2009-2010 Exhibition and Competition Schedule
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- What is Synchro?
Synchronized team skating, or "synchro" is a specialized discipline of skating involving groups of eight or more skaters performing various group
formations and maneuvers. The objective is for the team to perform as one unit executing circles, blocks, lines, wheels and intersections in unison to
the music, while demonstrating precise coordination, quality edges, power and flow. Synchro is the fastest growing of the five skating disciplines
within US Figure Skating. There are eight competitive levels for synchronized skating teams within the USFSA structure - juvenile, intermediate,
novice, junior, senior, collegiate, masters and adult. Many synchro skaters also work in other branches, especially in moves in the field (which is now
required of synchro skaters to compete in qualifying competitions) and ice dance. With the requirement of spins in short programs, slightly more
emphasis is being placed on freestyle skating (even though, as of now, teams are not allowed to perform jumps of more than one revolution).
- Team Velocity
The Burnsville-Minnesota Valley Figure Skating Club Synchronized Skating Teams skate as Team Velocity, coached by and Gretchen Revolinski and
Laura Mitchell.
The primary goal of the Burnsville-Minnesota Valley Figure Skating Club’s synchro teams is to develop Team Velocity through weekly practice and
conditioning, competition, travel, and the experience of being a part of a team sport in order to compete at qualifying competitions.
- Membership
Becoming a member of a synchronized skating team requires that you make a personal commitment to your coach and teammates; and that you will
dedicate yourself to providing the time, energy, and skill level required of a team skater. Being a member of a team can be a very rewarding
experience, including travel, competition, team spirit, and new friends.
Membership on our lines is open to qualified skaters from any US Figure Skating program that have been placed on our lines through our annual
skills assessment. Although membership to the Burnsville-Minnesota Valley Figure Skating Club and US Figure Skating is required, there is no need
to change your home club affiliation. Several of our skaters belong to other clubs where they continue to practice freestyle, field moves, and dance
with their individual coaches. If you would like more information, please e-mail us.
- Skills Assessment
Each skater will be graded on her/his performance with a grade of 0-3. Speed, confidence of turns in the field, making an attempt, and strength in
skating will be judged. Please be prepared to demonstrate the following moves and jumps. If you have any questions, please contact the Team
Manager.
2009 Team Velocity Try-out Elements
- Forward T-stop (right and left foot)
- Front T-stop (right and left foot)
- Back snowplow stop (right and left foot)
- Forward and Backward Cross-overs in a figure-eight pattern
- Right and Left Mohawk sequence
- Forward and backward cross-strokes
- Backward Power three-turns in a figure eight pattern
- Back lunges (right and left foot)
- Shoot the duck, forward and backward
- Bauer or Spread Eagle
- Skaters will also be asked to learn a step-sequence
- First the sequence will be demonstrated twice
- Next they can practice the sequence three times
- Lastly, the sequence will be judged
*Skaters are not expected to do every element perfectly, but to give it their best try.
Elements will be judged on a 0-3 scale
0 = Skater did not try element at all
1 = Skater at least attempted the element with noticeable effort
2 = Skater performed the element well
3 = Skater performed the element with exceptional execution
Helpful Links
For more information regarding Synchro, please check out the following links:
• Synchronized Skating Primer
• Basic Holds - Synchronized Skating
• Basic Formations - Synchronized Skating
• Synchronized Skating Causes Different Injuries
• Synchro Skating on the Web
• US Figure Skating, Synchro
CONTACT: Lori Anderson
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