This competition series will occur during the spring and culminate in a "National Festival" taking place in June. It is run by the development section, so I'd assume the purpose is both to develop higher level skaters and to encourage non-elite skaters to continue participating in the sport.
Personally, looking at the handbook I really like this idea, but I do feel the idea is half-baked at this point. Some of the points aren't really fleshed out enough as far as what constitutes "plus" vs. normal divisions at the lower levels.
I also feel like the competition list, particularly for the Pacific section, is very limited and may limit participation because of it - for instance, the biggest skating clubs in the Pacific section is California and yet there's not a single California competition on the list. Unless they're using that to try to develop skating in less skating-heavy areas or still working out the details with California competitions?
I am worried about the non-plus levels having way too many participants or otherwise encouraging skaters to "skate down" from the plus level so they can say they got to the National Festival. Yes, the "plus" level is designed to have skaters "push the envelope" but what's to stop skaters from the non-plus levels from pushing the envelope as well and dominating?
USFSA Page
Some highlights include:
On the other hand, as I said above I have some concerns about the fact that some of the finer points of this competition series have not been fleshed out enough.
I'd like to hear other thoughts about this.
(Also I wish the adult Nationals qualifying was more like this - it would be easier to pay for two or three more local competitions plus nationals than to pay to travel for both sectionals and nationals)
Personally, looking at the handbook I really like this idea, but I do feel the idea is half-baked at this point. Some of the points aren't really fleshed out enough as far as what constitutes "plus" vs. normal divisions at the lower levels.
I also feel like the competition list, particularly for the Pacific section, is very limited and may limit participation because of it - for instance, the biggest skating clubs in the Pacific section is California and yet there's not a single California competition on the list. Unless they're using that to try to develop skating in less skating-heavy areas or still working out the details with California competitions?
I am worried about the non-plus levels having way too many participants or otherwise encouraging skaters to "skate down" from the plus level so they can say they got to the National Festival. Yes, the "plus" level is designed to have skaters "push the envelope" but what's to stop skaters from the non-plus levels from pushing the envelope as well and dominating?
USFSA Page
Some highlights include:
- A "plus" track for levels below Intermediate.
- This plus track will have all levels (preliminary, pre-juv, and juvenile) judged on IJS
- These skaters will be required to qualify through a series of competitions. They must compete in at least one competition to qualify. They may compete in as many of the competitions as they choose, but only the top two finishes will be counted.
- The IJS scores from the top two finishes will be added together to make the invitation rankings
- Intermediate and above will only have one track that will be treated the same as the "plus" track
- According to the flyer (but not the rules) this track may allow skaters to perform skills above test level and encourages skaters to push the envelope more
- The normal track will have a point-for-placement system similar to what is used on the Grand Prix
- All skaters who compete will be allowed to compete at the National Festival regardless of placement or rankings
- Skaters who were in the top 6 in each section will receive special recognition at the National Festival
- Competitions may either use IJS or 6.0 for these competitions
- All skaters must be under 21
- Test levels for normal competition apply (they don't say what differentiates plus and normal track as far as tests go - it might just be a sign-up difference?)
- There will be a development camp for certain skaters at the National Festival
On the other hand, as I said above I have some concerns about the fact that some of the finer points of this competition series have not been fleshed out enough.
I'd like to hear other thoughts about this.
(Also I wish the adult Nationals qualifying was more like this - it would be easier to pay for two or three more local competitions plus nationals than to pay to travel for both sectionals and nationals)