HOW GOOD DO YOU NEED TO BE TO COMPETE?

[FSWer]

Say,I was on vacation,and this question came to me...How good DO you need to be to compete? Does it also have anything to do with the Discipline you skate?

 

[overedge]

@FSWer it really depends on what competition you enter and what the rules are.

Some competitions have divisions based on what tests the skaters have passed, and in these usually there is a "no test" category in freeskate, for lower level skaters who haven't passed any tests. In other competitions, like some adult competitions, each category has a set of rules (E. G. no double jumps) and skaters enter the category whose requirements most closely match what they can do.

But even in the low level and beginner categories, skaters usually don't compete until they can do basic stroking and crossovers.

 

[Yazmeen]

For even the lowest level competitions, you'd need to at the very least be able to skate on one foot comfortably and do crossovers. For ice dance, the lowest level possible would be the ability to do at least the compulsory dances of the Dutch Waltz and Canasta Tango as a solo skater. And while these involve only forward skating, they require one foot glides on outside and inside edges, progressives (ice dance term for crossovers), stroking into one foot skating, and in the tango, chasses, which are a smooth move from one foot to the other sliding the free foot forward. Partnered skating requires more skills and is frequently done at higher levels although there are partnered compulsory dances. However, in those, both skaters must be able to perform the skills completely - you can't have one skater doing the moves and pulling the other skater along, you have to match each other in skills and and presentation.

 

[treesprite]

There are Learn to Skate competitions afor every level, including skaters who can't yet do crossovers.

FSWer, if there is a Special Olympics skating or Therapeutic Skating program in your area, maybe you can get involved with that program, so you would be able to compete or participate in a show at your skill level. I am a Parks Program Access lesson assistant. I work with a skater who is your level, and if he can skate across the ice on one foot by November, I will partner with him to be in our rink's winter show. Maybe you can find someone who would work with you to do the same thing. Even though the student I'm talking about can't yet glide on one foot, we jump together on two feet holding hands, and do a kind of two-foot spin together with him in the middle and me skating around him so he can turn. I am sure if someone helped you look, that you could find a volunteer to work with you (I wish you lived here, because I would help you).

 

[FSWer]

Why would they limit the moves you can do? Why would you not be able to do a Double?

 

[Yazmeen]

Why would they limit the moves you can do? Why would you not be able to do a Double?

FSWer, moves are limited at different competition levels to be fair. This is why there all the different levels for U.S. Figure Skating and in other countries. Think about it - would it be fair for a skater who can only do single jumps to compete against Ashley Wagner who can do triples? Of course not. You compete at the level in which you can effectively compete and show your skating skills. You don't just compete because you want to, you work with a coach to find a competition that is right for you at your level and skills.

 

[overedge]

@FSWer limiting the moves doesn't mean that no one in the competition is allowed to do those moves. The moves are limited for particular categories in the competition, like @Yazmeen says, so that skaters are competing only against other skaters who have similar skills to them.

For example, at some adult competitions, the skaters in one category are allowed to do a waltz jump or any single jump except the Axel. In another category, the skaters are allowed to do an Axel and any double jump. In another category, the skaters are allowed to do double Axels and triple jumps.

Organizing the categories in the competition this way means that the competition isn't unfair, like a skater who can only do a waltz jump having to compete against a skater with an Axel or a double jump.

 

[Yazmeen]

FSWer: if you are really interested in competing, talk to your coach about what might be available to you. But be aware that competitions and exhibitions usually cost money - there are almost always fees to enter them, plus the potential cost of extra lessons to get you ready to compete or for the show. How much can depend on the competition/show and the coach. And if you want to do this, even with your coach or someone else, you would need extra practice time. You don't just join in on a competition or exhibition without working it out with your coach. The coach will know what you can do and what you are eligible for and what's best for you at your level of skating.