BMVFSC Synchro

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 Huska and Dani Gross.
During the 2005-2006 season, Team Velocity competed at St. Cloud,
Maplewood Classic (Mariucci Arena), Duluth (DECC), Frosty Blades (Blaine),
and Blades of March (Parade Arena).

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 0-5. 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.

Juvenile, Preliminary or Youth Intro
•        Crossovers, forward and backward
•        Spiral/Lunges, forward and backward, both legs
•        Shoot the Duck, forward or backward
•        Power Pulls, forward and backward
•        Preliminary alternating 3 turns on the line
•        Waltz jump, counter-clockwise
•        Split jump, counter-clockwise
•        ½ Flip, counter-clockwise
•        Loop, counter-clockwise
•        One foot spin, counter-clockwise
•        Back spin, counter-clockwise
•        Right and Left Mohawk sequence

Teen Intro or Intermediate
•        Crossovers, forward and backward
•        Spiral/Lunges, forward and backward, both legs
•        Shoot the Duck, forward and backward
•        Power Pulls, forward and backward
•        Pre-Juvenile alternating 3 turns
•        Waltz jump, counter-clockwise
•        Split jump, counter-clockwise
•        Modified Junior Choctaws
•        Loop, counter-clockwise
•        One foot spin, counter-clockwise
•        Back spin, counter-clockwise
•        Right and Left Mohawk sequence

In addition to the specific skills listed above for the assessment, the following US
Figure Skating test requirements must also be met for qualifying teams. (US Figure
Skating Rule Book, p. 85) Any skater must be able to meet the specific team
requirements by the December 1 deadline. A Youth Intro line or Teen Intro line is not
considered a qualifying team.

CR 47.30     Test Requirements

CR 47.31     The following test levels are required to participate on a synchronized
skating team in qualifying events at qualifying synchronized team skating
competitions. These test levels must be met by all skaters listed on the team roster,
including alternates, and must be achieved by the close of entries, December 1.

Team Level                     Moves in the Field Test
Preliminary                        [None]
Juvenile                             Preliminary
Intermediate                      Pre-Juvenile
Novice                               Pre-Juvenile
Junior                                Juvenile
Senior                               Intermediate

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