Saturday morning news

I got to the session late because the line at Starbuck's was SO long. I didn't think it would be a problem because U.S. Figure Skating usually starts with videos and 'feel good' stuff, but alas, when I got there the Technical Group was already at the head table.

 I got caught up quickly - they shared the news that there will be a mini (micro) system for IJS that will cost less than $10,000. Considering that IJS will eventually be everything, that's pretty important. The new system isn't tested yet, so not sure when it will be ready.

 The technical group talks about so many items that really affect the sport. Judges, technical, test, synchro, theatrical skating and competitions.

 News 
Theater on Ice will be IJS only using the components. No technical marks

 Isolation: No. 429 - the new Juvenile Short program - motion to refer it back to committee. George got up and started doing math. Part of the issue was the No Triple Jump rule. But he talked about the Russian skaters and the Japanese skaters and how behind our skaters are. I got a bit confused with the discussion because

 Item No. 458 was referred by to committee. 

 A new isolation - No. 444 and 445. These two items reduced the time for Juvenile and Intermediate Synchro programs by 30 seconds. There were good arguments for both sides. Personally, I agree with the board's decision to decreasing the time. The two items were divided (voting on the two isolations) The vote on rescinding the time change for Intermediate was voted down (so the time change to 3:00 minutes will stand). The vote for the Juvenile was next - if the time change was voted down, then the time for Juvenile, Intermediate and Novice would all be 3:00 minutes. The change to the change was voted down, so Juvenile will be 2:30.

 The isolation of 456 section 5 was withdrawn, but George isolated section 3 to send back to committee. 

 It was then decided instead of getting into the complicated discussion, it was the perfect time for a coffee break. 

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