May/June2013

www.skatepsa.com

S K Y L I N E R S J U N I O R T E A M

U.S. SYNCHRONIZED SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Coached by Josh Babb & Jenny Gibson

The all NEW lightweight Eclipse Titanium™ blades have a 100% titanium alloy body with a stainless steel runner. At 45% lighter than carbon steel alloys, titanium offers the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal. It is 60% denser than aluminum and twice as strong. The Swedish stainless steel runners offer precise edges which maintain long blade life and resist rust or corrosion.

©2013 Riedell Skates Inc.100% Skater Guarantee: If not satisfied, simply return your blades within 60 days with a proof of purchase for a full refund.

A pair of Eclipse Titanium Infinity size 10-inch blades weighs just 14.2 oz. (402.56 g), lighter than any 10-inch blade on the market! Less weight with less resistance means you’ll cover the ice faster and jump higher than ever before. Be amazed at the difference you’ll feel the first time on the ice with Eclipse Titanium blades. Learn more about this amazing blade at EclipseTitanium.com.

MAY | JUNE 2013 ~ No 3 #ISSN-574770

9 Ratings Exams Passed

36 New Members

38 Excellence On Ice

38 PSA Calendar of Events

FEATURES

COLUMNS

Jimmie Santee | Editor

Carol Rossignol | Contributing Editor

Laura Hanrahan | Advertising

Amanda Taylor | Art Director

Elizabeth Peschges | Editorial Assistant

Over the Edge | Jimmie Santee

President’s Message | Angie Riviello

Ratings | Kris Shakarjian

Sport Science | Heidi Thibert

Education | Carol Rossignol

Legal Ease | David Shulman

4

6

8

14

16

34

10 2013 PSA International Conference, Trade Show & Reunion

19 2013 Honor Roll of Synchronized Skating Coaches

22 Working With Elite Athletes| by Anjelika Krylova

24 2013 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships| by Elizabeth Peschges

26 75 Most Memorable Moments| by Terri Milner Tarquini

30 Twizzles Are...| by Kelley Morris Adair

32 What Would Christy Krall Do?| by Terri Milner Tarquini

26

10

24

30

32

Social Media

Who Needs TiVo?At the conclusion of the recent World Championships in London, Ontario,

Christine Brennan wrote a piece in USA Today critically pointing out that coach Audrey Weisiger had to watch the World championships on the Latvian TV feed on the internet. I have to admit that I watched the Latvian feed as well, while I was working no less. The feed was excellent…real time, clear, in HD, and they showed every skater. I didn’t care that the commentary was in Latvian. When at home I watched on Universal Sport. When I missed something I either found it at the Universal Sport website or on Facebook. My favorite was Twitter.

During the Ladies long, I was driving home from a show in Red Wing, Minnesota, about a 40 mile drive to Rochester. My wife and son were both following the twitter feeds of several fans, media, and skaters. I must say that I was riveted…were Ashley and Gracie going to bring home the third spot for the Olympics? As various Tweets came in, I was following the action in my head, just like I did when I was little and listening to the Chicago Cubs on my father’s transistor radio. The next day and a Google search later, I had plenty of options to catch up on the programs I wanted to watch.

Interestingly, in the same USA Today article, Brennan really hammered the attendance and the decline of skating’s popularity. Is that because of the high cost of tickets and the poor economy or is it because many fans

choose to follow the sport on the internet? Anyway, I’m saying to myself, “Is print media doing any better?”

• Newspaper advertising revenues dropped by 44.24% in just four years • Between 2007 and 2010, 13,500 newspaper journalists lost their jobs 

…hmmm, to some extent both groups can blame the internet and social media and quite truthfully, the internet and social media will ultimately be the solution for both as well.

On January 25 of this year, U.S. Figure Skating announced a new media agree-ment with the ISU that will extend through the 2017-18 season. Icenetwork.

“As various Tweets came in, I was following

the action in my head, just like I did when I was

little and listening to the Chicago

Cubs on my father’s transistor

radio.”

MAY | JUNE 20134

THE PROFESSIONAL SKATER Magazine Mission: To bring to our readers the best information from the most knowledgeable sources. To select and generate the information free from the influence of bias. And to provide needed information quickly, accurately and efficiently.The views expressed in THE PROFESSIONAL SKATER Magazine and products are not necessarily those of the Professional Skaters Association.The Professional Skater, a newsletter of the Professional Skaters Association, Inc., is published bimonthly, six times a year, as the official publication of the PSA, 3006 Allegro Park SW, Rochester, MN 55902. 507.281.5122, Fax 507.281.5491, Email: office@skatepsa.com© 2004 by Professional Skaters Association, all rights reserved. Subscription price is $19.95 per year, Canadian $29.00 and foreign $45.00/year, U.S. Funds. ISSN-574770. Second-class Postage Paid at Rochester, MN 55901 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER send address changes to The Professional Skater, 3006 Allegro Park SW, Rochester, MN 55902. Printed in the USA.

PSA

PSA OFFICERSPresident

First Vice PresidentSecond Vice President

Third Vice PresidentTreasurer

Past President

PSA BOARD OF GOVERNORSWest

Mid-West

East

Members at Large

Committee on Professional StandardsRatings Chair

Seminar ChairISI Rep to PSA

U.S. Figure Skating Rep to PSA

Executive DirectorLegal Counsel

COMMITTEE CHAIRMENAwards

Coaches Hall of FameEducationSeminars

State WorkshopsApprentice, Intern

Area RepresentativesHockey Skating

PS MagazineSport ScienceEndorsements

ExecutiveExecutive Nominating

FinanceFundraising

ISU/ IJSEthics and Legal

NominatingProfessional Standards

PSA Rep to ISIRanking Review

RatingsSpecial Olympics

U.S. Figure Skating Coaches

PSA AREA REPRESENTATIVESArea 1Area 2Area 3Area 4Area 5Area 6Area 7 Area 8Area 9

Area 10Area 11Area 12Area 13Area 14Area 15Area 16Area 17

Angela RivielloChristine Fowler-BinderDorothi CassiniRebecca StumpCarol MurphyKelley Morris Adair

Doug LadretTodd SandDorothi CassiniBrandon Forsyth Denise WilliamsonRebecca StumpAlex ChangPaul WylieJackie BrennerRobbie KaineKris ShakarjianThomas AmonGlyn JonesBrittany Bottoms

Jimmie SanteeDavid Shulman

Denise WilliamsonKelley Morris AdairChristine Fowler-BinderThomas AmonDorothi CassiniRebecca StumpGloria LeousPaul PaprockiBob MockHeidi ThibertJamie SanteeAngela RivielloKelley Morris AdairCarol MurphyPatrick O’NeilDavid SanteeDavid ShulmanKelley Morris AdairRobbie KaineGerry LaneBrandon ForsythKris ShakarjianEleanor Fraser-TaylorAlex Chang

Amy Hanson-KuleszkaAnne Marie Filosa Lee CabellStacie KuglinGloria LeousMary LinScott CudmorePatrick O'Neil Lisa Bardonaro-ReiblyThomas AmonBrigitte Carlson-RoquetSharon BrilliantineTracey Seliga-O’BrienLisa MizonickDon CorbielJosselyn Baumgartneropen

Over the EdgeJIMMIE SANTEE

com, a wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S. Figure Skating, will broadcast live coverage of all ISU events, including the World Figure Skating Championships, the Four Continents Championships and the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series, on icenetwork.com, as well as television coverage on NBC, NBC Sports Network and Universal Sports.

Time will tell if this media model will grow the sports fan base better than broadcast television. I’m sure it will at least service the current fan base. Honestly, most families are so over scheduled that if it wasn’t for social media, we wouldn’t be able to follow anything at all.

PRO

FESS

IO

NAL SKATERS ASSOCIATION

75 TH AN NIVERSARY

CHICAGO May 23-25, 2013

75 Years of Coaching Excellence

2013 PSA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW

Join us for three fun-filled days of educational sessions, technical updating, networking, and inspiration! Presentations will be given in all

disciplines, both on and off-ice, to expand your coaching career.

The year 2013 marks the PSA’s diamond anniversary. Join in celebrating 75 years of

coaching excellence with most all of the living PSA Hall of Fame members and past PSA presidents at

this year’s conference!Visit www.skatepsa.com for more information.

DON’T MISS THE

Book Signing!It’s the opportunity of a lifetime! Purchase your copy of The Joy of Coaching and have the chance to collect priceless signatures from inspiring coaches who helped shape the PSA and this sport we love. Books will be available to purchase on-site along with a book signing session each day of conference by coaches profiled in the book. Supplies are limited of this one-time printing!

PS MAGAZINE 5

Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Professional Skaters Association!

KEEP UP WITH THE PSA...

ProfSk8rsAssoc

Professional Skaters Association(PSA)

@ProfSk8rsAssoc

New PSA e-newsletter

The PSA International Conference is quickly approaching. This Conference is the Diamond

Anniversary as we are celebrating 75 years of coaching excellence through education and accreditation. We will be in beautiful Chicago for this historic event.

The Professional Skaters Association (PSA) was organized in 1938. There were 13 prominent coaches who came together in Lake Placid 75 years ago with a vision of how to make the coaching profes-sion stronger. Today, PSA is the official figure skating coaches’ education, training and accreditation program for U.S. Figure Skating and the Ice Skating Institute.  We are the largest and most recognized of all figure skating coaches’ organizations in the world.

The 2013 Conference promises to be one of the best with none other than Mr. Scott Hamilton as the keynote speaker. Some of the other Conference highlights are: Coaching Tools and Resources, Music and Movement, Coaching as a Business, and The Keys to Program Components, along with many more topics that reflect the current status of our sport. One of the most entertaining moments will be the Past, Present & Future of Figure Skating Panel Discussion. The panel discussion always promises to give great insight as well as a lot of humor. One highlight that cannot be missed is the sumo wrestling

match between Gerry Lane and Larry LaBorde, refereed by Bob Mock. The match will take place on Saturday and I promise it is worth staying for!

The annual Conference is our largest educational event and it offers so many bangs for the buck.

You are able to network with all levels of coaches, form new ideas, and go home with some new tricks to start trying. It’s truly a unique experience to attend, if you never have. If you’re not sure where to start, there is always a “Newcomers”

meeting that will surely answer all of your questions. There will be presentations on

and off the ice that cover everything from grassroots to elite levels.

If you are attending Conference, one thing you will have to do is attend the Awards Dinner. This year it promises to be one for the record books. Nearly all living Past Presidents and Hall of Fame members will be in atten-dance, and the stories they can all share are just amazing. It will be a magical night with many well-deserved “Edi” awards being given out.

We hope to see you in Chicago for the biggest and best Conference to date!

PRO

FESS

IO

NAL SKATERS ASSOCIATION

75 TH AN NIVERSARY

Take note. . .

MAY | JUNE 20136

President’s MessageANGIE RIVIELLO

Karen Courtland Kelly Olympian

PSA Master Rated Coach Host of Instructional DVD

Karen’s photo by: Paul Frederick

Order now at www.Off IceEdgeTrainer.com

Strengthen Jump Entriesand Landings!

O I E™

P L A T F O R M

USA & Foreign Patents Pending

Off- Ice Edge

Sports Specifi c Off -Ice Strengthening on Skates!Used worldwide by Developmental, Competitive, Olympic & World level skaters

Created by David Lipetz, Off -Ice Specialist and Physical Therapist

Over 5000 sold worldwide!The training possibilities are endless!

Phot

o by

Jim

& S

haro

n Cu

shm

anPh

oto

by Ji

m &

Sha

ron

Cush

man

Phot

o by

Jim

& S

haro

n Cu

shm

an

Thank You!It has been a wonderful and gratifying experience

working with such an amazing Ratings Committee and Board of Governors. I want to thank Angie Riviello and Kelley Morris Adair for their encouragement and belief in me to take on this position! It was an honor to be ratings chair and to follow in the footsteps of my first coach, Walter Muehlbronner. I have learned so much and I look forward to continue serving on the ratings committee. I also thank Barb Yackel and Carol Rossignol for all of their help with scheduling exams and organizing ratings sites. It has been an honor and privilege to serve the PSA and its members.

Becky Stump has been the ratings co-chair and will continue on in that position as we welcome Brandon Forsyth as the new ratings chair effective the closing of conference in Chicago.

A big thank you to a great team I have been blessed to work with — Kelley Morris Adiar, Denise Williamson, Colleen Mickey, Doug Ladret, Brandon Forsyth, Dorothi Cassini, Carol Rossignol, Becky Stump, Holly Malewski, Marcia Williams, Angie Riviello, Barb Yackel and Doug Haw. My best to you all!!

NOTICE: Membership Fee Increase

MEMBERSHIP TYPE NEW RENEWAL

Full $135.00 $130.00 Associate $85.00 $80.00 Family of 2 N/A $190.00 Family of 3 N/A $225.00 Family of 4 N/A $260.00 Intern $80.00 $80.00 Basic $35.00 $30.00 Patron $40.00 $40.00 Patron Family N/A $55.00

Membership fees have increased for the 2013-2014 membership year, with the exception of the Intern membership. This change was necessary in order for our organization to be fiscally responsible, and it allows us to continue offering the events and services that we have provided for the past 75 years. Membership fees have not changed since the 2000-2001 membership year, even though our operating costs have continued to rise with inflation.

Take note. . .

MAY | JUNE 20138

RatingsKRIS SHAKARJIAN

Congratulations to the following coaches who passed the Basic Accreditation (BA) and ELCC:

Congratulations to the following coaches who successfully completed the requirements for an Oral Rating Certificate:

RATING EXAMSRecently Passed

BA | online Las Vegas, NV | March 3-4, 2013

Mary Ament-Johnson

Christina Cole

Stephanie Kuban

Erin Murphy

Lisa Polunin

Kimberly Roberts

Jacqueline Sadowski

Kimberly VanPelt

Kristin Hoort-Conroy SPD, RG

Doug Mattis RFS

David Nickel RFS, RM

Camilla Nilsson CFS

Barb Shepperson CM

Paul Trujillo RG, CG

NEW BASIC ACCREDITATION EXAM TO BE INTRODUCED THIS SUMMER

The new Basic Accreditation (BA) exam will be based on the content that is currently in the PSA Coach’s Manual. Members can purchase a Coach’s Manual from the PSA Online Store in order to prepare for the exam. One educational credit will be awarded upon successful completion of the exam. Everyone started somewhere. Take your first step towards a Master rating by taking the Basic Accreditation online exam.

As a coachYou have to work hard to earn the trust of skaters and skaters’ parents, but you must work even harder to manage it. Refrain from:

• Soliciting• Tampering

...and work to keep your clients from:• Third party soliciting• Tampering

It is your responsibility.PS MAGAZINE 9

PRO

FESS

IONAL SKATERS ASSOCIATIO

N

75 TH AN NIVERSARY CHICAGO May 23-25, 2013

The following is your 2013 International Conference, Trade Show and Reunion tentative schedule. Please check for speaker & session updates on the PSA website at www.skatepsa.com

*Schedule subject to change

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013 • Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel

MOR

NING

Conference Welcome ~ Angela Riviello & Jimmie Santee

How People Go From Good to Great ~ David Benzel

Music: Basic Fundamentals for Understanding Phrasing ~ Joe Inman

B R E A K

Keynote Speaker ~ Scott Hamilton

Newcomers Meeting ~ Sandy Lamb & Rebecca Stump Hockey Skating Intro ~ Paul Paprocki

12:00 PM L U N C H O N Y O U R O W N

AFTE

RNOO

N

Meet Your Area Rep ~ Gloria Leous

B R E A K

The Evolution of the Components – Where Are We Today? ~ Gale Tanger & Joe Inman

PSA Membership Meeting

Rating and Ranking Certificates, World Coaches Proclamation

B R E A K

A Winning Team: Coach/Skater Relationship ~ Scott Hamilton & Don Laws

B R E A K

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Coaching 101: Tips & Tricks, Basics

to Build On ~ Doug Haw

Legal & Tax Issues Part I

~ Jonathan Geen & Rebecca Luers

School Figure Techniques & How they Relate to FS ~ Janet Champion

THRIVE ~ David Benzel

Using Games to Enhance your

Coaching ~ Ryan Jahnke &

Kori Ade

B R E A K

Presidents’ Reception • 6:00 - 7:30pm — All Conference attendees are welcome!UNVEILING OF NEW ‘TRANSITION’ BRONZE

MAY | JUNE 201310

FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2013 • The Edge Ice Arena

MOR

NING

On-ice Off-ice

PSA Trade Show 8:00 am to

4:30 pm

Silent Auction

for PS Foundation

The Joy of Coaching

Book Signing

Low Moves in the Field ~ Christine Binder &

Kelley Adair

Partnering & Tracking ~ Robbie Kaine

Pairs Off-Ice ~ Ron Ludington

Creating a Character for Success

~ Tim Covington

Hockey Skating II ~ Tara Lane &

Donna Helgenberg

Figure Techniques ~ Janet Champion

Teaching Tips for Synchro Fundamentals

~ Holly Malewski, Leslie Graham & Becky Stump

Multi-level Teaching ~ Janet Tremer

Training, Over-training & Recovery

~ Peter Zapalo

Artistry in Motion: The Method

~ Paula Wagener

Coaching 101: Patterns, Progressions, Positions

~ Doug Haw

Pair Skating Elements ~ Ron Ludington

Dance Draw Class & Turns 101 ~ Robbie Kaine

**Training, Over- training & Recovery ~

Peter Zapalo

Staffing & Leadership

(Program Director) ~ Angela Riviello

High Moves in the Field ~ Christine Binder &

Kelley Adair

Group Instruction ~ Katie Moose &

Erin Schopf

Do’s and Don’ts of Synchro Choreography

~ Holly Malewski, Leslie Graham & Becky Stump

Connecting the Energy ~ Sonya Dunfield

Incorporating Choreographic Elements TOI ~ Jodi Porter

12:00 PMJumps

~ Evy & Mary Scotvold

Bronze & Pre Silver Pattern Dances ~ Robbie Kaine

**THRIVE ~ David Benzel

(repeat from Thursday)

Creating the Program ~ Cindy Stuart

Hockey Skating III ~ Tara Lane & Donna

Helgenberg

AFTE

RNOO

N

Stroking, Edges, Turns ~ Igor Shpilband

Spins and Pairs Spins ~ Janet Champion &

Ron Ludington

Destination Sochi ~ Brenda Glidewell & Susi

Wehrli-McLaughlin

**Games for Teaching Free Skating

~ Ryan Rahnke, Kori Ade

Making the Most of My Time

~ Craig Bodoh

Double & Triple Jumps ~ Alex Ouriashev

Correcting Errors in Elements

~ Holly Malewski, Leslie Graham & Becky Stump

Coaching as a Career ~ Gerry Lane

**Creating the Program ~ Cindy Stuart

Basic Spins ~ Sheila Thelen

Connecting the Energy ~ Sonya Dunfield

Artistry in Motion: The Method

~ Paula Wagener

**Creating a Character for Success

~ Tim Covington

Legal & Tax Issues Part 2~ Jonathan Geen &

Rebecca Luers

Staffing & Leadership

(Program Director)~ Angela Riviello

Let Me Entertain You ~ Cindy Stuart Hockey Skating II & III

~ Tara Lane, Donna Helgenberg, Paul Paprocki

**Destination Sochi ~ Brenda Glidewell & Susi

Wehrli-McLaughlin

**Coaching as a Career ~ Gerry Lane

Basic Spins~ Sheila Thelen

* BOX LUNCH provided by PSA** indicates repeat session

Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel

Awards Dinner • 6:30 pm, Cocktails 7:00 pm Dinner & Awards — Ticketed event, reserve yours now!

PS MAGAZINE 11

SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013 • Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel

MOR

NING

BREAKFAST PANEL DISCUSSION "Back to the Future" ~ Bob Mock, Moderator Panel - Frank Carroll, Kathy Casey, Peter Dunfield, Don Laws,

Peter Martell, John Nicks, Pat St. Peter

The Joy of CoachingBook Signing

Hockey Skating II & III Exams

Pathways to Performing Professionally - The Disney on Ice Perspective ~ Judy Thomas & Cindy Stuart

US Figure Skating Safe Sport Handbook – Malia Arrington, Pat St. Peter, Heidi Thibert, Susi Wehrli-McLaughlin

Hockey Skating II & III Exams

A + M t + M u = C 5 “Winning Formula” (Athlete + Movement + Music = 5 Components)

~ Gale Tanger & Joe Inman

Sumo Wrestling — Gerry Lane vs. Larry LaBorde with Bob Mock as Referee

12:00 PM L U N C H O N Y O U R O W N

AFTE

RNOO

N

Ethics Panel ~ Carole Shulman , Moderator • Lynn Benson, Robbie Kaine & David Shulman - panelists

Sport Medicine and Science Symposium ~ Heidi Thibert MC

Psychology for the Coach: Taking Care of YOU ~ Gloria Balague

Injury Prevention & LTAD ~ Dr. Jen Burke

S.T.A.R.S. and Injury Prevention & LTAD ~ Melissa Parker-Vriner & Michael Keating

B R E A K

Question & Answer Session – Panel of Sport Scientists – How to Pick a Boot & Blade ~ Jimmie Santee

Conference Conclusion ~ Angela Riviello & Jimmie Santee

Conference concludes at 5:00pm

MAY | JUNE 201312

A RIVALRY THAT SPANS DECADESSATURDAY•MAY 25WATCH IT GO DOWN

The Professional Skaters Association requests the

honor of your presence at the Presidents’ Reception for the unveiling of

A new bronze by the world renowned sculptors Meghan &

Douglas Taylor-Gebler

MAY 23, 2013 • 6:00PM

Transition

Keep up with the excitement of Conference as we celebrate 75 years! THERE ARE TWO EASY WAYS TO DO IT:

Follow us on Twitter and contribute to the conversation by adding this hashtag to your tweets: #PSA75Chicago AND join us to see updates & photo’s on our Facebook event page: “2013 PSA International Conference, Trade Show and Reunion”

Are you attending the 2013 Conference? Don’t forget to register for the annual EDI Award’s Dinner.

Seats are filling up fast!The EDI’sFriday May 24 • 6:30PM$60; after May first $75*Dress: Black Tie Optional

Riedell Skates

Harlick

Xamas International Limited

HD Sports

Sp-Teri

Skates US, INC

Skate Universal

Jammin

Jackson Ultima

American Ice Theatre

Harmony Sports

ISI

Risports

Klingbeil

Graf

Meet these fine businesses at our industry Trade Show! FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2013

Visit our booth at conferencesay "ART"

get free "SWAG"

PS MAGAZINE 13

Preparing Your Athletes for 2013 S.T.A.R.S. Off-Ice Testing

Developing your off-ice routine with the S.T.A.R.S. program

Now in its third season nationwide, U.S. Figure Skating’s S.T.A.R.S. (Standardized Testing of Athleticism to Recognize Skaters) kicked off the first of 20 off-ice testing Combines on Thursday, April 11 in Scottsdale, AZ. As a developmental coach, testing your athletes’ off-ice performance can help you take a snapshot of where they are athletically and help you to organize and periodize your summer workouts and head into summer and fall competitions with a well-trained and healthy athlete. The 15 different tests in the S.T.A.R.S. program are geared specifically towards on-ice skills and by improving your athletes in three key areas, agility/balance/coordina-tion, strength/power, and flexibility, it is the goal of the program to prepare your students to learn more advanced technique on the ice as well as keep them highly injury resistant. Anecdotally, there is no secret that the top S.T.A.R.S. performers nationwide have also been very successful competitively. In the past two seasons, the top S.T.A.R.S. scorers also won several medals at U.S. Championships, including gold and bronze at the Junior level, and gold and silver at the Novice level. Of the top four S.T.A.R.S. athletes from 2012, all qualified for the 2013 U.S. Championships at the Juvenile, Novice, Junior, and Senior levels. While being a great athlete does not neces-sarily correlate with being a great skater, it is reasonable to believe that our top skaters are also excellent athletes.

How can S.T.A.R.S. help coaches and trainers address deficiencies in their athletes?

Because of the numbers that have participated over the past two years, we are now able to state with a good degree of statistical certainty how our athletes are performing, organized by skating level (Pre-pre to Senior). This means

that based on how your athlete scores on the day of the S.T.A.R.S. testing, you will be able to know if your athlete is below, within, or above what would typically be seen from other athletes of the same level across the country. This is a performance marker that is objective and equally (if not more) meaningful than a result from a summer competition. This also provides you as the coach and trainer with ammunition to go to your athlete and parent(s) and discuss why they need to address aspects of their training (or perhaps why they need to begin an organized off-ice routine). If your athletes are performing at or above their peers, this is also a great way to validate your training methods and techniques.

Preparing for S.T.A.R.S./Enhancing your workouts based on your results

Two members of U.S. Figure Skating’s Sports Science and Medicine Committee, Dr. Kat Arbour and physical therapist Judy Holmes, worked together to create an exercise guide to help athletes prepare for the S.T.A.R.S. testing. This guide is also a great tool to help you address any gaps in your athletes’ off-ice training and it is clearly organized by test/athletic skill. The guide is available as a free download on the S.T.A.R.S. website (www.STARScombine.org). Keep in mind that while the S.T.A.R.S. guide is not intended to be a complete or one-size-fits-all workout, it is an excellent starting point for you to sit down with your off-ice trainer and athlete/parent to plan out an effec-tive fitness routine. The guide also has clear instructions with photos to help your athletes improve their flexibility, strength, power and agility—which are all designed to improve on-ice skills performance as well. Additionally, this guide was designed to be used with a minimum of equipment and space, so it is a good starting point for

Text and photos by Peter Zapalo | Director of Sports Science and Medicine

MAY | JUNE 201314

Sport ScienceHEIDI THIBERT

Preparing Your Athletes for 2013 S.T.A.R.S. Off-Ice Testing

your off-ice program even if you have limited resources. While it is optimal that your athletes work directly under your expert eye (or a certified off-ice trainer), the exercises presented are basic enough to be done with basic supervi-sion; the few exercises that should only be done with profes-sional guidance are clearly noted. There is also a new section in the 2013 guide that gives you a sample schedule for planning your athletes’ aerobic and anaerobic energy system development, which will help them to keep a high intensity throughout their programs and also help speed recovery. In the April 2013 issue of SKATING, there are some basic sample workouts for young athletes to get started.

Who is eligible to participate in the S.T.A.R.S. testing?

To participate in S.T.A.R.S., athletes must be at least age 6, have passed the Pre-preliminary moves test, and be injury free at time of testing (provide a medical form as proof ). All participants must be members of U.S. Figure Skating. The cost is $49 and includes immediate feedback by skating level and gender, a seminar “Training, Overtraining, and Recovery,” a great S.T.A.R.S. T-shirt, and a customized score at the end of the season comparing your athlete to others by age and gender. The S.T.A.R.S. program is a program of U.S. Figure Skating and is not affiliated with any one club, coach, or rink.

How do we sign up?

Registration is 100% online at www.STARScombine.org, where you can also find the free downloadable exercise guide, injury prevention guide, a thorough explanation of how the tests are scored, and statistics on how our athletes have scored based on skating level. From the S.T.A.R.S. home page, the athletes can

follow a link to choose the city and date they wish to participate, fill in the appro-priate information, complete the required waivers, and pay online. At the time of this printing, some S.T.A.R.S. locations are already closed/about to close registration. Space is limited —sign up today!

2013 S.T.A.R.S. ScheduleScottsdale, Ariz.Thursday, April 11

Charleston, S.C.Friday, April 19

Dallas, TexasSaturday, May 4

Ontario, Calif.Sunday, May 5

Rochester, Minn.Sunday, May 5

Denver, Colo.Saturday, May 18

San Jose, Calif.Sunday, May 19

Atlanta, Ga.Sunday, June 16

Washington D.C.(Rockville, Md.)

Sunday, June 16

Orange County, Calif.(Lake Forest)

Friday, June 21

Boston, Mass.(Marlborough)Sunday, July 7

Stamford, Conn.Tuesday, July 9

Charlotte, N.C.Friday, July 12

Chicago, Ill.(Vernon Hills)

Sunday, July 14

Salt Lake City, UtahMonday, July 15

Louisville, Ky.Saturday, July 20

Newark, Del.Sunday, July 21

Detroit, Mich.Sunday, July 28

Portland, Ore.Sunday, July 28

Seattle, Wash.Thursday, Aug. 1

PS MAGAZINE 15

How to Change Attitudes and Behavior

“I Can Do It and It’s Worth It.”

A teacher named Shavonne was at wits end with several students, including Leon, whose lack of self-control

when he became angry or frustrated constantly created trouble. She is certain that nothing short of intense therapy could change his behavior. Changing Leon’s behavior will be a challenge, but it has to start with changing Shavonne’s beliefs that nothing could be done. We can change Shavonne’s pessimism and help her become proactive and confident in her role as a change agent if we give her strategies that convince her that she can affect the way Leon deals with his negative impulses. These strategies emerge from a growing body of research and theory on how to create meaningful and sustainable change. Let me introduce you to some key elements of these strategies by discussing Leon’s impulse control issues, the most difficult of the two change challenges (Leon and Shavonne). To be sure, changing entrenched character traits is not easy or certain, but it’s far from impossible, and class-room teachers and parents can often accomplish this with a clear strategy. The starting point is the observation that William James made more than 100 years ago, “Perhaps the greatest discovery of this century is that if you can change your attitude, you can change your life.” Thus, the key is to change attitudes, and the underlying driver of attitudes are beliefs about ourselves and how the world works. I am convinced that whether the desired change is more positive behavior or less negative conduct, we have to start by identifying and describing desired outcomes and then help the people we want to change to form two critical beliefs: 1) “I can do it” and 2) “It’s worth it.” The “I can do it” aspect of the formula focuses on creating confidence that, with focused effort, success is probable, if not inevitable. Without a firm conviction that the goal is achievable, the motivation needed for ongoing effort will be impossible to muster.

The “It’s worth it” element is the other critical piece of motivation. So, let’s apply this strategy to Leon’s anger management. Our best bet to change his behavior is to instill in him the belief that he can learn to resist his negative impulses if he really wants to, and that whatever work it would take to develop greater self-control is worth it, because it would dramatically improve his life. How do we do that? First, we can prove to him that he can do it by reminding him of all the times he has done it. Help him identify situations where, despite his inclination to lash out, he restrained himself. We also can support his “I can do it” conviction by giving him examples of others just like him who have done it. And, we could teach him impulse control strategies (like counting to 10 before reacting), and praise him whenever he uses them. Next, we need to instill the belief that his life would improve greatly if he could avoid all the bad things that happen when he loses control. We also should help him see how many good things could happen when he doesn’t give in to his anger. We could show him how his opportunities increase and his relationships improve. These techniques can work and they can be employed by teachers and parents. Still, we have to be realistic. Instilling these beliefs and changing entrenched attitudes and habits is not easy. It will take persistent ongoing reinforcement, but our message to teachers and coaches like Shavonne is: “You can do it and it’s worth it!” This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.

Michael Josephson has written various books on the subjects of character and ethics. He is a former law professor and attorney who founded the nonprofit Josephson Institute of Ethics, which he operates as a speaker and lecturer on the subject of ethics. He is also the president of the national CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition.

By Michael Josephson

MAY | JUNE 201316

EducationCAROL ROSSIGNOL

Meet Skate Coach for iOS.

U.S. Figure Skating and Rink Tank Interactive have teamed up to bring the Basic Skills Program to a whole new dimension.

We have created more than 400 high-quality video examples, and delivered them in a package we call the U.S. Figure Skating Skate Coach app series for iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad.

With 12 apps to choose from, skaters, instructors, parents and officials can see what every skill from every badge level in the Basic Skills Program is supposed to look like, all in a portability factor that is unparalleled.

Innovative.

Affordable.

More than 400 video examples.

And all in thepalm of your hand.

For more information, visitwww.usfigureskating.org.

PS MAGAZINE 17

We are coming up on that time of year again…the time when all of your coaching credentials need to be renewed!Each of these credentials is available for renewal beginning June 1. Use this handy checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything:

U.S. Figure Skating and/or ISI membership

U.S. Figure Skating Coaches Registration and/or ISI background check

PSA Membership

PSA Liability Insurance (must renew PSA membership before purchasing insurance)

U.S. Figure Skating Continuing Education Requirement (CER) compliance ***Available NOW***

To avoid delays, plan to complete these items prior to July 1 every year. DISCLAIMER: As a coach, it is your responsibility to know which professional credentials are required of you. The items listed above may not apply to every coach, and your individual state, city, facility, or club may require additional credentials.

PSA

2013 Nationwide Seminarssponsored by

P R O F E S S I O N A L S K AT E R S A S S O C I AT I O N

Area Host Name Facility Location Dates Registration Deadline

4 Krisite Lynch Dix Hills Ice Rink Long Island, NY Sept. 22 Sept. 7

5 Regina Barr Philadelphia SCHS Philadelphia, PA Sept. 29 Sept. 13

7 Jimmy Crockett The Pavillon Taylors, SC Sept. 7 Sept. 7

8 Julie Goddard Southgate Civic Arena Detroit, MI Sept. 28 Sept. 13

9 Bill Coyle Iceland Arena Cleveland, OH Sept. 8 Sept. 7

10 Jane Schaber Schwan Super Rink Minneapolis, MN Sept. 29 Sept. 13

13 Kathy Casey World Arena Colorado Springs, CO Sept. 8 Sept. 7

15 Paige Scott Yerba Buena Skating San Francisco, CA Oct. 9 Sept. 24

MAY | JUNE 201318

U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships

Senior HaydenettesMiami University Senior Varsity

CrystallettesSkyliners

JuniorTeam BraemarSkylinersLexettesChicago Jazz

AdultEspirit de CorpsCrystallettesDC EdgeWestern Michigan University Alumni

MastersEspirit de CorpsDC EdgeDenver SynchronicityAllegro!

CollegiateMiami University Collegiate Varsity

University of DelawareUniversity of MichiganTeam Excel

NoviceCrystallettesChicago JazzSkylinersSaint Louis Synergy

IntermediateTeam del SolFond du Lac Blades

SkylinersDazzlers

JuvenileCrystallettesSkylinersMini MatesChicago Jazz

Pacific Coast Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships

AdultDenver Synchronicity

MastersDenver SynchronicityCapital IceLa FuriaCold Fusion

NoviceICE’kateersRose City Crystals

IntermediateTeam Del SolTremorsDenver SynchronicityEpic Edge

JuvenileTeam Del SolEpic Edge

Open JuvenileDenver SynchronicitySilver StarsFusionThe Rockers

Pre-JuvenileShining BladesTremors

12

34

1234

1234

1234

1

234

1234

12

34

1234

1

1234

12

1234

12

1234

12

Saga KrantzKathleen Bowling, Carla DeGirolamo, Lee Ann ShokerHolly Malewski, Shannon PetersonJosh Babb, Jenny Gibson, Pamela May

Pamela May, Toni SwiggumJosh Babb, Jenny GibsonKendra Flanagan, Erika Hoffman, Saga KrantzPaula Bischoffer, Jaime Catalano, Lisa Darken

Donna Mitchell, Deidre WilsonStacy Sue Holland, Holly MalewskiJennifer DeSimone, Elizabeth RhoadsAlyssa Sutter

Deidre WilsonJennifer DeSimone, Elizabeth RhoadsCaitlin Balch-BurnettCarrie Brown

Kathleen Bowling, Carla DeGirolamo, Lee Ann ShokerWendy Deppe, Megan O’DonnellErin DonovanMerita Mullen

Denise Dobert, Holly MalewskiPaula Bischoffer, Jaime Catalano, Lisa DarkenJenny GibsonKaren Giedeman, Charity Hendrickson, Ramona Peterson

Ashlyn Nadeau, Karen WiesmeierJennifer McMahon, Holly Nudelbacher, Heather Pagel, Stephanie VogdsJosh Babb, Natalie MartelloDebbie Buirge, Colleen Goldenberg

Stacy Sue Holland, Jaclyn YoungCeleste Cote-Estrada, Natalie MartelloKendra Flanagan, Samuel MortimerTammy Cervone, Kristi Frank

Alicia Carr

Caitlin Balch-BurnettCharlene Lambros

Laurel Mellema-Haun

Kathleen PargeeSabrina Uribe-Ventrella

Karen WiesmeierPaige Scott, Lindsey WokinAlicia CarrBrittney Olson

Karen WiesmeierBrittney Olson

Alicia CarrLaura ErleTiffany ShihSarah Sherman

Susan MorrisonPaige Scott

HONORROLL3 of4

COACHES2013

SYNCHRONIZEDSKATING

PS MAGAZINE 19

Glacial MagicFire Crystals

PreliminaryFusion

Midwestern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships

Senior StarlightsWestern Michigan University

JuniorMiami University Junior VarsityChicago JazzSaint Louis Synergy

AdultCrystallettesWestern Michigan University AlumniHockettesStarlights

Open AdultIllinoiSkating Fighting AlumniRevolutionThe Turning PointsEble Elte Edgers

MastersAllegro!EclipseIce ConnectTeam Glace

CollegiateMiami University Collegiate VarsityUniversity of MichiganWestern Michigan UniversityUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison

Open CollegiateFighting Irish, Notre Dame UniversityMiami University Club TeamOhio UniversityLindenwood University

NoviceChicago JazzCrystallettesSwanSyncSationStarlights

IntermediateFond du Lac BladesDazzlersCapital Ice ChipsStarlights

JuvenileChicago JazzCrystallettesFond du Lac BladesSaint Louis Synergy

Open JuvenileDazzlersNorthern LightsKalamazoo KineticCleveland Edges

Pre-JuvenileCrystallettesIceStarsStarfireSilver Leafs

PreliminaryStarlightsFond du Lac BladesSaint Louis SynergyChicago Jazz

Eastern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships

Senior Team Excel

JuniorSynchroettes

Team DelawareCapitol Steps

Precisely Right

AdultEsprit de CorpsTeam DelawareDC EdgeThe Colonials

Open AdultCutting EdgeOcean BladesMystic IceTeam Carolinas

MastersDC EdgeEsprit de CorpsEssex BladesTeam Delaware

CollegiateTeam ExcelUniversity of New HampshireUniversity of MassachusettsOswego State Ice Effects

Open CollegiateBoston UniversityUniversity of MarylandBoston CollegeUniversity of Delaware

NoviceIce MatesSkyliners

34

1

12

123

1234

1234

1234

1234

1234

1234

1234

1234

1234

1234

1234

1

1

23

4

1234

1234

1234

1234

1234

12

Jami MitchellPamela Kurtz

Stefano Stangalini, Jenny Rose Hendrickson

Heather Paige, Jenna KingAlyssa Sutter

Carla DeGirolamo, Katie Bowling, Lee Ann ShokerLisa DarkenKaren Giedeman

Holly Malewski, Stacy Sue HollandAlyssa SutterErin DonovanHeather Paige, Jenna King

Audrey KammJennifer CaronHedi AllisAngela Johnstad

Carrie BrownCynthia BaranAmy WrightElizabeth White

Carla DeGirolamo, Katie Bowling, Lee Ann ShokerErin DonovanAlyssa SutterGwen Bone

Tracy MulherinAshley Korn

Diane Consiglio

Lisa DarkenDenise Dobert, Holly MalewskiLisa HenningHeather Paige, Christine Heiser

Jennifer McMahonColleen GoldenbergRebecca GallionMelissa Hampson

Lisa DarkenStacy Sue HollandJennifer McMahonCharity Hendrickson

Debbie BuirgeStephanie MillerJennifer Heurlin-Brenne, Jessica LaPorte, Tara AllenJeff Marshall

Emily Naperkoski, Stacy Sue HollandKristen BlackMichelle Tepkasetkul MarineauJennifer Hiller-Gruber

Christine HeiserJennifer McMahonAlissa KitchenLisa Darken

Merita Mullen

Bobette Guerrieri, Geri Lynch-Tomich, Kaleigh Tomich-CorbettWendy Deppe, Megan O’DonnellStephanie O’Connor, Susan Petrucelli, Monica SchultzSuzanne Laki Echevarria, John Towill

Donna Mitchell, Deirdre WilsonWendy Deppe, Megan O’DonnellJennifer DeSimone, Elizabeth RhoadsAmanda Werner

Nicole KrudysKristin McKenzie-WilkinsonLisa CardinalJennifer Ham

Jennifer DeSimone, Elizabeth RhoadsDeirdre WilsonJohn Towill, Kay Barsdell-AlswangLinda Bacon

Merita MullenKelly Richall, Meghann Ronan, Amanda WernerDonna MitchellMarie Driscoll, Melissa Manwaring

Andrea Mohns-Brillaud, Deirdre WilsonKimberly Eddy, Carli Jenkins

Jody Russon

Kendra Flanagan, Erika Hoffman, Saga KrantzJenny Gibson, Nikki Wylan

MARCH | APRIL 201320

Synchroettes

Team Delaware

IntermediateStar MatesChesapeake SailorsTeam DelawareSkyliners

JuvenileSkylinersMini MatesSynchroettes

Philadelphia Symmetry

Open JuvenileMirror ImagesSuperettesWallace SynergySparklers

Pre-JuvenileShooting StarsCNY StormSparklersShimmers

PreliminarySkylinersSkyliners PreTeam AshburnShooting Stars

3

4

1234

123

4

1234

1234

1234

Bobette Guerrieri, Geri Lynch-Tomich, Kaleigh Tomich-CorbettWendy Deppe, Megan O’Donnell

Erika HoffmanStephanie Ellis, Lauren NeidigWendy Deppe, Megan O’DonnellJosh Babb, Natalie Martello

Celeste Cote-Estrada, Natalie MartelloKendra Flanagan, Samuel MortimerBobette Guerrieri, Geri Lynch-Tomich, Kaleigh Tomich-CorbettLisa Nowak Spearing, Logan Renard Randazzo, Ashleigh Renard

Jessica StrattonCynthia Arling-Brett, Kristine McKenzie-WilkinsonJessica Atkins, Katheryn ValeraCaroline Summerlin, Amanda Warner

Elise LarssonCarolyn QuinnCaroline Summerlin, Amanda WarnerValerie Legutko, Gina Valenzano-Gomez

Sarah Blosat, Nina Newby, Krista SheaSarah Blosat, Nina Newby, Krista SheaSharon Brusie, Brenda HinkleErika Hoffman, Jenna Longo

If your name is missing from the Honor Roll, please notify us and we would be pleased to publish your name in the next issue. Please specify the competition, event, your team’s name and placement. If we have inadvertently missed anyone we apologize for the omission.

Photos by Jay Adeff

Miami University Senior Varsity

Crystallettes

Haydenettes

Haydenettes

PS MAGAZINE 21

I have been so fortunate to be able to coach elite athletes within the sport of ice dancing. Each athlete

is different and requires me to wear many different hats. Over the years, I have had to learn how to help each one of my students by teaching five beliefs that helped me through my skating career. The beliefs are: confront your fears; know the right mindset for practice and competition; focus on you, not others; be confident; and skate with passion not just for results.

1. Confront your fear Most of the fear athletes experience is not about harming themselves physi-cally. The fear I am talking about is a psychological threat that is often based on an athlete’s perception of the importance of a performance and what others think about the performance. They worry about many things that are not within their control. I teach my students how to confront their fears. I teach them to identify and confront their fears. I accomplish this through encouraging the athlete to let go of their fear, keep positive aspects of their mental game, provide motivation, and offer compas-sion when it is necessary.

2. Know the right mindset for practice and competitionThere are two mindsets that I try to teach my athletes to be aware of and to know the difference. Once they know each mindset and their differ-ences they will succeed in practice and in competition. The first is the practice mindset. Elite athletes learn the value of training. They logically prepare daily to improve and master their skills. They have a tremendous amount of motivation and work ethic, which help

them to practice hard and peak when needed for competitions. The second is trusting in your performance. Having trust is the ability to let skills “happen” instinc-tively by relying on practice instead of consciously directing movements. The performance mindset is the ability to rely on self trust, perform freely, and allow skills to flow without excess thought.

3. Focus on you, not others Athletes must understand that intimi-dation is self-induced. Some athletes will use direct intimidation or play head games. A well-trained athlete can choose not to pay attention and look the other way. Those athletes that can’t “look the other way” are their own worst enemy; they are intimidated by their own thoughts about the level of the competition, the rink conditions, or the venue. Tips for helping your athlete overcome self-intimidation:

• Help your athletes focus on their strengths instead of the reputation of other competitors and how they stack up

• Help your athletes see themselves on equal ground in terms of their ability

4. Be confidentI define confidence as how athletes believe in their ability to execute their skill and how they can perform their skills. An athlete builds their confi-dence from their past performances, training and preparation. As the athletes’ skills grow, their confidence level becomes stronger. When athletes have self-doubt, a pessimistic attitude, or are too much of a perfectionist, they tend to hold

on tight to those doubts. My task is to rid the athlete of these feelings to make them aware of the thoughts that are destroying their confidence. I try to attack the doubt through thoughts that will lead to a better outcome through encouragement and simply just talking. I feel that when an athlete is confi-dent they are relaxed and focus more on performing with heart and love.

5. Skate with passion, not for results The best performances will come when a skater is having fun. Being frustrated or feeling burnt-out at times is a normal experience for any elite athlete. The athlete that is burnt-out is temporary. They need to focus on what’s good and what keeps a positive attitude even during difficult times. Focusing too much on results and future goals will take the joy away from simply being in the moment. The moment is precious and we can’t take that for granted. I tell my students to take each day of their life and live it to its fullest, be sure to acknowledge those that have supported and helped you achieve what you have today, and don’t take gifts that were given to you for granted. Every moment, whether good or bad, is a cherish-able gift. When you forget your unique gift, the beauty and joy of skating will be lost and it will be evident in not just the skate, but in your whole life.

In closing, my five beliefs have guided me throughout my career and assisted me with the athletes that I have worked with over these past years. I hope that in some way after reading this article I may have helped you as a coach and teacher with your athletes.

By Anjelika Krylova

Working with

Elite Athletes

MAY | JUNE 201322

Matrix blades feature a premium grade Japanese stainless steel runner that is harder and delivers longer edge life than traditional blades produced from carbon steel.edge life than traditional blades produced from carbon steel.

33%LIGHTER!

DO YOUR BLADES DELIVER A COMPETITIVE EDGE?

www.jacksonultima.com

PROVEN IN COMPETITIONAt the 2013 Canadian and US National Championship Ultima and Matrix outperformed all other blade brands.

TOP 5 SENIOR FINISHESUltima Blades: 4 SkatersMatrix Blades: 8 Skaters Total National Competitors:

Matrix Blades worn by 40 skaters Ultima Blades worn by 13 Skaters

Ultima blades are produced from premium grade Japanese carbon steel. The blade edges are treated with Ultima’s proprietary EXT process creating harder edges extending the edge life of your blades over our competitors.

TOP 5 SENIOR FINISHESUltima Blades: 5 SkatersMatrix Blades: 13 Skaters

Total National Competitors: Matrix Blades worn by 58 skaters Ultima Blades worn by 46 Skaters

The blade of choice - more than all other brands combined

The 2013 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships took

place at the Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan on February 27-March 2. Despite the frigid and windy weather, attending the competition was such a treat. Once again, the teams were excep-tional and it was a wonderful experience to see the greatest synchronized skating teams in the country.

JuniorLexettes took home the bronze medal and started strong with a theatrical opening to both the long and short program, setting the stage for a performance rather than just a program. The short program featured music from

The Artist, and the long program was a medley from Mirror, Mirror. The musical selections were interpreted well through the choreography and the programs expressed a complete story for the audience. Skyliners claimed the silver medal, displaying a grace and control with their lyrical short program to “Because We Believe” by Chris Mann. I had a difficult time getting into their West Side Story long program until the high-energy travelling 3-spoke wheel and creative element at the end of the program. Regardless, this is a team to watch and I am excited to see what the future holds for these girls if they move up to the senior team. Team Braemar defended their gold medal with an impressive short to “This World Will Remember Us” from Bonnie and Clyde, and a long program with music from “Cleopatra” and Prince of Persia that pulls the audience in from the beginning with a unique opening that I would describe as mummies rising from the grave. Team Braemar also maintains speed and flow throughout the entirety of the program, making it enjoyable to watch.

Senior Results1. Haydenettes

2. Miami University Senior Varsity Synchronized Skating Team

3. Crystallettes

Junior Results1. Team Braemar

2. Skyliners

3. Lexettes

2013 U.S. Synchronized Skating ChampionshipsText by Elizabeth Peschges • Photos by Jay Adeff

Miami University Senior Varsity

MAY | JUNE 201324

SeniorCrystallettes went home with the bronze medal this year. The sassy short program to “That Man” by Caro Emerald was enhanced with an orchid color dress that stood out against the ice. The intense long program to music from Van Helsing featured a pair lift and changing arm position going into pair spread eagles. This team attacked each program with purpose, drive, and determination to leave it all on the ice. Miami University Senior Varsity Synchronized Skating Team, who placed third last year, edged passed Crystallettes to capture the silver medal this year. The short program to “Danse Macabre” was punctuated with sharp arms and clean connections. For both the long and short, the team stayed in character from start to finish. Most notably, the long

program to a medley of music from the 1920s was filled with exceptionally creative choreography. Haydenettes yet again claimed the gold medal, making this their 21st senior national title. Skating to “Run this Town,” the short program was powerful and featured gorgeous, perfect 135s. With a long program to music from Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, the Haydenettes wowed the crowd with intricate footwork during a three-spoke wheel, weaving loose block lines, and an incredible creative element that included a lift reminiscent of cheerleading.

PSA Best Performance AwardThe PSA EDI Award for Best Performance at the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships went to Miami University Senior Varsity Synchronized Skating Team for their long program medley of music from the 1920s. Coaches Carla DeGirolamo, Lee Ann Shoker, Katie Bowling, and choreographer Sarah Kawahara used every possible

second of music to create a masterpiece. I honestly believe this program was one of the best synchro programs I have ever seen performed live.

Final ReflectionsComing to the championships, I was looking forward to seeing what the teams would do for the new creative element. I feel like the IJS has created carbon copy synchro programs with the same moves in each program, differentiated only by the order in which they are performed. I was hoping this new element would add some life and inspiration to the programs, and I was not disappointed. I was impressed by the intricacy and imagination showcased by each team during the creative element. Last year I predicted that more teams would skate to modern popular songs this season. I cannot say for sure that I was correct, but I do think synchro teams could use an influx of unique songs. Most programs fall into one of two catego-ries: show tunes or chart toppers (regardless of era). If I may suggest one thing….can we please get away from Michael Jackson? We did the Pirates of the Caribbean thing, and the Disney thing, and now we have had our fill of Michael Jackson. Coaches, as you search for next season’s music, I challenge you to find something different and catching. Kudos to The Colonials Adult team that skated to Florence and the Machine. It was a daring choice and I about fell out of my seat, but I think we could use that now and again!

2013 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships

Team Braemar

Skyliners

Haydenettes

PS MAGAZINE 25

Most Memorable MomentsMost Memorable Moments

#14 • Carlo Fassi By Terri Milner Tarquini

It was a plane crash that killed the entire United States figure

skating team and many top American coaches on their way to the 1961 World Championships in Prague, Czechoslovakia, that would bring Carlo Fassi from his home of Italy to Colorado Springs to begin his American coaching career. But it was a heart attack at the

World Championships on March 20, 1997, in Lausanne, Switzerland, that left the skating world without one of its more colorful and accomplished coaches. “It was so very, very hard,” said Christa Fassi, Carlo’s wife and longtime coaching partner. “I have a difficult time thinking about it, even now.” Attending the World Championships as the coach for U.S. ladies skater Nicole Bobek and Romanian men’s skater Cornel Gheorge, Fassi had complained of indigestion earlier in the day, then was rushed to the hospital, with Christa by his side, when he grew dizzy and collapsed. He was pronounced dead at the hospital from a massive heart

attack. Fassi was 67 years old. “It was awful. It put a damper on the whole Worlds – just very, very sad,” said Benjamin Wright, former U.S. Figure Skating president and longtime national and international judge, accountant and referee, who was in Switzerland when Fassi passed away. “There was a memorial service and people gathered. There was a lot of emotion. And I give Nicole credit – it wasn’t easy, but she did continue.” Left to skate her short program the day after her coach’s death, Bobek struggled with her triple jumps in both programs and ended up placing 13th overall. “It was such a shock, just so unexpected,” said Bobek, the 1995 U.S. Champion and World bronze medalist. “I remember that I didn’t want to skate, but everyone wanted me to and I really wanted to live up to everyone’s expectations. I remember not skating well, but I do not remember being on the ice at all. I wasn’t really there.” While expectations were placed on Bobek to skate, for the person most affected by Fassi’s sudden passing – his wife and coaching partner – there was only one voice urging her to carry on. According to Bobek, Christa had told her at the World Championships that Fassi’s last words were that he

In May 2007, the Governing Council passed a Request for Action proposed by the Athlete Services Group on behalf

of the Coaches Committee that U.S. Figure Skating create a policy to require mandatory education requirements for certain categories of U.S. Figure Skating member coaches with the criteria and plan for implementation to be formu-lated and presented no later than May 2008.

The Coaches Committee, in conjunction with the Professional Skaters Association (PSA), appointed a CER Task Force that formulated the criteria, plan for implementa-tion, and enforcement for CER. This Request for Action was balloted and approved by the following:

• Athlete Advisory Committee• Athlete Development Committee• Coaches Committee• Membership Committee

Coaching Members are now required to fulfill the CER course(s) that are at the highest coaching category at which they are currently coaching skaters or teams. Foreign coaches coaching U.S. athletes at U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned events are required to fulfill the same requirements as U.S. coaches coaching U.S. athletes. Since the inception of the CER’s, over 20,000 courses are completed annually.

#15 • CERs

MAY | JUNE 201326

wanted Christa to be with Bobek when she skated. “The day after he passed away, I put Nicole on the ice,” said Christa, who was helped by Olympic champion and former Fassi student Robin Cousins. “It was hard, but I had to do it. It was what he wanted me to do.” Fassi had been a force in figure skating in his native Italy throughout the 1940s until the mid-1950s, holding the Italian men’s singles title from 1945-1954 and the Italian pairs title from 1946-1954, winning a bronze medal at the 1953 World Championships and gold medals at the European Championships in 1953 and 1954.The following year, he began coaching at the Olympic Stadium in Cortina, Italy, and was the trainer for the Italian World Team for four years. In 1960, he married Christa, his student and the 1961 Italian ladies champion, and the pair moved to Colorado when Fassi was appointed chief instructor at the Broadmoor Ice Arena. “It was exciting,” said Christa, who was only 19 years old when she came to the United States. “We had only been married a year and we were still so young. We were so excited to be coming to America to such a great place – the Broadmoor. It was so wonderful—we had a lot of help from a lot of people, such great teamwork. We had skaters from all of the countries. It was very rewarding.” Attracting skaters from all over the world to train in Colorado Springs, Fassi coached four individual skaters to

Olympic gold medals: Peggy Fleming in 1968, Dorothy Hamill and John Curry, both in 1976, and Robin Cousins in 1980. His final world champion was Jill Trenary in 1990. “He was a superior coach and his skaters were trained exceptionally well,” said Wright, who judged and refereed many events in which Fassi’s skaters competed. “He was very good on figures, he was a very good freestyle technician and he was good at choreography. Coaching then was not as separated as it is today. Back then, he did it all and he had all the facets of a great coach. He was also a highly political animal. He made sure the judges knew who his skaters were.” Sometimes the lines in politics get hazy and, following his death, it was alleged that Fassi had conspired to prevent Linda Fratianne from winning the gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics by participating in a deal with Eastern-bloc judges to exchange votes for his skater, Robin Cousins, in the men’s event. (Anett Potzsch from East Germany was awarded the gold medal, with Fratianne taking second place.) Noting that only two of the nine judges on the ladies panel were from Eastern-bloc countries, referees for the men’s event denied that the judging had been anything but above-board. Following the allegations, Wright, the referee for the 1980 ladies event, pointed to the method of score tabulation for Fratianne’s defeat. “There was no hanky panky on the judging panel,” Wright said. “At the time of those Olympics, I was also on

ABOVE: Carlo Fassi coaches from the boards in the early 90s. Photo by Paul Harvath

LEFT: Carlo and Christa Fassi in front of their home in Lake Como, Italy.Ph

oto

cour

tesy

Mon

ika

Stou

t

PS MAGAZINE 27

Most Memorable MomentsMost Memorable Moments

Christa and Carlo were partners in coaching and in life. Above, Carlo works with Jill Trenery. Photo by Michael Esposito Jr.

the technical panel of the ISU and we were much harder on the judges than we had been before. To my knowledge, nothing inappropriate happened. And no protest was ever filed in 1980—and there would have had to have been a written protest filed immediately. No protest was ever filed so it ends there.” What didn’t end was Fassi continuing to attract athletes that he trained and nurtured with a special brand that was all his own, recognized especially for his ability to develop a skater’s technique as well as their on-ice presence. “He got along very well with young people. Although he was a very strict taskmaster, he always had a way of identifying with them,” said Christa, who has two sons and a daughter with Fassi. “Our skaters skated with us for many, many years and a lot of that time was during their formative years so they were like our own kids. We knew them so well it wasn’t hard to bring out their individual characters, but he was very good at having relationships with them.” Fassi’s abilities in relating to his students are well-respected by the skaters themselves, who say that Fassi balanced being strict with being there for them. “For a long time after he passed away, it really affected me and I don’t think my skating was the same. He had a way of finding what would really work for the skater, finding what buttons to push,” Bobek said. “He was the closest thing to a father figure I had. I always pictured him walking me down the aisle. He was compassionate and genuine. There is a thin line between a coach and a skater and getting too personal, but he genuinely cared so much for me. I miss him so much still.” It was this innate tapping into his skater’s inner-most workings that was recognized even by the officials. “I think his greatest ability was preparing kids for compe-tition,” Wright said. “He certainly guided them through the pitfalls of competition. He knew exactly how to handle a situation. As far as that goes, he was number one.” And while he might have been seen as a master at devel-oping his skaters’ character, Fassi is pointed to as being one himself. “He was a big personality,” said Bobek, who lives in

Florida and is training on the ice and with a circus group in the hopes of bringing some new aerial moves to the sport of figure skating. “I remember his embrace and his eyes and his stubbornness and his accent. His accent was just so pure Italian and he was just so funny.” The Fassi accent and personality being so well-known, when comic character Snoopy becomes a skating coach in the 1980 TV movie “She’s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown,” his personality was heavily modeled on Fassi. “Oh, the accent! He was very articulate and a great conversationalist, but he could be so funny,” said Christy Krall, who took lessons from the Fassis when they first came to the Broadmoor. “The funniest thing he ever said to me —with that accent, of course—was, ‘Christy, do you think you could do your program once without falling twice?’ I laughed so hard, I couldn’t finish the lesson. I’ll always remember that.” Often smiling and always interested in his skaters, Fassi was inspirational and beloved. “I’ll also remember that he was a master of making you believe in yourself,” Krall said. “All of his athletes loved him. Everyone always wanted a lesson with Carlo.” In the ensuing 13 years since Fassi’s death, much has changed in the skating world, but he has not been forgotten. “For sure he is missed in the sport,” said Christa, who continues to coach in southern California, and occasionally takes her grandchildren skating. “But I don’t know how he would have liked the new judging system. He certainly would have shared his opinion with the ISU—and it would have been interesting.” So what would Fassi, a ten-year skating champion in two disciplines and a hugely successful coach for over 40 years, want to be remembered for? “I think he would have wanted to be remembered not just as a skating coach, but as someone who molded young people into good adults,” Christa said. “Many of the skaters went on to become judges and coaches, but so many more went on to become good parents and just good people. He loved that.”

Phot

o co

urte

sy M

onik

a St

out

MAY | JUNE 201328

Yesterday's custom features are now standard in our new Elite Supreme!• Maximum fl exibility and support is provided by our Dual Flex and Stability Lock Systems• Our unique instep wrap allows a more comfortable fi t for a greater range of skaters• Microfi ber covered 3D molded tongue features a rolled topline for superior comfort• Offered in four different support levels to suit the individual requirements of

competitive skaters.

www.jacksonultima.com

• Offered in four different support levels to suit the individual requirements of competitive skaters.

Yesterday's custom features are now standard in our new Elite Supreme!

Fit to Perform

SUPPORTSUPPORTRATING

SYSTEM

Model Support Level

DJ3900U 95 Ultimate

DJ3900 90 Premium

DJ3900S 80 Strong

DJ3900F 69 Firm

MEN’S FREESTYLE2nd / 3rd / 5th / 7th / 8th / 10th

WOMEN’S FREESTYLE5th / 6th / 7th

PAIRS1st / 2nd / 4th* / 6th* / 8th / 9th / 10th

DANCE4th* / 5th / 6th / 7th / 8th

ELITE SERIES DOMINATES AT US AND CANADIAN NATIONALS

MEN’S FREESTYLE4th / 5th / 6th / 7th / 10th

WOMEN’S FREESTYLE1st

PAIRS2nd* / 3rd* / 4th* / 5th* / 6th*

DANCE1st / 3rd* / 6th / 7th / 9th*

* Both skaters wearing Jackson

A series of traveling unchecked three turns on one foot that are rotated with a continuous and uninterrupted action.

Twizzles are one of the most exciting elements for ice dancers and the turns are an important part of a skater’s repertoire in singles, pairs and synchronized skating. The first time most skaters are judged on a twizzle is on the intermediate moves-in-the-field test. The standard for judging moves-in-the-field twizzles should replicate the same progression of standards as employed in all disciplines. For example, the first time a skater is judged on an Axel is at the juvenile level when skaters may move a little slower in to it, may lose a little balance on the landing, but they have still executed the jump proficiently with regard to that level. It would be unfair to expect a juvenile Axel to look like that of a senior-level skater. Likewise, we have lower expectations for intermediate twizzles than those on the senior moves test. The twizzles on the inter-mediate moves test may be slower, less balanced and a little scratchy, but they still are executed accurately for that level. With all skills, skaters become more proficient as they continue their development. Individual skills should be judged at a standard that is relevant to their test level. International judge Janis Engel explains, “I do believe we still need to not expect perfect twizzles at the lower levels. I look for progression and I know that there’s going to be imbalance from left to right foot as well as inside to outside. As a judge, I write notes for each foot and edge as they are performed. After all that, I make my decision.” Note: A great twizzle travels one blade length or less between the cusps of the turns. It will be closer to two blade lengths at the lower levels. The moves-in-the-field test structure is

designed with a progression of skills that will lead to good twizzles.

Preliminary alternating threes Forward turns only, discovering the correct blade usage, the edge initiating rotation, balance in and out of the turn, and learning the action/reaction of three turn (rotation in and checking out).

Pre Juvenile three turns in the field Combining the forward three turns with the back turns. Changing feet between the forward and the back turn helps maintain speed while they are discovering the blade usage, balance in and out of the turn, and learning the action/reaction for a back turn.

Juvenile forward double three turns Advancing their skills, the skaters are now asked to balance for the forward and back turn all on one foot. The skaters must learn how to keep their skate and hips still while the torso is rotating. The skater must be aware of the proper blade action to get from the forward turn to the back turn. However, now they are learning to get from one turn to the other quicker.

Intermediate outside and inside twizzles The skater will add all their knowledge and skill from previous tests to this pattern. The forward twizzle is a series of unchecked three turns. A forward three, a back three and a forward three. The difference is the continuous and uninterrupted action. The skater’s foot action must be quicker to get from forward to backward and then forward again. The shoulders, hips and blade will travel through the twizzle simul-taneously without the action/reaction of rotating and checking three turns.

Intermediate back double three turn pattern This pattern is similar to the forward double three pattern and it will help develop the skill necessary for the novice back outside and inside twizzle pattern.

Charlie White and Meryl Davis are the best twizzlers in the world! Figure 1 is a frame by frame breakdown of his blade action during

Charlie’s twizzle. His weight is on the back of the blade for the back three turn part of the twizzle and then rocks forward to the ball of his foot for the forward three turn part of the twizzle. He continues the movement to the

Twizzles Are...

Figure 1 – Charlie’s Twizzle

MAY | JUNE 201330

back of the blade and again to the front of the blade to continue the twizzle moving in a line. There is continuous movement on the blade from front to back without stopping and checking on one part of the blade. The skating leg is in a static position and the movement is through the foot and ankle only. Skaters will use less of their blade the more proficient they become with twizzles.

Written by: Kelley Morris-Adair, with input from Janis Engel, John Cole, John Millier, Janet Champion, Christine Fowler-Binder, Rebecca Stump, Brandon Forsyth, Robbie Kaine

TWIZZLE ERRORS:

Intermediate MIF – RFO Twizzle: If the skater does not use the blade correctly (ball, heel, ball) the twizzle will become a forward three turn and a back inside loop. The skater does not usually struggle with the forward part of the twizzle but in an effort to quicken the action, the skater does not rock to the back of the blade for the back part of the twizzle.

This demonstrates the blade usuage for twizzles. Meryl is on the ball of the foot preparing for RFI twizzle of their twizzle sequence.

Meryl has just completed the forward three turn part of a LFI twizzle and is still on the ball of her foot, starting to flatten the blade and rock to the back of the blade.

In this picture, Meryl has rocked to the back of the blade to execute the back three turn part of the twizzle. The blade has turned almost 180 degrees.

Novice MIF – RBI Twizzle:This will be the print if the skater does not use the blade correctly (heel, ball, heel, ball). In an effort to quicken the action, the skater “spins” and the blade stays on the ball of the foot. The print will be back inside loops rather than four quick, unchecked traveling three turns.

Figure 2 – Meryl’s Twizzle

PS MAGAZINE 31

What Would Christy Krall Do? By Terri Milner Tarquini

Three Olympics in three different capacities. That’s just the beginning of the varied and accomplished figure skating career of Christy Krall, who attended the Winter Olympics in 1964 as a skater, in 2002 as a team leader and in 2010 as a

coach. Along the way, Krall has picked up the 2001 PSA Lifetime Achievement Award and was also awarded the Sports Science Award for Figure Skating from the United States Olympic Committee in 2008 and 2011. Having coached for a total of almost 40 years at the famous World Arena in Colorado Springs, Krall talks here about her part in developing the moves in the field structure, her avid use of Dartfish as a coaching tool, and the “must-haves” of a good jump, answering the question, “What Would Christy Krall Do?”

You chaired the moves in the field development. How did it all begin?

The initial talks were in 1992 but it took four years for the moves in the field development to come to fruition in 1996. We started off gathering master rated coaches and national judges. The question always was, ‘What can we do to make our skaters better?’ We were looking specifically to promote balance, extension, power and edges – and do it all in a freestyle-type format. I’d say over 150 coaches had input on how it should be structured, so it was a great coming together of opinions and knowledge.

Some coaches still say they miss the old com-pulsory figures (which were eliminated from international competition in 1990). Do you think moves in the field were a good replacement?

That’s controversial. Some would say, yes, we did take everything from figures and used it in moves in the field. But does it have the same merit as figures? I’m not sure. Some coaches will still go back to that old school figure approach to teach hip placement and alignment. Figures were such an intuitive part of your whole balance as a skater, how you develop from your blade up through your whole body.

A few of years ago, some fairly substantial changes were made to moves in the field. Do

you foresee moves in the field as an ongoing fluctuating discipline or is it pretty well set now?

I applaud the USFS and PSA. The moves in the field needed to be upgraded to fit the changing needs of the skaters and to continue to make them better. And they will probably be updated again in another 10 years for the same reasons.

What do you see as the foremost benefits of moves in the field?

Simply, they address the ABCs of skating – Agility, Bal-ance, Coordination and Speed. Have moves in the field replaced figures? No, but they do address all of these key points. Something else that was considered during the development process was that some uniformity and appropriate progression to learning was needed. Look, great training centers will always produce great skaters, but moves in the field were meant to create uniformity for those not in great training centers. Now it’s a nation-wide program where skaters in even small rinks learn certain skills and standards.

Any drawbacks?

No. They can be great learning tools in a variety of ways. For example, I use them a lot to enhance cardio training – any one of the senior moves will get the heart rate going. They are wonderful for warming up and getting the skater into the ice. When they are used more as a tool rather than a test, they can be a great thing.

From 1996-2002 you were Senior Director of Athlete Programs for U.S. Figure Skating and went to the 2002 Winter Olympics in that capac-ity. Talk a little bit about the High Performance Plan for figure skaters that you were involved in.

I had an interesting job working with PSA and U.S. Figure Skating to coordinate all of the education for the skaters through various camps and programs. The High Performance Plan essentially was us taking to the skaters – and thereby the coaches – all of the evidence we had been producing about the sport. The bottom line is that this is a very scientific sport so we can develop it in a scientific manner. We had high-level athletes; we had scientists in nutrition, biomechanics, weight training; and the finest coaches – and with all of that knowledge we were able to better educate the skaters and coaches.

How successful do you feel it has been?

Very. All of those kids that came out of my era are now all of the ‘new coaches and judges on the block.’ As far as the Olympics went, United States Figure

Skating is a national governing body under the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the main goal is to produce medals at the World and Olympic level. And, in 2002, we did very, very well at the Olympics. (Sarah Hughes won gold and Michelle Kwan won bronze in the ladies’ singles event and Timothy Goebel got third place in the men’s singles event.)

When you returned to coaching in 2002, you became a fan of the Dartfish video system. Why was that something you added to your coaching?

When I was still working for U.S. Figure Skating, the CEO of Dartfish, Victor Bergonzoli, came in and showed us this new video system. I always say I am the poster child for Dartfish. I am absolutely not a computer expert so I had an upward learning curve like no other, but the USOC and their athletic scientists were very vested in Dartfish. When I was a director at U.S. Figure Skating, I learned so much about the biomechanics of skating and, when I saw Dartfish, all of the biomechanical informa-tion I had taken in, it all made perfect sense.

Do you see marked improvements in skaters who use the system?

The fascinating thing is that it’s immediate and it’s spe-cific. That’s the realm where a coach needs to live: imme-diate and specific. When you can overlay a World skater’s jump over your skater’s jump, it is indisputable. There was a girl I coached and I was working with her on a double Axel. I put the overlay over her jump and, before I could say anything, she said, “Well, would you look at my left arm? I’ll be right back.” There is never any crying in my lessons because what I’m telling them is truth and they can see it right away and the proof is undeniable. The nice thing is, they can see their favorites – the stars of skating – in comparison to their skating. Especially with these kids now being such technological experts, it’s a very interesting way of teaching them visually.

Could you speak to the idea that there is actual physical law regarding jumps and that, if a skater stays within a certain margin of error, they can still land a jump that is not perfect?

When you watch the jumps of elite skaters, there are absolute facts that keep returning and, when they keep returning over and over, they must then be truth. I believe it is possible to jump perfectly and our elite skat-ers do jump perfectly. When you compare the jumps of elite skaters, they do certain things at the same place or time before, during and after the jump. These truths give validity to when these various things need to happen

MAY | JUNE 201332

and it’s all very specific. As far as physical law, yes, there are certain principles. First, you have to jump high enough. That’s the thing a beginning coach needs to instill in athletes – this is a jump sport. Going back to why moves in the field are so important – you have to be able to check a three-turn or do a proper Mohawk. If you do not understand how to make your ankle and blade get into the ice, how can you understand how to jump? Bottom line: If you have a mistake in the air, you have to have enough air time to save the jump. Second, a big thing for me is that alignment is power. If the ankle, knee, hip and head are in alignment, you will have the power and explosiveness to do the jump. Vertical momentum to achieve a big jump all comes from alignment. Third, the skater has to know the order of events – how to get up and get into that tight air position. And, lastly, of course, there has to be an understand-ing of that moment of impact and where the body needs to be for a landing – again, alignment. The biggest thing today is teaching little kids all these double jumps before teaching them the importance of explosiveness. If they are just taught how to spin on takeoff before even getting in the air, it’s over right there. But once they learn they can exert enough force to get in the air and really jump – that’s a key thing for them to know how to do. As coaches, we have to teach that.

What is your favorite skating move to watch when it is performed really well?

I had the distinct pleasure of working with Patrick Chan (Krall was Chan’s head coach for his 2011 and 2012 World Championship gold medal performances) and he is a consummate edge skater and can generate great power from his stroking. I really like a well-knit program that links from one beautiful move to another. The movement between moves I like to watch.

If there was one thing you could change about the sport, what would it be?

The thing right now I think would be to say, ‘Stop making all the changes, ISU.’ It’s very taxing on athletes to start the season thinking they have footwork that is a Level 4 and then, halfway through the season, it’s now a Level 2. It’s a waste of money, time and the develop-ment of the athlete. My respect for these athletes today is huge. In the 1980s, say, skaters could take the whole length of the ice to set up a jump. Now, you need 15 rocker-mohawks with arms everywhere and still set up a jump. In some ways it elevates the sport, but it’s got-ten so intricate that in some ways it’s over the top.

You have the distinction of having been to three Olympics in three different capacities – as a skater, as a team leader and as a coach. How would you describe your unique journey in the skating world?

Wow. Disneyland! I mean, who gets these opportuni-ties? Every experience was so different, but my favorite was team leader – I had a lot of responsibility and also no responsibility. Mostly I was there to keep the skaters and the parents down to earth. But I’ve been on every ride there is in the sport. Yeah, it’s been Disneyland.

If you hadn’t been a figure skating coach, what would you have been?

I guess I would have been a school teacher. I majored in education in college so I was headed that way. I guess I was just destined to teach in some form.

Do you have an overall coaching philosophy or mission statement?

I would say, first of all, as a coach, never stop learning. I’ve been so fortunate to have so many great coaches around me. Also, live each day and savor each moment.

What do you think is important for coaches to impart to their skaters?

You’ve got to learn the process and you’ve got to love the process. I say there are four phases: learn to have

fun, learn to skate and do drills, learn to compete, and learn to win – and try to do it in that order. The fun gets taken out a lot of times and it becomes a struggle for the skater to come back day after day, but if they are truly in love with the sport, that will help get them through those times. And it is up to us as coaches to realize when a skater has fallen out of love with the process so we can help them.

What are your plans for the immediate future?

I love what I am doing. I will say it seems that about every seven years, I transform myself and do something new and different. It’s like a seven-year-itch. I don’t know where I am in that seven-year curve right now but I’m excited by the places technology is taking us, to such incredible new levels. I’d love to keep pursuing my love of science and ingraining all that scientific information in our athletes. There’s still so much for us and them to learn.

PS MAGAZINE 33

The material in this article is based on information provided by the accounting offices of Smith-

Schafer, the accounting firm servicing the PSA. When dealing with such complex matters as tax planning, well trained accountancy delivers the best hope in dealing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Smith-Schafer is that firm.

By the time this issue of PS Magazine goes to print, the tax day of April 15th will have passed. Now is the time to review, check the new rules and law and prepare for next year and beyond. The new stuff to consider is in the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. The good news, sort of, is the “fiscal cliff ” was avoided and the majority of the new law makes some provisions more permanent. There are no “sunset” provisions, meaning the law is there until changed. It does not expire on it’s own timetable, thus some certainty in tax law.

If you are savvy enough to plan for retirement and plan for passing on an estate of value, the rules are less complex and will not change unless specifically changed...great news for planning!

The catch? Higher earners will pay a series of higher taxes. A new tax rate has been added at 39.6%—a rate not seen since 2000. This rate is imposed on your taxable income defined as the amount shown on your tax return after first subtracting your tax deductions. And that raises another point, keeping track of expenses spent during the year on being a skating coach is really, really important. Part of the new law refers to the phasing out of many deductions previously available to be used in lowering the taxable income. Deductions that do remain will be ever more valuable. This legislation is also encouraging the taxpayer to establish retirement plans... contributing to such plans may be a deduction.

Now for a brief word on estate and inheritance taxes. Some members have contacted me regarding the estate of a parent who died this last year. There was confusion

on what return, if any, had to be filed.

To the relief of all, the government did not repeal law that was somewhat favorable to small and medium sized estates. If the estate is five million or less, there is no federal estate tax due. This value increases slightly over the next few years. The really good news is the law does not expire on some future date. That allows for planning.

One thing remains very clear. When doing your planning, talk to a tax/estate planner. When doing your taxes, get the information needed to support your deductions, then DO get a professional accounting firm to assist with the preparation and filing. It is worth the time and cost. And finally, save all receipts for bills paid connected with your coaching.

As Uncertainty Ends, Complexity Appears

“Save all receipts for bills paid connected with your coaching.”

MAY | JUNE 201334

Legal EaseDAVID SHULMAN

Sheila ThelenPRESIDENT – Champion Cords

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR –Grassroots To Champions

“After using Champion cords and doing jumping drills for a few days, not only did I notice they helped my

performance in P.E. class but, I finally landed my axel!” – Jessica

“My student that was working on her axel for the last year just landed it today thanks to your cords,

your walk-throughs (awkward ninja lol) and Audrey’s (Weisiger) jumping technique drills. Thank you both so much! You should’ve seen the smile on her face. :)”

- Coach Laura Phillips

»»CHAMPION CORDS ARE ENDORSED BY THE PSA

Order yours at: www.ChampionCords.com OR www.SkatePSA.com

www.ChampionCords.com

Are You LookingFor A Great Skating

Opportunity?

Come Jointhe World’s

Greatest Skaters!

For more information, please send a skating resume, photos and current video (3 – 6 minutes)

and all contact information to:

Feld Entertainment® is looking for Male and Female Skatersfor its U.S. and International

Tours of Disney On Ice.

© Disney

Judy Thomas Talent Director and Production CoordinatorFeld Entertainment. 2001 U.S. Highway 301. Palmetto, FL 34221 USA

Phone (941) 721-1234 • Fax (941) 349-4280 • Email jthomas@feldinc.com

FC1203502-IFS Group 1 final.indd 2 2/6/13 11:44 AM

The Axel Has Landed

MEMBERSNew

Marisa Banz

Nick Barsi-Rhyne

Kloe Chanel Bautista

Amanda Benavides

Kayla Blomquist

Annamarie Brecht

Jon Coleman

Brooke Comstock

Kylie Duarte

Wolfgang Ebersole

Meredith Flynn

Cali Fujimoto

Kathy Hillman

Joan Holdburg

Mary Holder

Hanna Johnson

Patricia A. Jones-Logan

Christina Kaiser

Savannah Kassin

Demerie Kiley

Luke Kirchgessner

Amy Kujawa

Katie Mitchell

Anjelica Mondello

Amy Mullen

Danielle Ostrower

Dmytri Overchuk

Karteka Parks

Olivia Patacca

Marissa Piatok

Tyler Ponsart

Mary Kroll

Tracy Prussack

Devin Matthews

B.L. Wylie

Amy Torcasso

Karen Beatty

Amy Berg

Leslie Deason

Debi Leeming

Brandon Forsyth

Jimmie Santee

Tracy Prussack

Meagan Shafto

Pierre Panayi

Rebecca Hatch-Purnell

Thomas Amon

Molly Dowling German

Roxanne Tyler

David Redlin

Michelle Sibley

Tara Thomson

Megan Jonasson

Wendy Mangum

Donald Mitchell

Mary Duecker

Heather Aseltine

Valentyn Nikolayev

Louise Kapeikis

Colleen Thomas

Natalya Ponomareva

Sigrid Berge

NEW MEMBER SPONSOR NEW MEMBER SPONSORAmy Raymer

Lea Rizer

Eugenia Ross-Castillo

Allison Salgado

Chandler Schaak

Miranda Schufman

Sabrina Serra

Andrea Trembath

Kathryn Vaughn

Raleigh Weld

Lila Werner

Kelsey Wilson

Roxanne Tyler

Elizabeth Parker-Silver

Kyle McIntyre

Brady Chin

Christine Fowler-Binder

Amy Alt

Susan Rigney

Ramona Peterson

Barbara Roles-Williams

Page Lipe

Lindsay Page-O’Donoghue

Rachel Lee

Oscar L. Richard was the 1920 U.S. Junior Champion. He was 67 years old!

“We live amid surfaces, and the true art of life is to skate well on them.” – Emerson

Close Call 1791 – Napoleon Bonaparte, then a stu-dent at the Ecole Militaire, a military school founded by Louis XV, narrowly escaped drowning while skating on the moat of the fort at Auxerre, Burgundy.

DID YOU KNOW?

DID YOU KNOW?

QUOTE

25 years of Patinage Magazine

five times per year - French & EnglishThe most beautiful photographs!

The most emotional moments!

✎ TO SEND TO PATINAGE MAGAZINE 39 bld de la Marne 76000 Rouen - France

patinagemagazine@wanadoo.fr

❏ Mr ❏ Mrs ❏ Ms Name: Firstname: Address:

Zip: City: Country:

your email: @

❏ I subscribe for one year to Patinage Magazine (5 issues): 30 € (CEE-Suisse), 32 € (USA, Canada, other countries), 35 € (Asia-Oceania)

❏ I order (Postage included)“Skating’s jumping for joy”(2009-2010) 35 € (France-CEE-Suisse), 40 € (other countries)

❏ I pay by transfer on our IBAN : FR33 2004 1010 1400 0035 6R03 552❏ I pay by credit card (visa card or mastercard)

Expiration date

Signature security code (last 3 digits)

ORDER FORM

PS

A

!

Skating’s jumping for joya beautiful 140-page book

(in French & English)

Date: May 20-25 Area 11Location: Hyatt Regency O’Hare & The Edge Ice ArenaEvent: 2013 PSA Conference, Trade Show & Reunion and Rating SiteContact: PSA Office at office@skatepsa.com or 507-281-5122 Credits: 30 - 32 PSA credits

Date: August 25 Area 11Location: Skokie Skatium, 9300 Weber Park Pl, Skokie, IL 60077 Event: Oral Rating Site at Ratings Prep TrainingContact: PSA Office 507-281-5122 or byackel@skatepsa.com Credits: 1 PSA credit per oral exam takenDeadline: Rating Exams June 24, 2013

Date: August 26-27 Area 11Location: Skokie Skatium, 9300 Weber Park Pl, Skokie, IL 60077Event: Ratings Prep Training (formerly known as PACE)Contact: PSA Office 507-281-5122 or byackel@skatepsa.com Credits: 28 PSA creditsDeadline: August 5, 2013

M A Y

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The Wisconsin Rapids Figure Skating Club is looking for coaches with excellent communication skills experienced with coaching beginner to high level USFS Programs. Coaching responsibilities includes Learn-to-Skate class instruction to junior & senior Moves in the Field, and junior & senior Free skating instruction. Please email your resume and references to Kevin Whipple, WRFSC President, at rtribe@wctc.net or mail to WRFSC P.O. BOX 32, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495

Fox Valley Ice Arena located in Geneva Il is accepting resumes for an experienced Skating Program Director. Must have previous experience in running large ISI Learn to Skate programs including learn to skate hockey, shows, competitions, special events, marketing, skating camps, sales and new program start up. ISI or PSA certi-fications required. IAIM or USFS program certification a plus. Salary commensurate on experience. Please send resume, 3 references to the following. diane@theskateschool.com podacre@gmail.com

JOB PLACEMENTS

PROFESSIONAL SKATERS ASSOCIATION

EXCELLENCE ON ICEAMES FSCAmes, IA

BELLINGHAM SPORTSPLEXBellingham, WA

BLADE & EDGE FSCOmaha, NE

CENTRAL IOWA FSCUrbandale, IA

CITY OF KETTERINGKettering, OH

COLORADO SPRINGS WORLD ARENA ICE HALLColorado Springs, CO

CRANSTON VETERANS MEMORIAL ICE RINKCranston, RI

CRYSTAL ICE HOUSECrystal Lake, IL

EXTREME ICE CENTERIndian Trail, NC

GERMAIN ARENAEstero, FL

GREENSBORO ICE HOUSEGreensboro, NC

HONNEN ICE ARENAColorado Springs, CO

ICE CENTER AT THE PROMENADEWestminster, CO

ICELAND COMPETITIVE EDGE FSCFlint, MI

KENDALL ICE ARENAMiami, FL

LOUISVILLE SKATING ACADEMYLouisville, KY

MOYLAN ICEPLEXOmaha, NE

OLYMPIC VIEW ARENA & LYNNWOOD ICE CENTERMountlake Terrace, WA

ROCHESTER FSCRochester, MN

SAVEOLOGY ICEPLEXCoral Springs, FL

SHATTUCK-ST. MARY’S SCHOOL AND FSCFaribault, MN

SPRINKER RECREATION CENTERTacoma, WA

STAMFORD TWIN RINKSStamford, CT

THE POND FAMILY FRIENDLY ICE RINKChagrin Falls, OH

2012-2013 Membership Year

A U G U S T

Please visit www.skatepsa.com for the complete Calendar of Events

MAY | JUNE 201338

Visit our booth at conferencesay "ART"

get free "SWAG"

PS MAGAZINE 39

www.mkblades.com

Making champions since 1951. For more details, ask Patrick Chan or Carolina Kostner.

MUST HAVEBLADES

MK_ProfSkat_Ad2.indd 1 06/12/2012 09:46