ISU v. ISI Figure Skating Defined
Here’s a quick review of the diverse facets of figure skating.
Whether a fan, friend or family member of a figure skater, you'll appreciate this quick review of the major components of the sport.
The disciplines of Olympic-eligible figure skating are less varied than for competitive recreational skating. Governed by the International Skating Union, Olympic-track skaters can participate in Ladies and Men’s Single, Pairs, Synchronized, and Ice Dancing Events. No matter which discipline they choose, skaters must pass Moves in the Field to demonstrate technical competency at their given levels before being allowed to progress to the next level for testing and competitions.
Competitive recreational skating, headed up by the International Skating Institute, does not culminate at the Olympics, but it offers divisions like: Figures, Couples, Special Skater, Production Numbers, and a multitude of other team skating divisions, in addition to the other five disciplines.
Skill Levels
In the ISU, the top five skill levels are most recognized. Juvenile, Intermediate, Novice, Junior, and Senior levels can compete at Nationals. These skill levels are achieved by passing tests during which skaters demonstrate the near-perfect execution of specific elements. Students can actually begin in Basic Skills group classes before beginning Freestyle, Dance or Pairs specializations. They can compete in their own basic levels at local competitions to gain performance and competition experience.
There is also an Adult division, and Ice Dancing actually includes an International level. For the other disciplines, the Senior level is the International or highest level. There are Junior international competitions as well. Levels are not always defined by the age of the skater. Age does affect eligibility. For example, to compete as a Senior at Worlds or the Olympics, skaters have to be at least 15 years old. This rule acknowledges the impact rigorous and repetitive skating elements can have on bodies that are still developing. (Many champion skaters have full hip and knee replacements in their 20’s and 30’s.)
ISI levels are not much different. The main discipline all have levels 1-10 that follow their weSKATE Tots, Beginning Skaters, and Basic Skills program. The latter skaters are further categorized in these groups according to ability: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. When a skater has completed these learn-to-skate programs, he or she is able to skate forward and backward, stop, turn, and execute specific edge control.
The ISI offers a more varied competition program than the USFSA/ISU. Also, with membership to ISI comes a supplemental insurance coverage for on-ice injuries. They also offer high-level video testing, which is a great convenience given the requirements of certain numbers of judges present to test at higher levels in the USFSA. There are also potentially valuable team point that can be accrued for performances that place during competitions.
Arguably, the ISI presents more opportunities for skaters to find and choose the type of skating that suits them best. It is as athletically competitive as the ISU, but will not allow skaters to advance internationally into the traditional World Championships or Olympics. Students who pass ISI tests will not be considered to have passed equivalent tests in the ISU or USFSA, or vise verse.
Talk to the coaches at your rink, and let them know your personal objectives for competitive figure skating. These pros can help you decide with organization, style and discipline is best for you or your skater.
