What is Synchro?

Formally known as Precision skating, Synchronized Skating is one of the fastest growing ice sports in the world. It is a specialized branch of skating distinct from figures, free skating, ice dancing and pair skating. It involves teams of skaters (from twelve to twenty) performing a variety of types of footwork, group formations and skating maneuvers. Heads, legs, arms and bodies must be synchronized and in unison. Formations must be accurate; lines must be straight.

Programs are judged for technical difficulty and presentation (artistic impression). Senior teams have a short program that lasts 2:40 minutes and a long program lasting 4:30 minutes.
Marigold Ice Unity, 2004

The short program (also called the technical program) has 5 required elements, set by an International congress the previous year. For the 2005-2006 season, the required elements are an intersecting maneuver, wheel maneuver, serpentine moves in the field pattern, block and synchronized spin. Judges look for footwork, changing arm positions and holds, closeness, speed, straight lines and alignment.

The long program (also called the free program) must include three changes in rhythm and speed or tempo, but otherwise has no required elements. Innovative moves and creativity are very important in addition to the technical elements.

A Senior Team consists of 12-20 skaters, all of whom must have reached fourteen years of age by July 1st preceding the competition.
Team Surprise, 2004
 
Milestones of synchro

Today, synchronized skating is the latest disipline recognised by th International Skating Union (ISU), but the sport has a long history.

Group skating was recoginised by the ISU as early as 1909, but only as a competitive event in fours.

Modern synchronized skating dates from 1954 when Dr Richard Potter of Ann Arbor, Michigan USA, organised a group of skaters with the express intent of forming a team (known as the Hockettes).

This interest in team skating spread across the border to Canada in the early 1970s. The popularity of this form of skating grew dramatically.
The Hockettes 1954
1976 The first competition of team skating was held in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Another early competition was hosted by the Ilderton Winter Club, London Ontario, Canada.
Early
1980s		 Synchronized skating was developing in Australia and Japan.
Mid
1980s		 Synchronized skating was developing in Scandinavia.
1983 Canada became the first ISU member to hold a National Synschronized Skating Championships.
1987 Australia and Japan became the first non North American countries to enter synchronized skating competitions outside their respective countries.
1989 The first International synchronized skating competition was held in Molvdal, Sweden. Teams from 7 ISU countries attended.
The first formal North American synchronized skating competition meeting was held in Canada, with the view of setting the rules and standards for competitions and judges.
1991 The ISU Ad Hoc Committee for Synchronized Skating was appointed. The Committee was charged with drawing up the rules and regulations which would govern the sport.
1992 The regulations formulated by the Ad Hoc Committee were approved by the ISU Congress.
1993 The first ISU synchronized skating referees and judges were approved.
1996 The first ISU World Synchronized Skating Challenge Cup was held in Boston, USA. Seventeen teems from thirteen ISU countries competed.
1997 ISU World Synchronized Skating Challenge Cup was held in Turku, Finland.
1998 ISU World Synchronized Skating Challenge Cup was held in Bordeaux, France (won by Team Surprise, Sweden).
1999 ISU World Synchronized Skating Challenge Cup was held in Göteborg, Sweden (won by Team Surprise, Sweden).
2000 The first World Synchronized Skating Championships was held in Minneapolis, USA (won by Team Surprise, Sweden).
2001 World Synchronized Skating Championships was held in Helsinki, Finland (won by Team Surprise, Sweden).
The first Synchronized Skating World Cup for Juniors was held in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
2002 World Synchronized Skating Championships was held in Rouen, France (won by Finland1).
2003 World Synchronized Skating Championships was held in Ottawa, Canada (won by Team Surprise, Sweden).
2004 World Synchronized Skating Championships was held in Zagreb, Croatia (won by MIU, Finland).
Information gained from 2004 World Synchronized Skating Championships program.