Generic Criteria for NISA National Open Competitions and Tests

Generic Criteria for NISA National Open Competitions and Tests. NISA announcement dated 16th April. http://www.iceskating.org.uk/files/NISA_Docs/Figure/Rules_Regs/EXPLANATION_OF_IJS_CRITERIA_V4._11th_April_Final%201%20.doc




As a further stage in the roll out of IJS, the GENERIC CRITERIA now includes amendments to the program content wording for each level to show a maximum number of elements per program. However, there are minimal changes to the programme content at this stage. These competition program requirements will still fit with the National Test Structure requirements despite there being specification of elements in the test structure. As with the current test structure, all elements performed are as per ISU current regulations. This therefore allows skaters to perform RJS test and competition elements as per the established criteria (ISU regulations 2006) and indeed as per the IJS criteria and clarifications. (Communications 1445 and 1459)



The Generic Criteria must be read in conjunction with the ISU Regulations 2006, any subsequent ISU communications, and also the updated NISA IJS element clarifications (4/08) for RJS competitions and National tests available on the NISA website. (see Figure – Singles – rules & regulations)

This document will be updated to start on 1^st July each year, in line with the ISU calendar year.

It is likely that there may be changes following ISU Congress in July 2008. Until this time, programme criteria will follow ISU Regulations 2006 and any subsequent communications. New regulations will only apply as from 1^st August 2008 and further announcements and/or bulletins will be put on the NISA website.

The Generic Criteria now state the maximum number of elements allowed and there are no minimums in most cases. However, for skaters wishing to take tests, the pass marks and scores are based on completion of the maximum number of elements to a satisfactory standard. In RJS competitions, skaters performing the maximum number of elements to a satisfactory standard would obviously obtain a higher technical mark than those skating less elements to the same standard.

LISTED ELEMENTS

For a comprehensive summary of listed jumps and spin abbreviations please refer to ISU communication 1445 and the scale of values chart. Any jump not listed, such as inside axel, wally, split jump or half loop is now seen by the judges as a transition or linkage within a sequence of jumps.

Spiral Sequences

The spiral sequence should show adequate depth of edge and flow across the ice. The minimum number of different spiral positions will remain as per ISU – ie 2 for Novice and 3 for Junior and Senior and therefore some skaters may not necessarily skate a full completed serpentine/circular pattern. It is however perfectly acceptable in RJS competitions and tests to perform more than the required number of spirals and to complete the full pattern.

Step Sequences

To allow skaters to fit in the required number of different steps and turns, the straight line step sequence may deviate from a perfectly straight line. This step sequence may begin at any point on the short barrier and finish anywhere on the opposite short barrier – allowing the skater to show depth of edges.

NOTE

As the shorthand for the step sequence (St) and the spiral sequence (SpSq) is now different, skaters may only perform the sequence specific to the section in which they are skating. For example, where men are asked to skate 2 different step (St) sequences at level 9 and 10, one can no longer be a spiral sequence (SpSq).

Spins

The ISU have clarified the criteria for the 3 basic spin positions.

1. Camel

A spin with the free leg backwards, knee of the free leg higher than hip level. (With the exception of Biellman and layback spins which are considered as upright spins.

2. Sit

A spin with the lowest part of the buttocks not higher than the top of the knee of the skating leg.

3. Upright

Any position with the skating leg extended which is not a camel position. A slight bend of the knee is allowed.

There will be no IJS “intermediate positions” in RJS open competitions and National Tests. Judges will identify the intention of the skater and failure to reach the intended position will be marked as poor quality.

Revolutions in Spins



· A spin must have a minimum of 3 revolutions to be considered as a spin.

· All spins have a minimum number of revolutions as outlined in the generic criteria for each level.

· The minimum number of revolutions in each spin position is 2 without interruption.



In RJS competitions and National tests the judges will identify the intended position and any lacking revolutions in position will be marked as poor quality.

Any lack in revolutions performed per foot or position will result in a deduction from the judges.

Spin Wind Up

The spin wind up should not intentionally exceed 2 revolutions. More revolutions than this may change the spin from the intended spin into a combination spin by the change of position. This may not fit with the technical generic criteria and result in a deduction.

Jumps



JUMP ELEMENT

A jump element is defined as an individual listed solo jump or a jump combination consisting of listed jumps or a jump sequence (see below for definition). For example, a jump combination or sequence consisting of 2 listed jumps is considered as 1 jump element.



Jump Combination

A jump combination may consist of the same listed jumps or different listed jumps. The landing edge of the first jump is the take off edge of the second jump. (Before weight transfer to the toe if a toe jump is performed). The same would apply to a third jump if allowed.
Jump Sequences


NOTE - MAJOR CHANGE



A jump sequence may consist of a minimum of 2 listed jumps (maximum number of jumps allowed as per generic criteria) that may be linked by non listed jumps and/or hops immediately following each other while maintaining the jump rhythm (knee): there can be NO turns/steps (not even as an entry into a jump) during the sequence: there can be NO crossovers or stroking. For example, lutz- half loop- salchow is classed as a jump sequence as half loop is a non listed jump. Lutz- mazurka- flip involves a turn to backwards before the flip, and hence is NOT classed as a jump sequence. NOTE – If the half loop is performed and under-rotated with a forward landing, this causes a turn into the next jump and because of this error is therefore not classed as a jump sequence.



AXELS IN COMBINATION OR SEQUENCE



Axel type jump element

This may be an axel of any value (ie single, double or triple) performed either as a solo jump, or as part of a jump sequence or jump combination which contains an axel of any value.



An axel type jump followed by or after any other jump that is linked by hops, makurkas and listed jumps is considered a jump sequence. If there are no hops or makurkas this is not considered a combination or sequence and will be identified as individual jumps. For example, lutz axel with hops between the 2 jumps is considered a jump sequence. Without any hops, mazurkas etc., it is classed as 2 individual jumps.



If the axel type jump element is skated in combination or sequence this will count towards the overall number of combinations and/or sequences allowed within the programme – it is not extra to these.

The IJS “downgrade” rule will not apply to under-rotated jumps in RJS competitions and National tests. Any amount of under-rotation will be marked by the judges as the intended jump skated with varying degrees of poor quality.
Double Axel



To incorporate IJS skaters into RJS events, the double axel may not be attempted more than 3 times in a programme. A deduction will be taken for further attempts.

the NISA table on deductions won't paste as a message here (too big) so i'll paste it in two halves

REASON FOR DEDUCTION	IS ELEMENT INITIALLY MARKED	AMOUNT OF DEDUCTION
		TECHNICAL MERIT	PRESENTATION
Extra element	NO	0.2 per extra element
Lack of revolutions in spins	YES	0.1 per revolution
Turns within jump sequence	Sequence ends at turn – remainder ignored	????
Incorrect/Illegal Spins or Spins with incorrect abbreviation	NO	0.2 per incorrect spin