1.   As professionals, skaters have more control over their careers than do amateurs.

2.   Both skaters must have one foot on the ice at all times, except during the few lifts that are allowed.

3.   Almost every skater has a definite routine that works for him or her.

4.   Competitive skaters typically have one or two costumes for performances, several extras for emergencies and a handful of outfits for practice sessions.

5.   Except for the permitted lifts, the skaters must have at least one foot on the ice throughout their routines.

6.   If two skaters have the same median total mark, some form of tie breaker is needed.

7.   Lifts above the shoulders are forbidden, and both skaters must have at least one skate on the ice at all times, except for permitted jumps and lifts.

8.   No skater had ever had a season like that.

9.   Nick Thometz, the program director for U.S. Speedskating, said some skaters had trouble accepting clap skates.

10.   Older skaters have sometimes had trouble adapting to the clap skates.