Virtual Competitions: “Best Of” Event at the Dr. Porter Classic

by Sami Winawer

As we all know this season is going to look a little different than past seasons.  Many teams have been unable to practice as much as they usually would, and many have had to practice a lot further away from each other than usual. 

The Dr. Porter Classic realized this and created a new event for their virtual competition called the “Best Of” event.  This event allows teams from all divisions to compete in up to two individual elements.  There are separate element options for 6.0 and IJS teams.  For IJS level teams, the elements are: a traveling wheel, a pivoting block, a synchronized spin, a no hold element, and a twizzle element.  And 6.0 level teams have the option of competing in: a linear block, a rotating wheel, and a rotating circle.  New this season, IJS now includes open juvenile and preliminary.  

Each element will be its own event, so if teams decide to compete in two elements their scores will not be combined. Events will also be split up by level, so teams will compete within their own division.  For example, if a junior team chooses to compete with a twizzle element, their scores will be compared against all other junior twizzle elements.  Scoring will be based on GOE marks given from a panel of three to five judges; elements will not be receiving levels, just GOE scores.

This brand new “Best Of” event is a great opportunity for teams to show what they have been working on, even if they have not been able to connect or skate together enough to create a full program.  Events like these are a great way to keep teams motivated and excited for this very interesting season!