Synchronized skating teams are set and summer practices are in full swing. While most families are on vacation or enjoying the beach during the summer school break, synchro families often find themselves doubling down with time at the ice rink in what is affectionately known as the “off season”. But truly, there is no off season for synchro skaters. Just a few weeks where skaters take a breather and give their bodies, and moms, a rest. Most synchronized skaters have been busy working on their individual skills and coaches have been hard at work learning the new season rules and planning their new programs. Some teams might have already had choreography camp and started learning new programs. Now is the time when skaters begin comparing themselves to others and trying to figure out where they fit with the team. This can produce even more anxiety if your skater has moved up a level or switched figure skating clubs or teams. Not only are they trying to make new friends, they are likely hoping to secure a “core” spot. And as a synchro mom, you are likely watching from the sidelines with a bit of anxiety, too.
My daughter has filled just about every role there is for a skater on a synchronized skating team. She has been the youngest and the oldest, the strongest technically and the weakest just fighting to keep up, the experienced leader and the follower just trying to understand everything, the trainer with no costume or roster spot, the rotator who never knew until two days before if she would be skating a competition, the cross skater managing time with two teams, and the core skater who anchored elements and almost never changed spots – knowing she would always be on the competition roster.
If you are new to the sport, none of this might mean anything to you yet. You are thinking “I’m paying her dues and my skater is on the roster. What do you mean she might not actually compete?” But if you have even a season or two as a synchro mom, you know that anything but a core spot can create much anxiety for your skater.
Here are some definitions that might help:
Core skater – These are the skaters who anchor the program, often the most experienced or technically competent on the team. On a team of 16, that usually means 10 – 12 skaters who won’t change spots and are intended to skate every competition. On junior and senior teams, skaters may or may not be core in both programs. And they could be core in one program and not be in the other at all, depending on their specific skills and abilities.
Rotators or swings – Often one of the most difficult positions, coaches use these positions differently. But generally it means someone who shares a spot in the program with another skater. Some coaches name rotators in the beginning when teams are posted or when contracts are awarded, other coaches don’t. Two rotators often learn one spot in the program, switching in and out with their partner throughout practices. Some coaches use this option for developing skaters, and may partner two developing skaters to see who is ready once competition season begins. But only one can skate the position in competition. Coaches often name the skater selected about a week before a competition event, and that individual will skate the spot during most of the preparation up to and including the event. It is not uncommon for the individual skating to change between events. When not skating connected in the program, rotators are expected to skate the program on the perimeter and listen to all corrections and coaching provided to the team.
Alternates – Skaters not selected to skate in the program are considered alternates. They most often skate on the perimeter, and typically only skate connected with the team when someone is absent or injured. Like rotators or swings, when not skating connected in the program, alternates are expected to skate the program on the perimeter and listen to all corrections and coaching provided to the team. This is an important role, as alternates may be asked to fill any spot at any time. This position is often given to a developing skater who may have moved up a level for the first time or may not meet the testing requirements. Alternates can be included on a competition roster and may dress and stand rinkside with the coaches when the team competes. When a rotator or swing skater is not competing, they are usually considered an alternate. Alternates travel with the team, and receive competition dresses. Alternates are included in all competition activities, but do not skate the actual competition or competition practice ice. It is normal for alternates to pay the same fees as all other skaters on the team.
Trainers – Training skaters are those that are not rostered, but are given the opportunity to train with the team for the season. They learn the program expectations but are never expected to skate inside the program connected to the team. Like alternates, they skate the perimeter, and are part of the learning experience. Trainers may or may not travel with the team or receive competition dresses, or be included in competition activities. It is normal for a training skater to pay a lesser fee for the season than other skaters on the team if they do not participate in competition activities.
Cross skater – A skater that is participating on two teams is known as a cross skater. US Figure Skating allows a percentage of skaters to cross skate between a variety of team levels, as long as skaters meet the age and testing requirements for both levels. This is definitely not for everyone and requires a significant amount of commitment, especially during competition season. Coaches may utilize cross skaters for a variety of reasons, including to fill teams or to provide developmental opportunities for skaters by providing additional ice time and exposure to higher level skills and speed. It could also be that the skater is age appropriate for one team, but has higher level skills that qualify them for the higher level team. By cross skating, skaters are able to participate with their peers on one team and have the opportunity to demonstrate higher level skills on another. It is not uncommon for cross skaters to be a core skater on one team and a rotator, swing, alternate or trainer on another team. They could, however, be a core skater on both teams, depending on the situation. Cross skaters normally pay the full fee for one team, and a reduced rate for the second team.
Lessons learned for how best to spend your summer?
Regardless of your position on the team, everyone has skills to work on. We spent more time than we anticipated at the rink over the summer. We purchased blocks of practice ice and booked lessons with a variety of coaches. Summer is a great time for individual skill development. Once school starts there are many competing priorities with skating. Finding time for extra practice ice gets harder in between homework, school concerts and team practices and ice being used for hockey and skating skill classes. Moves in the field, freestyle and dance lessons were all a part of our summer schedule, along with off ice strength and conditioning. Sometimes there were power and edge classes, too, for a change of pace.
Use your individual ice time to practice what you have learned in your team choreography camp. This helps the team move faster as a group once you get back together for regular practices. It’s always important to remember that team practice time is for the program and collaboration, not individual skill development. If your skater is struggling with something, outside of team practice is the time to get help.You don’t always need to have a formal lesson. Skaters can always practice on their own or ask a friend to join them. Asking the coach for homework is always a good idea!
Attend a camp! Skating camps are a great way to learn from different coaches and meet skaters from other teams. There are more camps now all over the United States than I can ever remember. So you might not have to travel far to find one. Camps often break up skaters by age and level, so be sure to find one that fits your needs. There are also different prices for overnight versus day camps. Camps are also a great way to check out college opportunities. Collegiate teams often host camps that include campus tours and admissions information. For high school juniors and seniors, this is a great way to skate and get a college visit in!
Keep completing skills testing. Schedules are full once the school year starts, so squeezing testing in can get difficult. Summer is a great time to focus on specific skills in your lessons and then test them while they are fresh. There are more test sessions available this time of the year since there is more ice available to figure skaters. Take advantage of them. Getting ahead of the requirements for next year’s tryouts also takes one stress out of the tryout process.
Team building is critical! Make time for skaters on your team to get to know each other outside of the rink. They are kids, and relationships are so important for them to succeed as a team. Sleep overs, pot lucks, and pool parties were some of our favorite activities for skaters and parents to begin to create bonds.
Enjoy your summer! Rest and relax where you can. But make sure your skater is using their time wisely to prepare for the upcoming synchronized skating season – which will be here before we know it!
in synch mom 