Virtual Skating Tests

[FigureSpins]

I am "attending" the PSA (virtual) Conference this week and someone asked if US Figure Skating would consider allowing skaters to test via a live video service like Zoom. They expressed concern about judges being unwilling travel to rinks due to the social distancing and exposure concerns.  The Presenter said it was under consideration, along with the parameters that would create a fair evaluation. 

My first thought was "ask the ISI how to get it done."  The ISI has used video for many, many years for high level testing.  Some say that was implemented to prevent favoritism or to provide consistency in testing.

Thoughts?

[AgnesNitt]

Because God forbid USFS start something and give ISI credit for having done it for years.

[FigureSpins]

Exactly.  When USFSA figured out that most LTS programs were ISI, tada! "The Basic Skills program was established in 1968."  By a pamphlet authored by the then-President of the USFSA for his home USFSA Club.

The ISI, by the way, ran a virtual competition this Spring.  It was entirely off-ice but it was clever and gave the skaters a goal to work on their programs.