Past Scores Reveal Stark Split in Ice Dance Judging

[Willin]

https://www.buzzfeed.com/johntemplo...avor-their-own?utm_term=.bgN44yeQJ#.xnQeeOjAa

Another good analysis from BuzzFeed that underscores how political Ice Dance judging can be.

I did take exception to them saying that Bobrova/Soloviev were the favorites for the Bronze. They definitely aren't - that's any one of the three US teams.

 

[DreamSkates]

Not surprising, but discouraging that there isn't true objectivity in judging, especially with an Olympic medal at stake.

 

[D&Sfan4ever]

Oh, c'mon, as if we all didn't knew that already. We have been bitching about it in here since the FSU board was created.

 

[caseyedwards]

They got too wrapped up in their own methodology to predict something like b/s!

 

[chantilly]

I would have thought the same earlier, but they seem to be gaining ground.
I still think they can’t and shouldn’t beat The Shibs or any of the us teams.

 

[MacMadame]

I did take exception to them saying that Bobrova/Soloviev were the favorites for the Bronze. They definitely aren't - that's any one of the three US teams.

Any of the 3 US teams, Bobrova/Soloviev, Weaver/Poje and the Italians (C/L) are the 6 I've been saying are in the hunt for Bronze. They all came through tonight too and are within 4 points of each other!

 

[Winnipeg]

The French were way over scored

 

[Willin]

@Winnipeg I agree, but I wonder if that wasn't an attempt to keep the scores of the top two close either because the judges didn't want a runaway or because they were trying to judge the program for what it would've been without the wardrobe malfunction. I do wonder what should happen judging-wise in the case of a wardrobe malfunction - it's not the skater's fault, but to finish the program there needed to be awkward adjustments so her top wouldn't fall off on World-wide TV. On one hand, I do appreciate that the judges kept P/C in the running because the wardrobe malfunction seemed to be the cause of the problems - not bad skating; on the other hand, the score is higher than it should've been based on what they actually did.

This is why skin-colored mesh and strappy backs are good when you have a halter. I've seen one halter break at a synchro competition (luckily the girl had on a sticky bra), and after that every US team with halters has put the mesh or straps on the back to keep it in place. It is also why I think every competition should have a costume repair person or costume repair station ready and available - they knew the problem existed and tried to sew the halter together, but without a sewing machine, proper replacement hooks, or a skilled hand it would've been hard to repair properly in a short amount of time.

Back on topic, though, according to Skating Scores, the score boosts/dampening for the SD was almost exactly along the country lines that BuzzFeed laid out, which was an interesting development.

 

[MarieM]

I made a statistical study in my last year about figure skating scores and national bias.
I was astonished that national bias never ever played a role in any team winning. I looked at all worlds / olys results from 1976 to 1998. In all disciplines.

 

[bardtoob]

Ice Dancing scores are highly political? You don't say!

 

[MacMadame]

I do wonder what should happen judging-wise in the case of a wardrobe malfunction - it's not the skater's fault, but to finish the program there needed to be awkward adjustments so her top wouldn't fall off on World-wide TV.

They had the option to stop the program and ask for a reskate after the top was fixed. They chose not to do this. Therefore, I think the judges should judge what was put on the ice and not what "could have been."

 

[Twilight1]

They had the option to stop the program and ask for a reskate after the top was fixed. They chose not to do this. Therefore, I think the judges should judge what was put on the ice and not what "could have been."

Exactly. Papadakis knew she wouldn't end the skate naked so made the best of freeing the nipple.