Download 1. FIGURE SKATING OVERVIEW - American Optometric Association

SKATING
1.
(FIGURE)
FIGURE SKATING OVERVIEW:
1)
HISTORY: There are bone skates in existence that are believed to be about
2,000 years old. The earliest illustration of the sport is a wood engraving of
the future patron saint of skaters, St. Lydwina of Schiedam, who is said to
have fallen and broken a rib in 1396 while skating.
Skating was popular in late seventeenth century England, and in France a
hundred years later, when both Marie Antoinette and Napoleon were known
to have taken part. The International Skating Union (IUS) was formed in 1892
by the national associations of six European countries, and still continues to
regulate international competition today. The first world championships were
held in St. Petersburg (Leningrad) in 1896, and the first Olympic figure skating
events were in the London Games of 1908.
2)
SYNOPSIS: There are three types of figure skating competition:
1.
2.
3.
single skating
pair skating
ice dancing
Competitors perform compulsory movements and movements of their own
choice.
Marks are awarded for:
1.
2.
3.
artistic impression
technical merit
composition and presentation in ice dancing
Judges mark each competitor or pair for their performance in each section,
and rank them in order of preference. Placings in the different sections (first,
second, third, etc.) are adjusted arithmetically to decide the overall winner.
The winner is the skater or pair placed first by the majority of the judges.
SINGLE SKATING: Single skating consists of:
1. compulsory figures
2. a short program that includes compulsory movements (this section is
omitted from some competitions)
3. free skating
PAIR SKATING: Pair skating consists of:
SKATING (FIGURE)
2.
1. a short program that includes compulsory moves
2. free skating
The pair must consist of a man and woman.
ICE DANCING: Ice dancing consists of:
1. compulsory dances
2. original set-pattern dance
3. free dancing
The dance couple must consist of a man and woman.
3)
2.
FIGURE SKATING DICTIONARY:
1)
2)
3.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION:
1. See The Rule Book, pages 282-289, for an excellent description of the
three main types of figure skating and the detailed rules for each.
2. See Rules of the Game, pages 232-235, for some beautiful illustrations
and more background.
3. See the Illustrated Dictionary of Sports, pages 178-179, under "Ice
Skating" for some good technical terms, definitions, and illustrations.
4. See the Guinness Book of Sports Records, Winners & Champions,
pages 195-201, for some great names of champions to be familiar with.
See the Rand McNally Illustrated Dictionary of Sports, pages 178-181, for
most basic definitions.
Other Definitions:
1. RESURFACING: The process of smoothing out the ice between
competitors to erase previous skater's tracings
2. SCHOOL FIGURES: The compulsory figures each skater must perform
during the first category of competition
VISUAL SKILLS IMPORTANT FOR FIGURE SKATING:
*l)
2)
VISUAL ACUITY: Static and dynamic acuity are both critical for this sport. It
is not unusual during the compulsory figures competition, where the skaters
have to perform precise tracings on the ice of set figures, to see athletes who
wear glasses put them on. Later, during the short programs and free skating
programs, they do not wear glasses as regularly. Binocular acuity is also
important because when a skater is skating compulsory figures (backwards
especially) one eye's view may be obstructed by the skater's shoulder or
nose.
PERIPHERAL VISION: Important for spatial awareness during the
competition; but, perhaps more valuable from a safety standpoint while 10-15
skaters might all be on the ice simultaneously during the warm-up periods
before competition and during workouts.
SKATING (FIGURE)
3)
*4)
*5)
*6)
*7)
8)
*9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
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3.
DEPTH PERCEPTION: This is important for the skater to know his/her
position in relation to the borders of the ice rink when starting certain moves
during their free skating competition, for example. It's also important for
precise tracings during the compulsory figures part of the competition.
EYE MOTILITY: Another visual skill that is quite important to figure skating.
This sport is extremely smooth and fluid. Because the eyes lead the body,
ability to exercise smooth, fluid control of the eyes in all directions of gaze is
an asset for a good skater. Even if a skater didn't have nystagmus, poor eye
motility would greatly detract from one's ability to perform the precise tracings
needed to score well in "school figures" (the compulsory figures competition).
EYE-HAND/FOOT/BODY COORDINATION: There is very little eye-hand
coordination necessary in figure skating. However, eye-foot and eye-body
control are obvious necessities. One's vestibular system must be superior.
The rules penalize any two-footed skating so a skater is always balanced on
one foot or the other. Spins tend to disorient the vestibular system and quick
recoveries are essential.
VISUALIZATION: This is probably one of the most critical visual skills needed
to perform well in figure skating. During compulsories, the skaters must
visualize their spacings carefully before beginning their tracing in order to
establish their shapes properly. Seeing the perfect double or triple axel in
their mind's eye before executing their own performance is a skill that could
give an athlete in this sport a tremendous edge if developed properly.
SPEED OF RECOGNITION TIME: Important especially when coming out of a
spin or changing from skating forward to backward. The skater must
sometimes skate blindly during these transition phases of the routine. They
must quickly be able to pick out their reference points again and proceed with
their routine.
SPEED OF FOCUSING: Not as critical for a skater as a table tennis player,
or baseball batter, or golfer sinking a putt.
GLARE RECOVERY SPEED: Quite important for skaters, especially during
their free skating competition. This is done often under theatrical type
spotlights off the white ice which can be quite blinding. One doesn't have a lot
of time to recover from the dazzle effect of the lighting problems in this sport if
the routine is to look smooth and unaffected to the judges.
ABILITY TO SEE IN DIM ILLUMINATION: Only important to the skater in
trying to pick up visual reference clues from a dark surrounding while all the
house spotlights are trained on his/her performance.
ABILITY TO WITHSTAND EYE FATIGUE WITHOUT DECREASING
PERFORMANCE: Not terribly critical to the figure skater who isn't using any
marathon type concentration requirements, like archers are by contrast
COLOR PERCEPTION: Not critical as long as someone with good color
vision and good taste is helping with wardrobe decisions.
EYE DOMINANCE: Not terribly critical except during the compulsory figures
when the skater is skating backwards and perhaps his dominant eye's view of
the tracing to be matched is temporarily obscured by his/ her nose.
FIXATION ABILITY: Not very critical.
SKATING (FIGURE)
4.
*15) VISUAL MEMORY: Past experience and the number of proper figures traced
or step sequences for the perfect takeoffs and landings all being "on file" in
the visual memory can be of great value. This is especially true if the athlete
is practicing visualization techniques to enhance performance.
16) CENTRAL/PERIPHERAL AWARENESS: Central awareness is critical for
compulsory tracings while peripheral awareness is more critical during free
skating.
*17) SPATIAL LOCALIZATION: Knowing where you are relative to other objects
or reference points is extremely important in figure skating. The spins, jumps,
speed on the ice, and lighting can all help disorient an athlete in this sport.
4.
VISUAL SCREENING/TESTING PROCEDURES INDICATED FOR ATHLETES
IN FIGURE SKATING:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
VISUAL ACUITY:
1. Normal Snellen
2. Vectographic
3. Autorefractor
EYE MOTILITY:
1. Eye Track:
1) This quantifies graphs on paper.
2) Good for before/after studies.
3) Athletes and coaches can see if progress has been made.
2. Wayne Saccadic Fixator:
1) Pursuits
2) Saccades
3) Rotations
EYE-HAND/FOOT/BODY COORDINATION:
1. Wayne Saccadic Fixator:
1) Normal use with hands
2) Footboard use which brings in the skaters' balance system in
response to the visual signals they are getting from the lights
2. Strobe Light:
Creates more visual noise - so the athlete has to concentrate more.
VISUALIZATION:
1. No specific testing
2. The principles can be taught and trained however.
SPEED OF RECOGNITION TIME:
1. Tachistoscope
2. Computerized Anaglyphic Trainer - developed by Dr. Shearer and
Bernell
GLARE RECOVERY SPEED:
1. Night-Sight Meter - by AAA (Triple A)
1) Dazzle them.
2) Read letters as soon as possible (time them).
SKATING (FIGURE)
5.
2.
7)
8)
5.
Nicolet Contrast Sensitivity Instrument
1) Glare on screen goes to distinguishable lines.
2) Time how long before the skater can distinguish the lines.
VISUAL MEMORY:
1. No specific testing
2. The principles can be taught and trained however.
SPATIAL LOCALIZATION:
1. Phorias:
1) Base-In
2) Base-Out
2. Brock string
3. Computerized Anaglyphic Trainer
VISION TRAINING TECHNIQUES WHICH MIGHT ENHANCE PERFORMANCE
IN THE VISUAL SKILLS IMPORTANT FOR FIGURE SKATING:
1)
2)
3)
4)
VISUAL ACUITY:
Keep the skaters in current glasses/contact lens prescriptions for their best
possible visual acuity.
EYE MOTILITY:
1. Pegboard Rotators
2. Arneson corrector (Audio Feedback Mechanism)
3. Computerized Anaglyphic Trainer - developed by Dr. Shearer and
Bernell
4. Wayne Saccadic Fixator
EYE-HAND/FOOT/BODY COORDINATION:
1. Wayne Saccadic Fixator - footboard attachment particularly for figure
skaters
2. Strobe Light - while working on the Wayne footboard - this creates more
visual noise and forces the athlete to concentrate harder to improve
his/her score on the Saccadic Fixator.
VISUALIZATION:
1. Analyze: Check the ice for any rough spots, where the spot lights will be
coming from, any visual reference points you want to establish for later
quick recall as to where you are on the ice, etc.
2. Visualize: Precede your performance with a vivid visual picture of the
desired action. Seeing yourself execute the perfect tracings in
compulsory figures or completing each maneuver in your free skating
routine with the style, grace, and flair you want your actual performance
to match:
1) Break down each jump or movement into its component parts
during practice (the more detail, the more vivid the later
visualization process).
1. your approach (how many steps?, etc.)
2. your take off (which foot?, etc.)
SKATING (FIGURE)
5)
6)
7)
6.
3. your spin count
4. your landing (which foot?, etc.)
5. your transition into the next major part of your routine
2) See yourself executing the perfect routine before every competition
or each part of a routine in practice before every rehearsal of that
particular move.
3. Center: Fine-center on your tracings, takeoff and landing points, or
reference points that help you come out of a fast twirl, stop on a dime,
and immediately proceed into the next phase of your routine.
4. Execute: You have visualized your successful routine thoroughly now.
So you execute it while playing out in your mind your pre-rehearsed
videotape of your flawless performance.
5. Playback: Do this right after all competitions (both good and bad).
Visualize the complete sequence of skating your routine or doing your
compulsory figure. Review all the things you were centering on (when
things went right and when things could have gone better.) This will help
to reinforce whatever there was to learn from that competition for future
visual memory. The same principles apply in practice while working on
just a single part of your routine. Run through these 5 steps every time
you practice a move. This will help give you a more systematic approach
to your training. Remember these techniques are not something that can
be developed overnight. You'll have to work at them. But they will
eventually pay big dividends and increase your confidence.
SPEED OF RECOGNITION TIME:
1. Train this visual skill with the same instruments used to measure or test
this skill.
2. Instruments
1) Tachistoscope (Targets = shapes, tic tack toe, numbers, letters,
etc.)
2) Computerized Anaglyphic Trainer
3) Make progressions for your figure skater athletes from easy toward
most difficult.
GLARE RECOVERY SPEED:
1. No specific training
2. Anti-reflection coatings if eyewear is worn
3. Perhaps Vitamin A and B2 therapy
1) "A" therapy = 10,000 units/day
2) "B2" (Riboflavin) = 2.5 milligrams/day
VISUAL MEMORY:
1. This is where the playback phase of the visualization process (Step 5)
pays big dividends. It helps the skater build his/her frame of reference.
2. Later, you can use this frame of reference to visualize what things you've
done in similar circumstances to succeed.
3. The Memory Book by Jerry Lucas is a good reference book for
understanding visual memory more fully.
SKATING (FIGURE)
8)
6.
7.
SPATIAL LOCALIZATION:
1. Train with the same instruments and equipment you use to measure and
test this skill.
2. Instruments:
1) Brock String (in all positions of gaze)
2) Computerized Anaglyphic Trainer
SPORTS VISION PROBLEMS RELATED TO FIGURE SKATING:
PROBLEMS
1) Wind - This is the wind created by a
skater moving across the ice quickly
during the free skating competition.
2) Safety Risks - There are significant
safety risks in figure skating due to
high speeds, hard ice, and little
protective clothing on body, limbs, or
head. So an unnoticed gum wrapper
on the ice leading to a spill could be
quite serious!
3) Vision Correction Needed - Skating
with blurry vision could lead to some
serious injuries.
4) Other People on the Ice to Dodge Not a big problem during actual
competition but substantial during
warmups and practice sessions
when many skaters are on the ice
simultaneously.
5) Glare - This can be overhead glare
as well as glare reflected up from
below off the white ice.
6) Cold Temperatures -When
combined with the wind chill factors
on a skater in motion, there can be
dehydration of soft contact lenses.
7) Odd Direction of Gaze Required Skaters spend a lot of time looking
over one shoulder or the other in
extreme right or left gaze. This is
especially true during compulsory
tracings of figures.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
1) Make sure contact lenses are
properly lubricated or rewet just
before the competition. (Clerz or
saline, etc.)
2) Have good visual acuity to notice
any debris on the ice. Polycarbonate
lenses provide adequate impact
resistance. However, these would
probably not be worn in competition
by figure skaters. They feel frames
would detract from their cosmetic
appearance.
3) Contact lenses are best for skaters
from a cosmetic standpoint.
4) Have good peripheral vision and
skate defensively (especially during
warmups).
5) Try to analyze where the spotlights
and reflections are most likely to
come from. Tinted soft contacts
might be helpful in some cases.
6) Make sure contact lenses are
properly lubricated or rewet just prior
to competition.
7) Make sure ocular motility is smooth
and tracking in all nine directions of
gaze.
SKATING (FIGURE)
PROBLEMS
8) Spills or falls are likely
7.
4)
dry eyes syndrome
pterigiums and pinguiculas due to exposure to cold and wind
trauma from a fall (especially if arms, legs, fingers, or skate blades of pair
skaters are entangled)
corneal abrasion due to foreign bodies (ice chips or spray from another skater
stopping suddenly)
PROTECTIVE/CORRECTIVE EYEWEAR RELATED TO FIGURE SKATING:
1)
2)
9.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
8) Soft contact lenses will be more
secure than hard contacts or
glasses. They are less likely to be
lost or damaged in a fall.
MOST COMMON OCULAR INJURIES LIKELY TO BE SUSTAINED IN FIGURE
SKATING:
1)
2)
3)
8.
8.
Up-to-date soft contacts are probably the lens of choice.
Accurate glasses might be OK for compulsory figures when no crowds are
watching and it's not really the glamorous portion of the figure skating
competition.
OCULAR SUPPLIES WHICH SHOULD BE CONTAINED IN A FIGURE SKATING
TRAINER'S FIRST AID KIT:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Sterile Blinx Eyewash
Artificial Tears (Clerz, Liguifilm, Forte, etc.)
Q-tips
DMV (Hard Contact Lens remover)
Fluorescein Strips
Black Light Penlight
Regular Penlight
Polysporin Ointment (over the counter) 1/2 oz. by Wellcome Co.
Oval Eye Pads (Johnson/Johnson)
Dermacel Tape 1" (Johnson/Johnson)
Spare contact lenses for all skaters wearing lenses (properly marked)
4 or 5 Unisol Unit Dose twist-off-top tubes
SKATING (FIGURE)
9.
10. APPROPRIATE EMERGENCY FIRST AID FOR FIGURE SKATING OCULAR
INJURIES:
Figure skating isn't really a high risk sport for eye injuries.
1) Trainers should be taught how to properly lavage (rinse out) an eye with a
foreign body,
2
how to instill ophthalmic drops,
3) how to apply a proper lubricant to an injured eye under a pressure bandage,
and
4) how to remove contact lenses from the eyes (hard and soft).
11. BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR A SPORTS VISION CONSULTANT TO FIGURE
SKATING:
1)
2)
3)
4.
5.
Rules 0~ the Game, The Diagram Group, Bantam Books, New York, 1974, pp.
232-235. ($12.95 ISBN 0-553-01397-1)
Rand McNally Illustrated Dictionary of Sports, Rand McNally & Co., New York,
1978, pp. 178-181. ($14.95 SBN 528-81078-2)
The Rule Book, The Diagram Group, St. Martin's Press, New York, 1983, pp.
282-289. ($9.95 ISBN 0-312-69576-4)
Guinness Book of Sports Records, Winners & Champions, Norris McWhirter,
Bantam Books, New York, 1980, pp. 195-201. ($3.50 ISBN 0-553-14921-0)
The Memory Book, Jerry Lucas and Harry Lorayne, Ballantine Press, 1975, 224
pages, paperback. ($2.50 ISBN 0-345-27808-9)
12. MISCELLANEOUS COMMENTS:
©
1998 American Optometric Association
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