If this will keep them from changing adult moves willy nilly, I'm all for it.
Agreed! They changed them two years in a row and while I've heard that they have "no plans" to make any changes from this point, I don't feel very confident that they won't. It's hard to work towards something when that something is a moving target!
I'm counting on it changing again actually :)
If it doesn't- it is a lost cause for me.
Well I can't say that I'd mind either.. the spiral sequence is still killer for me.. I think it would be great if it was reduced to simply one spiral on each leg/edge, but I know that still doesn't help people who for whatever reason can't do the spirals.As someone who has a hip injury that prevents them- yes it does help. I can deal with the pain for A spiral. It hurts like hell, and I often can't walk the next day but I can sort of do it. I cannot do it 5 times.
and 3 of them happen to favor my "good" spiral side.
I really wish moves patterns could be done in either direction around the rink. The way they favor CW skaters is so unfair- the hardest part of most every pattern for me is the turn to change from forward to backward on the end pattern (or the entrance to a backward pattern), which is not technically part of the move, but vital. If I could do the same pattern the other way around the rink it would be no problem at all!
For those that are specified, you're out of luck. You can either wish or work - your choice.
This is SO condescending. You think I haven't worked my butt off on the end patterns?Sorry, I was replying to the "I wish" - if the pattern doesn't have the option you wish for, you have to work for it.
I have no idea how hard you worked on those patterns, but if you're spending hours on optional end patterns, that's a waste of time. Better to do a manageable (but different from everyone else) end pattern and focus on the required parts.
If they were required to go the other way around the rink, I know plenty of skaters who would have the same problem as I do.
And while you say the spirals favor your good side (I don't know which side you are referring to, so I don't know who is being favored here)
On the bronze test I spent more time on the entrances than the moves because the moves did not cause a problem. The entrances did! We weren't spending hours crafting fancy entrances- we were spending hours getting me comfortable with turns that were supposedly NOT part of the test.
and honestly do NOT favor one direction over another at that point..They all turn counterclockwise. How is that not favoring the direction?
if you can do an inside mohawk for the 5-step sequence, doing it on an end pattern shouldn't scare you at all.The speed required is totally different.
But the moves don't expose it, so they breeze through.
Please give a good example of where exactly this is the case... because I can't honestly see one move where this so called bias would let one skater breeze through while another struggles.. the turns in the moves are really very balanced.
the backwards power stroking (alternating crossovers)True - complete set pattern, no options to reverse starting direction. The transition does contain one RFI mohawk but the end pattern is CCW crossovers, which should be in your strong direction, so that's an advantage. There is a timing note on that mohawk, but it's to hold the beat longer, not to do it at top speed quickly.
the back crossovers to outside edge.
cross strokes
power pullsBeginning/ending patterns are completely optional and the pattern can start on either foot.
I really wish moves patterns could be done in either direction around the rink. The way they favor CW skaters is so unfair- the hardest part of most every pattern for me is the turn to change from forward to backward on the end pattern (or the entrance to a backward pattern), which is not technically part of the move, but vital.
or is it the optional beginning/end pattern?
Beginning/ending patterns are completely optional and the pattern can start on either foot.
Perhaps you could simply get around the issues you cite by doing them a different way?
One out of the four examples you cited was valid, but I don't think that's enough to accuse the USFSA of "favoring" CCW skaters. You could propose that they change that one to allow an opposite-direction option, but this begs the question of whether or not the skater is truly ready for the test level if every turn in the opposite direction is a major show-stopper.
The problem is, from the back outside edge, it is difficult to enter into the pattern of backwards power pulls.
EXACTLY! If someone is struggling at that level to do a simple turn then I don't think they're ready to take the test... end of story. It's not about favoring a side or direction, it's just about basic skating skills... if you don't have it, work at it. If you've been working on it, just keep working on it... it's not that complicated.
I don't appreciate the notion that "the rest of us" don't have to work very hard to be balanced skaters.
Of the examples, I don't even really see where the first actually favors a CCW skater. Yes, it's a set pattern and that's unfortunate if you happen to prefer CW crossovers, but at that test level, you've already tested crossovers BOTH directions forwards and back so it shouldn't be a huge hurdle.Has absolutely nothing to do with the crossovers. Has to do with the turn to start the crossovers.
Honestly the point is not moot - you have passed years ago, but if you were to take the tests today, could you pass now? I don't think regressing in skills when you've BEEN skating all this time is really reasonable.Yes- I could pass the bronze moves again today, although I'd struggle just as much with the entry. I'd likely do a lot better with the speed and flow inside the moves.
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