Competition - Figure Skating

Figures
In figures skating, skaters are required to trace patterns on a set of circles painted on the skating surface. A skater must trace the figures on one foot, with the wheels of his or her skate on either side of the painted line. Skaters are judged on their form and body control. They are also judged on their execution of the principle parts of the figures, including take-offs, changes of edge, tracing and turns.

Pairs
Pairs skating involves teams composed of mixed couples. Pairs perform technical elements similar to those seen in singles skating. Unison of motion between the two partners is very important, as they shadow each other's movements. Partners must execute spins, jumps, and footwork simultaneously. There are also some elements that are unique to pairs skating, such as overhead lifts and throw jumps. As in singles skating, the skaters are judged on their execution of the technical elements and on their interpretation of the music.

Precision Skating

Precision skating was an exhibition event at the 1997 USARS National Championships, and it became an official USARS event in the 1997-98 competitive season. Precision teams are made up twelve to twenty-four skaters. There are no gender divisions in this event. Originally, there was only one age division, but in 2002, a Junior division was added.

Team members perform a variety of movements and formations to music. As indicated by the name, the most important aspect of this event is precision, that is, the accuracy and synchronization of the team's movements. The aim of the team should be to execute its moves as a single unit. Individual jumps and spins are not allowed, and footwork is very important. Judging is based on the originality of a team's routine, the difficulty of the elements used, and the variety of elements in the routine.

Fours

Fours skating was added to the RSROA National Championships in 1942. Fours teams were composed of two pairs teams. An important aspect of fours routines was variety of content. Routines included spins, jumps, and footwork done as singles, as pairs, and as fours. Harmony or unity of movement is also important. Judges looked for identical movement among the team members in elements such as their positions in spins and jumps, or their height and speed of rotation during lifts.

Fours skating never attracted many competitors as other skating events. In 1967, USARS reduced the event to only two divisions, and in 1974, fours skating was dropped from the National Championships entirely, due to lack of participation.