Excel Competitions
Season 2020 is the second Season of the Excel Competition Track! Here are some things to know.
Why did USFS launch the Excel Series?
From USFS:
The primary mission of this program is to inspire more of our young athletes to continue training and remain committed to participating in figure skating by providing them with events at a level that allows them to showcase their strengths.
Additionally, we view this program as an opportunity for skaters and coaches to familiarize themselves with the fundamentals of the International Judging System (IJS)Â through a gradual introduction, rather than all at once. The substitution of a
choreographic step sequence throughout the levels and limits for spins at the lower levels provides a phased approach which allows skaters to become proficient and confident with the IJS.
Is Excel right for me?
Nobody can answer that better than you and your coach. As you get ready for the season, speak to your coach about your goals and the right track for YOU!
What levels compete in Excel?
Excel can be divided into two main groupings:
- Excel Beginner, High Beginner, Pre-Preliminary, Preliminary, Pre-Juvenile, & Juvenile
- Excel Preliminary Plus, Pre-Juvenile Plus, Juvenile Plus, Intermediate, Novice, Junior, & Senior
For requirements in each section, please review the competition guidelines or the Excel Program Website.
How do I compete in Excel?
- Talk with your Coach!
- Register BEFORE March 1, 2020, cost is $45.
- You will need to enter your USFS Number, your Coach’s USFS Number, your Section (Midwestern), and your level of tests passed.
- Find qualifying Excel event(s)
- Compete!
How do I qualify for Excel Nationals?
- Talk with your Coach!
- Complete steps 1-4 in the “How do I compete in Excel?” question above
- Compete!
Now, here is where it gets different based on level:
For those competing in the Plus Category (Excel Preliminary Plus, Pre-Juvenile Plus, Juvenile Plus, Intermediate, Novice, Junior, & Senior), to qualify for Nationals you MUST:
- Register prior to March 1, 2020 OR THAT Excel Competition’s deadline (whichever is first)
- Compete in at least TWO Excel competitions (no boundaries on section)
- IJS Scoring
- Top Two Scores will be added together for the skater’s total points
- Top Six Skaters (based on combined scores) by section (Eastern, Midwestern, Pacific) for each event will earn invitation to the Excel Finalist Camp and Excel Series Final at the National Festival
For those competing in the Other Category (Excel Beginner, High Beginner, Pre-Preliminary, Preliminary, Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Intermediate), to qualify for Nationals you MUST:
- Register prior to March 1, 2020 OR THAT Excel Competition’s deadline (whichever is first)
- Compete in at least TWO Excel competitiond (no boundaries on section)
- IJS Scoring or 6.0 based on competition’s choice
- Points will be awarded to skaters who place first through fourth at any Series competition within their section in the above levels as shown below
- If more than one competition is skated, the Top Two Points will be averaged together for the skater’s Total Points
- Skaters competing in at least one Excel Series Competition will receive an invitation to compete at the National Festival.
- Top Points Earners by section (Eastern, Midwestern, Pacific) for each event will receive special recognition at the National Festival
NOTE: Each registered athlete may only compete in one level for the entire season!
Where are the competitions for Excel Series?
SKATE NASHVILLE IS ONE!Â
Here is the list of all Excel competitions this year in our region (Midwestern), highlighted in BLUE are the events we will be attending as a club. The full PDF can be viewed here.
When and Where is the National Festival?
Location for the years National Festival will be announced on November 4, 2019. National Festival will be held June 19-21, 2020.
What other resources are there?
2020 Excel Series Handbook