not have specific minimum requirements (other than age); however, knowledge of the sport and rules, ability to recognize skating elements and good computer skills are critical. Elliot Schwartz, vice chair for data/video ed-
ucation on the Technical Panel Committee, also recommends that candidates have good listening skills, ability to communicate efficiently, quick- ness in operating a touch screen, poise and the ability to stay calm and focused in all situations. “Te data operator is the administrative assistant of the technical panel,” according to Schwartz, “so an ideal data operator would pos- sess all of the qualities of an efficient administra- tive assistant or office manager.” Video replay operators are the only techni- cal panel officials who can be certified without attending a National Technical Panel Seminar. To be certified as a video replay operator at the non- qualifying or regional level, one can participate in a short training session run by a certified video operator during a competition. Upon successful completion, the candidate is approved to act as a video operator at that competition and can ap- ply to the Technical Panel Committee for official certification to serve in other competitions. To be a good technical panel official, one needs to be able to take directions and work well in a team environment, identify skating elements quickly, communicate concisely and keep fo- cused for long stretches of time. Mariam Mohajer-Rahbari, who is a judge
and technical specialist, likes the team environ- ment of the technical panel. “It allows you to work as a team throughout
the event, with each person having their indi- vidual role to play in the process,” she said. “It’s really fun and exciting when you’re on a panel that runs like a well-oiled machine.” One also needs to have the highest ethical
standards. Technical specialists, data operators and video replay operators are allowed to coach at all levels while serving in these official positions, so it is critical they can handle the responsibility such positions create and recuse themselves from events when conflicts or the appearance of con- flicts arise. Like Evidente, Mohajer-Rahbari encourages
people to try officiating. “You won’t know if you like it or not until
you give it a try,” she said. She also advises people to study all the mate-
rials before attending a technical panel seminar. “Tere’s a lot of information to learn, but it’s
well worth the effort,” she said. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming at technical panel official or attending a seminar to become certified, visit http://www.
usfsa.org/New_Judging.asp?id=302 or e-mail
technicalpanelcommittee@usfigureskating.org.
Juliet Newcomer is the director of technical ser- vices at U.S. Figure Skating. PerƒectoParƒaiPerƒek Perƒec
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