Elimating Non-Sports (WAS Defending ice dancing, the ISU and judging)

[cindysphynx]

Andrew wrote:

> Let me take a step or six back and offer a rather
> radical proposal:  Any 'sport' that requires external
> judging, where that judging awards/affects points
> should NOT be an Olympic sport.  That they are
> athletic in nature is a given.  But when the
> subjective nature of the judging is integral to the
> placements of the finishers, then the contest is not
> only between the open competitors but also
> amongst/between the judges...and the nations the
> judges really represent.

Hold on there! :-)

Diving and gymnastics can stay, can't they?  Those are *real 
sports.*  Actually, gymnasts aren't even regular athletes.  They are 
like space aliens who lack proper bones or something.  We *can't* 
toss them out of the Olympics.  Besides, we short people have to have 
a few sports where we excel, right?  :-)

Yes, there is some subjectivity.  But both sports have done a number 
of things to reduce the subjectivity.  Gymnastics (unlike figure 
skating) has a rigid point code.  Certain moves are worth a certain 
amount, so an easy routine starts with a lower base mark than a hard 
routine, and there is much less room for judges to cheat.  Diving has 
the degree of difficulty (and the tell-tale splash), which serves the 
same function.  

Figure skating (even ice dancing) is probably here to stay.  So maybe 
they will make one small reform for me.  I'd like to see a round 
called "Costume Approval."  Men would be directed to steer away from 
the flashy, sequin-covered outfits that have become way too popular.  
Rolled up sleeves are good and will receive higher marks from the 
judges; plunging necklines will generate substantial deductions.  
Under this system, Alexi Urmanov, who wore the Puffy Shirt from 
Seinfeld, would have been sent home before he ever set foot on the 
ice.  

I hear they are considering Trampoline as a Summer event.  I suppose 
they will slot it in the Circus Act division, right up there with 
Rhythm Gymnastics.  I understand that there is actually something 
called "Synchronized Skating."  I'm not sure I want to know what that 
is.

Cindy (who thinks that the fact that a male ice dancer wound up with 
lipstick on his nose after his original dance speaks for itself)