Competitive figure skating moms...

[TammiMcMan]

Is it common to see such a varience in scores???

Absolutely! You see these variences at all levels. Don't even try to figure out the judges, it will drive you crazy. Seriously though, the judges have a standard score sheet which shows the requirements at each level. As each element is done by the skater, the judge has to take their eyes off them for a moment and write down the score. It could have happened that a judge was not looking and missed seeing an element.

In higher levels, there is a referee who oversee's the judges. If someone has marked considerably lower than everyone else, they are questioned about it.

It's just really important to make sure that your skater felt good about her performance and that she's her own best judge. She can be proud of what she did and take the judges scores with a grain of salt.

 

[tmq2766]

Congratulations to Emily!!!!! Sometimes I think as parents we should get a medal as well We work just as hard.

 

[tjmw2727]

Great news Michelle, congrats to Emily you must be so proud.

TJ

 

[tjmw2727]

Just a thought here or actually a question for - Michelle or Tammi or anyone who would be so kind! What level basic or freestyle do they usually start doing a program with music?

My younger dd's coach is talking about putting together something for her but my oldest dd's coach says lets wait a while. Evidently my younger dd's coach has a few routines already done up for some of the levels and would just teach her the appropriate one. I am such a novice at this and a bit confused as my older dd is at a higher level, but less aggresssive than my younger dd. I suppose its a difference in coaching styles as well as the styles and interests of my dd's. FWIW the different coaching syles match my dd's perfectly and I really like both coaches so its not a problem, just thinking. If its just for fun I guess I don't have a problem with it - any advice?

FWIW my 9yo is a basic 8 and my 7yo is a basic 6, don't know if these levels are consistant or regional or what.

TIA

TJ

 

[tmq2766]

They can do a program to music at any level. Are the coaches letting them have a say in what music they would use?

 

[Shells9]

I think it depends on the competition. The competition we had at our rink just for our kids, I think Basic 3 was the first level that coud have music. In the one we just went to, any level can have music.

Here is the competition package from ours, which will show you all of the elements and requirements for most of the Basic Levels.
South Florida Bsaic Skills Competition Package

Since we did not know any better, DD's coach picked her music this time, which was pretty good. I think we will try to use the same program to different music for the June one.

 

[tjmw2727]

Thanks - Michelle, your package looks quite similar to ours for the end of May. The girls are not going to skate to music but the competition is open to anyone not just our rink. I think I will hold off until after we all experience the first taste of competition and see what happens.

Evidently younger dd's coach has several routines done by level with various age appropriate music. For the first introduction to a routine this seems fine with me and dd will love any routine at this point.

I am hoping to keep this as a fun, move at your own pace sport so I am trying not to rush into anything before we have enough information.

TJ

 

[TammiMcMan]

Hi TJ,

It does depend on the competition as to whether the basic levels can use music. I would say that 90% of those in our area do allow for that. My DD was 6 and in basic 3 when she did a routine in her first competition. She is extremely outgoing and loves to be in the spotlight. If your daughters are showing an interest in this, then I would definitely encourage them. Learning the timing of the music and artistry is as important as knowing the elements. Plus, it's usually not as competitive at the lower basic levels and by the time they're in freestyle, they will already have some experience. If your older DD's coach is recommending that she hold off, I would ask her why. I won't get into a big coaching discussion, but just remember that it is a business to them. As a parent, I've always taken a small step back and let the coach and student sort of work things out, but you know what's best for your child.

 

[tmq2766]

I think just the cheer from the crowd is enough to make them want to continue competing. My DD9 is the biggest ham. When she is competing with her synchro team she is the one out there with the BIGGEST smile on her face that alone brings tears to my eyes every time! Her team performed during a Chicago Wolves game in front of 14,000 cheering fans and not one girl was intimidated.
I have gotten feed back from her teachers who say that they feel because of her commitment to skating it makes her a better student. It teaches them to be confidence, concentration, builds self esteem and it has taught her to strive for more.
We had our private this morning and DD is testing in July for Freestyle 3. Now we have to start picking up more ice time to get her ready.

 

[tjmw2727]

We had two synchro teams do exhibitions at our ice show and my 9yo was soooooo inspired by them. They were both excellent.

I agree about the self confidence, that's the biggest benefit we have had with skating. My older dd dosen't do well with team sports. She takes things very seriously and feels if she misses the goal, basket etc she has let everyone down. Skating allows her to move at her own pace while still belonging to a group or club or team. She is so tough on herself that I want to take the move to competition very slowly, she is her own biggest critic already.

Tammi, tks I am going to try and arrange a conference or phone call with the coaches. During practice sessions everyone is so busy and focused there is little time for discussion. I may hold off both girls from doing a program to music until the fall. They are both doing one group and one short private this summer but we want to take it easy and enjoy other things. (OK at least I do LOL).

TJ

 

[Shells9]

TJ,

Did you arrange for your conference call yet? How did it go?

Out of curiousity, how much do you pay for your private lessons? DD's is $26 per half an hour, and we go twice a week. I am thinking of bumping one of those lessons up to an hour and keeping the Saturday one at half hour. She does that, and then has a 45 minutes break then does Learn to Skate for an hour, so she is pretty tired after that.

I know one Mom there pays her coach through the rink for the lesson (her rate is $27 per half hour), then gives the coach $20 cash for the other half an hour. I guess the coach makes more this way because then the rink does not get a portion. This makes her cost $47 instead of $54 per hour.

 

[tjmw2727]

No Michelle, not yet, lots of other things this week and the girls are just focused on the competition in a couple weeks - no routines for that one of course. I am going to call my younger dd's coach, hopefully today but work seems to keep getting in the way!

Also trying to figure out our summer schedule, we spend our summers away in NH but the girls want to keep skating so we will probably come home just one day a week to skate. (OK and do laundry, catch up on work etc!).

Thanks for asking - I will let you know what happens.

TJ

 

[tjmw2727]

Oh and coaching costs - I pay the coach privately. They have been doing increments of 20 minutes, 30 mintues, 40 minutes and could do an hour but its been to long for my girls.

The typical practice session here is 40 or 50 minutes and the girls usually do a 20 or 30 minute privage lesson and practice the other 20 or so minutes. Prices vary considerably (some are over $100 per hour) but one of our coaches charges $50 per hour and the other charges $75 per hour. The 20 minute lesson is what the girls do the most and I pay $12 or $14 per 20 minutes.

They do private one day and group lessons another but that will change in the summer.

The group lessons are very reasonable, about $10.00 and run 40 minutes with a 10 minute warm up prior. There is a max of 6 skaters per level. I am extremely pleased with the girls experience in group lessons.

TJ

 

[TammiMcMan]

For anyone who's interested, here is a link to some pictures from my DS's recent skating show: http://www.pixieworld.net/events/icechips04/icechips04.php


Specifically, he's in the number titled Hollywood & Vine (the first boy skater on the left). It was a dutch waltz number. He's also in the 1st and 4th picture for Stars & Stripes. All in ACT 1. You can also see some amazing pictures of Michael Weiss under the ACT 2 link.

Hope you enjoy.

Tammi

 

[tjmw2727]

Thanks Tammi - I love looking at everyones pictures. One of the skaters featured is actually from our town, he is in the paper all the time!!

As an update my younger dd is getting her solo and is VERY excited. The coach put together a cd with 5 songs she thought would be good and listened to a couple my dd picked out. DD choose a compilation of music from Annie. They are going to start working on the skating after the basic skills comp. My older dd wants to wait and see how younger likes it and what it involves - that's true to her personality so I am not surprised!

Thanks for all the advice everyone!
TJ

 

[Shells9]

Wow, Tammi -- what a nice looking show! Your DS is so lucky to have that opportunity. Looks like it was very well thought out and very well put together!

DD is progressing. We changed the music for her 1 minute solo to I Just Can't Wait to Be King so she is happy. Now, to find a coordinating dress!

Also, they have started an ice dancing class, taught by her coach, so we registered for that one as well. Saturday will be pretty tiring for her. Private lesson from 8:45 until 9:15, ice dancing from 9:15 until 9:45, and then Learn to Skate from 10 am - 11 am. I am thinking Saturdays will be prime days for naps, lol! We will continue with one other private lesson and half of a free style session once each week, and maybe another freestyle session -- not sure yet.

I am also meeting more parents at the rink, which is nice. There are three of us who have kids in about the same level, so we can share experiences, which is nice.

Okay, here is a question:
What do your kids wear for practice?

DD really likes the Mondor sweats.

 

[shelbyjosh]

My DD will wear those stretchy flare pants (from Old Navy) or her skating dresses. Lately I have seen the girls wearing capri pants too. We are in the process of changing coaches (which is a blessing in disguise) and DD is unaware of what is happening. Just paid our summer ice bill (she skates a "camp") and that is around $500 for 8 weeks. Includes freestyle ice, field moves ice, power skating, and some off-ice training. She is in for a busy summer!!

 

[Shells9]

Oh, I never think to look at Old Navy -- I will put that on my list of places to check out! Thanks for the tip!

 

[tjmw2727]

My 9yo likes street clothes, usually stretch pants with skating tights under. Her coach prefers a skirt so she can see dd's legs and feet but my 9yo does not like a dress or skirt at all, ocasionally she will wear a black practice skirt. Her compromise is shorts with skating tights under and her favorite aeropostle or gap hoodie.

My 7yo loves a skating dress or skirt regardless of the weather and will wear a fleece or hoodie over. We just orderd club logo fleece jackets and zip side pants, should be here in a week or so.

Lately lots of the girls have been wearing capri's here as well.

Both my dd's love mittens instead of gloves esp my older dd who's fingers get really cold, sometimes turning white! This is fine during group LTS but the coaches want gloves for privates. What do your kids wear to keep the fingers warm?

TJ

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

I'm a traditionalist - I make DD wear a skating dress for practice always. You can get some really nice practice dresses.
I really dislike the girls in tights and shorts - which usually have SKATE or something on the bum! (sorry tjmw - I don't mean to insult here - I know how hard it is to get 9 yrolds to wear what we want! LOL!)

It also makes me nervous when skaters wear jeans or pants that are not absolutely tight to the leg - I remember as a skater way back doing that once, and only once. I caught my blade in the leg of the pants and down I went. It's really easy to do. Capri's would be OK if they are the ones that are like the leggings.

DD also always wears gloves - never thought about mittens.