ISU Congress 2022 (6-10 June)

[Perelandra]

ISU Congress Day 4 - Figure Skating Branch

 

Summary

Please note some of the proposals were discussed in General Meeting Workshop and agreed, to be voted in this session. Please refer back to this post

Proposals: 

 

- 3 ( Urgent ) Judges age limit to be amended. PASSED

Age currently min 24 yo to 50 yo. Difficult for small feds for judges to pass exams and gain accreditation by age 50 - for first appointment. By increasing max age to 60 this will allow more judges to be available for international comps, from smaller feds. Important to promote diversity and fairness in judging panels

 

- 174 Simplifying appointment process for ISU judges PASSED

 

-184 Adding On line webinar learning programmes to facilitate re appointment/ revalidation process for officials. PASSED

( Technical Committees )

 

- 185 To allow online certification process PASSED

( Technical Committees )

 

- 187, 188 Parity in recognition of Technical Specialists. Get rid of term assistant PASSED

 

- 189 International Events. PASSED

Where there are not enough judges to use marks given by referee for competition score. Minimum number of judges is 5, for international comp. Referee marks should only be considered in exceptional circumstances, in order to ensure that requirement for minimum of 5 judges for ISU events. (less than 5 judges present, but 4 still present). 

 

- 190, 191 Lowering minimum age of officials and increasing max age. Difficult for smaller feds to recruit enough officials. PASSED

 

- 196 Novice B, Referee and Technical report not to be mandatory. This will reduce workload for officials. Report only required if needed. PASSED

 

- 197 ( relates to 11 from Gen Assembly) Separate Olympic Qualification Competition PASSED

 

- 198 Improvements to Judging the Programme Components. PASSED PASSED PASSED Speaker Jeroen Prinz(?sp), Netherlands. This delegate had a number of proposals resolutions during conference with sound logic behind each one

Currently judged as a cluster of components. Judges felt pressures placed on them and disempowered from expressing true opinion. Currently have averaged scores for components, and feedback for individual components not present. Give judges the ability to have genuine judging opinion and restore judging fairness. Remove 'corridor' of marking and remove fear of judging outside of corridor and risk of facing reprimand, when scores deviate from 'corridor'. Problem, even if judges give scores component by component, OAC gives back average score.  (Official Assessment Committee )

(Delegate opinion-System can be changed, but application of any process is most important, no matter which system is being used. Personal opinion, carries same concern as that of this delegate, will changes be put into practice?)

 

First step : have judging of 3 component groups, from current 5. Evaluate this new marking

Step 2 : then have individually judged items

 

NB: Corridor refers to mark range for scores. Marks outside this range are highlighted as having deviated from score ranges, which is already been set ( mean, median, mode score and what range is applied - this was not clear, neither was it clear when a deviation is highlighted, e.g above or below inter quartile range, 1 standard deviation, 2, 3 SD's ???)

 

 

- Technical Rules

- 500 block of General Tech Rules, applies all disciplines. PASSED

( 199- 207 )

 

- 201  - Singles and Pairs Technical Committee

Technical Rule Change to amend Programme Component Score, applies to short/rhythm dance and free skate/dance

Performance evaluation based on 3 programme components - Composition, Presentation, Skating Skills ( must have equal demonstration of criteria by all skaters in pairs, ice dance and synchro )

Composition: Intentional, developed and/or original arrangement of repertoire of all types of movements into meaningful whole. Points to consider: unity, connection of elements, ice coverage/ pattern, movements using space, choreography reflects music ( there is more detail )

Presentation: demonstrable engagement, commitment, involvement - understanding of movement and composition. Evaluation of expressiveness and projection, variety and contrast of energy/movements, musical sensitivity and timing, unison - oneness and awareness of space pertains to pairs, ice dance, synchro

Skating Skills: ability to execute repertoire of steps, turns, movement with control of body and blade. Evaluation of variety of edges, turns, movements and body control, Balance and glide, flow, power and speed

( this replace 5 components )

The merit of this proposal was already discussed and agreed at General Assembly workshop meeting. Further debate at branch session. Objection raised by Finland Figure about lack of testing new judging system, spokesperson for JSF raised valid questions about definitions and removal of specific points, like transitions. Quality assurance is required, testing of new system

 

- 158 Proposal for Factor adjustment for PCS

Related to agreement regarding proposal 201 : PCS component  change to 3 from 5. PCS scores will now require recalculation to reach an equivalent score  (based on the 5 PCS component)

PCS scores as equivalent as possible to TES

                       SP.                 FS

Men's             1.67.               3.33

Women's.       1.33.              2.67

Pairs.              1.33.              2.67

Ice Dance.      1.33.              2.00   

Pattern dance 1.17

Scores rounded to 2 decimal places

 

208-249 PASSED en bloc. All were formalities, just agreeing on amended wording. No objections raised by delegates

 

-  208-214 

Singles and Pairs 

Singles - Choreographic sequences definition of movements which contribute to score. Steps and turns may be used to link elements, not counted towards choreo seq

Pairs - Definition, as above and includes small lift as well

 

- 215-221

Ice Dance

Pertained to change of foot by at least one skater, when performing a Dance Spin

 

- 226-249

Synchronised Skating

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special Regulations

Synchronised Skating

 

- 222 Inclusion of new category into rule book. PASSED

New category has been tested,  development proposal for team categories for novice, junior for up to 12 - 16 skater teams, helps smaller feds in particular

- 223 drafted to include some rules and remove some others. PASSED

- 224 drafting matters, harmonises some rules. PASSED

- 225 online courses for officials. PASSED

 

Urgent Proposal 4 ( rule 910 ) PASSED

To give more activities to officials. Only 2 ISU activities per year currently. 1 referee, 1 controller, 2 specialists per challenger event. Same officials at most events, reduces potential for development in this sector. Cost implications to have more officials per event

 

 

 

 

 

- 163 ( rule 400 ) Review Entries to Winter Olympic Games. Proposal postponed from 2020, due to pandemic. Resolution Passed

Resolution, to form working group for amendments to qualifications for Oly

Principles -

1 Qualification comps to take place in the Olympic season, not before

2 All qualification comp to have same requirements ( sometimes Olys requirements are different to other ISU event requirements )

3 Increased number of qualifying events to increase opportunity for skaters of member countries to qualify for Oly

 

Serves to harmonise qualification events across ISU sports

Can a working group be set up to evaluate feasibility and analyse qualification requirements

Concern: Olys spots currently decided from World Championships, from preceding season. Member slots filled by each country's criteria

Logistic implications for organising separate events and disregarding Worlds results

 

 

- 192 Referee, to have assistant ref to help senior referee and would also be able to learn from senior colleague. REJECTED

 

 

- 176 Improve/Augment numbers of Technical Controllers. Postponed - working group / feasibility study

Specialist training programme required + experience

 

Pending resolutions:

Split TES and PCS panel, for discussion tomorrow at the Full Congress Meeting

 

Due to poor quality and disorganised chairing, this session moved along at slower pace than some of the continental plates

 

[Perelandra]

As before, in case of any misunderstanding / misinterpreting of any of the agenda items, please highlight any items which require correction 

[Perelandra]

There are a number of problems in ISU, without transparency and fair treatment of all competitors. In the information and technology age everything can be seen and recorded and scrutinised. Nothing is hidden, viewers see everything and can make their own judgements and information is readily available for people to make their own judgements and conclusions. Organisations can be judged. Figure skating fans have become disenfranchised with the system. 

There has not been the popularity of any other skater on the same scale as Yuzu. There is something phenomenally special about him and if that quality was something that appeared on a regular basis, then there would have been skating stars who generated similar interest like his, but I have not encountered this is last 4 decades, nor heard of it for skaters before that. Yes there will one day be other skaters in the future, but whether they will have that ultra special spark, that cannot be predicted

 

Let's await the gripping debates that are certain to arise from ISU Congress tomorrow. I rather think it's Last Chance Saloon for them. 

[sallycinnamon]

Thank you for your summaries @Perelandra

 

I think the decision of raising the age limit will do more harm than what they think now but it's not surprise they wanted to accept this proposal so much in the current situation. It won't solve the root of the problems which is the judging itself.

They also pushed the PCS change down the throat of the ISU members, which was expected. They manipulated the components in the past and will continue to do so in the future - the difference will be that they don't even need to pretend anymore that transitions, interpretation, or skating skills (at least some former criterias of it) are important.

While the new sequence rule is good because of a potential 4T-3A (or other jumps) but in the ladies field, skaters who don't have stable triple-triple will benefit from it. 

 

We're slowly back to the 6.0 system again.

 

Tomorrow I think the American candidate, St. Peter will be elected as the new president.

[Perelandra]

You are welcome. I consider it a small mark of service to the planet.

 

Raising the age limit is an important topic, not just because of the issues of quad jumps. There was discussion around athlete development which included pressures related to senior competition and the mental, emotional and psychological issues for a teenager. The was something mentioned about medical recommendations, so it is possible that there may be a presentation from the medical delegates. 

The Athlete group were most keen to see changes with regards to lower age limits. 

 

Last instalment of ISU congress tomorrow, not quite the blockbuster mini series we hoped for ( probably one star review )

[Muffinator]

@Perelandra OK, now you have won the Pooh Patience and Perseverance Prize. Honestly, I couldn’t do it. Great Job!

[Muffinator]

Yuzu very politely giving the ISU the finger? 

[Sun_Rise]

The new President has been elected. 

 

[Guest turquoiseblue]

Vice President:

 

 

 

[Guest turquoiseblue]

 

[sallycinnamon]

I thought they'd elect St Peter because of USA's power, lot of experience, first woman president + plus it's been 42 years since the last president who was from figure skating and not from short track or speed skating. 

 

Kim is also an ISU Council member like Patricia but he was chosen of the money that comes with his connection to Samsung. There were many scandals in KSU in the past years especially in short track, and Kim himself was involved in some shady businesses.

I guess money is above everything.

[Anabel]

@sallycinnamon I was going to ask what the results of the elections could mean, but I see that nothing good... Thanks!

[ccy]

6 hours ago, sallycinnamon said:

I thought they'd elect St Peter because of USA's power, lot of experience, first woman president + plus it's been 42 years since the last president who was from figure skating and not from short track or speed skating. 

 

Kim is also an ISU Council member like Patricia but he was chosen of the money that comes with his connection to Samsung. There were many scandals in KSU in the past years especially in short track, and Kim himself was involved in some shady businesses.

I guess money is above everything.

uuuuuu~~ caebol with scandals.

 

Spoiler

 

 

[Perelandra]

ISU Congress Day 5 - Plenary Session

 

Items pertaining to Speed Skating alone have not been included

 

Summary:

 

D 21 Amendments to Regulations, Speed and Figure` PASSED

Proposal 16 re: Trademarks. 

To Increase advertising space and size of adverts. ( This is really needed due to fiscal challenges especially related to Speed Skating )

 

Figure Skating

 

- 31 ( Rule 121, para 3 )PASSED

Acceptance of proposals which were accepted by Figure Branch

 

- 38  = proposal 161 Qualifying Round for World Champ. PASSED

 

Resolutions

 

-154 : Set up Working Group to Examine Feasibility of Split Judging Panel. ACCEPTED + budget allocation 100000CHF

Split panel of judges, one group allocated to Technical Elements and another group to focus on Programme Components. 5 judges each group. This would require testing at events

 

- 163 (Rule 400) : Working Group to Examine Feasibility to Have Several Olympic Qualifying Events Instead of Existing Single Event. ACCEPTED

Current constraints, quota of athletes who may qualify and timeline for qualification to Olympics is already set by IOC

 

- 9K 2d 20 ?

Election of Auditing Company to serve until next congress. BDO Swiss company currently. BDO elected for another term

 

- 22 Ratification of Actions and Decisions since 2018. CONFIRMED

Council, Director General, Directors and Technical Committees

 

- 23 Election of ISU President

Outcome: New President - Mr Jae Youl KIM ( Korea - background Speed Skater, involved with Pyeongchang Games )

4 candidates, each gave 5 min presentation. Vote conducted as anonymous vote, supervised by external auditors

-

-D 24 Election Vice President Speed Skating Branch

Only 1 candidate. Won by default - Mr Tron Espeli ?sp?

 

-D 25 Election Vice President Figure Skating Branch

Outcome: Mr Benoit LAVOIE ( Canada )

3 candidates

(A Lakernik unable to run due to age cap, which was reviewed and voted at this congress)

 

-26 Confirmation of Vice President, Speed Skating

 

-27 Election Council Members Speed Skating

5 new council members appointed

 

- 28 Election Council Members Figure Skating

5 new council members

Patricia St Peter, Tatsuro Matsumura, Susanna Rakhamo, Gyorgy Elek, Maria Teresa Samaranch

 

- 29 Election of Athlete Representative

Outcome: Eric Radford, won congress delegate vote. Rep has vote on council vote and has rights on council

Athlete commission expressed preference for Eric Radford.

Athlete Rep must be from different branch from ISU president, hence this cycle must be Figure Skater

 

- 30 Election Chair of Disciplinary Committee

Elected by default, only 1 candidate : Ms. Susan Petricovic ? sp ?

 

- 31 Election of Members to Disciplinary Council

4 total, 2 from Speed, 2 from Figure

 

-   Election for Figure Skating Technical Committee

 4 Disciplines: 

Ice Dance - Chair Shaun Restadt ?sp? members - Hilary Selby, David Molina, Ingrid Charlotte Wolter

Synchro - Chair Phillipe Maitrot, members - Petra Tyrbo, Lois Long, Nina Bischoff

Singles and Pairs - Chair Fabio Bianchetti, members - Leena Laaksonnen, Yukiko Okabe, Emilie Billow, Susan Lynch

 

- 33 Status Report 2018 to 2022

No Comments

 

- 34 Approval of 4 year plan

Approved

 

- 35 Election of Honorary Members to Council

Honorary President - Jan Dijkema

Honorary Vice President - Aleksander Lakernik

Honorary Members - Marie Lundmark, Roland Maier, Volker Waldek, Beatrice Trister

 

-36 ISU Congress 2024 to be held in Las Vegas

 

- 37 Closing of Congress

 

Budget

D 19 Budget Expenditure 5,005416 CHF ( 2022 season ) plus 1,905000 CHF ( 2023 )

Property sale worth 1.3M CHF to be placed in emergency contingency fund

Decision ACCEPTED

 

Please note:

Speed Skating Section not written up 

Speed Skating branch items are available to view on Youtube 

 

End of Congress

See you in 2 years

"Bye Bye"

 

 

 

 

[Perelandra]

Finally, ISU Congress is finished.

 

Summaries of Days 1 to 5 all posted

Please, If there are any misinterpretations/ misunderstandings, feel free to correct or update

 

Lots of issues were discussed, rules amended and proposals made. What this means for the future of Figure Skating remains to be seen.

Let the analysis begin.