Jump to content

U.S. Figure Skating: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Firenice10 (talk | contribs)
128 edits
(Grammar / Punctuation)
GreenC bot (talk | contribs)
Bots
2,517,471 edits
 
(31 intermediate revisions by 22 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
⚫
{{redirect|USFSA|the defunct French sports union|Union des Sociétés Françaises de Sports Athlétiques}}
{{short description|National governing body for figure skating}}
{{short description|National governing body for figure skating}}
⚫
{{redirect|USFSA|the defunct French sports union|Union des Sociétés Françaises de Sports Athlétiques}}
{{Infobox Sport governing body
{{Infobox Sport governing body
| assocname = U.S. Figure Skating
| assocname = U.S. Figure Skating
Line 19: Line 19:
| headquarters = 20 First Street
| headquarters = 20 First Street
| location = [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]]
| location = [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]]
| president = Anne Cammett
| president = Samuel Auxier
| chairman =
| chairman =
| key staff =
| key staff =
Line 25: Line 25:
| replaced =
| replaced =
| prevfounded =
| prevfounded =
| url = www.usfigureskating.org/
| url = usfigureskating.org
| countryflag = USA
| countryflag = USA
| countryflag2 =
| countryflag2 =
}}
}}
'''U.S. Figure Skating''' is the national [[Sport governing body|governing body]] for the sport of [[Figure skating in the United States]]. It is recognized as such by the [[United States Olympic Committee|United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee]] "USOPC" under the [[Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act]] and is the United States member of the [[International Skating Union]] ("ISU"). Although the name of the organization is “the United States Figure Skating Association” it is now known as and conducts business under the name “U.S. Figure Skating.” Founded in 1921, U.S. Figure Skating regulates and governs the sport and defines and maintains the standard of skating proficiency. It specifies the rules for testing, competitions, and all other figure skating related activities. U.S. Figure Skating promotes interest and participation in the sport by assisting member clubs, skaters, and athletes, appointing officials, organizing competitions, exhibitions, and other figure skating pursuits, and offering a wide variety of programs.<ref name="MissStt">[http://www.usfsa.org/About.asp?id=71 "U.S. Figure Skating Mission Statement"] U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 21, 2011).</ref>
'''U.S. Figure Skating''' is the national [[Sports governing body|governing body]] for the sport of [[figure skating in the United States]]. It is recognized as such by the [[United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee]] (USOPC) under the [[Amateur Sports Act of 1978|Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act]] and is the United States member of the [[International Skating Union]] (ISU). Although the official name of the organization is "the United States Figure Skating Association," it is now known as and conducts business under the name "U.S. Figure Skating." Founded in 1921, U.S. Figure Skating regulates and governs the sport and defines and maintains the standard of skating proficiency. It specifies the rules for testing, competitions, and all other figure skating related activities. U.S. Figure Skating promotes interest and participation in the sport by assisting member clubs, skaters, and athletes, appointing officials, organizing competitions, exhibitions, and other figure skating pursuits, and offering a wide variety of programs.<ref name="MissStt">[http://www.usfsa.org/About.asp?id=71 "U.S. Figure Skating Mission Statement"] U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 21, 2011).</ref>


Athletes and officials who represent the United States at international figure skating competitions are selected by U.S. Figure Skating.
Athletes and officials who represent the United States at international figure skating competitions are selected by U.S. Figure Skating.
Line 37: Line 37:


==History==
==History==
[[Image:USFSA-Logo Pre2007.gif|left|thumb|alt=refer to caption |<center>USFSA Logo (1964–2003).</center>]]
[[Image:USFSA-Logo Pre2007.gif|left|thumb|alt=refer to caption |{{center|USFSA Logo (1964–2003).}}]]
In 1921 the United States Figure Skating Association<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/About.asp?id=13 "U.S. Figure Skating at a Glance"] U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 21, 2011).</ref><ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/content/2010-11styleguide.pdf "U.S. Figure Skating 2010–11 Style Guide"] U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 21, 2011).</ref> was formed and became a member of the [[International Skating Union]].<ref>[http://www.isu.org/en/about-isu/member-federations?page=2 "Member Federations"], International Stating Union, (accessed May 1, 2015).</ref> At the time of its formation, the Association was composed of seven (7) charter member clubs including: Beaver Dam Winter Sports Club,<ref>[https://sites.google.com/a/beaverdam.org/beaverdam/ "beaverdam"], Beaver Dam Winter Sports Club. (accessed June 29, 2011).</ref> [[The Skating Club of Boston]],<ref>[http://www.scboston.org/about/our-history "Our History"], The Skating Club of Boston. (accessed June 25, 2011).</ref> Chicago Figure Skating Club<ref>[http://www.chicagofsc.org/history.html "The Tradition Continues"], Chicago Figure Skating Club. (accessed June 27, 2011).</ref> [[The Skating Club of New York]],<ref>[http://www.thescny.org/content/skating-club-new-york "The Skating Club of New York"], The Skating Club of New York. (accessed June 25, 2011).</ref> [[Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society]],<ref>[http://pschs.org/index.php/club-history/ "PHCHS History"], PSC&HS. (accessed February 12, 2013).</ref> Sno Birds of Lake Placid,<ref>[http://www.cefls.org/Ebooks/plainsofabraham1.pdf#page=349 p. 311], MacKenzie, Mary (2007) ''"The Plains of Abraham"''. Utica, NY: Nicholas K. Burn Publishing. (accessed June 27, 2011).</ref> and Twin City Figure Skating Club (which became the [[Figure Skating Club of Minneapolis]] in 1929).<ref>[http://www.fscmpls.org/index.php?p=1_10 "About FSC Minneapolis"], Figure Skating Club of Minneapolis. (accessed June 27, 2011).</ref>
In 1921 the United States Figure Skating Association<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/About.asp?id=13 "U.S. Figure Skating at a Glance"] U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 21, 2011).</ref><ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/content/2010-11styleguide.pdf "U.S. Figure Skating 2010–11 Style Guide"] U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 21, 2011).</ref> was formed and became a member of the [[International Skating Union]].<ref>[http://www.isu.org/en/about-isu/member-federations?page=2 "Member Federations"], International Stating Union, (accessed May 1, 2015).</ref><ref name="hines-xxiii">{{Cite book |last=Hines |first=James R. |title=Historical Dictionary of Figure Skating |date=2011 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=978-0-8108-6859-5 |location=Lanham, Maryland |page=xxiii}}</ref> At the time of its formation, the Association was composed of seven (7) charter member clubs including: Beaver Dam Winter Sports Club,<ref>[https://sites.google.com/a/beaverdam.org/beaverdam/ "beaverdam"], Beaver Dam Winter Sports Club. (accessed June 29, 2011).</ref> [[The Skating Club of Boston]],<ref>[http://www.scboston.org/about/our-history "Our History"], The Skating Club of Boston. (accessed June 25, 2011).</ref> Chicago Figure Skating Club<ref>[http://www.chicagofsc.org/history.html "The Tradition Continues"], Chicago Figure Skating Club. (accessed June 27, 2011).</ref> [[The Skating Club of New York]],<ref>[http://www.thescny.org/content/skating-club-new-york "The Skating Club of New York"], The Skating Club of New York. (accessed June 25, 2011).</ref> [[Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society]],<ref>[http://pschs.org/index.php/club-history/ "PHCHS History"], PSC&HS. (accessed February 12, 2013).</ref> Sno Birds of Lake Placid,<ref>[http://www.cefls.org/Ebooks/plainsofabraham1.pdf#page=349 p. 311], MacKenzie, Mary (2007) ''"The Plains of Abraham"''. Utica, NY: Nicholas K. Burn Publishing. (accessed June 27, 2011).</ref> and Twin City Figure Skating Club (which became the [[Figure Skating Club of Minneapolis]] in 1929).<ref>[http://www.fscmpls.org/index.php?p=1_10 "About FSC Minneapolis"], Figure Skating Club of Minneapolis. (accessed June 27, 2011).</ref>


Since its inception through 1947, the governance activities of the Association were centered in New York City. The annual Governing Council meetings, as well as the annual Executive Committee meetings, were all held in New York City. In 1949 the Association transferred its offices to Chicago, Illinois. The offices were again moved, this time to Boston, in 1950. In 1979, the Association moved into its current headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This followed the [[USOC]]'s move to Colorado Springs a year earlier in July 1978.<ref>[http://www.teamusa.org/about-usoc/usoc-general-information/history "THE UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE HISTORY"], teamusa.org, (accessed August 18, 2011).</ref>
Since its inception through 1947, the governance activities of the Association were centered in New York City. The annual Governing Council meetings, as well as the annual Executive Committee meetings, were all held in New York City. In 1949 the Association transferred its offices to Chicago, Illinois. The offices were again moved, this time to Boston, in 1950. In 1979, the Association moved into its current headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This followed the [[United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee|USOC]]'s move to Colorado Springs a year earlier in July 1978.<ref>[https://www.usopc.org/about-the-usopc "THE UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE HISTORY"], teamusa.org, (accessed August 18, 2011).</ref>


In the 1930s, the Association made an effort to increase the number of competitive events by creating the three sectional championships, Eastern (1938), Midwestern (1933), and Pacific Coast (1936).<ref>{{Cite book |title=Skating in America |last=Wright |first=Benjamin T. |year=1996 |publisher=United States Figure Skating Association |location=Colorado Springs, Colorado |page=50}}</ref>
In the 1930s, the Association made an effort to increase the number of competitive events by creating the three sectional championships, Eastern (1938), Midwestern (1933), and Pacific Coast (1936).<ref>{{Cite book |title=Skating in America |last=Wright |first=Benjamin T. |year=1996 |publisher=United States Figure Skating Association |location=Colorado Springs, Colorado |page=50}}</ref>
Line 59: Line 59:
U.S. Figure Skating has a representational government. Clubs and individual members appoint delegates. The number of delegates representing a club and the individual members depends on the prior year's paid registered member. Athlete delegate representation is required to be 20 percent of the prior year's registered delegate and proxy votes. Collectively these delegates meet annually (typically early May) to review, amend and ratify the actions taken by the Board since the prior year's Governing Council. This annual meeting of the appointed delegates is called the Governing Council.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content/GC%20Bylaws.pdf "GC Bylaws"], U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed August 25, 2011).</ref>
U.S. Figure Skating has a representational government. Clubs and individual members appoint delegates. The number of delegates representing a club and the individual members depends on the prior year's paid registered member. Athlete delegate representation is required to be 20 percent of the prior year's registered delegate and proxy votes. Collectively these delegates meet annually (typically early May) to review, amend and ratify the actions taken by the Board since the prior year's Governing Council. This annual meeting of the appointed delegates is called the Governing Council.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content/GC%20Bylaws.pdf "GC Bylaws"], U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed August 25, 2011).</ref>


===Board of Directors===
===Board of directors===
The Board of Directors is charged with the management of the business and affairs of U.S. Figure Skating. It is currently composed of sixteen (16) members including: the president, three (3) vice presidents (one from each section), the secretary, the treasurer, four (4) group coordinators, two (2) coaches, and four (4) athletes.<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/content.asp?menu=leadership&id=201 "Board of Directors"], U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed July 9, 2011).</ref>
The Board of Directors is charged with the management of the business and affairs of U.S. Figure Skating. It is currently composed of sixteen (16) members including: the president, three (3) vice presidents (one from each section), the secretary, the treasurer, four (4) group coordinators, two (2) coaches, and four (4) athletes.<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/content.asp?menu=leadership&id=201 "Board of Directors"], U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed July 9, 2011).</ref>


====Presidents====
====Presidents====
Anne Cammett is the current president of U.S. Figure Skating. She began her term in 2018. The prior presidents are listed below.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content.asp?menu=leadership&id=424 "President"], U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed December 27, 2018).</ref>
Samuel Auxier is the current president of U.S. Figure Skating. He began his term in 2022. The prior presidents are listed below.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content.asp?menu=leadership&id=424 "President"], U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed December 27, 2018).</ref>


====Past presidents====
====Past presidents====
Line 69: Line 69:
|- style="background:#EFEFEF"
|- style="background:#EFEFEF"
! Name !! Term
! Name !! Term
|-
|{{sortname| Anne| Cammett |nolink=1}}|| 2018–2022
|-
|-
|{{sortname| Samuel| Auxier |nolink=1}}|| 2014–2018
|{{sortname| Samuel| Auxier |nolink=1}}|| 2014–2018
Line 124: Line 126:
|{{sortname| Charles M.| Rotch |nolink=1}}|| 1935–1937
|{{sortname| Charles M.| Rotch |nolink=1}}|| 1935–1937
|-
|-
|{{sortname| Sherwin C.| Badger |nolink=1}}|| 1934–1935
|{{sortname| Sherwin C.| Badger |Sherwin Badger}}|| 1934–1935
|-
|-
|{{sortname| Charles M.| Rotch |nolink=1}}|| 1932–1934
|{{sortname| Charles M.| Rotch |nolink=1}}|| 1932–1934
|-
|-
|{{sortname| Sherwin C.| Badger |nolink=1}}|| 1930–1932
|{{sortname| Sherwin C.| Badger |Sherwin Badger}}|| 1930–1932
|-
|-
|{{sortname| Charles T.| Church |nolink=1}}|| 1928–1930
|{{sortname| Charles T.| Church |nolink=1}}|| 1928–1930
Line 165: Line 167:


==Operations==
==Operations==

===Executive Director===
===Executive Director===
The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of U.S. Figure Skating. Mr. David Raith is currently serving in that capacity and has done so since 2005. He is charged with carrying out the policies, programs, and goals of the association as approved by the Board of Directors.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content.asp?menu=leadership&id=390 "Executive Director"], U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed July 1, 2011).</ref>
The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of U.S. Figure Skating. Mr. David Raith is currently serving in that capacity and has done so since 2005. He is charged with carrying out the policies, programs, and goals of the association as approved by the Board of Directors.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content.asp?menu=leadership&id=390 "Executive Director"], U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed July 1, 2011).</ref>
Line 249: Line 250:
| Indiana || Iowa || Colorado<sup>1</sup>
| Indiana || Iowa || Colorado<sup>1</sup>
|-
|-
| Kentucky || Michigan<sup>2</sup> || Kansas
| Kentucky || Pennsylvania || Kansas
|-
|-
| Michigan<sup>3</sup> || Minnesota || Louisiana
| Michigan<sup>3</sup> || Minnesota || Louisiana
|-
|-
| Mississippi || Missouri<sup>4</sup> || Nebraska
| Mississippi || Louisiana || Nebraska
|-
|-
| Ohio || North Dakota || New Mexico
| Ohio || North Dakota || New Mexico
|-
|-
| Tennessee<sup>5</sup> || South Dakota || Missouri<sup>6</sup>
| Tennessee Skate International Brand Alliance || South Dakota || Missouri-PA
|-
|-
| || Wisconsin || Oklahoma
| || Wisconsin || Oklahoma
Line 309: Line 310:


==U.S. Figure Skating programs==
==U.S. Figure Skating programs==

U.S. Figure Skating offers many programs to accommodate a wide range of skill and interest levels.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/Programs.asp "Programs"], U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 22, 2011).</ref>
U.S. Figure Skating offers many programs to accommodate a wide range of skill and interest levels.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/Programs.asp "Programs"], U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 22, 2011).</ref>
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
Line 409: Line 409:


===Synchronized skating===
===Synchronized skating===
[[File:Haydenettes 2006.jpg|500px|right|thumb|alt=refer to caption |<center>Synchronized skating team the [[Haydenettes]] in 2006.</center>]]
[[File:Haydenettes 2006.jpg|500px|right|thumb|alt=refer to caption |{{center|Synchronized skating team the [[Haydenettes]] in 2006.}}]]
Synchronized skating teams are not required to pass any tests as a whole. Each individual team member must have passed the appropriate moves-in-the-field test.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content/2012-13%20Rulebook%20for%20CD%20&%20Web.pdf#page=165 "Technical Requirements, Sections 7200-7520"], ''THE 2013 OFFICIAL U.S. FIGURE SKATING RULEBOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed July 30, 2012)</ref>
Synchronized skating teams are not required to pass any tests as a whole. Each individual team member must have passed the appropriate moves-in-the-field test.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content/2012-13%20Rulebook%20for%20CD%20&%20Web.pdf#page=165 "Technical Requirements, Sections 7200-7520"], ''THE 2013 OFFICIAL U.S. FIGURE SKATING RULEBOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed July 30, 2012)</ref>


Line 445: Line 445:


==Qualifying and international competitions==
==Qualifying and international competitions==
[[File:Ladies Podium 2008 US Nationals.jpg|350px|right|thumb|alt=refer to caption |<center>The senior ladies podium at the [[2008 United States Figure Skating Championships|2008 U.S. Championships]]. Gold: [[Mirai Nagasu]]; Silver: [[Rachael Flatt]]; Bronze: [[Ashley Wagner]]; Pewter: [[Caroline Zhang]].</center>]]
[[File:Ladies Podium 2008 US Nationals.jpg|350px|right|thumb|alt=refer to caption |{{center|The senior ladies podium at the [[2008 United States Figure Skating Championships|2008 U.S. Championships]]. Gold: [[Mirai Nagasu]]; Silver: [[Rachael Flatt]]; Bronze: [[Ashley Wagner]]; Pewter: [[Caroline Zhang]].}}]]
Every year, U.S. Figure Skating sanctions numerous non-qualifying competitions, shows, and carnivals.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content/2012-13%20Rulebook%20for%20CD%20&%20Web.pdf#page=53 "p. 94, SR 1.02 Sanctions"], ''THE 2013 OFFICIAL U.S. FIGURE SKATING RULEBOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating (accessed July 30, 2012).</ref> In addition, it annually sanctions qualifying regional and sectional competitions,<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content/2012-13%20Rulebook%20for%20CD%20&%20Web.pdf#page=78 "p. 144, 2000 Qualifying Competitions - Sanctions"], ''THE 2013 OFFICIAL U.S. FIGURE SKATING RULEBOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating (accessed July 30, 2012).</ref> in various disciplines, that lead up to championship competitions. The Association also selects those athletes and officials that represent the United States at international competitions.
Every year, U.S. Figure Skating sanctions numerous non-qualifying competitions, shows, and carnivals.<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content/2012-13%20Rulebook%20for%20CD%20&%20Web.pdf#page=53 "p. 94, SR 1.02 Sanctions"], ''THE 2013 OFFICIAL U.S. FIGURE SKATING RULEBOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating (accessed July 30, 2012).</ref> In addition, it annually sanctions qualifying regional and sectional competitions,<ref>[http://www.usfsa.org/content/2012-13%20Rulebook%20for%20CD%20&%20Web.pdf#page=78 "p. 144, 2000 Qualifying Competitions - Sanctions"], ''THE 2013 OFFICIAL U.S. FIGURE SKATING RULEBOOK'', U.S. Figure Skating (accessed July 30, 2012).</ref> in various disciplines, that lead up to championship competitions. The Association also selects those athletes and officials that represent the United States at international competitions.


===Regional competitions===
===Regional competitions===
The following regional competitions are held in singles skating:<ref name="QualComp">[http://www.usfigureskating.org/Events.asp?id=490 "U.S. Figure Skating Qualifying Structure"], U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 25, 2011).</ref>
The following regional competitions are held in singles skating:<ref name="QualComp">{{Cite web |title=U.S. Figure Skating Qualifying Structure |url=http://www.usfigureskating.org/Events.asp?id=490 |access-date=August 25, 2011 |website=US Figure Skating}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|- style="background:#EFEFEF"
|- style="background:#EFEFEF"
Line 475: Line 475:


===Sectional competitions===
===Sectional competitions===
The following sectional competitions are held in singles, pairs, ice dance, adult, and synchronized skating:<ref name="QualComp"/><ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/Programs.asp?id=46 "Adult Skating"], U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 25, 2011).</ref><ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/Programs.asp?id=44 "Synchronized Skating"], U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 25, 2011).</ref>
The following sectional competitions are held in singles, pairs, ice dance, adult, and synchronized skating:<ref name="QualComp"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Programs |url=http://www.usfigureskating.org/Programs.asp?id=46 |access-date=August 12, 2011 |website=www.usfigureskating.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Synchronized Skating |url=http://www.usfigureskating.org/Programs.asp?id=44 |website=www.usfigureskating.org}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|- style="background:#EFEFEF"
|- style="background:#EFEFEF"
Line 494: Line 494:
|-
|-
|}
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki> Effective September 1, 2012, the U.S. Junior Championships (for Juvenile and Intermediate level competitors) was eliminated and those levels are held in conjunction with the U.S. Championships.<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/Content/201011CombinedRoA.pdf#page=17 "84.2."], U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 24, 2011).</ref>
<nowiki>*</nowiki> Effective September 1, 2012, the U.S. Junior Championships (for Juvenile and Intermediate level competitors) was eliminated and those levels are held in conjunction with the U.S. Championships.<ref>{{Cite web |title=84.2 |url=http://www.usfigureskating.org/Content/201011CombinedRoA.pdf#page=17 |access-date=June 24, 2011 |website=U.S. Figure Skating}}</ref>


===International competitions===
===International competitions===
U.S. Figure Skating selects the athletes and officials that represent the United States at international figure skating competitions (Team USA). These competitions include the [[ISU Junior Grand Prix]], [[Four Continents Figure Skating Championships]], the [[ISU Grand Prix]], the [[ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships|World Synchronized Skating Championships]], the [[World Figure Skating Championships]], and the [[Olympic Games]].<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/Athletes.asp?id=209 "Team USA"] US Figure Skating. (accessed July 19, 2011).</ref> Although the participants for Worlds and the Olympics are most often the top placers at US Nationals, there have been several times when other skaters have been selected due to injuries preventing them from competing at Nationals; Nancy Kerrigan being selected for the 1994 Olympics over 2nd-place finisher Michelle Kwan is one example. Most recently 2014 4th-place finisher Ashley Wagner was selected over 3rd place Mirai Nagasu ostensibly because of Wagner's more consistent international record; however because of Wagner's many endorsement contracts her selection has raised concerns about the fairness of the process (since U.S. Championships are not used as a straightforward Olympic trials).<ref>https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/01/13/ashley-wagner-mirai-nagasu-off-olympic-figure-skating-team-here-why/0juHqvjYXdlM28Ozef8U0O/story.html</ref><ref>http://www.thewire.com/culture/2014/01/real-winner-isnt-ashley-wagner-its-her-sponsors/357009/</ref>
U.S. Figure Skating selects the athletes and officials that represent the United States at international figure skating competitions (Team USA). These competitions include the [[ISU Junior Grand Prix]], [[Four Continents Figure Skating Championships]], the [[ISU Grand Prix]], the [[ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships|World Synchronized Skating Championships]], the [[World Figure Skating Championships]], and the [[Figure skating at the Olympic Games|Olympic Games]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Figure Skating |url=http://www.usfigureskating.org/Athletes.asp?id=209 |access-date=July 19, 2011 |website=www.usfigureskating.org}}</ref> Although the participants for Worlds and the Olympics are most often the top placers at US Nationals, there have been several times when other skaters have been selected due to injuries preventing them from competing at Nationals; Nancy Kerrigan being selected for the 1994 Olympics over 2nd-place finisher [[Michelle Kwan]] is one example. Most recently 2014 4th-place finisher Ashley Wagner was selected over 3rd place Mirai Nagasu ostensibly because of Wagner's more consistent international record; however, because of Wagner's many endorsement contracts, her selection has raised concerns about the fairness of the process (since U.S. Championships are not used as a straightforward Olympic trials).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/01/13/ashley-wagner-mirai-nagasu-off-olympic-figure-skating-team-here-why/0juHqvjYXdlM28Ozef8U0O/story.html|title=Ashley Wagner on, Mirai Nagasu off Olympic team - the Boston Globe|website=[[The Boston Globe]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014 |title=Real Winner Isn't Ashley Wagner it's Her Sponsors |url=http://www.thewire.com/culture/2014/01/real-winner-isnt-ashley-wagner-its-her-sponsors/357009/ |website=www.thewire.com}}</ref>


==Sponsors==
==Sponsors==
Line 520: Line 520:


==Media==
==Media==
⚫
[http://www.usfigureskating.org/Magazine.asp?id=29 ''Skating''] magazine is the official publication of U.S. Figure Skating. Established in 1923, 11 issues are published annually.<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/About.asp?id=467 "Skating Magazine"], U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed August 25, 2011).</ref>


⚫
* [http://www.usfigureskating.org/Magazine.asp?id=29 ''Skating''] magazine is the official publication of U.S. Figure Skating. Established in 1923, 11 issues are published annually.<ref>[http://www.usfigureskating.org/About.asp?id=467 "Skating Magazine"], U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed August 25, 2011).</ref><ref name="hines-xxiii"/>
The association also houses the [http://www.worldskatingmuseum.org/ World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame] in its headquarters building in [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]].
* The association also houses the [http://www.worldskatingmuseum.org/ World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame] in its headquarters building in [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]].

U.S. Figure Skating maintains two Internet domains, usfsa.org, established in 1997<ref>[http://www.networksolutions.com/whois/registry-data.jsp?domain=usfsa.org "Registry Data"], Network Solutions, (accessed August 17, 2011).</ref> and usfigureskating.org, established in 2003.<ref>[http://www.networksolutions.com/whois/registry-data.jsp?domain=usfigureskating.org "Registry Data"], Network Solutions, (accessed August 17, 2011).</ref>
* U.S. Figure Skating maintains two Internet domains, usfsa.org, established in 1997<ref>[http://www.networksolutions.com/whois/registry-data.jsp?domain=usfsa.org "Registry Data"], Network Solutions, (accessed August 17, 2011).</ref> and usfigureskating.org, established in 2003.<ref>[http://www.networksolutions.com/whois/registry-data.jsp?domain=usfigureskating.org "Registry Data"], Network Solutions, (accessed August 17, 2011).</ref>
⚫
* U.S. Figure Skating also has [[Facebook]], [[Twitter]], and [[Myspace]] accounts as well and a [[YouTube]] channel and [[Flickr]] website.

⚫
* The association has an [[RSS]] feed and can [[push technology|push]] alerts and content via [[text messaging]].
⚫
U.S. Figure Skating also has [[Facebook]], [[Twitter]], and [[Myspace]] accounts as well and a [[YouTube]] channel and [[Flickr]] website.

⚫
The association has an [[RSS]] feed and can [[push technology|push]] alerts and content via [[text messaging]].


===Ice Network===
===Ice Network===
Line 534: Line 531:


==Memorial Fund==
==Memorial Fund==

===Formation and purpose===
===Formation and purpose===
On February 15, 1961, the entire United States figure skating team was killed when [[Sabena Flight 548]] crashed en route from New York City to Brussels, Belgium.<ref>{{Citation | title = 18 U.S. SKATERS AMONG 73 DEAD IN A JET CRASH | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 16 February 1961 | url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1961/02/16/97588203.pdf }}</ref> The team was going to participate in the 1961 World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Among the team members that perished were 18 athletes, seven coaches and managers, three judges and referees, and six team family members.<ref>[http://gofigureskating.com/people/sabena548.html "1961 Sabena Flight 548"], Go Figure skating, (accessed July 4, 2011)</ref> Within one week of the tragedy, the association announced the formation of a memorial fund in honor of the lost team members.<ref>{{Citation | title = Memorial Fund for Skaters | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 23 February 1961 | url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1961/02/23/118023605.pdf }}</ref>
On February 15, 1961, the entire United States figure skating team was killed when [[Sabena Flight 548]] crashed en route from New York City to Brussels, Belgium.<ref>{{Citation | title = 18 U.S. SKATERS AMONG 73 DEAD IN A JET CRASH | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 16 February 1961 | url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1961/02/16/97588203.pdf }}</ref> The team was going to participate in the 1961 World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Among the team members that perished were 18 athletes, seven coaches and managers, three judges and referees, and six team family members.<ref>[http://gofigureskating.com/people/sabena548.html "1961 Sabena Flight 548"], Go Figure skating, (accessed July 4, 2011)</ref> Within one week of the tragedy, the association announced the formation of a memorial fund in honor of the lost team members.<ref>{{Citation | title = Memorial Fund for Skaters | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 23 February 1961 | url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1961/02/23/118023605.pdf }}</ref>
Line 541: Line 537:


===RISE===
===RISE===
⚫
In 2009, U.S. Figure Skating commissioned the production of a full-length feature documentary film commemorating the 50th anniversary of the loss of the 1961 U.S. World Figure Skating Championship team and exalting figure skating in the U.S.<ref name="USFigSkRISE">{{Cite web |title=RISE |url=http://www.usfigureskating.org/content.asp?menu=donate&id=474 |access-date=August 11, 2011 |website=www.usfigureskating.org}}</ref> The movie, RISE, was produced and directed by the Emmy-award-winning company, Lookalike Productions of Englewood, NJ.<ref>[http://www.lookalikeproductions.com/work_documentaries.html "Documentaries"], Lookalike Productions, (accessed July 4, 2011)</ref> The film was released on February 17, 2011, for a one-night presentation through [[National CineMedia|NCM Fathom]].<ref>[http://fathomevents.com/sports/event/usfs_rise.aspx "RISE"], Fathom Events, (accessed August 24, 2011)</ref> It was shown again for an encore presentation on March 7, 2011.<ref>[http://www.fathomevents.com/sports/event/riseencore.aspx "RISE Encore"], Fathom Events, (accessed August 24, 2011)</ref> Proceeds of the movie were used to further the mission of the Memorial Fund.<ref name="USFigSkRISE"/>

⚫
In 2009, U.S. Figure Skating commissioned the production of a full-length feature documentary film commemorating the 50th anniversary of the loss of the 1961 U.S. World Figure Skating Championship team and exalting figure skating in the U.S.<ref name="USFigSkRISE">[http://www.usfigureskating.org/content.asp?menu=donate&id=474 "RISE"], U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed August 24, 2011)</ref> The movie, RISE, was produced and directed by the Emmy-award-winning company, Lookalike Productions of Englewood, NJ.<ref>[http://www.lookalikeproductions.com/work_documentaries.html "Documentaries"], Lookalike Productions, (accessed July 4, 2011)</ref> The film was released on February 17, 2011, for a one-night presentation through [[National CineMedia|NCM Fathom]].<ref>[http://fathomevents.com/sports/event/usfs_rise.aspx "RISE"], Fathom Events, (accessed August 24, 2011)</ref> It was shown again for an encore presentation on March 7, 2011.<ref>[http://www.fathomevents.com/sports/event/riseencore.aspx "RISE Encore"], Fathom Events, (accessed August 24, 2011)</ref> Proceeds of the movie were used to further the mission of the Memorial Fund.<ref name="USFigSkRISE"/>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 558: Line 553:
==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* {{cite book|title=Skating In America (1921–1996) The 75th Anniversary History of the United States Figure Skating Association|last=Wright|first=Benjamin T.|year=1996|publisher=The United States Figure Skating Association|location=Colorado Springs, Colorado}}
* {{cite book|title=Skating In America (1921–1996) The 75th Anniversary History of the United States Figure Skating Association|last=Wright|first=Benjamin T.|year=1996|publisher=The United States Figure Skating Association|location=Colorado Springs, Colorado}}
* {{cite web|first=E.M.|last=Swift|title='The Day The Music Stopped': Fifty years ago, a fiery plane crash destroyed an entire generation of U.S. figure skaters and some of the sport's most celebrated coaches, including a grande dame whose influence is still felt today|date=February 21, 2011|publisher=Time Inc|work=Sports Illustrated|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1182018/index.htm|access-date=2011-02-21}}
* {{cite magazine|first=E.M.|last=Swift|title='The Day The Music Stopped': Fifty years ago, a fiery plane crash destroyed an entire generation of U.S. figure skaters and some of the sport's most celebrated coaches, including a grande dame whose influence is still felt today|date=February 21, 2011|publisher=Time Inc|magazine=Sports Illustrated|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1182018/index.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221114749/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1182018/index.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 21, 2011|access-date=2011-02-21}}


==External links==
==External links==

===Web Site===
===Web Site===
* {{Official website}}
* [http://www.usfigureskating.org/ U.S. Figure Skating]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101118005544/http://www.rise1961.com/ RISE - Can the end of one dream give rise to another?]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101118005544/http://www.rise1961.com/ RISE - Can the end of one dream give rise to another?]


===Social media===
===Social media===
* {{Facebook|id=usfigureskating}}
* [http://www.facebook.com/usfigureskating U.S. Figure Skating's Facebook Page]
* {{Twitter|id=usfigureskating}}
* [https://twitter.com/usfigureskating U.S. Figure Skating's Twitter Page]
* {{YouTube|user=USFSVideo}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/user/USFSVideo U.S. Figure Skating's YouTube Channel]
* [https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfsa U.S. Figure skating's Flickr Photostream]
* [https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfsa U.S. Figure skating's Flickr Photostream]
* [http://www.myspace.com/usfigureskating U.S. Figure Skating's Myspace Page]
* [https://www.myspace.com/usfigureskating U.S. Figure Skating's Myspace Page]
* [http://www.usfigureskating.org/rss/ U.S. Figure Skating's RSS Feed]
* [http://uverseonline.att.net/sports/textalert/us-figure-skating U.S. Figure Skating's Text Alerts]


{{Figure skating}}
{{Figure skating}}
{{Sports governing bodies of the United States}}
{{Sports governing bodies of the United States}}
{{Member federations of the International Skating Union}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


Line 585: Line 578:
[[Category:Organizations based in Colorado Springs, Colorado]]
[[Category:Organizations based in Colorado Springs, Colorado]]
[[Category:Sports organizations established in 1921]]
[[Category:Sports organizations established in 1921]]
[[Category:National governing bodies for figure skating]]
[[Category:National members of the International Skating Union]]

Latest revision as of 01:44, 8 September 2024

"USFSA" redirects here. For the defunct French sports union, see Union des Sociétés Françaises de Sports Athlétiques.
U.S. Figure Skating
SportFigure skating
JurisdictionUnited States
Founded1921
AffiliationInternational Skating Union
Affiliation date1921
Headquarters20 First Street
LocationColorado Springs, Colorado
PresidentSamuel Auxier
Official website
usfigureskating.org
United States

U.S. Figure Skating is the national governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States. It is recognized as such by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) under the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act and is the United States member of the International Skating Union (ISU). Although the official name of the organization is "the United States Figure Skating Association," it is now known as and conducts business under the name "U.S. Figure Skating." Founded in 1921, U.S. Figure Skating regulates and governs the sport and defines and maintains the standard of skating proficiency. It specifies the rules for testing, competitions, and all other figure skating related activities. U.S. Figure Skating promotes interest and participation in the sport by assisting member clubs, skaters, and athletes, appointing officials, organizing competitions, exhibitions, and other figure skating pursuits, and offering a wide variety of programs.[1]

Athletes and officials who represent the United States at international figure skating competitions are selected by U.S. Figure Skating.

The Association is a non-profit organization.

History

[edit]
refer to caption
USFSA Logo (1964–2003).

In 1921 the United States Figure Skating Association[2][3] was formed and became a member of the International Skating Union.[4][5] At the time of its formation, the Association was composed of seven (7) charter member clubs including: Beaver Dam Winter Sports Club,[6] The Skating Club of Boston,[7] Chicago Figure Skating Club[8] The Skating Club of New York,[9] Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society,[10] Sno Birds of Lake Placid,[11] and Twin City Figure Skating Club (which became the Figure Skating Club of Minneapolis in 1929).[12]

Since its inception through 1947, the governance activities of the Association were centered in New York City. The annual Governing Council meetings, as well as the annual Executive Committee meetings, were all held in New York City. In 1949 the Association transferred its offices to Chicago, Illinois. The offices were again moved, this time to Boston, in 1950. In 1979, the Association moved into its current headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This followed the USOC's move to Colorado Springs a year earlier in July 1978.[13]

In the 1930s, the Association made an effort to increase the number of competitive events by creating the three sectional championships, Eastern (1938), Midwestern (1933), and Pacific Coast (1936).[14]

In 1959, the Eastern and Pacific Coast Sections expanded their qualifying competitions by adding three Sub-Sectionals Championships each. The Eastern Section created the New England, North Atlantic, and South Atlantic Regions, while the Pacific Coast Section established the Central Pacific, Northwest, and Southwest Pacific Regions. It wasn't until 1962 that the Midwestern Sectional finally added their regional championships to the qualifying competition cycle.[15]

The abbreviated name, "USFSA" was first used in April 1921 and trademarked in 1972.[16] The distinctive shield logo was adopted in 1964[17] and used until 2003 when U.S. Figure Skating instituted its current logo.[18]

In 2006, the Executive Committee was eliminated.[19] At the same time the Board of Directors was reduced to sixteen members from its previous 29 members.

As of May 5, 2007, the Association officially adopted the name "U.S. Figure Skating" and dropped the abbreviated name of "USFSA".[20][21]

Governance

[edit]

U.S. Figure Skating is an association of clubs, governed by its members and its elected officers at national, regional and club levels.[22] As of June 2011, U.S. Figure Skating had 688 member, collegiate, and school-affiliated clubs[23] and a membership of 180,452.[23] Each member club may send delegates to the annual Governing Council meeting.

Governing Council

[edit]

U.S. Figure Skating has a representational government. Clubs and individual members appoint delegates. The number of delegates representing a club and the individual members depends on the prior year's paid registered member. Athlete delegate representation is required to be 20 percent of the prior year's registered delegate and proxy votes. Collectively these delegates meet annually (typically early May) to review, amend and ratify the actions taken by the Board since the prior year's Governing Council. This annual meeting of the appointed delegates is called the Governing Council.[24]

Board of directors

[edit]

The Board of Directors is charged with the management of the business and affairs of U.S. Figure Skating. It is currently composed of sixteen (16) members including: the president, three (3) vice presidents (one from each section), the secretary, the treasurer, four (4) group coordinators, two (2) coaches, and four (4) athletes.[25]

Presidents

[edit]

Samuel Auxier is the current president of U.S. Figure Skating. He began his term in 2022. The prior presidents are listed below.[26]

Past presidents

[edit]

Committees

[edit]

Committees, in particular the Permanent Committees, are responsible for proposing and enforcing the rules of the U.S. Figure Skating. Other special committees may undertake other projects, such as nominations and other ad hoc matters.

Permanent committees

[edit]

The following table shows the Association's permanent committees:[27]

Adult Skating Athlete Development Athletes Advisory Audit
Coaches Collegiate Program Compensation Competitions
Dance Ethics Finance Grievance
International International Judges & Officials Judges Membership
Memorial Fund Pairs Parents Program Development
Rules Sanctions and Eligibility Selections Singles
Special Olympics/Therapeutic Sports Sciences and Medicine State Games Strategic Planning
Synchronized Skating Technical Panel Tests Theatrical Skating

Mission statement

[edit]

“As the national governing body, the mission of the United States Figure Skating Association is to provide programs to encourage participation and achievement in the sport of figure skating on ice.”[1]

Operations

[edit]

Executive Director

[edit]

The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of U.S. Figure Skating. Mr. David Raith is currently serving in that capacity and has done so since 2005. He is charged with carrying out the policies, programs, and goals of the association as approved by the Board of Directors.[28]

Departments

[edit]

The departments that support U.S. Figure Skating's operations reside at its headquarters in Colorado Springs, CO. These departments are staffed by full-time employees. They administer and manage the association's day-to-day affairs.[29]

Athlete Development Athlete High Performance Events Finance
Information Technology Marketing and Communications Membership Executive Director

Finance

[edit]

The Association is a non-profit organization.[30] As of June 30, 2011, U.S. Figure Skating had revenue, support, and gains of approximately $24.9 million derived primarily from dues, admissions and activity fees, skating events, sponsorships, broadcast and licensing, publications, grants, and other sources. The association expended approximately $12.9 million on its various programs and services plus an additional $2.4 million on management and general administrative expenses, under which the departments listed under the “Operations – Departments” are included.[31]

Officials

[edit]

Member clubs arrange to hold test sessions and competitions. The competitions are conducted under the supervision and authority of U.S. Figure Skating appointed officials. The member club (for competitions, the club is sometimes called the local organizing committee or “LOC”) is responsible for many of the ancillary functions of the test session or competition (registration, transportation, event monitoring, hospitality, messengers, copying, etc.). For national and international events, U.S. Figure Skating headquarters staff also provides logistics and event support. The officials are responsible for actually running the test sessions, competitions, and associated individual events. All the officials at test sessions and competitions are unpaid volunteers.[32]

Officials receive their appointments from U.S. Figure Skating after demonstrating a certain level of proficiency, and in some cases, after trialing or taking written examinations. In most cases, officials are appointed at three (3) levels; regional, sectional, and national.[33]

Below is a list of officials at a typical large competition. For the 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, 70 officials were assigned along with over 50 alternate officials.[34] The parenthetical number is how many people were assigned to the respective positions. If there is no number, only one person was assigned.

Chief Referee Assistant Referees (3)
Dance Referee Assistant Dance Referees
Chief Accountant Assistant Accountants (3)
Chief Technical Accountant Assistant Technical Accountants (2)
Chief Ice Technician Assistant Ice Technicians (3)
Chief Music Coordinator Assistant Music Coordinators (4) Music Technician
Chief Announcer Assistant Announcers (3)
Technical Controllers (6) Technical Specialists (8) Data Operators Video Replay Operators
Judges - Singles/Pairs (18) Judges - Dance (9)

Organization

[edit]

U.S. Figure Skating's members, clubs, and qualifying competitions are divided into three (3) geographical sections, that are further divided into nine (9) regions.[35]

Eastern Section

[edit]
New England
Region		 North Atlantic
Region		 South Atlantic
Region
Connecticut New Jersey Delaware
Maine New York District of Columbia
Massachusetts Pennsylvania1 Florida
New Hampshire Georgia
Rhode Island Maryland
Vermont North Carolina
Pennsylvania2
South Carolina
Virginia
West Virginia
Chattanooga, Tennessee

1Erie, PA
2excluding Erie, PA

Midwestern Section

[edit]
Eastern Great Lakes
Region		 Upper Great Lakes
Region		 Southwestern
Region
Alabama Illinois Arkansas
Indiana Iowa Colorado1
Kentucky Pennsylvania Kansas
Michigan3 Minnesota Louisiana
Mississippi Louisiana Nebraska
Ohio North Dakota New Mexico
Tennessee Skate International Brand Alliance South Dakota Missouri-PA
Wisconsin Oklahoma
Texas

1excluded for Synchronized only
2Upper Peninsula
3Lower Peninsula
4excluding Kansas City and St. Joseph's
5excluding Chattanooga
6Kansas City and St. Joseph's

Pacific Coast Section

[edit]
Northwest Pacific
Region		 Central Pacific
Region		 Southwest Pacific
Region
Alaska California1 Arizona
Idaho Colorado2 California3
Montana Hawaii Nevada4
Oregon Nevada5
Washington Utah
Wyoming

1all cities north of and including Visalia
2for Synchronized only
3all cities south of Visalia
4Las Vegas
5excluding Las Vegas

Types of membership

[edit]

U.S. Figure Skating has nine (9) types of membership:[20]

  • Clubs that foster figure skating, known as “member clubs”;
  • Individual persons registered with U.S. Figure Skating who are members of a member club or a collegiate club;
  • Individual persons who are not home club members of any member club, known as “individual members”;
  • Honorary members;
  • Collegiate club and school-affiliated members;
  • Basic Skills members;
  • Supportive members;
  • Theatre On Ice/Team, and
  • Introductory Members

U.S. Figure Skating programs

[edit]

U.S. Figure Skating offers many programs to accommodate a wide range of skill and interest levels.[36]

Testing

[edit]

Testing allows figure skaters to demonstrate that they have achieved a certain level of skating proficiency. Tests progress in increasing difficulty and focus on power, strength, speed, quickness, flow, extension, and edge quality and control.[37] Tests are conducted under the auspices of member clubs and administered during test sessions. Usually, three (3) test judges (the judge panel),[38] of appropriate level, determine the outcome of the tests on a pass / retry basis. Tests up to a certain level may be judged by a single, sufficiently qualified, judge.[38] Some higher-level dance tests require judges certified in dance judging to attend. The member club is responsible for reporting the results to U.S. Figure Skating.[39] U.S. Figure appoints test judges at various levels (bronze, silver, and gold) based on trial judging and their judging experience. According to their level, test judges are qualified to determine the outcome of increasingly difficult tests. Test judges are invited by the member club to participate in a given test session. Skaters’ testing levels passed determines at what level they may compete. For qualifying competitions, skaters must pass the free skate test at the level for which they intend to compete. U.S. Figure Skating still offers tests in compulsory figures, however, this discipline was last competed at a national championship competition in 1999.[40]

Singles and adult skaters must show they are proficient at a given level by passing two (2) tests at each level, moves in the field ("MIF") and free skate ("FS"). Additional test are conducted in the pairs skating, free dance and pattern dance discipline. Each member of a synchronized skating team must pass the appropriate test of single's competitor.

Tests must be completed in the order of increasing difficulty. They may not be taken out of turn.[41] However, a singles skater may take as many moves-in-the-field tests before taking any free skate tests.[42] Once a free skate test is passed, a competitor may only compete at that level at qualifying competitions. There are four (4) test levels specific to adult figure skating.[43] Adult skater must be twenty-one (21) years of age or older.[44]

Standard track levels

[edit]
Moves in the field Free skate Pairs MIF, FS, Pairs
Panel1		 Free dance Free dance
Panel2
Pre-Preliminary Pre-Preliminary Bronze3
Preliminary Preliminary Bronze4
Pre-Juvenile Pre-Juvenile Pre-Juvenile Bronze
Juvenile Juvenile Juvenile Bronze Juvenile Bronze5
Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Silver Intermediate Bronze5
Novice Novice Novice Silver Novice Bronze
Junior Junior Junior Gold Junior Silver
Senior Senior Senior Gold Senior Gold

1The test panel consists of three test judges of these levels or higher, appointed in single/pairs or dance for MIF or in single/pairs for FS.
2The test panel consists of three dance test judges of these levels or higher.
3A single bronze or higher test judge, appointed in single/pairs or dance for MIF or in single/pairs for FS, may also judge this level.
4A single silver or higher test judge, appointed in single/pairs or dance for MIF or in single/pairs for FS, may also judge this level.
5A single silver or higher dance test judge may also judge this level.

Adult track levels

[edit]
Moves in the field Free skate Pairs MIF, FS, Pairs
Panel1		 Free dance Free dance
Panel2
Adult Pre-Bronze Adult Pre-Bronze Bronze3 Adult Pre-Bronze Bronze4
Adult Bronze Adult Bronze Adult Bronze Bronze5 Adult Bronze Bronze4
Adult Silver Adult Silver Adult Silver Bronze Adult Silver Bronze
Adult Gold Adult Gold Adult Gold Silver Adult Gold Silver

1The test panel consists of three test judges of these levels or higher, appointed in single/pairs or dance for MIF or in single/pairs for FS.
2The test panel consists of three dance test judges of these levels or higher.
3A single bronze or higher test judge, appointed in single/pairs or dance for MIF or in single/pairs for FS, may also judge this level.
4A single silver or higher dance test judge may also judge this level.
5A single silver or higher test judge, appointed in single/pairs or dance for MIF or in single/pairs for FS, may also judge this level.

Pattern dance

[edit]

The Compulsory dance was renamed pattern dance.[PatDncFN 1][PatDncFN 2]

Each level of pattern dance, with the exception of international, consists of three or four individual dances. Preliminary skaters must pass the Dutch Waltz, Canasta Tango, and Rhythm Blues,[45] while gold-level skaters must pass the Viennese Waltz, Westminster Waltz, Quickstep, and Argentine Tango.[46] There are currently ten dances at the international level.[47]

Level Panel
ex. Solo1		 Panel
Solo2
Preliminary, Solo Preliminary Bronze3 Bronze
Pre-Bronze, (Standard, Adult, Masters and Solo) Bronze4 Bronze
Bronze (Standard, Adult, Masters and Solo) Bronze Bronze
Pre-Silver (Standard, Adult, Masters and Solo) Bronze Bronze
Silver (Standard, Adult, Masters and Solo) Silver Silver
Pre-Gold (Standard, Adult, Masters and Solo) Silver Silver
Gold (Standard, Adult, Masters and Solo) Gold Gold
International (Standard, Adult and Masters) Gold

1The test panel consists of three dance test judges of these levels or higher.
2The test panel consists of one or three dance test judges of these levels or higher.
3A single bronze or higher dance test judge may also judge this level.
4A single silver or higher dance test judge may also judge this level.

Synchronized skating

[edit]
refer to caption
Synchronized skating team the Haydenettes in 2006.

Synchronized skating teams are not required to pass any tests as a whole. Each individual team member must have passed the appropriate moves-in-the-field test.[48]

Team Individual
Senior Novice
Junior Intermediate
Novice Juvenile
Intermediate Pre-Juvenile
Juvenile Preliminary
Preliminary (none)
Collegiate Juvenile
Adult Adult Bronze1
Masters (none)
Pre-Juvenile (none)
Open Juvenile Pre-Preliminary
Open Adult (none)
Open Collegiate (none)

1Preliminary moves in the field, dance, or figure is also acceptable.

Qualifying and international competitions

[edit]
refer to caption
The senior ladies podium at the 2008 U.S. Championships. Gold: Mirai Nagasu; Silver: Rachael Flatt; Bronze: Ashley Wagner; Pewter: Caroline Zhang.

Every year, U.S. Figure Skating sanctions numerous non-qualifying competitions, shows, and carnivals.[49] In addition, it annually sanctions qualifying regional and sectional competitions,[50] in various disciplines, that lead up to championship competitions. The Association also selects those athletes and officials that represent the United States at international competitions.

Regional competitions

[edit]

The following regional competitions are held in singles skating:[51]

Singles
New England Regional Figure Skating Championships
North Atlantic Regional Figure Skating Championships
South Atlantic Regional Figure Skating Championships
Eastern Great Lakes Regional Figure Skating Championships
Upper Great Lakes Regional Figure Skating Championships
Southwestern Regional Figure Skating Championships
Northwest Pacific Regional Figure Skating Championships
Central Pacific Regional Figure Skating Championships
Southwest Pacific Regional Figure Skating Championships

Sectional competitions

[edit]

The following sectional competitions are held in singles, pairs, ice dance, adult, and synchronized skating:[51][52][53]

Singles, Pairs, Ice Dance Adult Synchronized
Eastern Sectional
Figure Skating Championships		 Eastern Adult Sectional
Figure Skating Championships		 Eastern Synchronized Skating
Sectional Championships
Midwestern Sectional
Figure Skating Championships		 Midwestern Adult Sectional
Figure Skating Championships		 Midwestern Synchronized Skating
Sectional Championships
Pacific Coast Sectional
Figure Skating Championships		 Pacific Coast Adult
Sectional Figure Skating Championships		 Pacific Coast Synchronized Skating
Sectional Championships

Championship competitions

[edit]

The following championship competitions are held in singles, pairs, ice dance, synchronized, adult, and collegiate skating:[54]

U.S.
Figure Skating
Championships*		 U.S. Synchronized
Skating
Championships		 U.S. Adult
Figure Skating
Championships		 U.S. Collegiate
Figure Skating
Championships		 U.S. Intercollegiate
Figure Skating
Championships

* Effective September 1, 2012, the U.S. Junior Championships (for Juvenile and Intermediate level competitors) was eliminated and those levels are held in conjunction with the U.S. Championships.[55]

International competitions

[edit]

U.S. Figure Skating selects the athletes and officials that represent the United States at international figure skating competitions (Team USA). These competitions include the ISU Junior Grand Prix, Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, the ISU Grand Prix, the World Synchronized Skating Championships, the World Figure Skating Championships, and the Olympic Games.[56] Although the participants for Worlds and the Olympics are most often the top placers at US Nationals, there have been several times when other skaters have been selected due to injuries preventing them from competing at Nationals; Nancy Kerrigan being selected for the 1994 Olympics over 2nd-place finisher Michelle Kwan is one example. Most recently 2014 4th-place finisher Ashley Wagner was selected over 3rd place Mirai Nagasu ostensibly because of Wagner's more consistent international record; however, because of Wagner's many endorsement contracts, her selection has raised concerns about the fairness of the process (since U.S. Championships are not used as a straightforward Olympic trials).[57][58]

Sponsors

[edit]

U.S. Figure Skating has a number of sponsors, suppliers, and licensees that provide support to the association either financially or by supplying other goods and services. U.S. Figure Skating also makes available its logo and sanctioned content, primarily competitions, to various licensees.[59]

Sponsors Suppliers Licensees
Hilton Worldwide[60] United Airlines icenetwork.com
The J.M. Smucker Co. Main Event NBC Sports
Prudential EVC US Bank
Alka-Seltzer Plus Ex3
AT&T[61]
Puffs[62]

Media

[edit]

Ice Network

[edit]

In 2005, U.S. Figure Skating partnered with MLB Advanced Media to set up Ice Network, LLC. Ice Network, LLC is a wholly owned by U.S. Figure Skating.[66] In 2018, Ice Network's website closed.

Memorial Fund

[edit]

Formation and purpose

[edit]

On February 15, 1961, the entire United States figure skating team was killed when Sabena Flight 548 crashed en route from New York City to Brussels, Belgium.[67] The team was going to participate in the 1961 World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Among the team members that perished were 18 athletes, seven coaches and managers, three judges and referees, and six team family members.[68] Within one week of the tragedy, the association announced the formation of a memorial fund in honor of the lost team members.[69]

"The mission of the Memorial Fund is to provide qualified U.S. Figure Skating members in need of financial aid with monetary assistance to pursue their goals both inside and outside the competitive arena. The fund is committed to awarding skating and academic scholarships to those athletes who have demonstrated excellent competitive results and/or academic achievements, and who have potential in national and international competitions."[70]

RISE

[edit]

In 2009, U.S. Figure Skating commissioned the production of a full-length feature documentary film commemorating the 50th anniversary of the loss of the 1961 U.S. World Figure Skating Championship team and exalting figure skating in the U.S.[71] The movie, RISE, was produced and directed by the Emmy-award-winning company, Lookalike Productions of Englewood, NJ.[72] The film was released on February 17, 2011, for a one-night presentation through NCM Fathom.[73] It was shown again for an encore presentation on March 7, 2011.[74] Proceeds of the movie were used to further the mission of the Memorial Fund.[71]

See also

[edit]

Footnotes

[edit]
  1. ^ In June 2010, the ISU replaced the name "compulsory dance" with "pattern dance". p.2 Archived 2011-07-09 at the Wayback Machine, Section I.1.1.b), "ISU Communication 1621", International Skating Union, (accessed July 19, 2011).
  2. ^ U.S. Figure Skating also adopted the name "pattern dance" in 2011. p.32, "2011–12 Tests Book", U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed July 19, 2011).

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "U.S. Figure Skating Mission Statement" U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 21, 2011).
  2. ^ "U.S. Figure Skating at a Glance" U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 21, 2011).
  3. ^ "U.S. Figure Skating 2010–11 Style Guide" U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 21, 2011).
  4. ^ "Member Federations", International Stating Union, (accessed May 1, 2015).
  5. ^ a b Hines, James R. (2011). Historical Dictionary of Figure Skating. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. p. xxiii. ISBN 978-0-8108-6859-5.
  6. ^ "beaverdam", Beaver Dam Winter Sports Club. (accessed June 29, 2011).
  7. ^ "Our History", The Skating Club of Boston. (accessed June 25, 2011).
  8. ^ "The Tradition Continues", Chicago Figure Skating Club. (accessed June 27, 2011).
  9. ^ "The Skating Club of New York", The Skating Club of New York. (accessed June 25, 2011).
  10. ^ "PHCHS History", PSC&HS. (accessed February 12, 2013).
  11. ^ p. 311, MacKenzie, Mary (2007) "The Plains of Abraham". Utica, NY: Nicholas K. Burn Publishing. (accessed June 27, 2011).
  12. ^ "About FSC Minneapolis", Figure Skating Club of Minneapolis. (accessed June 27, 2011).
  13. ^ "THE UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE HISTORY", teamusa.org, (accessed August 18, 2011).
  14. ^ Wright, Benjamin T. (1996). Skating in America. Colorado Springs, Colorado: United States Figure Skating Association. p. 50.
  15. ^ Wright, Benjamin T. (1996). Skating in America. Colorado Springs, Colorado: United States Figure Skating Association. pp. 156, 176.
  16. ^ "Trademark Electronic Search System", United States Patent and Trademark Office. (accessed July 21, 2011).
  17. ^ "Trademark Electronic Search System", United States Patent and Trademark Office. (accessed July 21, 2011). (accessed July 21, 2011).
  18. ^ "U.S. Figure Skating Gets a New Look", U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed July 29, 2011).
  19. ^ "Bylaws", U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed August 26, 2011).
  20. ^ a b "THE 2011 OFFICIAL U.S. FIGURE SKATING RULEBOOK" U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 22, 2011).
  21. ^ "Bylaws of the United States Figure Skating Association (As amended to May 5, 2007)", US Figure Skating. (accessed June 25, 2011).
  22. ^ "ISI or USFSA?", Tri-CIties Figure Skating Club. (accessed January 21, 2010).
  23. ^ a b "Membership Grows", U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed July 18, 2011).
  24. ^ "GC Bylaws", U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed August 25, 2011).
  25. ^ "Board of Directors", U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed July 9, 2011).
  26. ^ "President", U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed December 27, 2018).
  27. ^ "Permanent Committees", U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed August 5, 2011).
  28. ^ "Executive Director", U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed July 1, 2011).
  29. ^ "Headquarters Staff", U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed July 21, 2011).
  30. ^ "Nonprofit Organization Lookup", Melissa Data, (accessed August 6, 2011).
  31. ^ "Consolidated Financial Statements", U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed March 13, 2012).
  32. ^ "So You Want to Be a Figure Skating Judge?", U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 25, 2011).
  33. ^ "Appointment Process", THE 2013 OFFICIAL U.S. FIGURE SKATING RULEBOOK, U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed July 30, 2012)
  34. ^ "Officials Selections", US Figure Skating. (accessed July 18, 2011).
  35. ^ "Regional Map", U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 28, 2011).
  36. ^ "Programs", U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed June 22, 2011).
  37. ^ "TR 22.08, p. 10", 2011–12 TESTS BOOK, U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 26, 2011).
  38. ^ a b "TR 7.02, p. 4", 2011–12 TESTS BOOK, U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 26, 2011).
  39. ^ "TR 8.03, p. 6", 2011–12 TESTS BOOK, U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 26, 2011).
  40. ^ "1999 U.S. Figure Skating Championships - Figure Events", Ice Skating International: Online, (accessed July 27, 2011).
  41. ^ "Moves in the Field Tests, TR19.01, p. 6", 2011–12 TESTS BOOK, U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 25, 2011).
  42. ^ "Moves in the Field Tests, TR21.01, 2011–12 TESTS BOOK, U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 25, 2011).
  43. ^ "TR19.02, p. 6", 2011–12 TESTS BOOK, U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 26, 2011).
  44. ^ "TR2.01 A., p. 2", 2011–12 TESTS BOOK, U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 26, 2011).
  45. ^ "Preliminary Pattern Dance Test, TR49.01, 2011–12 TESTS BOOK, U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 25, 2011).
  46. ^ "Gold Pattern Dance Test, TR49.07, 2011–12 TESTS BOOK, U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 25, 2011).
  47. ^ "International Pattern Dance Test, TR49.08, 2011–12 TESTS BOOK, U.S. Figure Skating (accessed August 25, 2011).
  48. ^ "Technical Requirements, Sections 7200-7520", THE 2013 OFFICIAL U.S. FIGURE SKATING RULEBOOK, U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed July 30, 2012)
  49. ^ "p. 94, SR 1.02 Sanctions", THE 2013 OFFICIAL U.S. FIGURE SKATING RULEBOOK, U.S. Figure Skating (accessed July 30, 2012).
  50. ^ "p. 144, 2000 Qualifying Competitions - Sanctions", THE 2013 OFFICIAL U.S. FIGURE SKATING RULEBOOK, U.S. Figure Skating (accessed July 30, 2012).
  51. ^ a b "U.S. Figure Skating Qualifying Structure". US Figure Skating. Retrieved August 25, 2011.
  52. ^ "Programs". www.usfigureskating.org. Retrieved August 12, 2011.
  53. ^ "Synchronized Skating". www.usfigureskating.org.
  54. ^ "U.S. Figure Skating Championships", U.S. Figure Skating (Accessed August 25, 2011).
  55. ^ "84.2" (PDF). U.S. Figure Skating. Retrieved June 24, 2011.
  56. ^ "US Figure Skating". www.usfigureskating.org. Retrieved July 19, 2011.
  57. ^ "Ashley Wagner on, Mirai Nagasu off Olympic team - the Boston Globe". The Boston Globe.
  58. ^ "Real Winner Isn't Ashley Wagner it's Her Sponsors". www.thewire.com. 2014.
  59. ^ "U.S. Figure Skating Sponsors", U.S. Figure Skating. (accessed October 1, 2012).
  60. ^ "Team USA Advantage", Hilton Hotels & Resorts, (accessed August 17, 2011).
  61. ^ "Figure Skating", AT&T U-verse Online, (accessed August 17, 2011).
  62. ^ "U.S. Figure Skating announces partnership with Puffs", icenetwork.com, (accessed February 27, 2013).
  63. ^ "Skating Magazine", U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed August 25, 2011).
  64. ^ "Registry Data", Network Solutions, (accessed August 17, 2011).
  65. ^ "Registry Data", Network Solutions, (accessed August 17, 2011).
  66. ^ "Overview", icenetwork.com, (accessed 14 April 2014).
  67. ^ "18 U.S. SKATERS AMONG 73 DEAD IN A JET CRASH" (PDF), The New York Times, 16 February 1961
  68. ^ "1961 Sabena Flight 548", Go Figure skating, (accessed July 4, 2011)
  69. ^ "Memorial Fund for Skaters" (PDF), The New York Times, 23 February 1961
  70. ^ "The Memorial Fund", U.S. Figure Skating, (accessed July 4, 2011)
  71. ^ a b "RISE". www.usfigureskating.org. Retrieved August 11, 2011.
  72. ^ "Documentaries", Lookalike Productions, (accessed July 4, 2011)
  73. ^ "RISE", Fathom Events, (accessed August 24, 2011)
  74. ^ "RISE Encore", Fathom Events, (accessed August 24, 2011)

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]

Web Site

[edit]

Social media

[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=U.S._Figure_Skating&oldid=1244605302"