2009 ISI National Event Descriptions

General information is listed below for each event to be offered at our remaining 2009 ISI national competition events.
Note: Some duration times and maneuver limitations have changed as of May 1, 2009. To see the complete 2009 Rule Revisions click here.
Due to ice and time limitations, not every event will be offered at every competition. Please refer to the individual competition entry form for each competition to find out which events are offered for that particular competition.
Please also refer to the new 2008 edition of the ISI Skater’s & Coaches Handbook and the 2007 ISI Judge Manual for more complete event details performance guidelines.
RHYTHMIC SKATING EVENT CLARIFICATION
ARTISTIC SOLO 1-10
Skaters perform a program to music with emphasis on strong edges, flow, choreography, innovative moves and musical interpretation. There is no score for technical ability in this event. Event level is based on skater’s freestyle test level. Duration: FS1 – FS5 = 1.5 minutes FS6 – FS10 = 2 minutes.
Levels
Maneuver Limitations
Duration
Freestyle 1-3 / Bronze skaters
FS4 and below
1.5 min
Freestyle 4-5 / Silver skaters
FS6 and below
1.5 min
Freestyle 6-10 / Gold / Platinum skaters
Any maneuvers
2.0 min
COUPLES 1-10 – Similar / Mixed
Two skaters perform their routine to music that requires maneuvers from their current Couples test level. This event is like a Freestyle skating program by two skaters in unison. Both skaters must pass the required Couples Test to compete in this event.
COUPLES SPOTLIGHT – Low / Medium / High
An entertaining spotlight program performed by two skaters using costumes and props. Couples will also be divided into Character / Dramatic / Light Entertainment categories so please mark the correct category box on your entry form.

Levels
Maneuver Limitations
Duration
Low
Pre-Alpha–Delta skaters

FS1 and below
1.0 min
Medium
Freestyle 1-3
Bronze skaters
FS4 and below
1.0 min
Intermediate
Freestyle 4-5
Silver skaters
FS6 and below
1.5 min
High
Freestyle 6-10
Gold / Platinum skaters
All maneuvers
2.0 min
DANCE 1-10 – Solo & Partner Dance – Similar / Mixed / Pro Partner
This is the skater’s version of Ballroom Dancing. Test levels begin with basic steps and patterns, and then advance to a high performance level. All skaters must pass the required dance tests to compete in these events. Ice Dancing can be enjoyed at any age or level. Skaters are no longer required to pass the Delta test to participate in Ice Dance events.
In 2008, we introduced “Choice Dance” and Pro Partner dance events. All dancers can now choose to compete in any or all dance from their current test level for ISI national events. A separate event entry fee is required for each dance selected. Two patterns of each dance are used in national event competitions.
Pros and their students can compete together in the Pro Partner dance events at the student’s current Ice Dance test level. The Professional must be a current ISI Professional member, but does not have to pay any entry fees for that event. The professional will not receive any medal for Pro Partner dance event participation.
For more details, please see the 2008 Skaters and Coaches Handbook.
ENSEMBLE – FEATURED EVENT FOR 2009 !
Special Discounted Entry Fee for Ensemble events at 2009 national events!
Similar to Solo Spotlight and Production Team, this event is open to groups of 3-7 skaters of all levels and ages. Skaters will be judged on the performance value of the program. There are no required maneuvers and there is no technical score for this event. The group should use music, costumes & props to enhance the theme while creating an entertaining performance. The costume & prop guidelines for Ensemble are the same as the guidelines for Solo Spotlight events. Props are not allowed on warm-up. Duration: 3 minutes
FAMILY SPOTLIGHT (All Levels)
Two or more family members can perform an entertaining spotlight routine using costumes & props. If necessary, the event groupings are divided first by number of skaters and then by age groups and/or ability levels. Duration: 1.5 minutes
FIGURES 1-10
Regular figures are based on the original “school” figure eights. Skaters perform a required figure patterns 3 times on each foot. Judging is based on the size & shape of the circles, cleanliness of edges & pattern. All skaters must pass the required figure test to compete in these events.
Refer to the 2008 edition of the ISI Skaters & Coaches Handbook for description of Creative Figure 1-10 and Free Figure 1-10 events.
Figure 1
Forward Outside Eight
Figure 2
Forward Outside Three to Center
Figure 3
Backward Inside Eight
Figure 4
Forward Inside Loop
Figure 5
Right Forward Inside Bracket
Figure 6
Right Forward Outside Change Loop
Figure 7
Right Forward Outside Paragraph Three
Figure 8
Left Forward Inside Rocker
Figure 9
Right Back Outside Paragraph Double Three
Figure 10
The Flower
FOOTWORK 1-10
Freestyle skaters perform a one-minute program to music using various turns and connecting steps with limited jumps or spins. Skaters are judged on correct turns & edges as well as flow, variety of moves and choreography.
FREE DANCE 1-10
The new ISI Free Dance events are based on the new Free Dance test levels (1-10). Each couple must pass the corresponding test level to compete in Free Dance events. For the competition event, each couple must perform a free dance program of their own design. It should express the couple’s inspirational and artistic capabilities.
FREESTYLE 1-10
A program performed to music with emphasis on the required test level maneuvers from the skater’s current Freestyle level. Various skills are required, depending on the test level. All skaters must pass freestyle test level to compete in this event.
NEW – OPEN FREESTYLE – Bronze / Silver / Gold / Platinum
All Freestyle skaters now have even more options to participate in ISI competition events. Skaters who have passed any level of traditional Freestyle 1-10 tests can also participate in the new Open Freestyle events.
There are NO REQUIRED MANEUVERS for these new “open” events. Skaters in FS1-3 can participate in the Bronze event and do maneuvers from FS3 and below; skaters in FS4-5 can be in the Silver event and do maneuvers from FS5 and below: skaters in FS5-6 can be in the Gold event and do maneuvers from FS6 and below; and skaters in FS7-10 can be in the Platinum event and do any skating maneuvers.
Judging criteria is: Correctness, Variety of Moves, Music Interpretation, Choreography & Pattern, Posture, Presentation, Duration and General Overall.
For complete test and event details, CLICK HERE
FREESTYLE SYNCHRO TEAM 1-10
Three to seven skaters from the same Freestyle level can enter this new form of group skating. They must perform the same identical Freestyle program in unison. All test level requirements must be included. All skaters must have passed the same freestyle test level to compete in this event. Skaters cannot skate above or below their freestyle test level.
INTERPRETIVE (Freestyle Levels Only)
Freestyle level skaters will hear a piece of music once off the ice; twice during the group warm-up; and once more before competing while they mentally choreograph a skating routine – with no help from friends, parents or coaches. The emphasis is on the skater’s ability to choreograph an entertaining skating routine to music and not on the difficulty of the skating maneuvers performed.
For most national events, we will use a two-panel (A/B) format. Skaters will wear colored numbers during this event for easy identification by the Judges. There will be 2 skaters competing simultaneously on full ice. Those 2 skaters will not be competing against each other in the same group. One skater will be from Panel A and one from Panel B.
Forward spirals are allowed at all levels, but NO BACKWARD SPIRALS are allowed in this event at any level for the safety of all competitors.
Levels
Maneuver Limitations
Freestyle 1-3 / Bronze skaters
FS4 and below
Freestyle 4-5 / Silver skaters
FS6 and below
Freestyle 6-10 / Gold / Platinum skaters
Any maneuvers

JUMP & SPIN – Low / Medium / Intermediate / High
FEATURED EVENT FOR 2009!
Special Discounted Entry Fee for Jump & Spin events at 2009 national events !
Two skaters enter the ice as a team. The first skater performs their choice of a required jump 2 times, followed by the second skater performing their choice of a required spin 2 times. Only the best attempt of each required element will be judged. Only the technical accuracy of the required element is judged – the difficulty of the chosen element is not considered during judging for this event.
ALL JUMP & SPIN EVENTS will be done on ½ ICE ONLY.
Category Levels:
Low
Both skaters must be in Pre-Alpha to Delta levels ONLY
Medium
Both skaters must be in Freestyle 1-3 levels or below.
Intermediate
Both skaters must be in Freestyle 4-5 levels or below.
High
Both skaters must be in Freestyle 6-10 levels or below.
If two skaters from different category levels wish to compete together, the team will be entered in the highest level of the two skaters.
Required Elements:
Level
Jump
Spin
Low
2-Foot Hop or Bunny Hop
2-Foot Spin
Medium
½ Flip or Toe Loop
2-Foot or 1-Foot Spin
Intermediate
½ Loop or Axel
Sit Spin or Back Spin
High
Dbl. Salchow or Dbl. Loop
Flying Camel or Flying Sit
KALEIDOSKATE (All Levels)
A group of 8 or more skaters perform a fun and entertaining group number. Minimal skating skills are required for this event. Each skater represents a speck of color – and those color pieces are choreographed to create constantly changing patterns, designs and formations on the ice. Creativity, use of color and props are also an important part of the overall “design”.
PAIR 1-10
Together two skaters perform a choreographed routine to music. This program should include all the required maneuvers from their current Pair test level. The event is similar to Couples. However, unlike Couples, Pairs includes pair lifts and pair spins. Both skaters must pass the required Pair Test to compete in this event.
PATTERN SKATING (Delta level and above)
This unique form of group skating is done by at least 4 people. Working off a common circle, skaters "draw" patterns, formations, and designs on the ice to music. The skaters skate in unison, all doing the same thing at the same time, each in their own area of the pattern. All kinds of maneuvers can be performed i.e. jumps / spins / footwork / spirals / etc. as long as the circular symmetry is predominantly evident throughout the routine.
PRE ALPHA – DELTA SOLO
Skater performs a one-minute program routine to music that emphasizes the required test level maneuvers from Pre-Alpha through Delta. Depending on each test level requirement, specific skating skills must be performed. All skaters must pass the Pre-Alpha – Delta test to compete in this event. Skaters must include one maneuver from Freestyle 1 in their program.
PRODUCTION TEAM (All Levels)
This team event is for groups of 8 or more skaters. Team will be judged on the performance value of the program. There are no required maneuvers and no technical score for this event. The group should use music along with elaborate costumes and props to enhance the theme while creating an entertaining performance. Skaters from all levels can participate in this event. Event entries will be divided in to Small / Medium / Large / Extravaganza categories.
RHYTHMIC SKATING – FEATURED EVENT FOR 2000!
Special Discounted Entry Fee for Rhythmic events at all 2009 national events !
This new entertaining event requires the use of one hand-held prop listed below. The program should contain elements that employ the use of the prop throughout the routine. The skater must maintain control of the prop at all times.
Props of the same kind (i.e. Ball / Hoop / Ribbon) must be grouped together and cannot be combined for competition event groups.
The same rules and limitations apply as for Spotlight solo events. Props are not allowed on the event Warm-Up. If it is obvious that skater’s prop does not meet the following specifications, the panel Referee can determine if any point deduction should be taken.
Choice of One:
1. Hoop - Must be made from wood or plastic (from a rigid, non-bending material). The hoop diameter should measure between 2 feet 7 inches - 2 feet 11 inches.
2. Ball - Must be made of rubber or plastic. The ball diameter should measure approximately 7-3/4 inches.
3. Ribbon - Stick must be made of wood, plastic or fiberglass. Stick length should be between 20-30 inches. Ribbon material should be one single piece of satin or a non-starched fabric. Ribbon width should be 2-4 inches wide and between 6 feet - 9 feet long.
Rhythmic Program Duration :
FS1-FS3 = 1.0 min.
FS4-FS5 = 1.5 min.
FS6-FS10 = 2.0 min.
*RHYTHMIC SKATING EVENT CLARIFICATION
The new Rhythmic Skating events are for skaters in Freestyle 1-10 levels only. The skater chooses only one rhythmic prop per routine - ball, hoop or ribbon. While the skater must use the prop (bounce, toss, etc.) throughout the routine, they must maintain control of the prop. No additional props are permitted.
Skaters must follow the maneuver limitations and duration times below:
Levels
Maneuver Limitations
Duration
Freestyle 1-3 / Bronze skaters
FS4 and below
1.0 min
Freestyle 4-5 / Silver skaters
FS6 and below
1.5 min
Freestyle 6-10 / Gold / Platinum skaters
Any maneuvers
2.0 min

SOLO COMPULSORIES (Pre-Alpha – Freestyle 10)
Skaters are to perform only the three maneuvers selected by the competition director in any order with a minimum of connecting steps. Each maneuver may only be attempted one time. Additional maneuvers, such as any jump, spin, or gliding maneuver from a test level or any uncaptured move are not allowed. There is a 1-minute time limit for all levels.
Skaters who have only passed the new Open Freestyle tests musts compete at the following Solo Compulsory event levels:
Open Freestyle Test level
Solo Compulsory Event Level
Bronze
Freestyle 3
Silver
Freestyle 5
Gold
Freestyle 6
Platinum
Choose any FS7-10 level
If skaters have passed the traditional Freestyle 1-10 tests, they will compete at their highest test passed.
For ISI national events :
Pre-Alpha – Freestyle 5 will be on ½ ICE ONLY.
Freestyle 6 – 10 will be on FULL ICE.
2009 National Event Selected Maneuvers
Pre-Alpha
Forward Swizzles / 2-Foot Glide / Backward Wiggles
Alpha
Forward Stroking / Right Forward Crossovers / 1-Foot Snowplow Stop
Beta
Backward Stroking / Left Backward Crossovers / Right T-Stop
Gamma
Right Forward Outside 3-turn / Left Forward Inside Mohawk Combo, / Hockey Stop
Delta
Left Forward Inside 3-turn / Bunny Hop / Lunge
Freestyle 1
Waltz jump / 2-foot spin / ½ Flip jump
Freestyle 2
Ballet jump / 1-foot spin / ½ Lutz jump
Freestyle 3
Salchow jump / Backward pivot / Toe Loop jump
Freestyle 4
Flip jump / Sit Spin / ½ Loop jump
Freestyle 5
Camel spin / Lutz jump / Back spin
Freestyle 6
Jump combination / Choice spin (Cross-foot/Layback/Sit-Change-Sit) / Split jump
Freestyle 7
Two Walley jumps / Flying Camel spin / Double Toe Loop jump
Freestyle 8
Double Flip jump / Flying Sit Spin / Split Lutz jump
Freestyle 9
Double Lutz jump / Flying Camel into Jump Sit spin / Axel-Double Loop jump combination
Freestyle 10
Double Axel-Double Toe Loop jump combination / Death Drop / Three Arabian Cartwheel or Butterfly jumps
SOLO SURPRISE (All Levels) – FEATURED EVENT FOR 2009 !
Special Discounted Entry Fee for Solo Surprise events at 2009 national events !
This is a “fun” event where individual skaters are grouped together by age and/or skating levels. The skaters don’t know what they will be asked to do until the event begins. This event usually consists of tasks not necessarily related to skating ability. For higher-level skaters, the task might require performance of some skating skills, but the technical performance of the skating skill is not scored.
SPECIAL SKATER 1-10
This category is open to skaters of all ages with physical or mental disabilities. Skaters will perform a program to music for 1 minute that includes all of the compulsory maneuvers from their test level. Skaters will be grouped by age, gender, and disability classification. The Special Skater event is based on the ISI Special Skater test levels 1-10. These tests must be registered with the ISI national office.
Above the Special Skater 10 (Delta) level, Special Skaters can take and pass the test levels in Freestyle, Figures, Couples, Pairs, Dance and Free Dance so they are eligible to compete in those events. If requested, the Competition Director can put special skaters into a separate event group for those events.
SPOTLIGHT SOLO PROGRAM (All Levels)
This is an entertaining & “fun” routine that emphasizes the skater’s acting ability and not technical skating skills. There is no score for technical merit in this event. The skater must pass a test for Tots, Pre-Alpha to Delta or Freestyle to determine the spotlight event level.
Spotlight events are divided into three categories listed below. Please mark the correct category on your entry form.
a) CHARACTER – a famous or easily identifiable character.
b) DRAMATIC – a theatrical performance that sets a mood and evokes an emotional response.
c) LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT – an entertaining or light-hearted performance

Levels Maneuvers Duration
Levels
Maneuvers
Duration
Tot & Pre-Alpha – Delta
FS1 and below
1 min
Freestyle 1-3 / Bronze
FS4 and below
1.5 min.
Freestyle 4-5 / Silver
FS6 and below
1.5 min
Freestyle 6-10 / Gold / Platinum
Maneuvers from any level
2.0 min
STROKING (Alpha – Delta Only)
Skaters compete together in groups wearing colored numbers for easy identification by the Judges. They do only forward stroking in both directions and are judged on posture and correct stroking technique. Crossovers are optional at the end of the rink, but not required and not judged. This is the very basic skill of skating.
SYNCHRONIZED COMPULSORIES – Formation / Skating
Synchronized Formation and Skating teams must perform 4 or 5 required elements to music, with no additional moves permitted. Teams will be divided by age groups For details of compulsory maneuvers and program duration limitations, please see the current 2008 edition of the ISI Skater’s & Coaches Handbook.
For the new 2009 Rule Revisions click here
SYNCHRONIZED TEAM - Dance / Formation / Skating
This is a group number for 8 or more skaters to perform in unison. They can incorporate various skating formations such as circles, pinwheels, lines, footwork sequences and dance steps. For description of Formation, Skating, and Dance categories, please see current edition of ISI Skaters and Coaches Handbook.
For the new 2009 Rule Revisions click here
TEAM COMPULSORIES 1-10 (Freestyle Levels Only)
Six skaters (or seven skaters for FS6-10 levels) perform a lively and entertaining routine in which each skater performs one required test level maneuver (in the order listed in the Skaters & Coaches Handbook). Lively music with entertaining themes, great costumes and hand-held props are featured in this event. Skaters can compete on more than one team as long as those two teams are in different freestyle levels. Skater may skate above, but not below their own freestyle test level.
TEAM SURPRISE (All Levels) – FEATURED EVENT FOR 2009!
Special Discounted Entry Fee for Team Surprise events at 2009 national events!
This is a new “team” version of Surprise events. Each team must have 4 skaters from the same category level (listed below). Each skater may only participate on one team. Skaters under 6 years are not permitted to compete in Team Surprise events. Teams can be made up of all males, all females, or any combination – as long as the resulting test level category is the same for ALL TEAM MEMBERS . Entries will be divided into competition groups based on the average age and/or test levels of all 4 team members .
Category Levels:
Low
All team skaters must be in Pre-Alpha – Delta levels only.
Medium
All team members FS1-3 / Bronze and below
Intermediate
All team members FS4-5 / Silver and below
High
All team members FS6-10 / Gold / Platinum and below
Skaters may skate in a higher team category than their current test level – but not in a lower team category. If entries are received with a team of skaters from different category levels, the team will be entered into the level of the highest skater.
These team “surprises” will be a relay-type event where every member of the team must complete a required task. Some events might be related to skating ability – and some may not – SO GRAB YOUR FRIENDS AND JOIN THIS EXCITING NEW TEAM EVENT ! ! !
THEMED COUPLES SPOTLIGHT / THEMED PRODUCTION / THEMED SOLO SPOTLIGHT (All Levels)
These events will use the same guidelines as for regular Couples Spotlight, Production teams & Solo Spotlight events regarding levels, maneuver limitations, duration, and costume/prop restrictions. All programs in this event category must be related to this national event theme for 2009.
In honor of our ISI 50 th Anniversary celebration, the theme for 2009 national events is: “The Fabulous 50’s” – so pull-out your poodle skirts and leather jackets – and get ready to be-bop your way to the top … on ice!
TOT 1-4
Tots (skaters age 6 and under) will perform a 1-minute program routine with music. They should only perform the required maneuvers from their test level. Additional maneuvers should not be included and will not be judged. 2-foot and/or 1-foot snowplow stops are permitted in Tot events. All Tot competitors must have their test registered with ISI to enter Tot competition events. Coaches will be allowed to help the skater from the ice door but will not be permitted on the ice during the national competition events.