Terms used:
Features
Technical content that increases the difficulty of an element which may become part of the difficulty group of an element. Features such as pivoting, travelling, body movements, etc. are determined annually and published in a Skate Canada and ISU Communication.
Members
Each person that meets the requirements of any of the three Member classes as defined in Article 3 hereof [of the bylaws] and that has been duly admitted as a member of Skate Canada.
Sequence
The set order of the prescribed steps that compose one pattern of a Pattern Dance.
Sequences
The set order of the prescribed steps that compose one pattern of a Pattern Dance.
Step
The visible tracing on the ice that is executed on one foot. A step is counted each time there is a change of foot.
Technical Controller
An individual sixteen years of age or older who is responsible for accurate technical panel process and authorizes, corrects, deletes and adds elements to the list of elements performed during an event. Technical controllers are qualified to act on panels at or below a specified level of competition in one or more of singles, pairs, ice dance or synchronized skating.
Turns
A rotational movement in which the skater moves from forward to backward or backward to forward using one foot and on an edge and axis (e.g. Three-turn, Bracket). In a two-foot turn the rotational movement from forward to backward or backward to forward is from one foot to the other foot (e.g. C step, S step).
The rationale for the following procedure is to have two technical panel members looking at the turns since this feature is compulsory to achieve a higher level. This will help ensure more consistent calls throughout the season. As always, the technical panel should keep the amount of talking during the element to a minimum.
The following is the recommended division of responsibilities for step sequences.
Singles
TS1: Turns and the two different combinations of three difficult turns (clusters). The TS1 will call right/left foot for clusters and yes/no as they are happening so the TS2 and TC can record it.
TS2/TC : One will look at the turns and clusters and the other will look for rotations and use of body. The individual responsible for rotation and body will say yes/no (i.e. no to body, yes to rotation) at the end of the step sequence or when achieved. The TS2 and TC can do either of the roles mentioned above, as preferred.
Pairs
TS1: Turns and the two different combinations of 3 difficult turns (clusters) for one partner. The TS1 will call clusters and yes/no as they are happening so the TS2 and TC can record it. Will also look for the changes of position and not separating features.
TS2: Turns and the clusters for the other partner. Will not say yes/no for each cluster during the step sequence. Will also look for the changes of position and not separating features. The TS2 will indicate the highest level that could be awarded for the partner they are watching through a hand signal based on minimum variety (level 1), simple variety (level 2) and variety of turns (level 3-4).
TC: Rotations and body movements. Will say yes/no for each feature at the end of the step sequence or when achieved.
Review Process
If any of the panel members would like to review the step sequence, they will call the review after the call is made and not during the step sequence. The verification of features given and not given will be made during the review process so the TC and TS2 can write them down for their notes.