ISU Communication No. 1655: Decisions of the ISU Council (including JGP 2011-12 info)

[Ziggy]

What's the big deal? The Junior Grand Prix Final is not the end-all-be-all of the sport. The reduction in spots only means that the final will consist of more elite dancers. All teams will still have a chance to gain important international experience on the JGP circuit, which is the goal for most teams anyway.

The big deal is that GP and JGP spots are being slowly reduced.

We went from 10 to 8 spots in senior Pairs.

Then ISU removed the Pairs event from half of the JGP events (which admittedly does make sense given the number of pairs competing but if the discipline is to grow...).

Then the number of JGP events were reduced from 8 to 7.

And now the number of finalists is reduced from 8 to 6 for Pairs and Ice Dance.

Pairs can kind of be understood but Dance?

So yes - the point is that the number of competition opportunities is slowly being eroded. And once things are cut, they most likely ain't gonna return. :/

[chipso1]

The big deal is that GP and JGP spots are being slowly reduced.

We went from 10 to 8 spots in senior Pairs.

This change makes sense to me, though. Since there can only be 4 teams per warm-up group, it's awkward to have groups of 2-4-4 or 3-3-4.

And really, with the pairs fields in Canada and France this year, I'm kinda glad they're capped at 8.

The JGPF pairs/dance reductions make no sense to me. All that's happening is teams are losing valuable international experience and a shot at ISU ranking points. I can't imagine the cost savings will be that high.

[Ziggy]

This change makes sense to me, though. Since there can only be 4 teams per warm-up group, it's awkward to have groups of 2-4-4 or 3-3-4.

And really, with the pairs fields in Canada and France this year, I'm kinda glad they're capped at 8.

Competitive opportunities for skaters > awkward warm-up groups.

And this year is not exactly typical with all the injuries and illnesses.

[chipso1]

Competitive opportunities for skaters > awkward warm-up groups.

I didn't say I was a fan of it (except for this year), just that it makes sense to me.

I agree that more competition chances allow skaters better development opportunities, but to realize that Speedy would actually have to be a fan of skating.

[Ziggy]

I agree that more competition chances allow skaters better development opportunities, but to realize that Speedy would actually have to be a fan of skating.

Yep, it all comes back to that I guess.

[Aussie Willy]

It is about time Australia got one. Will have to put those dates in my diary now.

[allezfred]

How odd that 2013 Four Continents is announced when 2012 hasn't been decided (has it?).

Anyway, if this is true I might have to consider going to Osaka that year since I won't be going to Fake London for Worlds.

[mgobluegirl]

Beginning in 2012, there will be a Jr. World Synchronized Skating Championships, too.

Isn't that what World Challenge Cup for Juniors already was, essentially?

[Ziggy]

Isn't that what World Challenge Cup for Juniors already was, essentially?

Yep, it was like a warm-up for Junior Worlds.

[cygnus]

I really hope USA gets the final, since it seems odd they wouldn't have any JGP events 2 years in a row!

Canada hasn't had a JGP since 2005. Or a GP final since 2002.

(I have no idea if they have asked for one or not- but it makes me sad.)

[ebayj]

I guess I'll continue living in hope that Canada or the US will see the Grand Prix Final (combined) in December 2011. It's about time, to say the least.

[Jenna]

I guess I'll continue living in hope that Canada or the US will see the Grand Prix Final (combined) in December 2011. It's about time, to say the least.

Agreed! Preferably on the east coast.

[DORISPULASKI]

Dunno. If it's on the East Coast, they'll probably put it at Lake Placid...not my favorite venue at all.

[alilou]

Please please please let it be the west coast

[kirkbiggestfan]

Dunno. If it's on the East Coast, they'll probably put it at Lake Placid...not my favorite venue at all.

Or glamourous Hartford, CT!

[DORISPULASKI]

Ahh! As a Swamp Yankee myself, I resent your implications about the Insurance Capital of the World-

Actually, I enjoyed Skate America there...

and if 4CC's were there I could go easily

Whit Davis in the clip above is the quintessential Swamp Yankee (and sounds just like my dad used to sound).

[kirkbiggestfan]

I enjoyed Skate America there too and it's convenient for the Boston/NYC fans. For skating popularity, I'd rather see it at a venue like Madison Square Garden. Very unlikely though.

[UMBS Go Blue]

Agreed! Preferably on the east coast.

Make that Boston... or Hanover, New Hampshire, where I learned to skate, around the big college seal on center ice.