National Ice Skating Association

National Ice Skating Association
Sport Ice skating
Abbreviation NISA
Founded 1879
Affiliation International Skating Union
Headquarters National Ice Centre, Nottingham.
Official website
www.iceskating.org.uk
United Kingdom

The National Ice Skating Association is a British organisation that is responsible for the development of ice skating careers. It is known as the biggest ice-skating company in the UK.

History

On Saturday 1 February 1879 a number of prominent men of Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire met in the Guildhall, Cambridge, to set up the National Skating Association with the aim of regulating the sport of fen skating. A Cambridge journalist, James Drake Digby, had thought that the Fen speed skaters were worthy of national recognition and he was also concerned that betting was leading to malpractice. He thought that skating needed a national organisation to control it, like the Jockey Club. The founding committee included several landowners, a vicar, a fellow of Trinity College, a magistrate, two members of parliament, the mayor of Cambridge, the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, the president of Cambridge University Skating Club, and Neville Goodman, a fellow of Peterhouse College.[1]

The newly formed National Skating Association held their first one-and-a-half-mile British professional championship at Thorney in December 1879. There was a field of 32, including former champions Turkey Smart and Tom Watkinson. Fish Smart beat Knocker Carter in the final. His reward was a badge, a sash and a cash prize, given as an annual salary in instalments to encourage the champion to "keep himself temperate".[1] The NSA also established an amateur championship, which was held for the first time at Welsh Harp, London, in January 1880, and won by Frederick Norman, a farmer’s son from Willingham. The professionals were labourers who skated for cash prizes; the amateurs were gentlemen who skated for trophies.[1]

In 1892 the NSA aided in the foundation of the International Skating Union (ISU). The NSA hosted the first international ice skating competition in Britain in Birmingham in 1899 and has hosted all events in the UK since in various locations.

In 1894 the National Skating Association decided to move their headquarters from Cambridge to London, from where they concentrated on figure skaters and rinkmen. Their new base, the National Skating Palace, is now better known as the London Palladium.

Until 1990, when an independent society was formed, the NSA was also the UK's governing body of roller skating. As a consequence of the segmentation, the NSA became the NISA (National Ice Skating Association), the headquarters of which are now based at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham.

Assessment

Complying to the purpose of the organisation, the NISA levels are used by instructors to grade learners of ice skating in the UK. There are various levels of student grades, as well as instructor grades.

Skate UK

These levels are generally taught in group classes, and are assessed by the instructors of these classes. In 2013, NISA trialled a revamped version of its Skate UK course at certain rinks, with a plan to roll out this new version of the course throughout the country in 2013 and 2014. The levels for the old course and new course are as follows:[2]

Pre-2013 course

  1. Sit and stand on the ice
  2. Moving forwards (basic skating)
  3. Two-foot glide and dip
  4. Stepping around on the spot
  1. Moving backward
  2. ½ snowplough or full snowplough stop
  3. Forward skating
  4. Two-foot glide on a curve
  1. Forward one-foot glide (straight line)
  2. Two-foot jump skating forward
  3. Forward & backward sculling
  4. One-foot glide on a curve – inside edge (L & R)
  1. One-foot glide on a curve – outside edge (L & R)
  2. Backward skating and a two-foot glide
  3. Skating forward and turning to backward (vice versa)
  4. Continuous forward chassés around a circle
  1. Forward crossovers in both directions
  2. Backward snowplough stop
  3. Backward one-foot glide
  4. Two-foot spin (one revolution)
  1. Continuous backward chassés around circle
  2. Forward two-foot slalom
  3. Forward outside 3-turn
  4. Backward skating – stepping forward in both directions
  1. Backward crossovers in both directions
  2. Forward inside three-turn
  3. Continuous forward outside curves
  4. Continuous forward inside curves
  1. Forward inside mohawk (L & R)
  2. Two backward crossovers followed by sustained backward outside curve for a count of 3
  3. Two-foot change on edge on a large curve
  4. Forward drag
  1. Forward beginner cross-rolls
  2. Bunny hop
  3. Backwards edges (both feet & both edges)
  4. Two backward crossovers followed by sustained backward inside curve for a count of 3
  1. Forward crossovers in a figure eight pattern
  2. Backward crossovers in a figure eight pattern
  3. Two-foot glide in a spiralling curve
  4. Simple step sequence

Post-2013 course

  1. Sit down and Stand up
  2. March Forwards across the ice
  3. Forward two foot glide
  4. Skate and Dip (little man)
  5. Turn around on the spot
  1. Backward Marching across the ice
  2. Forwards Swizzles (Lemons)
  3. Forward Two Foot Glide on a curve (Left and Right)
  4. Two foot turn on the spot (Forwards to backwards, back to forwards)
  5. Snowplough or T-Stop
  1. Forward stroking (showing correct use of blade)
  2. Moving two foot turn (Forwards to backwards, back to forwards)
  3. Backwards Swizzles (Lemons)
  4. Back two foot glide
  5. Forward one foot glide (left and Right)
  1. Forward outside edges on a circle (left and Right)
  2. Forward Inside edges on a circle (Left and Right )
  3. Basic Forward Slalom (Basic outside/ inside edges)
  4. Backward stroking
  5. Forward continuous chasses around a circle (Left and Right)
  1. Backward Outside edges on a circle (Left and Right)
  2. Backward Inside edges on a circle (Left and Right)
  3. Backward continuous chasses around a circle (clockwise and counter-clockwise)
  4. Forward crossovers (clockwise and anti-clockwise)
  5. Forward outside three turns (Left and Right) from Standstill
  1. Forward inside three turn (Left and Right) from standstill
  2. Backward Outside edges step to forward outside edge on a circle
  3. Backward crossovers (clockwise and anti-clockwise)
  4. Backward two foot slalom
  5. Two Foot Spin (Min 2 revs)
  1. Forward inside open Mowhawk (Left and Right)
  2. Backward crossovers to landing position glide
  3. Continuous forward outside edges along a straight line (As per Level 1 Field Moves)
  4. Continuous forward inside edges along a straight line (As per level 1 Field Moves)
  5. Basic Forwards Cross rolls
  1. Continuous outside three turns around a circle (3 in a row) Left and right
  2. Continuous inside three turns around a circle (3 in a row) Left and right
  3. Step Sequence: Three turns, mowhawk, cross rolls, twizzles, toe steps etc.
  4. Forward inside single twizzle (Left and right) (Hockey Skaters Forward Drag - Left and Right)
  5. One foot Spin (Min 2 Revs) (Hockey Skaters 2 foot Spin - Min 4 revs)

Skate UK Star Levels (formerly known as Passport)

These levels may be attempted once the SkateUK levels have been passed. Skate UK Star levels may be taken in any or all of singles skating (free), ice dancing, speed skating or synchronised skating, although you must complete a level in a given discipline before moving onto the next level in that discipline. These levels as also assessed by the instructor, but will be expected to be of a higher standard than the same moves in the SkateUK system. Like the SkateUK course, SkateUK Star was revamped by NISA in 2013. As of 2014, it is still possible to buy the old-style books on the NISA website. The levels are as follows:

Pre-2013 course

Singles Skating
  1. Forward spiral on either foot with flow
  2. Bunny hop into a forward drag
  3. Two-foot spin (min 3 revs)
  4. Three jump (Waltz jump)
  1. Backward spiral on either foot
  2. One foot spin (min 2 revs)
  3. Teapot on either foot (forwards or backwards)
  4. Single salchow jump
  1. Backward outside one-foot spin (min 1 revolution)
  2. One foot spin (with correct entry and exit, min 4 revs)
  3. Single toe-loop jump
  4. Combination of skating movements, turns, jumps and spins in a short routine with or without music (max 1:30)
Ice Dancing
  1. Forward open chasses and crossed (closed) chasses continuously on a circle (min 3) (L&R)
  2. LFO closed mohawk, cross in front onto a LBI. Step forward to RFI (x3) (L&R)
  3. Forward progressive runs (CW & CCW)
  4. Two consecutive LFO 3-turns followed by LFO sustained outside edge with free leg extended for a count of 3 (L&R)
  1. Forward progressive runs in a figure of eight (in Kilian hold with a partner/coach, optional)
  2. Backward open chasses (x3 on each foot) in a serpentine sequence
  3. Backward progressive runs in a figure of eight
  4. A 7 step dance sequence as follows: RFI open mohawk, RBO run, RBO cross in-front LBI, Step forwards RFI, Repeat twice
  1. Forward run, Forward slip chasse (x3) in figure of eight
  2. Backward open chasses in a serpentine sequence (x3 on each foot) waltz hold with partner/coach optional
  3. Solo Novice Foxtrot with music. Correct pattern and 60% in time
  4. A 9 step dance sequence: LFO progressive run, LFO closed chasse, LFO progressive run, LFO open mohawk, LBI
Synchronized Skating
  1. Forward line skated half the length of the rink in shoulder hold using alternating left & right progressive runs.
  2. Forward two spoke Pin Wheel, in shoulder hold, using open chassé steps for a minimum of three revolutions
  3. Forward circle of at least three revolutions in handhold facing inwards
  4. Forward Intersections with three pass-throughs using at least half the length of the rink and open chassé steps.
  1. Back line skated half the length of the rink in shoulder hold using a combination of chassés and progressive runs.
  2. Two spoke Pin Wheel, half the group skate forwards and half backwards, for a minimum of three revolutions, using back chassés and in shoulder hold.
  3. Backward circle of at least three revolutions using back chassés and or crossovers, shoulder hold and facing inwards.
  4. Forward Open Block with front line in shoulder hold and back line also in shoulder hold but additionally the end skater placing their free hand on the shoulder of the skater directly in front. The group to skate forward progressive runs alternating left and right.
  1. Forward Line in shoulder hold turning to back line into elbow hold. Steps may be a combination of chassés, progressive runs and back crossovers. This movement to be performed using the full length of the rink.
  2. Backwards two spoke Pin Wheel of at least three revolutions using back chassés and/or crossovers, and elbow to elbow hold.
  3. Forward Closed Block in shoulder hold and using chassé and progressive runs. Skaters must use two axes and the full length and width of the rink.
  4. Backward Intersections with three pass-throughs using at least half the length of the rink and a combination of back chassés and crossovers
Speed Skating
  1. Gliding on the bends – Gliding around the full bend in basic skating position with skates running parallel
  2. Basic Cornering – Demonstrate some evidence of crossovers in bends
  3. In Basic position Slalom – complete two footed slalom course between ten blocks approx 1 metre apart, keeping both blades on ice
  4. Straights, leg push – In a basic skating position full length of straight glide on left foot, continuous push with right foot. Ensure transfer of body weight and well balance, then on other leg
  5. Weight Transfer – Demonstrate the weight transfer, changing from right leg to left leg, this is to be done keeping both feet on the ice. Weight transfer must be smooth and rhythmical. Body stays in basic skating position. Nose, knee and toe of gliding leg must be in a straight line.
  6. Start – Hold start position, Skate parallel and 45° to the start line, feet shoulder width apart, Knees bent at 90°, leading arm in front and bent at elbow, trailing arm loosely extended and behind body, weight on back leg, head up and looking forward. Do a running start up to the first block.
  1. Straights roll the edge – Extend right leg, glide on left, demonstrate transfer of body weight, (nose, knee, toe in line). Then on the other leg
  2. Corner Push – Glide on left skate: push with right foot around full length of bend, demonstrate good leg extension
  3. Right foot Slalom – Glide on right between slalom course between ten blocks approx 1 metre apart, in the basic skating position. Then same on left
  4. Glide in straight line – Glide on right foot in basic position left leg off the ice, full straight in a straight line. Then on the left
  5. Crossover on Bends – Demonstrate good boy position, left hip over left skate, full left leg push and extension, smooth and rhythmical
  6. Start Procedure – fully understanding of starting procedure; go through half lap starting line to finish line
  1. Glide on right leg full corner – left leg held inside, not pointing out
  2. Glide on left leg full corner – right leg held outside but not pointing out
  3. Basic Position Arm Swing on Corners – Demonstrate relaxed arm swing whilst skating in the basic position, swing arm in a forwards and backwards direction, do not swing arms any higher than shoulder, arms must not be stiff but smooth and rhythmical
  4. Pivot on Apex Block Right Leg – Skate around corner, pivot around apex block, don't put hand on ice, keep legs at 90°, looking inside the track and keep shoulders square
  5. Relay Change;
  6. Receiving – Match the other skater's speed; time the change not too early or late. Pushing – Demonstrate a good push, strong, straight and not pulling back the other skater.
  7. Time Trial – Skate a bronze Medal Test Time in 333m
  8. Time Trial – Skate a bronze Medal Test Time in 500m

Post-2013 course

Singles Skating
  1. Forwards and Backwards cross-overs in a figure of 8
  2. Forward outside spiral on a curve (Left and Right)
  3. Spin on one foot (Min 4 revs) Optional entry and exit
  4. Waltz jump from 4-5 back crossovers (held landing for count of 3)
  5. Bunny hop into a drag
  1. Single Salchow
  2. Spin on one foot (Min 4 revs) entry from backward crossovers stepping into forward outside edge, landing position exit
  3. Backward spiral on a curve (left and right)
  4. Backwards crossovers around a circle into an extended landing position for the count of 3 (Left and Right)
  5. Teapot on either foot (Forwards or backwards)
  1. Backward outside one foot spin (min 1 rev)
  2. Single toe-loop (with correct take off-not a toe three jump)
  3. Spiral sequence: Forward outside spiral, forward outside three turn, two backward crossovers, back inside spiral (Spirals held for 3 seconds) clockwise and counter-clockwise.
  4. A simple step sequence: must have three turns, mowhawks, chasses, crossrolls, toe steps these can be done on any edges, forwards or backwards.
  5. Combination of skating movements, turns, jumps and spins in a short routine with or without music. (max 1min 30seconds)
Ice Dancing
  1. Forward open chasses/ crossed (Closed) chasses continuously on a circle (Min 3) left and right
  2. LFO closed mowhawk, cross in front onto a LBI. Step forwards to RFI (3 times) Left and right
  3. Forward Progressive runs
  4. Two consecutive LFO 3 turns followed by a sustained outside edges with free leg extended for a count of 3 (Left and Right)
  5. Forward spiral inside and outside edges (Either foot)
  1. Forward progressive runs in a figure of 8
  2. Backward open chasses (3 on each foot) in a serpentine sequence
  3. Backward progressive runs in a figure of eight
  4. A 7 step dance sequence as follows: RFI open mowhawk, RBO run, RBO Cross in front LBI, Step forwards RFI and repeat twice
  5. Forward inside single twizzles, left and right (min 4 in a row)
  1. Forward run, forward slip chasses (3 times ) in a figure of eight
  2. Basic backward cross rolls
  3. Solo Novice Foxtrot with Music
  4. Forward inside double twizzle (Left and Right)
  5. A 9 Step dance Sequence
Synchronized Skating
  1. Forward block (full length of the rink) in shoulder hold using alternating left and right chasses
  2. Forward line (full length of the rink) in shoulder hold using alternating left and right chasses and swings
  3. Forward circle (at least 2 revolutions in both directions) in hand hold, facing inward using continuous chasses.
  4. Forward pin wheel (at least 2 revolutions in both directions) in shoulder hold, using consecutive chasses. 2, 3 or 4 spokes may be performed, depending on the number of skaters.
  1. Block in shoulder hold. Push Left, push right, left cross edge, right cross edge, LFO 3 turn, right back cross edge, left back cross edge
  2. Line in shoulder hold. Push Left, push right, left cross edge, right cross edge, LFO 3 turn, right back cross edge, left back cross edge
  3. Circle in elbow hold (tea pot hold), facing in and performed in both directions. At least 2 consecutive sequence of; forward chasse, forward cross, FO 3 turn, backward chasse, backward cross, step to forward inside edge to repeat
  4. Forward intersection using alternating forward chasses. At least 3 pass throughs. Drag position may be introduced for variety.
  1. Forward line in shoulder hold turning to back line into elbow hold. Step may be a combination of chasses, progressive runs, and back cross overs. This movement to be performed using full length of the rink.
  2. Block introducing a change of axis. Commence in shoulder hold down long axis. Push Left, push right, left cross edge, right cross edge, LFO 3 turn, right back cross edge, left back cross edge. Change to elbow hold, backward right chasse, right cross, right chasse, right cross, step to right forward inside edge to repeat.
  3. Change of configuration wheel, from 2 spokes to 4 spokes. A combination of forward chasses and crossovers and a 3 turn to backward chasses and crossovers. At least one change of hold must be performed.
  4. Forward intersection with a one revolution turn at the point of intersection (e.g. an inside twizzles or Austrian 3 turn). At least 3 pass throughs to be performed.
Pairs Skating
  1. Forward stroking side by side (min 4 pushes) focus and emphasis on unison.
  2. Forward stroking in hand to hand hold (min 4 pushes)
  3. Basic upright spin side by side (min 2 revs) any entry and exit
  4. Bunny hop side by side
  5. Forward spiral in a straight line side by side.
  1. Forward stroking in Kilian Hold (min 4 pushes) focus and emphasis on timing and unison.
  2. Forwards cross overs around a circle in hand to hand hold (clockwise and counter-clockwise)
  3. Side by side Waltz jumps from 3 backward crossovers (emphasis on unison)
  4. Two foot spiralling curve in Kilian hold.
  5. Forward spiral in a straight line in Kilian hold
  1. Forwards crossovers in a figure of 8 in hand to hand hold.
  2. Backward crossovers around a circle in hand to hand hold (clockwise and counter clockwise)
  3. Side by side Single Salchow from 3 backward crossovers
  4. Simple Pairs spin (min 2 revs) in Kilian hold, any entry and exit.
  5. Spirals : One skater forward spiral/ one skater backward spiral hand to hand hold

Judged Levels

These levels go from 1 to 10 and are assessed by at least one NISA qualified judge. Skaters must show proof that they have completed the Skate UK programme before being allowed to apply for the judged levels. Each test costs at least £19 to enter (2013 prices) – rising as the level of the test rises. There are different tests at each level as follows – skaters may do whichever ones they wish. Skaters do not need to complete all of these tests before moving up to the next level, but cannot skip levels in any given area (i.e. must do Level 1 field moves before doing level 2 field moves, but Level 1 Elements is not required to do Level 2 field moves).

Field Moves

Elements

Free Program

Compulsory Dance

It is not always clear which of the official tunes are needed for each dance, so these are shown in brackets where different from the dance name. Coaches will have copies of the official tunes which must be used for tests. Step patterns for many of the dances may be found Ice-Dance.com or CoffeeSkate

Variations

Original Dance

FreeDance

Events

A calendar of events that the NISA will host and organise can be found here. The ISU Junior Grand Prix of ice skating will be held in Britain, by the NISA, from the 15th to 19 October 2008.

References

  1. 1 2 3 DL Bird 1979 Our Skating Heritage. London.
  2. ↑ This is what appears on the Record of Achievement given to ice skaters.
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