Discourse Community: The US Figure Skating Organization

Discourse conventions are guided by the type of genres within the discourse community. In the article by Chandler, they write, “genres tend to be based on the notion that they constitute particular conventions of content (such as themes or settings) and/or form (including structure and style) which are shared by the texts which are regarded as belonging to them” (Chandler). We can also apply this, not only to texts but also through the ways of spoken and digital communication that people within their discourse community use. My chosen discourse community is the U.S. Figure Skating Organization. Within this discourse community there are many different types of conventions used by members of the community and the organizers as well. This includes

This can include discussing performance elements such as flip jump, a triple axel with a double toe loop, or a butterfly camel spin. There is also a set method when judges are deciding on the scores for competitors. Each competitor competes in a short program and a free skate (long program), within these programs, skaters are judged on artistry and technical performance. One of the conventions of communication that skaters use to communicate with their judges when doing these programs, is through facial expressions and their artistic movements. This allows them to “sell” their performance and the quality of it to the judges so they can get a higher scoring. While this type of communication requires no words, its method is understood by the judge and the competitors as a silent way of speaking, it's an essential and important part of communication within the USFS. Another method of communication happens on the internet. Through these methods of communication the USFS is able to notify members of competition, test, and organization events that are

One document in particular where we can see this is the USFS Qualifying Handbook. This handbook includes appropriate terminology for the sport and its elements, approved completion rules, technical information and the type of profile an athlete may have for this sport. The book is separated by section and then by sub-sections. It is organized in a concise and formal manner. Each section is thoroughly explained and the rules are explicitly mentioned. The writing does not use any slang language and uses specific terms relevant to the organization and sport. The handbook also includes a section of frequently asked questions so members are able to clarify any confusion or misunderstanding they may encounter when reading the sport. This makes the handbook understandable to the public and members of the community. It describes how winners are awarded and who fits in the category. It also mentions age requirements, registration dates for these competitions, and memberships fees. This writing is effectively communicating what is needed in this community and how the community functions