, Kurt Browning, Dorothy Hamill, Michelle Kwan. How often have we watched them on the ice and truly lost ourselves in the performance? Of course, all of our favorite skaters possess extraordinary skating talent. All of them worked long, hard training hours perfecting their skills. Many times, however, it wasn’t the technical performance that entranced - it was the way the skater embodied the music and portrayed his/her pure passion or joy for the sport. The skater’s pure enjoyment radiated to the audience, drawing them into the program.

What makes some skaters and their performances so special? The proper goals help keep athletes working for improvement and their achievement requires commitment and discipline. But, in her book, The Long Program, Peggy Fleming wrote that although goals, focus and discipline are vital to an athlete’s success, sometimes they can make a sport more stressful and rigid than it has to be. “The first thing an athlete requires,” she writes, “is joy. I loved skating. Not that I loved getting up at five in the morning, getting to the rink before school, going to school all day until heading back before dinner… It’s just that I loved skating so much I was willing to pay the price.” 

As with other sports, and in fact, with all other endeavors, fear of failure is the biggest obstacle to finding and maintaining joy. Skaters are surrounded by parents, coaches, judges, other skaters and spectators, all of whom express pleasure with or disapproval of their performances. Striving to please all of these people puts inordinate amounts of pressure on the skater, which, in turn, can drive pleasure out of the sport. In an effort to please everyone else, the skater loses his or her own delight. When this inner joy is lost, performances can become stilted and unexpressive, and boring to watch. 

Of course, we all want to be technically correct and to be beautiful skaters. But we all make mistakes from time to time. We have good practices and not so good ones. During less-than-perfect times, it’s important to remember that we are learning from our mistakes. Coaches and judges are there to give us constructive criticism, if we choose to take it that way. If we can take that criticism, and use it to improve our skating, subsequent praise from a coach or judge is all the sweeter!

What’s most important to maintaining the joy of skating? The secret lies in being yourself. A skater can portray a thousand different characters or moods, but that character or mood must come from inside the skater. In an interview on ABC Sports, Peggy Fleming was asked about her strongest memory of Michelle Kwan’s freeskates. Fleming said, “My favorite free skate of Michelle Kwan's was the '98 nationals, because she really had a beautiful program to "Lyrica Angelica," and it was to show the joy of skating. Michelle really has such soul when she skates. You can't hide anything when it comes to figure skating. Your personality comes out in your skating, and I think Michelle had that package that year: of the music, the costume and the quality of the performance. I really think that she was really herself, and, she was wonderful.” http://espn.go.com/abcsports/wwos/fleming/kwan.html

Yuka Sato is my favorite pro skater. She embodies everything that is right about skating-great technique and presentation along with showing the joy of skating in every performance. Kathleen McFadden in Herstory

"We think of the short program as a declaration of war," says Carroll. "… The second program is designed to show the joy of skating and beauty of skating. It doesn't have a theme like her previous programs. It's just about loving skating." 
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/olympics/events/1998/nagano/athlete_of_day/kwan

Strutting your stuff with an arrogant attitude will not do the trick! True poise implies an impeccably elegant technique and above all a sincere celebration of the JOY OF SKATING. http://www.geocities.com/skatingchoreographyhandbook/movementdesign

The German brother-sister ice dancing team of Stephanie and Thomas Rauer is a highlight of any competition. "The applause is a big reason why we are skating," Thomas stated. People like what we do. It's fun for the people and fun for us. We want to keep skating as long as possible and have fun with it. I think we would be good show skaters." 
http://goldenskate.com/articles/2001/103101.shtml


“'Real' skating is bottomless joy” in Out & About, by Eowyn LeMay Ivey (who grew up skating on Alaskan frozen lakes)

Richmond Twizzlers Head South to the USFSA Sectional Championships
Submitted by Stephanie Meier

The Richmond Twizzlers Synchronized Skating Team will be heading to Charleston, SC January 22-25 to represent the RFSC at the 2003 US Eastern Synchronized Team Skating Championships! This event draws Introductory through Senior-level teams from up and down the East Coast, and advances the top qualifying –level teams to US Nationals. The event spans four days, including both Qualifying and Championship rounds, and wraps up with an official Competitors’ Party. The Richmond Twizzlers will be competing at the Teen Introductory level in a field of over twenty teams, and will perform a program to flamenco music.

The Twizzlers' 2002-2003 season began with tryouts in late August. New members Hannah Sullivan, Mary Clark Lind and Bridget Fulks joined returning members Claire Marsh, Amanda Morrissette, Lindsay Saltzberg, Sarah Purgason, Christina Meyer and Stefanie Sacks for the team’s second season. The team practices on- and off-ice on Monday evenings, and off-ice on Thursday evenings. While the upcoming months include several scheduled exhibitions, the skaters are mostly looking forward to the time they have to polish the program, and are very excited about representing the Club at Sectionals. 

If you see a Twizzler around the rinks, be sure to wish them luck!

Calling All Skaters Ages 12 and Younger!!!

The Richmond Twizzlers would like to add a Youth Introductory Synchronized Skating Team in the Spring of 2003! Skaters should be at the Delta/Basic 8 level or higher. If you are interested, please attend one of our Open House Practices, or contact Stephanie Meier at 741-8198, or check out our website at www.richmondtwizzlers.com for more information.

Richmond Twizzlers Launch New Website!

If you are interested in learning more about the Richmond Twizzlers or Synchronized Team Skating, please visit the Twizzlers’ new website at www.richmondtwizzlers.com!

Coming Twizzler Events:

Program Exhibitions – Tuesday, December 17 – 7:00pm at SkateNation Plus, and Saturday, December 21 – 10:30am at SkateNation Plus

Eastern Competition Send-Off – Monday, January 20 – 6:10pm at SkateNation Plus

Come out and wish the team good luck as they perform one last time before heading to Sectionals!

Days with PSA*
By Mary Ruth Halapatz

Grassroots in Reston

Becoming a good coach is a long, involved process. Mastery of technical skills is only a beginning. Continuing education opportunities, like the Grassroots Coaching Seminar I attended June 22 at SkateQuest of Reston, VA are fine ways to improve basic skills and group teaching techniques.

2002 was the second year for this annual seminar. I have to admit that last year, as a new coach and relatively new skater myself, I was a little intimidated by a seminar filled with lifelong skaters and high-level coaches. The terminology was unfamiliar, as was the seminar structure. This year, however, with a full year of group teaching under my belt, I was ready to broaden my horizons and to start honing my teaching skills.

Deb Spence and Stef White did a great job again finding on and off-ice experts for Grassroots, and structured the day to address the needs of both low and high-level coaches. Janet Tremer, Master-rated in Group, taught on-ice sessions in group management again this year. Her creative teaching activities are a proven hit on the ice. Janet’s ideas and suggestions have made me a Dollar Store devotee – I’m always looking for inexpensive toys to use to make learning skating fun for my classes.

Maude White taught on-ice sessions on Moves in the Field, and Robbie Kaine presented dance and freestyle skills on-ice, and sports psychologist Sharon Petro, educator Walt Tremer and equipment expert Mike Cunningham presented the off-ice sessions.

The day’s presentations closed with an explanation of the PSA rating exam process and a mock exam. For those outside PSA, and even for some within it, the words “rating exam” conjure up images reminiscent of the Spanish Inquisition. For that reason, the “examiners” explained the process to the “candidate” and to the rest of us as they went through it. By the end of the “exam,” we all had an idea of how a rating exam would be conducted, and had some tips to help us succeed.

The seminar ended with the Basic Accreditation Exam and/or a Sports Medicine Exam. PSA requires all persons pursuing any coaching rating to first successfully complete the Basic Exam and a Sports Medicine Exam appropriate to the level of the rating. The Basic Exam covers introductory material on biomechanics, nutrition, sports medicine, ethics and other subjects, while the Sports Medicine Exams covers areas including anatomy, training and psychology in more detail. 

While the selected seminar presentations were certainly helpful, and the tips offered by the master-rated coaches will be invaluable, one of the most important aspects of the meetings was the opportunity to network with other coaches, who like me, were there to learn. During lunch and between presentations, we had plenty of opportunities to talk, and some of us traded e-mail addresses to keep in touch. Both the presenters and participants seemed eager to work together to assure our development as safe, knowledgeable, successful coaches. The seminar was a forum for open discussion and the relaxed mood invited participation. 

I’ve heard and read a lot of discussion about PSA and how obtaining a rating is superfluous, especially for coaches who are accomplished lifelong skaters. That may be so for some coaches. But, PSA offers a structured approach to developing a well-rounded coach who is knowledgeable about skating techniques, and about the person inside and persons around the skater. The costs of joining PSA, taking tests and ratings exams and attending training activities can seem prohibitive, but the learning and networking opportunities are invaluable. Since I feel that continuing education is important for any profession, it’s only natural to me to take advantage of any training that can make me better in my field. I look forward to challenges of achieving my first PSA rating.

A PSA rating is a milestone in the continuing education of a coach and certifies that a coach has mastered a particular performance standard and attained the appropriate knowledge base. A rating, like a college diploma, vouches for an individual’s capabilities and serves as a letter of introduction and recommendation to potential employers: it substantiates a resume. 

I’m looking forward to the next Grassroots seminar. I hope we’ll have many new faces among us when we meet again next year.

PSA Workshop in Charlottesville

On November 23, Rebecca Arnowitz and Mary Ruth Halapatz attended a PSA continuing education workshop for coaches in Charlottesville. Conducted totally off-ice, Master-rated Luis Lovett covered drawing techniques and the importance of being able to properly explain movements verbally for both students and PSA examiners. Gail White, professional mediator and skating director, discussed conflict and conflict resolution. 

Sports Medicine exams were offered after the sessions. 

Competition Results

Reporting competition results: 

We’re proud of all our skaters and want to recognize their efforts, but we need your help. Competition result forms are in the Club box at both rinks. Place completed forms in the newsletter article folder for pickup. Results must be in the box by the newsletter deadline, and only those results will be published. Thank you for your continued support.

USFSA So. Atlantic Regionals – York, PA
No-test FS Jordan Hiegel 1st
No-test FS (Final) Jordan Hiegel 3rd
Pre-Pre Comp Kaitlin Quick 
Pre-Pre Kaitlin Quick
Pre Comp Stefanie Sacks 3rd
Pre Stefanie Sacks 
Juv(Finals) Michael Conigliaro 6th


Fall Classic – Yorktown, VA
Alpha Rebecca Smiley 1st
Comp3 Kathy Bowers 1st
ART3 Kathy Bowers 1st
Comp4 Karen Watson 1st
ART4 Karen Watson 1st
Ftwk4 Karen Watson 1st
SPLE4 Karen Watson 1st
FamSPLE The Brands 1st

Watch for more information about these coming ISI competitions!

January 20, 2003 – 2003 Winter Open, Gardens Ice House, Laurel, MD
March 1-2, 2003 – SkateAnnapolis 2003, US Naval Academy, MD

April 5-6, 2003 – 2003 District IV, Cabin John Ice Arena, Rockville, MD 

Good Job! 

We would like to congratulate the following members for passing the USFSA tests listed below. These tests were taken between August, 2002 and November, 2002. If you have passed a test and it is not listed, or you notice any errors, please contact AJ Fisher at 741-9477. 

Pre-Preliminary Moves: Khanh Dao

Pre-Preliminary Freestyle: Bridget Fulks, Sarah Janicek, Michael Pearce, Sarah Purgason, Hannah Sullivan

Preliminary Moves: Alexandra Hickling, Julia Eberheim

Preliminary Freestyle: Alexandra Hickling

Preliminary Pairs: Brian Dewey

Pre-Juvenile Moves: Danielle Bartulewicz

Pre-Juvenile Freestyle: Vaidehi Joshi

Juvenile Moves: Vaidehi Joshi, Michelle Akerman

Intermediate Moves: Ben Michael, Holly Sealey

Intermediate Freestyle: Jessica Lee Smith

Dutch Waltz: Danielle Bartulewicz, Aditi Joshi, Kim Price, Joy Gower, Leigh Anne Vinson

Canasta Tango: Danielle Bartulewicz, Joy Gower, Leigh Anne Vinson, Kim Price

Rhythm Blues: Rachel Bellet, Emily Bulik-Sullivan, Danielle Bartulewicz, Joy Gower, Kim Price, Leigh Anne Vinson

Cha Cha: Rachel Bellet, Rita Keener

Ten Fox: Erica Flagg, Holly Sealey

Hickory Hoedown: Vaidehi Joshi

Willow Waltz: Katelin Manning, Holly Sealey

Fourteenstep: Erica Flagg, Alissa Babaeva, Jessica F. Smith, Katie Kitchen, Megan McFadden

Foxtrot: Jessica Crenshaw

American Waltz: Jessica Lee Smith, Mary-Wynn Rogers

Kilian: Stefany Fisher

Blues: Stefany Fisher

Paso Doble: Nicole Zawojski 

Everything You Wanted to Know About Test Judging,
But Were Afraid to Ask… 
By Stephanie Meier with excerpts from the USFSA Website

Have you ever wondered how those men and women who preside over our Freestyle, Moves and Dance tests got to be judges in the first place? We all assume that judges have spent much time and energy learning how to determine quality technical skating, but what some of us may not realize is that these judges are not only former competitive skaters and coaches, but also recreational skaters, adult skaters, skating moms, dads and grandparents, and other skating enthusiasts simply looking to volunteer their time to help advance the sport they love. Volunteering to be a judge is one of the best ways to become involved in skating, to share skating knowledge and to help other skaters reach their goals. Becoming a judge is also very beneficial to your home club, as it allows test sessions to be scheduled more easily and more often, and at less cost than bringing in out-of-town judges. In addition, it will help build working relationships between club skaters and judges, and will allow skaters more frequent access to judges’ feedback.

As the sport of figure skating grows even more popular, the USFSA is always looking for individuals who have the desire, background, ethics and interest in becoming test judges. If you have been looking for a new way to become involved in skating or in your club, keep reading. Judging might be right for you!

Would I make a good figure skating judge?

There are certain characteristics which individuals should have if they want to become qualified judges. These include:

1. Sincere Desire to Be of Service to the Sport – Dedication is essential because all judges must spend hours studying and furthering their judging education. Judges must also have the desire to serve in a manner that upholds and improves judging standards.

2. Ability to Make Independent Decisions – A judge should display objectivity, self-confidence, tact and decisiveness. They should judge objectively and not be influenced by other persons, marking skating accurately and without bias.

3. Proper Temperament and Ability to Handle Stress – A good judge must be able to control his or her emotions even after being challenged on a mark or placement. A judge should be able to handle a confrontation with an upset skater, parent, or coach.

4. Knowledge of the Sport – While former skaters and coaches have a broader base of technical skating knowledge, a limited skating background should not discourage anyone interested in becoming a judge. All trial judges must put in hours necessary to improve their technical knowledge of the sport.

Where to Start

First, start by expressing your interest in judging to your home club, which will help you register as a trial judge. Begin studying through sample trial judge papers and testing guidebooks provided by the USFSA, and familiarize yourself with the test level standards from the USFSA rulebook. You may begin trial judging at your home club or other regional test session. This means that you will practice-judge low-level tests, and your practice trial papers will be sent to an assigned monitor who will keep a record of your progression for future official judging “appointments.” During trial tests, feel free to ask other judges ahead of time for helpful hints on how to judge efficiently and effectively.

It is important to begin the trial judging experience with realistic expectations. Trial judging is a volunteer activity and does require the commitment of both financial and personal (Continued…) (Everything … continued) (time) resources. However, keep in mind that the potential rewards are enormous. Continuing education in the areas of judging and skating requirements is vital for individuals who want to progress as judges. Trial judges must attend a judging school before they may apply for an appointment. You can contact local clubs, judges, USFSA Headquarters or the USFSA website to determine where and when schools will be held. These schools travel to different locations, but are always offered in your home club’s region. As you begin trial judging and even receive your first appointment, you may decide to start trial judging in another discipline. Becoming a qualified low-test judge in a variety of disciplines will make you a very valuable judge to clubs in your area.

If you are interested in becoming a test judge for the RFSC or simply would like to learn more about what is involved, please contact Stephanie Meier at 741-8198 or e-mail to meier741@msn.com.

Look for the next issue of Slice of Ice
Spring 2003

The deadline for submission of articles and photographs for the next issue is February 28, 2003. Place them in the newsletter section of RFSC box at the Ice Zone or SkateNation Plus. Please identify persons and events in photographs for proper captioning. Photographs will be returned if properly marked.

The Richmond Figure Skating Club looks forward to growth and the skating opportunities in the Richmond community. We are a supporting force in the development of Richmond’s figure skating training centers. Everyone is welcome to join us.