US Figure Skating Music Policy

[Frau Muller]

Could this mean…Classical Music for All? The end of “Dance Parties” to modern vocal (or modern instrumental) music?

Even Gershwin’s music is ok, as he died more than 75 years ago.

Is Classical Music Royalty-Free: When Can You Use Classical Music for Projects?| Mubert Blog

Find out if Classical Music is Royalty Free ✅ Learn more about the use of classical music for Twitch ⭐ YouTube ⭐ or Instagram ▶️

mubert.com

Yabah Dabah Doo!

 

[Wyliefan]

Older music may not be copyrighted, but modern performances of it generally are.

 

[Firedancer]

It seems kinda late to be sending this out for next season. Some skaters already have programs. And also it’s the opposite of what they should be doing to grow the sport.

 

[crzesk8dad]

Could this mean…Classical Music for All? The end of “Dance Parties” to modern vocal (or modern instrumental) music?

Even Gershwin’s music is ok, as he died more than 75 years ago.

Is Classical Music Royalty-Free: When Can You Use Classical Music for Projects?| Mubert Blog

Find out if Classical Music is Royalty Free ✅ Learn more about the use of classical music for Twitch ⭐ YouTube ⭐ or Instagram ▶️

mubert.com

Yabah Dabah Doo!

But per the agreement, the music has to be on the approval list found in Songview. I have asked if 'public domain' music is covered and is OK, even if not on Songview. The rules, right now, say no it must be shown as "100%" on Songview.

And the notice says that this is immediate. Not much notice for a competition that is scheduled for this weekend.

 

[Frau Muller]

I can’t wait to hear this one again:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

…or a full afternoon of The Killian!

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

 

[Rukia]

Word on the street is that USFS had the option of paying more $$$ for the licensing tier that would allow for sharing/streaming, but either wouldn't or couldn't.

lol I 100% would believe this because of course

 

[crzesk8dad]

I can’t wait to hear this one again:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

…or a full afternoon of The Killian!

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

The Killian always reminds me of a Gillette razor commercial from the 1950's.

 

[just tuned in]

Here is the announcement:

​ View in browser​ Hello Coaches, Directors, Club Leadership and Instructors, U.S. Figure Skating understands that music is an important element in a figure skating performance. Additionally, it understands the complex nature of navigating copyright laws when determining if a song can legally be used during a performance. To help its members navigate this, U.S. Figure Skating partnered with the two largest performance rights organizations, ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) and BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) to secure a blanket Performance License for all music utilized by athletes at sanctioned and approved events so long as the song choice is 100% covered through ASCAP and/or BMI. The Performance Licenses secured through ASCAP and BMI do not cover the live and on-demand streaming of U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned events. It also does not cover the sales and/or distribution of video/media that include the playback of music. As such, the U.S. Figure Skating Board of Directors approved the following policy on music at U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned and approved events, which is effective immediately: ​ U.S. FIGURE SKATING MUSIC POLICY​ A pre-recorded webinar will be available in July and a link will be provided upon completion. This webinar will include general information about the applicable copyright laws; U.S. Figure Skating’s Performance Licenses; tools and resources for athletes, clubs, event organizers and coaches; a breakdown of the Music Announcement and Policy; and frequently asked questions. Members can also expect to see more targeted communication and education in the coming weeks directed toward specific member groups that may be affected by the Music Announcement and Policy. Questions regarding the Music Policy may be sent to [email protected]. Music Rights FAQ Q: How can I find out if the song I want to use is covered by the U.S. Figure Skating’s Performance License? A: You can search for the song on the Songview database. Only songs labeled as “100% cleared” are covered. If the song you want to use is not found in the database, or not labeled as “100% cleared,” you may be able to license it yourself through a service known as Click n Clear. Otherwise, it is not cleared for use. Q: What uses can I make of a song I confirm is 100% cleared on the Songview database? A: Any song 100% cleared on the Songview database may be played at live events only. Those events may not be recorded, archived, streamed or sold with music. The license only covers the live performance. Q: Can I post a performance on social media, live stream or offer an on-demand stream of a U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned event performance with no music? A: Yes, streaming without music is encouraged. Q: Do my club/program’s ice shows fall under this no streaming policy? A: Yes, the policy applies to all U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned and approved events and Compete USA events/programs. Q: Can a performance be streamed, sold or distributed if the music included is covered by U.S. Figure Skating’s Performance Licenses with BMI and ASCAP? A: No, per the applicable copyright laws a Performance License does not cover this type of use. The Performance License only covers the live performance at the event that occurs in the United States. Q: What should I do if my LOC has already contracted with a videographer to sell event footage? A: The videographer can still sell event footage with no music. It’s recommended that this is communicated clearly in event announcements where the sale of event footage is being mentioned. The videographer can include the introduction of the skater and their club so long as no music is included in the recording. Q: Our videographer only sells or gives footage to the skater/their family – footage of an unrelated skater is not available for anyone else to purchase. Can this footage include music? A: No, giving away or selling footage that includes audio, regardless of who it is being given or sold to, violates copyright laws and is not covered by U.S. Figure Skating’s Performance Licenses. Q: Are all songs found in the Songview database safe to use? A: No, only songs that are both (1) in the Songview database, and (2) labeled as being “100% cleared” are included in the U.S. Figure Skating’s Performance License. Q: What does it mean for a song to be 100% covered by BMI/ASCAP? A: Songview is a joint BMI and ASCAP database where copyright data is available for music users. For a song to be 100% cleared by U.S. Figure Skating’s performances licenses with BMI and ASCAP, the song must be verified in Songview as being cleared 100% by BMI, ASCAP or a combination of the two. Note that there are songs in the database that are not cleared 100% by BMI, ASCAP or a combination of the two. These songs are not included in the U.S. Figure Skating’s Performance License. Q: I’m an athlete and my music is not covered by Click n Clear or Songview. What should I do? A: It is the sole responsibility of the coach, choreographer, athlete and/or parent/guardian to ensure that the music is 100% cleared by BMI, ASCAP or a combination of the two, or that the proper licensing has otherwise been obtained, such as through a service like Click n Clear. U.S. Figure Skating, 20 1st Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906, United States Unsubscribe Manage preferences​

Haha, good one, USFSA.

 

[floxability]

One of the things I hate most about this is that they rolled out this new policy but the webinar will be available vaguely waves hand at some point in July. I have students competing this weekend. I am also running a virtual test session. Can we no longer do virtual free skate or free dance tests?

 

[Debbie S]

One of the things I hate most about this is that they rolled out this new policy but the webinar will be available vaguely waves hand at some point in July. I have students competing this weekend. I am also running a virtual test session. Can we no longer do virtual free skate or free dance tests?

Test sessions aren't mentioned in the communication, so I would assume they aren't restricted by this policy. I wouldn't think they would be considered performances and the vids aren't being sold or streamed.

 

[Rukia]

Test sessions aren't mentioned in the communication, so I would assume they aren't restricted by this policy. I wouldn't think they would be considered performances and the vids aren't being sold or streamed.

People shouldn't have to be guessing about something being implemented immediately though lol (this is not directed at you Debbie even though I'm quoting you it's completely directed at usfs for their terrible rollout)

 

[peibeck]

Curious if this will also spread outside of skating into a sport like gymnastics as well?

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

A: You can search for the song on the Songview database. Only songs labeled as “100% cleared” are covered. If the song you want to use is not found in the database, or not labeled as “100% cleared,” you may be able to license it yourself through a service known as Click n Clear. Otherwise, it is not cleared for use.

Yippy skippppyyyyyy

Here was the result of my search for Exogenesis by Muse

Oh No!​

Nothing matched your search criteria.

 

[Vagabond]

This is what will happen if skaters try sneaking unlicensed music past USFS officials.

 

[Karen-W]

So, what is to stop some team from recording their own performance on mute and adding in the music/audio track post-performance and then uploading THAT video to social media? Some streaming platforms, like Rumble, allow you to upload and specifically choose a non-monetization option.

 

[Aussie Willy]

This is what will happen if skaters try sneaking unlicensed music past USFS officials.

I was at a comp recently where the music stopped. I had a break in my judging and had walked around the other side of the rink to move around and warm up. The people around were all yelling for the skater to keep going. I said she had to stop and go to the referee. They then started yelling to stop and go to the referee.

 

[MacMadame]

In the other FAQ I read, the policy goes so far as to apply to free videos a professional videographer might provide to an individual skater of only their program.

IME these are generally not free. Having an official videographer who sells recordings of skaters to them was the only profitable part of my business when I was a professional Sports Photographer & Videographer. This new policy is going to kill that business.

 

[peibeck]

Yippy skippppyyyyyy

Here was the result of my search for Exogenesis by Muse

Oh No!​

Nothing matched your search criteria.

Sorry to break it to you, but it is listed under composer. Also you may need to search under Exogenesis Symphony as the title, not just Exogenesis.

 

[AnnM]

IME these are generally not free. Having an official videographer who sells recordings of skaters to them was the only profitable part of my business when I was a professional Sports Photographer & Videographer. This new policy is going to kill that business.

Oh I know, but the fact they went out of their way to state that even giving someone a copy in addition to sales was

 

[tony]

All I can say is I’m happy I spent a few months saving as many skating clips from across the internet as I could, because at this rate, it’s all bound to disappear from ‘streaming’ options.

 

[Lanie]

They are really doing all they can to kill any interest in this sport.

 

[Twizzler]

Test sessions aren't mentioned in the communication, so I would assume they aren't restricted by this policy. I wouldn't think they would be considered performances and the vids aren't being sold or streamed.

Test sessions aren’t mentioned specifically, but it does say the following:

“A: Yes, the policy applies to all U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned and approved events and Compete USA events/programs.”

I believe test sessions have to be sanctioned, so they would fall into this category as well.

What I don’t see answered anywhere is what happens if a skater uses music that is not “100% approved?” Are they disqualified? Do they pay a fine? Does the competition/show allow them to skate without music? Or does life just go on unless someone finds out and decides to sue them?

Also, if you click on the link to access the actual policy, the bottom corner has a date. It indicates that the Board of Directors approved the policy on May 25, 2024…a month ago!!!! If that is the case why did it take so long to get the info out? Especially since it’s “effective immediately.” I wonder if USFS will be hit with lawsuits by parents who will now have to pay for music editing and new choreography?

 

[Frau Muller]

Curious if this will also spread outside of skating into a sport like gymnastics as well?

Back to piano-only interpretations of floor ex music? I loved gymnastics then. Bring back the team pianists!

 

[Debbie S]

Test sessions aren’t mentioned specifically, but it does say the following:

“A: Yes, the policy applies to all U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned and approved events and Compete USA events/programs.”

I believe test sessions have to be sanctioned, so they would fall into this category as well.

Clubs don't need a specific sanction for a test session like they do for comps and shows. Agree that they should clarify what "events" mean. As usual with USFS rule changes, it's clear as mud.

I wonder if USFS will be hit with lawsuits by parents who will now have to pay for music editing and new choreography?

There is probably some CYA caveat somewhere in the rulebook that says rules can change at any time and USFS is not responsible for incurred costs.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

Curious if this will also spread outside of skating into a sport like gymnastics as well?

So much of the music used in gymnastics sounds so cheesy bad that I wouldn’t be opposed to having no music there lol.

 

[Theoreticalgirl]

My songwriting stuff is registered through BMI, I've been involved with community radio for 20+ years, clocked in plenty of time booking shows, playing in bands, and touring. One of my songs is currently licensed as a podcast's theme music, and a song I was on has been featured on Veronica Mars. On top of this, but I have written about the use of music in figure skating and presented this at academic conferences (and some publications).

IMO I think it is about time that figure skating understands the value of music on a couple of levels. Financially, artists should be compensated, and there are existing royalty structures that USFS has circumvented for far too long. Logistically, skaters should understand the nuts and bolts of music, like who wrote the song and the differences between the original composition and a cover.

Do I think this is the wrong time to announce the requirement? Absolutely. USFS should have communicated this change back in the winter and provided education on this topic. Shocker, they didn't.

Just so people are clear about what this policy says:

1. USFS requires program music to be licensed by ASCAP and/or BMI. USFS linked to Songview as a starting point for finding out who the songwriter/publisher is. Otherwise, it is on the skater/choreo to obtain proper licensing and they pointed skaters to a service called ClicknClear that can assist in this effort.

2. Music that you hear at events is covered by what's known as a blanket license, which makes sure that what's played receives royalties. That is strictly for the music happening in that moment at the event, and there is different licensing that handles broadcast and streaming (which are considered two separate things).

The reason they are asking for it to be covered by ASCAP/BMI is because it will streamline the logging process for the blanket license that helps direct royalties to the proper songwriter/publisher.

It is unclear from this statement what USFS's plan is for covering royalties pertaining to TV broadcast and streaming, though I would assume they're working on... something.

It's useful to know that the majority of music is covered by these two peforming rights organizations (PROs). I did find it interesting that SESAC wasn't listed here but I wonder if this was a cost thing.

This is really just a small bureaucratic step that shouldn't radically change anyone's programs because let's face it—most figure skaters aren't commissioning original compositions for their programs. That screechy cover of "Adiós Nonino" will be fine, as it is covered by ASCAP. I haven't competed in a bit, but I assume the EMS will have a space in its system to properly document this.

Lastly, the ASCAP/BMI thing makes it easier for skaters competing internationally to comply with foreign music clearance requirements, as they are PROs with international agreements.

 

[Rukia]

I feel like most reasonable people are fine with there being a clearance process and a way to make sure artists are getting the correct credit and compensation for their work. The problem is completely in how and when usfs has rolled this out and also with the blanket ban on streaming and posting up programs with music. But there are definitely people who are panicking because they are supposed to compete this weekend and they are having to try and navigate this on top of everything else with very little actual instruction on how to do it.

 

[Frau Muller]

So much of the music used in gymnastics sounds so cheesy bad that I wouldn’t be opposed to having no music there lol.

Gymnastics FloorEx used to be so gorgeous and peaceful when played by pianists. I recently watched the opposite: Jordan Chiles in a crazy-colored and wild leotard that mimicked a costume by Beyoncé…to Beyoncé music. Total embarrassment, imo.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

They are really doing all they can to kill any interest in this sport.

Lol I think they killed the sport when they allowed lyrics, opening up an entire treasure chest of depressing, suicidal, emo music that makes me fast forward and lose interest lol

Let’s just take it back to Rachmaninoff, Gershwin, and Saint-Saens but eliminating west side story, Les Mis and phantom

Tee-hee

 

[EdgyIceMarks]

Does ClicknClear or Songview even have much of the well-known classical repertoire, my brief glimpse at these sites suggested that they did not.