March 2008
EPFSC Skaters and Families
It is imperative that as your skater approaches pre-juvenile / juvenile competitive levels in skating that you take the time to familiarize yourself with the details of these policies.
Below are a few Frequently Asked Questions regarding Ice Show Points. These are brief answers. More detailed explanations are in the policy itself.
Click HERE for the full Ice Show Policy
When do I need to start being concerned about the detail in the Points Policy?
If a skater plans to pass their Juvenile freestyle test on or before the club’s December test date, that skater should be familiar with contracting and eligibility requirements in the policy. A skater must purchase a designated amount of club ice for the year ending with the fall contract preceding the show. Developmental ice does not count in this total.
Are there subjective factors in determining ice show soloists or small group skaters?
No. Skaters earn points based on their seniority with EPFSC, their testing levels and their competition results for the given year.
How many soloists are there in the show?
Beginning with the 2009 show, the top 7 point earners will be awarded solos.
Does a skater’s EPFSC seniority affect point totals?
Yes. Seniority points are cumulative in determining ice show points. It is important to turn in membership renewal on a timely basis, contract club ice regularly and pay bills on time as problems in these areas can disrupt seniority status.
Do testing results affect ice show points?
Yes. Each test passed earns a skater points. Each progressive test awards a greater amount of points to recognize the increasing difficulty.
Do competition results affect point totals?
Yes. The top 3 ordinal sheets, within the calendar year, for a skater’s pre-juvenile or above competitions can be submitted for points.
Should I buy ordinal sheets at competitions?
Yes, for pre-juvenile and above events. This is the only verification we have of the points the skater has earned.
Does each type of competition event earn the same points?
Yes. However, of the three ordinal sheets submitted for points, TWO events must be from freestyle (long program), short program or compulsory events. ONE ordinal sheet may be turned in from any skating event: dance, pairs, spins, jumps, artistic, moves in the field, freestyle, short program or compulsory.
Are the same points earned for a skater taking 1st place as a juvenile and a skater taking 1st place as a novice?
No. Placement points are factored depending upon a skater’s competitive level. Skaters with a high test level use a higher number for factoring. For example, a first place in a group of at least six competitors would earn a juvenile skater 10 points and a novice skater 20 points.
Is it guaranteed that if a skater has passed their juvenile freestyle that they will be in a small group?
No. Once a skater has passed their juvenile freestyle, their points will be tabulated. But ultimately the show director has the discretion in determining the cutoff for small groups. The biggest determinant is strictly the number of skaters we have eligible at these levels. There have been years in the past where intermediate was the cutoff for small groups.
Why are small groups and soloist points information not posted publicly?
In the past it has been for the privacy of each individual skater. We have felt that their ice show point results are their business alone. In the future, ice show points for soloists will be posted and a range of points for small group skaters will be also be given.
If a skater is a graduating senior do they automatically qualify for an ice show solo?
No. Qualifying for an ice show solo is based on the point system. Graduating seniors not skating solos in the show are recognized with a “step out” from their large group ice show number. A step out includes announcing their name while they perform an element under the spotlight.
If my skater qualifies for a small group or solo one year, do they automatically qualify for the next?
No. This is based on the point totals for skaters and variables can change year to year.
Are there additional costs involved in being in a small group or solo?
Yes. The fee paid for the ice show covers choreography for opener, finale and large group, plus one costume. Coaching choreography and the costume for small groups or solos are additional expense to the skater.
What can I do to be sure my skater has the best possible chance of qualifying when the time comes?
- Familiarize yourself with the ice show points policy details.
- Teach your skater about the points system.
- Contract the required amounts of club ice. There are no exceptions on this requirement.
- Stay with EPFSC to maintain your skater’s seniority.
- Encourage your skater to continue to improve in their sport by testing and competing.
