Just got back from 4 nights in Scottsdale, Arizona where the 2013 Adult Figure Skating Championships were held. There were a total of 488 competitors over 4 days of competition.
Singles, Pairs, Dance, Dramatic and Light Entertainment categories.
I hope to attend next year as a skater in both the Technical Free Skate and the Dramitic Free Skate Bronze level. It's going to take a lot of hard work.
After many hours of watching previous years on Ice Network, I was not surprised by the diversity of age and talent. Primarily I went to witness, first hand, how the logistics, competitiveness, support and camraderie among skaters (especially my age) was. I was very pleasantly surprised. I was so interested in watching the skating I didn't take any photos of the venue or the crowds.
Personally I had 2 skating friends competing. Hank Landis (Adult Silver Mens IV Free Skate) and Sheila Geisler (Adult Bronze Ladies V Free Skate) - both representing Spokane and the Lilac City Figure Skating Club. They both did us proud. Hank (Ralph) Landis placed 3rd out of 5 gentlemen in his category and level. Sheila Geisler placed 2nd out of 7 ladies in her category and level.
Adults are grouped into 2 categories.
1. By skating ability
a. Bronze
b. Silver
c. Gold
...... after that you must incorporate yourself into the "standard track"
d. Intermediate
e. Novice
f. Junior
g. Senior (Michele Kwan, et al)
.
...... those who skate at the Adult Gold, Intermediate or higher at Adult Nationals may qualify to compete in the Championships round at Nationals by placing 1st-4th at Sectionals (Pacific - Mid West - Eastern) in March of the same year.
Skaters of any age do not need to "qualify" to skate at Adult Nationals except for Championships. You only need to have passed the Free Skate Test of the level you are competing in prior to a specified date before registration to compete.
Have I lost you?
Secondly, Adults are broken into age groups for a somewhat fairer playing field.
Group I: 21-30 years
Group II: 31-40 years
Group III: 41-50 years
Group IV: 51-60 years
Group V: 61 and older
There is a little more to the rules, but I will stop here.
I am currently skating as Adult Bronze Ladies IV (there, I gave my age away).
Before I can skate at next years nationals I have to pass my Bronze Free Skate Test.
I have already taken my Bronze Moves In The Field Test and I am currently practicing my Silver Moves In The Field. Moves are much easier to accomplish than the free skate.
Ok, enough blather. Here's a few shots of my friends in Scottsdale:
Here's Sheila in her sassy program.
(That beautiful dress was made by Hank!)
Sheila is rightfully proud to wear that medal
Forget the audience. How about all these judges staring at you, critiquing your every move?
Beautiful line on a Spiral
And the crowd goes WILD.
Sheila is on the bench cheering Hank on (bottom left)
My friend Penny is on the bench as well (bottom right)