Thoughts on the 2021 Adult Competition Season
There was a lot of chatter about this year’s adult competition season. The US Adult Skating Committee sent out a survey to adult skaters late last year to gauge interest in the 2021 season. Would people be interested in skating at Sectionals? What about Nationals? Under what circumstances would they be comfortable? Would they be willing to travel? These were just some of the many questions they asked us.
I was thrilled beyond belief that they would ask us for our thoughts and feedback. Here is where I stand.
I made the decision last February/March to not compete in 2021. Sectionals was scheduled to be in Florida, and my family and I were not interested in going to Florida in March 2021. I also wasn’t interested in flying to Michigan for Adult Nationals. As a result, I made a plan to sit the season out (minus any local competitions, which I would have done).
However, with the pandemic still raging, the feedback I offered the Adult Committee was:
- The competition needs to be fair for all those involved – there are many skaters whose rinks have closed or have never re-opened. How do we make this fair for those without ice time? It gives an unfair advantage to those who have the ability to skate.
- A big part of competing is the camaraderie – I like cheering on my friends, giving them hugs and throwing them tossies. If those elements are removed, what’s the point of competing? I mean yes, I can get a program score, but I want to be able to share that moment with someone(s).
- I’m not comfortable staying in a hotel at this time. Part of the fun is being able to share a room with 3 other ladies and being able to chat, cry, and laugh together. If that’s not possible, then I’d rather not go.
The latest guidance is that Adult Nationals is still “on,” but it’s been delayed until June. I’m still planning on sitting this one out. I’ll continue to focus on my skating skills and polishing my existing elements so that I can be ready next season.
What are your thoughts? Will you be competing this year?
Eva, your comments make a lot of sense. Adult Nationals is super fun but not worth getting sick over. And if it’s only “half-done,” the experience just won’t be the same. I hope you and your family enjoy the time together. Happy Year of the Ox!
Author
Happy Chinese New Year to you too, Jo! What are your plans for this season? Is your rink still open?
I have not skated since my bike accident last August. I am all better, but then rinks closed again and I have not checked about re-opening. I think I’ll be waiting until I’m vaccinated; I miss it, but it’s not worth the risk. Happy to follow your adventures with those doubles and impressive spins!
Author
Glad you are feeling better, and I think it’s wise to wait until you are vaccinated. I miss hearing about your adventures at the rink. Hopefully you can return soon.
We’ve had to cancel several sailing regattas which I participate in for largely the same reasons. In the case of sailing one doesn’t travel by air but instead you tow or roof rack your boat(s). That said, staying in motels, both along the way and at the venue, exposes one to Covid risk. At the event, socialization is forbidden. With vaccines just now becoming slightly more available I’m hoping we can get back to racing by June.
As for skating, our rink is open but one has to call a day ahead and hope to snag a limited spot.
Author
Wow – that does sound like some serious risk to exposure, George. I’m sad your regattas had to be cancelled but I understand why. Our rink moved to an online reservation system last summer, and it seems to be going pretty well.