Back To The Original Post:
Having just endured 3 days of testing, here's my wish list for people to know before they head off to comps or tests, pretty much focussed on preparation and etiquette:
a) don't spray your hair products around people - they may be allergic/asthmatic. Be polite and come to the arena prepared, or find a bathroom.
b) don't run around shrieking with joy when you pass your test; others may not have been successful.
c) don't buttonhole the judges when they are on the way to the bathroom.
d) don't forget to trial the outfit and the undergarments before the day. Finding out on the day that the outfit doesn't fit/itches/shows inappropriate areas of anatomy; that your skating bra has a snapped strap ...
e) bring spare tights.
f) make sure you have guards. Different arenas mean different setups.
g) don't assume there will be an area to change; come dressed if possible.
h) thank the judges and the volunteers. They appreciate it, and you get a nice reputation of being polite.
i) don't loudly criticize the judges in front of skaters or others; there are enough nerves on the go, and it makes you look nasty and unpleasant.
j) don't criticize the skaters on the ice. You may be sitting beside a proud parent, a nervous grandparent ... or a significant other who may get VERY annoyed with you!
k) bring spare copies of your music. Be sure it is in the format that the arena uses; check ahead.
l) bring your test/competition fees.
m) don't burst into tears and demand the judges overturn the results - it's just - well. Particularly if you're old enough to drive yourself to test day
n) don't criticize other's equipment/dresses/hair. Remember everyone's tastes are different. Plus, that may be the best they can afford, and they may have scrimped for a while to afford it - or they may be wearing a dress that their mom made them that has a lot of personal meaning for them.
o) don't take up huge areas of the dressing room with all of your stuff. Learn to share, including the mirrors
p) don't run around doing your off-ice to the point that you are making people move/bumping into people/annoying the living daylights out of them. Look for a place that is appropriate.
there are so many more ... but I'm still decompressing and processing it ... aaargh ...