skatingforums
On the Ice => Sitting on the Boards Rink Side => Topic started by: Clarice on April 28, 2016, 08:20:47 PM
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The USFS Basic Skills program is going to be rebranded this summer, as a stand-alone program called Learn to Skate USA. This new program will be endorsed by US Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and US Speed Skating. Under the new program, as skaters pass each level, that will be reported to Learn to Skate USA which will maintain a skater's records much like US Figure Skating already does for its test structure. If skaters move from one program to another, their test levels will follow them. I expect that there will be a certain amount of instructor education coming, so that passing standards will be more uniform around the country.
Mod Note: Created new topic from "Transitioning from ISI to USFS?" and placed in members-only forum due to US Figure Skating news embargo.
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The USFS Basic Skills program is going to be rebranded this summer, as a stand-alone program called Learn to Skate USA. This new program will be endorsed by US Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and US Speed Skating. Under the new program, as skaters pass each level, that will be reported to Learn to Skate USA which will maintain a skater's records much like US Figure Skating already does for its test structure. If skaters move from one program to another, their test levels will follow them. I expect that there will be a certain amount of instructor education coming, so that passing standards will be more uniform around the country.
Wow, that is interesting and kind of exciting news! I will be curious to see how our home rink handles the transition. They are a USFSA program but very very fast and loose with it. They combine levels (Basic 3 & 4, 5-7, and don't even have 8), don't give kids badges and stickers, and the passing standards are bafflingly low. Would love to see if this forces their hand to get themselves organized.
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From what little I've seen of the program so far, it seems very exciting. I'm a little concerned about the registration process, though. There will be a transition period, but eventually all skaters are supposed to register for Learn to Skate USA through its own web site, and then sign up for classes at their nearest rink. At this time, our rink automatically registers all the learn to skate students for Basic Skills. I'm afraid that when that responsibility passes to the skaters themselves, many of them won't do it. They tell me USA Hockey uses this procedure and it has gone well, but I still have reservations. I like the program, and want all the students to take full advantage of it, but am not at all sure that will happen. Perhaps it will make more sense to me when I see all the information.
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That's pretty interesting. Our program seems not to register kids at all unless they are doing basic skills competitions, so that might actually be an improvement for kids whose parents (like me) give a hoot to do it themselves.
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There's a YouTube video recording of the announcement webinar. In it, tptb were adamant that nothing should be revealed until June 1st. I split/moved this topic so as to comply with the USFSA request.
The video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mczo93rRXJs
Losing the abbreviation for "Basic Skills" (ie. "BS") is good for two reasons: (1) "BS" is not a nice thing to put in communications -- I always use "BSS" to get around it; and (2) skaters in Freeskate levels resent registering for "Basic SKills" events - they think they're being downgraded to Basic 1-8.
I think the new logo looks very retro roller-rink. I like it, but it doesn't look modern or sleek. I'd love to see it rendered in neon, though.
The USA Hockey support is great. They've been supportive in helping define the Hockey curriculum but to make a statement that new players must have a year of skating classes sends a strong message about skating skills being required to play hockey. Too many people think hockey is all about hitting slapshots. (They'll never get the chance to take the shot because no one will pass to them if they can't skate.)
Skating schools can still manage the USFSA registrations. If you think about it, the programs must manage classes and skaters, regardless of USFSA membership status. The new Admin tool will let the program use the USFSA website to manage registrations and scheduling. I'm not sure if facilities will want to use this system if they already have an in-house system in place. For rinks that don't have that capability, it'll be a great asset.
The main change is that instead of the program receiving all of the USFSA welcome/membership materials to hand out to the skaters, the packets go by direct mail to the skater's address.
Can't wait to see the new curricula to find out how they changed the Basic levels to support "all skating sports" - did they remove the figure skating moves like side toe hops, bunny hops, spins, pivots, etc?
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Note that they already called their program "Learn to skate".
To be honest, I think re-branding is almost always a mistake.
It's what companies do when people figured out they had lousy products, or lousy customer service. That's what I always assume when a company changes its name, or its name for a product.
Plus, you lose name recognition.
Think of confusion that the transition from "USFSA" to "USFS" and "US Figure Skating" has caused. USFSA and "US Figure Skating Association" are the official legal names, and possibly still, the official name within ISU - but USFSA wants everyone to call the "US Figure Skating". Plus, they own "usfsa.org", but not "usfs.org".
OTOH, maybe there will be a greater commitment to Basic Skills instruction, and a greater degree of inter-program consistency??
It may also give PSA an opportunity to sell new training and certification. :)
Given the comment on usfsa.org that there will be more news next month, let's wait and see.
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It's what companies do when people figured out they had lousy products, or lousy customer service. That's what I always assume when a company changes its name, or its name for a product.
Bingo! Biggest telco here just did that, after many years of abusing their effective monopoly position. Utterly transparent move.
I have this little rule of thumb I go by: If an organisation has corporate style branding, it is exactly that. A corporation. A sociopathic, empire building corporation. In which everyone and everything will be sacrificed to expand the glory and reach of the organisation.
So what value is USFSA bringing to the party here? What's actually wrong with just clubs/rinks running their own unaffiliated programs?
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There's a YouTube video recording of the announcement webinar. In it, tptb were adamant that nothing should be revealed until June 1st. I split/moved this topic so as to comply with the USFSA request.
The video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mczo93rRXJs
Don't get this veil of secrecy. The video was uploaded on Feb 6 of this year for public viewing, so it's been out there. What's the point of hush, hush until June 1?
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I wonder if this will affect ISI LTS.
And they made this change, what, a little over a year after changing the adult program to Basic 6? It will be interesting to see what happens to the adult program, because in my eyes, there's no reason for it to exist.
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I wonder if this will affect ISI LTS.
And they made this change, what, a little over a year after changing the adult program to Basic 6? It will be interesting to see what happens to the adult program, because in my eyes, there's no reason for it to exist.
Okay, watched the video, got a blog post out of it, including screen captures. It had a standard youTube license so if they want to keep it a secret they should learn to make people log in to see it.
Adult LTS stays.
They're adding Adult Fitness.
And Special Olympics, Therapeutic skating, and recreational skating is merged into a Therapeutic Recreational Skating program (yeah, no idea what they consider a recreational skater).
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I'm so sorry! I was not aware this wasn't to be discussed until June! Thank you to the moderators for moving it.
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I'm so sorry! I was not aware this wasn't to be discussed until June! Thank you to the moderators for moving it.
Unless you have a contractual relationship with USFS, you don't have to worry.
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I wonder if this will affect ISI LTS.
And they made this change, what, a little over a year after changing the adult program to Basic 6? It will be interesting to see what happens to the adult program, because in my eyes, there's no reason for it to exist.
I'm curious about why you think that the adult skate program should be eliminated. Is it because the skills/tests are similar between the Basic levels and Adult levels?
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I'm curious about why you think that the adult skate program should be eliminated. Is it because the skills/tests are similar between the Basic levels and Adult levels?
Well, let's start with Basic 1-8, the 'kids level', it doesn't do enough to get skaters ready for Freeskate. It's got so many gaps that numbers of rinks have developed 'bridge' programs of their own. I ranted about the skills gap here (http://icedoesntcare.blogspot.com/2015/08/i-rant-about-usfsa-freeskate-program.html).
Now the ADULT program has even *less* in it. So it might prepare adults for dance, but if USFS had its act together, it would have a dance program or dance skills to substitute for jumps in the regular program for those who don't want to jump. Instead, USFS arbitrarily makes decisions about what it thinks adults should do, rather than letting the ADULTS make decisions.
My rink has probably the loosest adult program in the US. Unless you're doing basic skills competitions they're very relaxed about everything. And they do Basic 1-8 for Adults.
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Is it because the skills/tests are similar between the Basic levels and Adult levels?
On the contrary: The former Adult 1-4 curriculum "skipped" a whole bunch of development skills that were in the Basic 1-8 curriculum. Some were important stepping stones, such as the two-footed backward-to-forward turns.
There were several Freeskate 1-6 skills in the adult curriculum that were definitely geared towards ice dancing. I always waived the pivots and jumps for the wanna-be hockey players who took adult lessons. Which is why I should be paid extra for teaching adult groups since I'm simultaneously teaching Adult, Basic, Freeskate and Hockey skills in every class. (For the record, our rink still uses the Adult 1-4 evaluation sheets. Adult badges have been out of stock for several sessions; I assume they're on back order due to the rebranding.
The newer Adult 1-6 curriculum fills most of those gaps but steers the skater towards freestyle or dance.
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How does this compare with ISI's group lessons? It seems like the ISI Alpha through Delta levels program prepares motivated skaters (both kids and adults) for progressing to Free Style or Dance (or even Hockey) without needing a lot of remedial training. I have to admit that after passing FS-1 I shifted from group lessons to private lessons so I haven't paid too much attention. I'm a member of both our rink's ISI Team and USFS skating club. I still use ISI as a dress rehearsal before testing dances in front of USFS judges but as a recreational skater who competes once in a while (so far only at ISI events) I like the ISI system. I hope that USFS's "rebranding" doesn't spill over.
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On the contrary: The former Adult 1-4 curriculum "skipped" a whole bunch of development skills that were in the Basic 1-8 curriculum. Some were important stepping stones, such as the two-footed backward-to-forward turns.
There were several Freeskate 1-6 skills in the adult curriculum that were definitely geared towards ice dancing. I always waived the pivots and jumps for the wanna-be hockey players who took adult lessons. Which is why I should be paid extra for teaching adult groups since I'm simultaneously teaching Adult, Basic, Freeskate and Hockey skills in every class. (For the record, our rink still uses the Adult 1-4 evaluation sheets. Adult badges have been out of stock for several sessions; I assume they're on back order due to the rebranding.
The newer Adult 1-6 curriculum fills most of those gaps but steers the skater towards freestyle or dance.
When I stated skating it was under the Adult 1-4 program and at the time I noticed there were quite a number of skills from the "kids" 1-8 program that were omitted. After completing Adult 1 and understanding more about the sport I was somewhat surprised at the skills that were omitted from the adult program. While I was still in the program the Adult 1-6 curriculum was introduced which did introduce a number of new skills but still omitted others. Since I really wanted to learn the sport I would work on the skills that seemed to be omitted from the adult program.
I assume the Adult 1-4 program was created to lower the "intimidation" factor for prospective adult students. 4 levels (to achieve "proficiency") seems to require less time commitment than 8 levels. I would assume USFSA found over time that adults coming out of the 1-4 program were really not prepared for the Free Skate program so the Adult 1-6 program was created. It seems to me the 1-8 program should be used for adults as well, but with separate classes for adults and kids.
I probably come to this with a different perspective from most beginning adults since I understand learning to ski well is a long term commitment so I knew learning to skate was a long term commitment as well.
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I would assume USFSA found over time that adults coming out of the 1-4 program were really not prepared for the Free Skate program so the Adult 1-6 program was created. It seems to me the 1-8 program should be used for adults as well, but with separate classes for adults and kids.
I said this years ago when I was in the process of moving to FS. One of the first things was an "advanced" something that appeared NOWHERE in the adult curriculum. I don't remember what it was, but the kids learned it along about Basic 5. I felt like I was so far behind the kids.
I also think the adults should use the Basic 1-8 plan. It just makes more sense if you want to advance to testing as an adult. I also think hockey players (kid and adult) should have to pass through enough levels to stop/start/change direction via mohowk or 3turn/edges. All solid basic skills that will help with playing.
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Got a look at the curriculum changes today.. not sure I like all of them. As I am under a contractual relationship with USFS I can't really go into details, but I can say that I really don't think this transition is going to be a good one.
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Got a look at the curriculum changes today.
I'm curious - who got to see the tentative changes this early?
Not me. But I'm only at the lowest rung, a registered Basic Skills instructor.
Hope none of you just paid the PSA fees to train to become instructors under the current program! :(
Wouldn't it be cool if they made it identical to ISI Basic Skills? Well, OK, no yelling and screaming, just my oponion. :)
My figure skating director has been planning for the change for quite some time, has scheduled a training session for us (her instructors) this August. Cool.
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I had hoped to finish Adult 6 either this month or by July, but won't be back on the ice before July or August. Hopefully the changes won't be too extensive, especially for those of us almost finished with Adult 1-6.
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I'm curious - who got to see the tentative changes this early?
Skating directors (I'm not one, ours shared the materials with our rink instructors) were sent an email with a link to dropbox a couple of weeks ago.
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I'm actually less interested in the curriculum changes (though I do want to see that) and more interested in the idea that people sign up with USFS individually rather than through the LTS program. My current rink is ISI (and doesn't bother with testing for the LTS adults), but I did one session a couple of summers ago at another rink that's USFS and I never got any of the materials I think I was supposed to get, so I'm not sure they ever even bothered to register me. I like the idea of being able to control my own membership. I'll be curious to see how that's actually implemented.
ETA: Would this mean that I could register myself and then officially take/register BS tests through my private coach (who's USFS as well as ISI), or would tests still have to be done through a LTS program?
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I'm curious - who got to see the tentative changes this early?
They provided information at governing council. I'm not sure what all it entailed as I was not there, but I saw pictures from GC of some of the new materials, etc.
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I did one session a couple of summers ago at another rink that's USFS and I never got any of the materials I think I was supposed to get, so I'm not sure they ever even bothered to register me.
I'm not certain what you are supposed to receive. If this isn't out of date:
http://www.usfigureskating.org/story?id=84165
I think you should have received a subscription to "SKATING magazine" (the normal edition, or the Basic Skills edition), for that season.
Let me assume for the present that you are talking about a USFSA Basic Skills class.
You can view or print stuff about the current USFSA Basic skills curricula from this page:
http://usfsa.org/programs?id=84094&menu=basicskills
and more stuff, intended for instructors, but informative to skaters too, here:
http://usfsa.org/programs?id=83994&menu=basicskills
If you were registered in the USFSA Basic Skills program by your rink, I believe they would have assigned you a member # and password, so you could sign on here
https://www.usfsaonline.org/
to check your status. I could be wrong - I'm currently only registered as an instructor, not a skater. But if you ask the rink for your member # and password, perhaps they would be honest about whether you were registered with USFSA. Of course, memberships expire after the skating season is over, so they may have discarded the info. Or maybe you were in the USFSA class before USFSA required all Basic Skills students to be registered with them.
Note that USFSA Basic Skills registration does not record your skating level - but maybe that will change in the near future, if what some people here are saying is correct.
BTW, last I checked, most ISI rinks do NOT register ISI LTS students, and aren't required to, though that may be out of date.
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Hmm. I wonder what this will do to basic skills competitions. If "Basic Skills" doesn't exist, I guess they'll have to rename the competitions, too. But will they necessarily remain the same for those who are no longer in basic skills levels but who can still compete in basic skills competitions (pre-pre and preliminary, specifically).
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Hmm. I wonder what this will do to basic skills competitions. If "Basic Skills" doesn't exist, I guess they'll have to rename the competitions, too. But will they necessarily remain the same for those who are no longer in basic skills levels but who can still compete in basic skills competitions (pre-pre and preliminary, specifically).
I would imagine that they would simply become "Learn to Skate USA Competitions"... there has always been a bit of a dissent among freeskate level skaters not liking competing at a "basic skills" competition - so that could actually be a plus for many kids :)
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Up until this point, Basic Skills membership included:
. One (1) edition of the Basic Skills Skating magazine containing tips for BSS skaters and lots of photos.
. Membership ID card
. Record book with stickers
Plus the intangible insurance that everyone says is useless if you have your own insurance.
Many skating programs register their BSS skaters with the USFSA in batches to save on processing fees.
I believe the magazine was mailed directly to the skater but the USFSA sends the cards and books to the program director, not to the skaters' home/mailing address. The program is responsible for giving them to the enrolled skaters. Our rink doesn't give out the books because we use evaluation sheets for group lessons.
My old rink used to give out the books/cards faithfully but the kids never remembered to bring them to class for the evaluations to be logged, so they were nice to look at but ineffective.
I don't know if the program could "opt out" of receiving the books but try asking the Director if s/he could give you a copy. Most are happy to give them away.
We'll see what this new program brings.
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I talked to my skating director this evening and asked about what she thinks about it. She talked about the changes to the kids levels with approval. She agreed with me that the Adult 6program is a waste (we use the kids programs for adults)
There will be people from USFS coming to train the program.
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At my daughter's club they had a big display featuring all of the rebranding logos, and handouts with the new curriculums for all the different programs. I grabbed the curriculums for Basic Skills-FUNdamentals and Free Skate programs, and have transcribed them. So here they are.
First, Basic Skills - FUNdamentals
Basic 1
A. Sit on ice and stand up
B. March forward across the ice
C. Forward two-foot glide
D. Dip
E. Forward swizzles
F. Backward wiggles
G. Beginning snowplow stop on two feet or one foot
Bonus skill: two foot hop in place
Basic 2
A. Scooter pushes
B. Forward one-foot glides
C. Backward two-foot glide
D. Rocking horse
E. Backward swizzles
F. Two-foot turns from forward to backward in place
G. moving snowplow stop
Bonus skill: curves
Basic 3
A. Beginning forward stroking showing correct use of blade
B. Forward half swizzle pumps on a circle
D. Moving forward to backward two-foot turns on a circle
D. Beginning backward one-foot glides - focus on balance
E. Backward snowplow stop
F. Forward slalom
Bonus skill: Forward pivots
Basic 4
A. Forward outside edge on a circle
B. Forward inside edge on a circle
C. Forward crossovers
D. Backward half swizzle pumps on a circle
E. Backward one-foot glides
F. Beginning two-foot spin - up to two revolutions
Bonus skill: Forward lunges
Basic 5
A. Backward outside edge on a circle
B. Backward inside edge on a circle
C. Backward crossovers
D. Forward outside three-turn
E. Advanced two-foot spin - 4-6 revs.
F. Hockey stop
Bonus skill: Side toe hop
Basic 6
A. Forward inside three-turns
B. Moving backward to forward two-foot turn on a circle
C. Backward stroking
D. Beginning one-foot spin - 2-4 revs., optional entry and free leg position
E. T-stops
F. Bunny hop
G. Forward spiral on a straight line
Bonus skill: Shoot the duck
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And here are the new Free Skate levels:
Pre-Free Skate (combination of basic 7 and 8 )
A. Forward inside open mohawk from a standstill
B. Backward crossovers to a backward outside edge glides (landing position)
C. Backward outside edge to a forward outside edge transition
D. Two forward crossovers into a forward inside mohawk, step down and cross behind, step into one backward crossover and step to a forward inside edge
E. one foot upright spin, optional entry and free foot position
F. Mazurka
G. Waltz jump
Bonus skill: backward inside pivots
Free Skate 1
A. Forward power stroking
B. Basic forward outside and forward inside consecutive edges
C. Backward outside three-turns
D. Upright spin, entry from back crossovers (4-6 revolutions)
E. Half Flip
F. Toe loop
bonus skill: waltz jump-side toe hop-waltz jump, or waltz jump-ballet jump-toe loop sequence
Free Skate 2
A. Alternating forward outside and inside spirals on a continuous axis (two sets)
B. Basic backward outside and backward inside consecutive edges
C. Backward inside three-turns
D. Beginning back spin
E. Half Lutz
F. Salchow
Bonus skill: variation of a forward spiral, skater's choice
Free skate 3
A. Alternating backward crossovers to back outside edges-four sets
B. Alternating mohawk/crossovers sequence
C. Waltz three-turns (forward outside three turn, backward outside edge glide)
D. Advanced back spin with free foot in crossed leg position (min. three revolutions)
E. Loop jump
F. Waltz jump-toe loop or Salchow-toe loop combination
Bonus skill: tow step sequence, skater's choice, using a variety of toe steps
Free skate 4
A. Forward power three-turns
B. Waltz eight
C. Forward upright spin to backward upright spin, 3 revs. each foot
D. Sit spin
E. half loop
F. Flip
Bonus skill: split jump, stag jump, or split falling leaf
Free Skate 5
A. Backward outside three-turn, mohawk (backward power three-turns)
B. Five-step mohawk sequence
C. Camel spin
D. Waltz jump-loop jump combination
E. Lutz jump
Bonus skill: loop-loop combination
Free Skate 6
A. Forward power pulls
B. Creative step sequence, skater's choice, using a variety of three-turns, mohawks, and toe steps
C. Camel-sit spin combination (two revs. each position)
D. Layback or attitude spin, or cross-foot spin (three revs.)
E. Waltz jump-half loop-Salchow jump sequence
F. Axel
Bonus skill: backward outside pivot
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Thanks!! Do you know if there are changes to Adult 1-6?
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The free skate levels have a lot of changes. However, I think it makes it more consistent with how the program is actually implemented. In our experience, at many different rinks in our area, the programs deliver snowplow 1 - basic 6 as written. Then they start going 'off the book' and do things much more loosely. For example, most programs don't have a basic 7 or 8, or don't have an 8. And then transition the kids into "Freestyle" or "Advanced Learn to Skate" or "Beyond the Basics" classes. The programs then usually present and evaluate the skills from the first 3 free skate levels - but often teach them all at once, not waiting for passing of level 1 to instruct on level 2 and 3 skills. For kids that are above that, they start presenting skills from the preliminary and pre-juvenile MITF curriculum, and other skating skill moves that they feel important, while teaching the spins and jumps. So the new skating skills that are at Free Skate 3 and 5 she learned in group, under the "old" program. Most rinks in our area use the Free Skate levels more of a guide than actual curriculum. And most of the programs she's been in wait to teach the half flip after the loop jump; she's never been anywhere that teaches the half lutz (I think most kids here just learn it to pass their pre-pre freestyle test). (Her coach started teaching the loop jump after the waltz jump - before toe loop or Salchow.)
At the Free Skate levels, it's usually taught at much more of a 'go at your own pace' style. So for example, my daughter, age 6, still can't do a backspin (FreeSkate 3) or cross her foot in a forward upright spin (scratch spin - FreeSkate 1). But she has a 10-revolution sit spin, all the preliminary MITF, and can do the single jumps and jump combinations through lutz-loop (FreeSkate 6). Nobody wanted to hold her back from learning harder skills just because she couldn't do a proper scratch spin or backspin - she got her loop jump (FreeSkate 4) and loop-loop (FreeSkate 5) as a result of working on her backspin (but still can't actually do the spin yet).
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I didn't pick up the papers for Adult, snowplow, or dance. I can look for them the next time we're at that rink (Thursday).
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Adult 1
Falling and recovery; on ice
Forward marching
Forward two-foot glide
Forward swizzles (4-6 in a row)
One forward swizzle/one backward swizzle (rocking horse)
Dip
Forward snowplow stop – two feet or one foot
Adult 2
Forward skating across the width of the ice
Forward one-foot glides, R and L
Forward slalom
Backward skating
Backward swizzles (4-6 in a row)
Two-foot turns in place
Adult 3
Forward stroking using the blade properly (begin with repetitive one-foot pushes)
Forward half-swizzle pumps on the circle; 6 to 8 in a row, clockwise and counterclockwise
Moving forward to backward and backward to forward two-foot turn on a circle, clockwise and counterclockwise
Backward skating into a long two-foot glide
Forward chasses on a circle, clockwise and counterclockwise
Backward snowplow stop, R and L
Adult 4
Forward outside edge on a circle, R and L
Forward inside edge on a circle, R and L
Forward crossovers, clockwise and counterclockwise
Backward one-foot glides, R and L
Backward half-swizzle pumps on a circle, clockwise and counterclockwise
Hockey stop, both directions
Adult 5
Backward outside edge on circle, R and L
Backward inside edge on a circle, R and L
Backward crossovers, clockwise and counterclockwise
Forward outside three-turn, R and L
Forward swing rolls to a count of six
Beginning two-foot spin
Adult 6
Forward stroking with crossover end patterns
Backward stroking with crossover end patterns
Forward inside three-turn, R and L
Forward outside to inside change of edge on a line, R and L
T-stop, R or L
Lunge
Two-foot spin into one-foot spin
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I suspect that US Figure Skating is holding off for a big reveal at the PSA Conference in late May. They showed it off briefly at Governing Council and gave out a nice glossy book, which is probably what they'll send to the program directors and/or families. I hope they send something to the instructors as well since they'll be the ones to implement the program.
The beta site is online if you search for "Learn to Skate USA" (Use the quotes in your search engine and look for the site name that includes "USFIGURESKATING.ORG.")
I meant to reach out to Mark at Rink Tank and ask if their "Skate Coach" app is going to be updated this summer. I'll try to remember to ask.
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Interesting… at first glance, it seems they've pulled some of the harder skills out of the Adult 1-6 curriculum (e.g. mohawks, alternative back crossovers, footwork sequence, spiral).
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Interesting… at first glance, it seems they've pulled some of the harder skills out of the Adult 1-6 curriculum (e.g. mohawks, alternative back crossovers, footwork sequence, spiral).
Mohawks and the patterns are now in Pre-Free
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Mohawks and the patterns are now in Pre-Free
Got it.
I went through the new lists for Basic Skills 1-6 and Adult 1-6, and here are the differences I see (ignoring minor things like skills being split up or small intermediate steps being left out).
In Basic Skills 1-6 but not Adult 1-6:
Two foot hop in place
Curves (?? Not sure what this means. Slalom, maybe?)
Forward pivots
Advanced two foot spin (4-6 revs)
Side toe hop
Bunny hop
Forward spiral
Shoot the duck
In Adult 1-6 but not Basic Skills 1-6:
Forward chasses
Forward swing rolls
Forward stroking with crossover end patterns
Backward stroking with crossover end patterns
Forward outside to inside change of edge
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Here is USFS thought process:
You are an ADULT, you are afraid of jumping, you WILL be prepared to do DancE! Even if you're 20 and can jump like a bean, we will prpare you to DANCE. You are an ADULT YOU HAVE NO CHOICE. WE WILL MAKE THAT DECISION FOR YOU!
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Here is USFS thought process:
You are an ADULT, you are afraid of jumping, you WILL be prepared to do DancE! Even if you're 20 and can jump like a bean, we will prpare you to DANCE. You are an ADULT YOU HAVE NO CHOICE. WE WILL MAKE THAT DECISION FOR YOU!
Yes, it seems a bit... odd. I think that I'm going to switch to Standard Track, or quit. The Adult Test structure is way too restrictive, right down to the music (which makes getting a good cut of some pieces extremely difficult, since you don't have that extra 10 seconds leeway). It's kind of demotivating for me.
I don't think all adults should be forced to do equivalent technical content to Standard Track, but Standard Track has a much wider variance of what's accepted while the adult levels are extremely restrictive.
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Another minor difference: Adult 1-6 specifically says that hockey stops and backward snowplow stops have to be done on both sides. Basic Skills 1-6 doesn't seem to say that.
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OK, and now I've compared the old Adult 1-6 with the revised version. (Can you tell I have a big pile of finals to grade?) Most of the Adult 6 and many Adult 5 skills have been eliminated, and the earlier skills moved up (so some of Adult 2 is now Adult 3, and so on). No new skills added. Here's the list of skills no longer in the Adult 1-6 curriculum. Some of them show up in the Pre-Free Skate level or higher.
In old Adult 1-6 but not new Adult 1-6:
Basic forward outside and forward inside consecutive edges
Backward chasses on a circle
Forward inside pivots
Backward crossover to landing position
Forward and backward crossovers in a figure 8 pattern
Continuous forward progressive chasse sequence
Forward inside OPEN Mohawk
Alternating backward crossovers with two foot transition
Backward crossovers to backward outside edge
Spiral
Bunny hop
Footwork sequence
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OK, and now I've compared the old Adult 1-6 with the revised version. (Can you tell I have a big pile of finals to grade?) Most of the Adult 6 and many Adult 5 skills have been eliminated, and the earlier skills moved up (so some of Adult 2 is now Adult 3, and so on). No new skills added. Here's the list of skills no longer in the Adult 1-6 curriculum. Some of them show up in the Pre-Free Skate level or higher.
In old Adult 1-6 but not new Adult 1-6:
SNIPPED OUT STUFF
When I finally get back on the ice I believe I will be finished with Adult 1-6. I had just passed 5 and was looking forward to passing 6 this session prior to my fall. I can do everything in Adult 6 and have been tested on a few. Forward/Backward crossovers in a Figure 8 kept me from passing 5 for about 6 months.
The count of skills in the new Adult 1-6 is higher than the old 1-5 but several skills such as forward edges inside/outside are now 2 skills whereas that was 1 skill on the old plan.
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Based on http://ltsqc.usfigureskating.org/signuphomepage, $10/student for Basic Skills a year or two ago, became $12 this season, becomes $12+$1.50 (processing and handling fee). Price creep.
Maybe the initial letter was a request-for-comments by figure skating directors, and was a preliminary draft, not meant for open publication yet? I'll wait til it becomes official before worrying about it.
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Based on http://ltsqc.usfigureskating.org/signuphomepage, $10/student for Basic Skills a year or two ago, became $12 this season, becomes $12+$1.50 (processing and handling fee). Price creep.
Maybe the initial letter was a request-for-comments by figure skating directors, and was a preliminary draft, not meant for open publication yet? I'll wait til it becomes official before worrying about it.
The web site isn't really public yet; I noticed a couple of glitches that still need to be cleaned up… processing fee is listed as $1 in one place, but $1.50 elsewhere, for example. The signup page appears to be functional, but I didn't actually sign up; I'd rather wait until they're officially official too.
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Coaches and instructors get to "Learn to Teach" again! :)
PSA teacher/coach certification classes are going up $5 too. ;)
http://www.skatepsa.com/psa/CER.html
Will coaches and program directors still decide if you pass, or will USFSA be involved?
Will USFSA charge extra to record your class progress and the results of low level competitions?
Or is it too early to know?
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Don't take what you see on that site as set in stone. It must be a Quality Assurance test site, for beta testing purposes.
The costs of BSS memberships and the online PSA training has been held flat for the past few years so the increase wasn't unexpected. Governing Council approved a price increase LTS USA/BSS last month, so the production site will reflect the increase.
Again, skaters DO NOT have to use this central registration site - it's more of a "come on, join" site for skaters who don't know where to go for lessons. Skating clubs (we were advised) can continue to register skaters for the LTS USA/BSS membership category.
I don't see any online tracking of skater test levels on the beta site. The intent of the website is to drive skaters to the rink/club-based LTS programs, so of course the evaluation will be done at the local level. That's what makes LTS affordable. It also makes it toothless: they can define the standards but they have no way to enforce them.
ISI doesn't register tests unless the skater pays for that centralized data collection. It's required if you are competing but otherwise, it's honor system.
Off topic: The PSA online training is affordable for coaches: $20 site registration fee lets you take any of 10 free courses online. CER-C (Basic Skills) courses are all free. For my CER-A, only two of the four courses had a fee, so it cost me $60. I'm a professional figure skating coach so it's tax-deductible and the courses are relevant. Education is important -- skating has changed drastically over the years and it's complicated, so having online resources gets everyone on the same page.
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A few takeaways from the ISI/PSA Conference:
Snowplow Sam is still the mascot (hooray from DH) and that curricula has a new SS4 level.
. Instructors have to register, either online or through a club/program.
. You only have to register once and pay the $12 fee. (Bah - yet another cost of doing business. Some rinks may pay the fee)
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For anyone interested in Basic Skills competitions, USFS has listed info for "Compete USA" competitions for next year (starting Sept 1). Looks like that's what's replacing the old basic skills competitions, though it seems pretty similar to the old version.
http://www.usfigureskating.org/programs?id=89713&menu=programs
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Here is USFS thought process:
You are an ADULT, you are afraid of jumping, you WILL be prepared to do DancE! Even if you're 20 and can jump like a bean, we will prpare you to DANCE. You are an ADULT YOU HAVE NO CHOICE. WE WILL MAKE THAT DECISION FOR YOU!
Well said! I'm a bit annoyed that they just stripped out a lot of Adult 5 and 6, I'm technically Adult 4 because my one side of back crosses and I cannot find happiness, though I have several of the skills in 5 and 6. I am about to take a month off from learn to skate after July 2 because I am studying for the bar exam and I am likely to come back and not really have a place in Learn to Skate anymore. I think our rink offers some group free skate but I'm not sure. I'm kinda hoping our rink decides not to follow this.
On another note, I am afraid of jumping, but I am super excited to do it.
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I am about to take a month off from learn to skate after July 2 because I am studying for the bar exam
Study hard/smart. My daughter has taken (and passed) the bar in both Georgia and California.
Skating will still be there, even if you have to play with the kids. Our bridge class is half adult/half kid and we make it work.
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Out of curiosity, has anyone who signed up actually gotten their membership packet yet? I joined on June 1 and haven't gotten anything so far. I'm not worried or anything (yet) but curious to know if others have gotten anything so I know whether I need to chase mine down.
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Out of curiosity, has anyone who signed up actually gotten their membership packet yet? I joined on June 1 and haven't gotten anything so far. I'm not worried or anything (yet) but curious to know if others have gotten anything so I know whether I need to chase mine down.
Nope, not yet
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Nope, not yet
Guess we'll just have to be patient.
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Out of curiosity, has anyone who signed up actually gotten their membership packet yet?
Nope, haven't gotten my member or instructor package as yet but it's only been a few days.
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I got a bunch of swag from my rink (pens, stickers, chapstick) but nothing from LTS USA directly. I completed my instructor registration on the 13th.
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At the PSA Conference, they gave out sticker sheets, chapsticks, bag tags, pencils/pens, skate towels and t-shirts.
They also had promo flyers and a glossy booklet for coaches/directors to take home.
I wanted a t-shirt but I was sitting in the back of the room on the "wrong side" so I didn't have a shot at winning one during their presentation.
I'll use or give away the pens and pencils throughout the season.
I cut the stickers apart and have been giving them to skaters here and there at the rink.
Used the chapstick right away - it was really dry in NV/AZ. The bag tag is hanging on my skate bag handle.
Took home three towels and I was tempted to score a few more but didn't want to appear greedy.
Reminds me of a Yogi Berra quote: "The towels [at the hotel] were so thick there, I could hardly close my suitcase."
Gave towels to two of my skating students who didn't have drying cloths in their skate bags.
A few years ago, US Figure Skating gave out zipper pulls in the shape of ice skates that had "It's Great to Skate!" imprinted. I had one on every coaching jacket - so much easier to zip/unzip while wearing gloves. I'm down to my last one, sadly.
Good, practical tchotchkes are the best. I didn't need a t-shirt, but still, I would have liked to have won one.
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Has this program/curriculum been useful to anyone here? I've heard a lot about it and it sounds interesting. Just wanting to know. Thanks!
Here's the website https://www.learntoskateusa.com/
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Mod Note: Discussions merged.
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Update: Still no sight of my package from LTS USA.
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Same here.
ETA: I just e-mailed them to see if we could get a rough estimate of when to expect them
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I received a shipment notification yesterday for a package but it is probably for our club.
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I just got a reply from LTS USA saying they'll be mailing things out starting next week.
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We should start a pool on what's going to be in the package.
My bet is a stapled handbook, a pen, and a letter. More than a brochure, less than a manual.
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ID card with member number?
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ID card with member number?
Good point. Card and brochure. Dang nab it I want a gimmee pen!
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For you coaches, on the LTS USA website if you click on the FAQs button there's a bunch of videos on how to manage the website. I don't know why it's on the member's section (because the coaches/directors section is separate).
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Card, special Skating magazine, skills-tracking book. (Hopefully without typos)
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Also, according to the web site, a parent handbook.
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Card, special Skating magazine, skills-tracking book. (Hopefully without typos)
;D You dream big!
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;D You dream big!
Hey - I'm trying to be more positive than my usual curmudgeonly self.
Since the website still has the pdf errors in the curricula, weeks after I pointed them out in writing, I assume the package will be incorrect as well. Really - it would have only taken a few hours to get a volunteer to review the documentation. The hyper-speed release schedule tells me that they didn't want any input other than the few, select people they included.
My tracking email said it was scheduled to be shipped on 6/28 and received yesterday. When I checked the status (since it didn't arrive) this morning, it said FedEx checked in the physical package on 6/29 and it should arrive today. There is a time difference, so no big deal. Can't wait to see what's inside! It's a 4-lb package but I suspect it's the Skating Director materials, not the Member or Instructor package.
They
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It was a package for the Club, not the individual, sorry. It contains a bundle of pencils, another of pens, two stacks of sticker sheets, the little bag tags, lip balm and Snowplow Sam zipper pulls as well as small handouts about LTS USA. Nice timing - we have our Club's Spring Membership Meeting this weekend so we have giveaways!
My instructor's package and my students' membership packets haven't arrived as yet.
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Wail...wail...I haven't got any freebies yet! Send me one!
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My individual LTS USA member materials arrived today (or maybe earlier; I've been out of town). As advertised, you get a membership card, magazine, skater record book, and parent handbook. The card is attached to the insert that has the address label. The skater record book (about 5" x 8") has some general info at the front (helmets and clothing, lacing skates, etc.) and then the rest of the booklet lists the skills for all the different programs (Snowplow Sam, Basic, Adult, etc.) and has stickers to use to indicate when a skill has been passed. Gold stars!
The one additional thing I would love to see is the description of the actual passing standard for each skill, but I'm guessing that's in the instructor materials.
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The LTSUSA Instructor Manual glosses over the standards. The ISI did SUCH a better job of explaining the passing standards in their handbook.
I assume that's why they refused to make it available online for free - they put a lot of work into scripting each skill, even the uncaptured maneuvers.
Basic 2 - Backward Swizzles (LTS USA)
SKILL: Backward Stroking
OBJECTIVE: Students will perform four to six backward strokes across the width of the ice.
FOCUS: BACKWARD INSIDE EDGE PUSH, BACKWARD MOMENTUM
TEACHING TIPS: Review forward stroking and inside/outside edges. Demonstrate how to push with the inside edge in a reverse T-position.
versus
1. Backward Stroking
The push must be made with the inside edge of each foot without use of the toe picks. Each stroke must be a distance at least equal to the skater's height with the free foot carried in front over the tracings. The stroke shall commence on the outside edge of the blade, changing to the inside prior to the feet coming close together for the beginning of the next stroke. At least six alternating strokes must be taken without interruption; each stroke must be at least equal to the skater's height.
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The LTSUSA Instructor Manual glosses over the standards. The ISI did SUCH a better job of explaining the passing standards in their handbook.
I assume that's why they refused to make it available online for free - they put a lot of work into scripting each skill, even the uncaptured maneuvers.
Interesting, and frustrating. So how do instructors know what the actual standards are? An example: in the new magazine, there's an article on p. 16 ("What if my child struggles with a level?") that says "Every skating move has a prescribed passing standard and children should know what is fully expected before evaluations time. (For example, a one-foot glide needs to be held three times your height in a balanced position to pass the level.)" I can't find that info anywhere else, and in the Skate Coach Basic app, the Basic 2 description says that the one-foot glide should be held for a count of 2 or a distance of one foot. So there's incomplete and conflicting information. What does the Instructor Manual say about that skill?
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Meh. The LTS USA and ISI standards are about the same in this case.
Basic 2
Skill: Forward one foot glides, Right & Left
Objective: Students will glide on one foot for a count of four and repeat on the other foot.
Focus: BALANCE, CONTROL, MOMENTUM
Teaching Tips: Review weight transfer techniques and allow students to practice standing on one foot by holding onto the barrier with only their pinkie fingers. Review proper body position including placement of free foot in one-foot glide.
versus
Pre-Alpha Test
2. One-Foot Glide Must be performed for a distance at least equal to the skater's height on each foot after taking only three steps.
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The way instructors learn the standards is through tutelage: their own experience, a mentor coach or skating director or through a seminar or workshop. That's one of the reasons that the ISI offers free District Seminars for directors/coaches. (Which are also eligible for PSA educational credits, btw.)
http://www.skateisi.com/site/Sub.Cfm?Content=Education_District_Seminar
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Meh. The LTS USA and ISI standards are about the same in this case.
So for that one they both give a reasonable description of the passing standard. But the Basic 2 description of the distance required(count of four) conflicts both with the Skate Coach description (count of two or 12") and the magazine article (three times height). Confusing.
The way instructors learn the standards is through tutelage: their own experience, a mentor coach or skating director or through a seminar or workshop. That's one of the reasons that the ISI offers free District Seminars for directors/coaches. (Which are also eligible for PSA educational credits, btw.)
http://www.skateisi.com/site/Sub.Cfm?Content=Education_District_Seminar
Makes sense, I guess. I'm a little frustrated by it but my situation is unusual. My rink is ISI for basic skills LTS; I'm also working with a coach and I'm hoping to have her unofficially check me off on the LTS USA skills because I like the curriculum better (and I may want to do a USFS basic skills competition later). But since she teaches ISI basic skills (and coaches higher level USFS) I don't know if she knows the passing standards for LTS USA skills. I was hoping to have a resource to refer to.
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Do you have the newest version of Skate Coach? I haven't updated it from BSS to LTS USA Basic yet. Email the developer and ask them to check -- might just be a typo.
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Do you have the newest version of Skate Coach? I haven't updated it from BSS to LTS USA Basic yet. Email the developer and ask them to check -- might just be a typo.
I just updated it. Haven't looked it over in detail yet, but I wonder if that particular item is either a typo or a holdover from the previous version. Maybe I'll email them; they were really responsive before when I found some minor glitches in the Adult 1-6 update last year.
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They are really good, it's just that they have so many irons in the fire that things get overlooked. That's probably true of the LTS USA materials, too.
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Not surprising considering the alarming lack of standards in the 6.0 system. USFS hasn't really demonstrated much of an interest in training figure skaters at levels below juvenile.
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I got my stuff today.
It really needs an Adult Learners Manual.
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I got my stuff today.
It really needs an Adult Learners Manual.
How about a Skater's Handbook, with special sections for parents and for adult skaters?
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How about a Skater's Handbook, with special sections for parents and for adult skaters?
This made me giggle a little because anytime I am looking for information I have to guess whether the information relevant to me, an adult skater, will be under skater (child) or parent. It is the rare instance that useful information is listed under Adult Skater.
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I decided to just photograph the card and keep it on my phone rather than keep it in my wallet. Who's going to want to check it out except the rink and they just want the member number.
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I put my ID cards in a lanyard badge holder but it's just for show. I put scans of all my ID cards, background check clearance, and insurance info in one PDF and keep it on my phone and iPad. (Since I emailed it to myself, I can also get it from email.). The lanyard is really just to give me an excuse to show off my trading pins. ( I acquired a Penguin FSC pin last year!)
I decided to just photograph the card and keep it on my phone rather than keep it in my wallet. Who's going to want to check it out except the rink and they just want the member number.
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That's a good suggestion: start with the Adult handbook and work your way up.
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I put my ID cards in a lanyard badge holder but it's just for show. I put scans of all my ID cards, background check clearance, and insurance info in one PDF and keep it on my phone and iPad. (Since I emailed it to myself, I can also get it from email.). The lanyard is really just to give me an excuse to show off my trading pins. ( I acquired a Penguin FSC pin last year!)
This is off topic and possibly not info you need. But I recommend having some form or multiple forms of encryption on that PDF. I particularly warn against putting it in any of the free cloud services. If you do put it in the cloud use either another level of encryption or use a lock box like one onepassword's document storage.
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Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for my package. I'm starting to think the registered instructors only get access to the special online portal.
cittiecat - As an IT Director, I get where you're coming from and thank you for your concern. The pdf is secured/encrypted, but it's overkill. The information in the pdf is not sensitive nor would the ID open any doors, lol. We're not talking about security access cards. Sorry to alarm you.
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Okay, so I am debating whether I should sign up online or just wait and see what my rink tells me to do. Any thoughts on what I should do?
Figure Spins- Well as an IT Director, I'm sure you've got it, honestly your description of your pdf method made me think my comment may be unnecessary. But I also think its important to think about security in areas we sometimes take for granted :P
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A couple of questions for someone with access to the instructor manual:
1. What are "curves" (Basic 1 bonus skill)?
2. What's the distinction between "beginning backward one foot glides" (Basic 3D) and "backward one foot glides, right and left" (Basic 4E)? Is there a distance or time specified?
3. For the Basic 3 bonus skill (forward pivots), does the manual specify the number of revolutions required?
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I teach Adult "Curves" the same way I teach Basic "Slalom." The descriptions from the instructors manual were close enough:
Curves: Move forward in and out of 5 to 6 markers that are on the ice. Skate around the markers with both feet parallel and use a slight twisting action of the shoulders against the hips (creating a slalom action).
NB: This doesn't mean arrange multiple sharpie markers on the ice (although that would work!) - they mean some sort of evenly-spaced mark or object. Many instructors use cones, which is fine. I draw happy faces with my marker if it's a freestyle session, so it doesn't get in anyone's way.
Forward Slalom - Skater should keep their feet parallel as they are curving both directions while using a soft knee action and twisting of the body.
In NJ, I have seen Slalom/Curves taught where the skater uses a one-foot pump to turn into the next curve. I'm not sure if it was a learning drill or outdated skill requirement. Could have also been from when that instructor learned to teach; a lot of rinks had their own curriculums.
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I teach Adult "Curves" the same way I teach Basic "Slalom." The descriptions from the instructors manual were close enough:
NB: This doesn't mean arrange multiple sharpie markers on the ice (although that would work!) - they mean some sort of evenly-spaced mark or object. Many instructors use cones, which is fine. I draw happy faces with my marker if it's a freestyle session, so it doesn't get in anyone's way.
In NJ, I have seen Slalom/Curves taught where the skater uses a one-foot pump to turn into the next curve. I'm not sure if it was a learning drill or outdated skill requirement. Could have also been from when that instructor learned to teach; a lot of rinks had their own curriculums.
Thanks! Slalom was listed later in the curriculum (Basic 3F/Adult 2C) so I wondered if there was some difference.
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So how do instructors know what the actual standards are?
AFAICT, USFSA now expects even the lowest level instructors to take classes from the PSA. It appears that now they also expect PSA CER-C certification, even at the lowest level of group lesson instructor:
https://usfigureskating.org/content/Copy%20of%20Requirements%20Chart.pdf
That new requirement could seriously hurt our volunteer-taught program. You used to have to register, and pay fees, but certification was optional.
I haven't looked at the most recent PSA LTS training - they may still be puting it together - but PSA has always had very good materials, which are designed in large part to compensate for what is missing from USFSA and ISU materials.
Alas, those of you who aren't referred instructors may be unable to get a hold of PSA materials.
I notice that USFSA now has much more limited info online.
http://www.usfigureskating.org/programs?id=89713&menu=programs
There is no longer a tab there for instructors. Of course that might be because the program is so new...
OTOH, if you have old LTS Instructors' manuals, last season they took out most of the skill descriptions. Prior to last season, they used to have SOME useful skill descriptions. So it would be quite consistent for them to continue the trend, and remove all useful materials.
The merger of ISI and PSA might mean a lot more is moving to the ISI handbook:
http://www.skateisi.com/site/Sub.Cfm?Content=publications_manuals_ISI_handbook
Has anyone gotten one of these, for 2016? They were supposed to come out June, 2016. Has it been expanded to include some USFSA-specific standards? That would sure be a lot of work to do.
Note that the ISI has a lot of explanations of what is happening here:
http://www.skateisi.com/site/main.cfm?membertype=coaches
E.g., ISI rules aren't changing any time soon. Sounds like it is only USFSA rules that are changing. And that ISI and USFSA will eventually have a unified LTS program.
Can you imagine how much pain and arm twisting was involved in getting two competing bureaucracies to agree to that? These are two organisations that used to openly fight each other. At one point ISI tried to convince the ISU and IOC to disqualify USFSA as the USA's competitive ISU member, and to qualify ISI in their place. It's like the USA and Russia merging into a one friendly nation, but not quite so easy. :)
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AFAICT, USFSA now expects even the lowest level instructors to take classes from the PSA. It appears that now they also expect PSA CER-C certification, even at the lowest level of group lesson instructor:
Oh wait. I think I'm wrong on that. They describe the certification level, but it doesn't really say you have to have it.
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I'm a card-carrying LTS USA Instructor!
The book contains the lesson plans for each level and skill along with a glossary, teaching tips, and diagrams. These are available on the instructors portal as separate documents.
Back cover is sturdy cardboard (which our mail carrier bent a bit) and the front cover is card stock. Much better than the lightweight lesson planner from a few years ago.
My Instructor's packet contained an ID card, Lesson Plan book, a double-sided flyer and a pair of gloves with the logo on them.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c127/Isk8NYC/Mobile%20Uploads/image.jpeg)
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Are the gloves touch screen compatible?
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I'm a card-carrying LTS USA Instructor!
The book contains the lesson plans for each level and skill along with a glossary, teaching tips, and diagrams. These are available on the instructors portal as separate documents.
Back cover is sturdy cardboard (which our mail carrier bent a bit) and the front cover is card stock. Much better than the lightweight lesson planner from a few years ago.
My Instructor's packet contained an ID card, Lesson Plan book, a double-sided flyer and a pair of gloves with the logo on them.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c127/Isk8NYC/Mobile%20Uploads/image.jpeg)
Yay!
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Are the gloves touch screen compatible?
I didn't try them but they don't have the tell-tale colored tips.
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So along with the new program all the rinks are raising group lesson pricing. Was $125/130 for 1/week for 6 weeks plus some places give a public skate session card, now $150 for 6 weeks. We used these sessions as practice and ways to get other coaches input but that's a big jump- almost $200 over a year... And my daughters coach isn't even getting paid more. These programs only shoot out 1-2 serious skaters a year so I'm thinking its a way to make more $ off hockey skaters.... Kind of disappointed.
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So along with the new program all the rinks are raising group lesson pricing. Was $125/130 for 1/week for 6 weeks plus some places give a public skate session card, now $150 for 6 weeks. We used these sessions as practice and ways to get other coaches input but that's a big jump- almost $200 over a year... And my daughters coach isn't even getting paid more. These programs only shoot out 1-2 serious skaters a year so I'm thinking its a way to make more $ off hockey skaters.... Kind of disappointed.
I don't think all the rinks are changing their prices. There hasn't been any talk of changing the price at my rink. Plus my rink does 8 weeks with an 8 punch card for publics for $130 ($150 for jump and spin- which is FS 3 and up). I'll keep an eye out for when the next session starts at the end of August but we are still on the above pricing now.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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If they don't change the skills themselves, but only the levels they are taught at, it might seem like it only impacts instructors. And that's mostly true. I bet even instructors probably don't need to retrain - they just need to look at the new list of skills for each level.
But not quite. If a student has passed through a level, he/she might assume he/she is ready for the next level. But now that might not be true, because an assumed skill may not have been taught to them yet. If you take the next class in the very next session, you can trust most experienced instructors to try to compensate for the missed skills. But after a while, they won't. If you miss a session or two, you may have to repeat a level, maybe more than one level. People will be annoyed.
It's a little like when Arthur Murray [I think ?] ballroom dance classes changed names and content (many years ago), and all the students who had taken their lessons found they were no longer qualified for a specific next step - that there WAS no clear next step. I never took their lessons - they were very expensive and more or less aimed at the pro and semi-pro level. But I knew students who felt cheated. There were a LOT of complaints.
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The LTS USA membership director resigned recently. Our rink requires the LTS USA registration for skaters, but I don't think they're checking on its status.
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One year into this program... any thoughts? (Also, anyone know how renewals are handled? I logged in yesterday and didn't see a mechanism on the web site, just the "new member" signup link.)
Also, just FYI, it turns out that if your skate bag gets soaked in the rain and your booklet gets damp, and after it dries all wrinkled you then store it in your bag in a gallon ziploc bag to prevent recurrences, the outer glossy coating of the booklet starts flaking off. Don't ask how I know. 88)
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Go to a teachers store and have it re-laminated.
Theoretically, renewing should be the same process. They're raising the rate to $16. I asked if the packets could be optional for renewing skaters, to get a lower rate, and they said no. I know my families don't need gloves or chapstick, so if they already have the record book, why get another?
A bystander snarkily commented that they're just in it for the money and there will be no packets, just increased rates. I don't know if that's true and to be honest, it seemed a little unfair coming from someone who had no information. I think they were just venting.
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Honestly if we get the full packet again this year I'll be fine with that; my record book's a mess. :laugh:
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My granddaughter didn't get a book or anything else. Do Snow Plow Sam skaters get one?
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Is this something that all USFSA members receive, or just those in Learn to Skate?
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The record book is sent to all NEW Learn to Skate USA registrants. Most LTS programs now require the skaters to register themselves online with LTS USA. It used to be that the rinks collected the fee and did the data entry, but now skaters have to register themselves.
Our skating club offers a LTS USA membership and handles the data entry on LTS USA. We charge an extra $4 because we include the skaters in our club exhibition and social events.
https://learntoskateusa.com/signuphomepage
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The record book is sent to all NEW Learn to Skate USA registrants. Most LTS programs now require the skaters to register themselves online with LTS USA. It used to be that the rinks collected the fee and did the data entry, but now skaters have to register themselves.
Our skating club offers a LTS USA membership and handles the data entry on LTS USA. We charge an extra $4 because we include the skaters in our club exhibition and social events.
https://learntoskateusa.com/signuphomepage
My rink apparently registers everyone that signs up for an LTS session (7-9 weeks long depending on time of year) with no additional charge. They must just eat the fee. Perhaps they don't want to alienate/chase away first time students by either tacking on an extra fee or making them register themselves.
I did see in Wake Forest at Adult Nationals they require students to register themselves. I was a little surprised at that, but it sounds like it is the norm.
Last summer, while I was recovering, I renewed myself since I was still submitting bills under the Sports Accident coverage and I wanted to make sure there was no dispute about being covered or not. The accident itself might have been open to debate, but they did pay off.
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I logged in to the web site this afternoon and got a big red banner saying "Your membership has expired." Tried to renew and the process got stuck at the point when I was clicking on the Checkout button. Still a few kinks to work out, I guess.
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I logged in to the web site this afternoon and got a big red banner saying "Your membership has expired." Tried to renew and the process got stuck at the point when I was clicking on the Checkout button. Still a few kinks to work out, I guess.
I renewed today and had no issues (I'm a LTS Instructor) but when I went to take the instructor course, it wasn't there. Hoping that shows up in the next couple days so I can check it off the list!
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I renewed today and had no issues (I'm a LTS Instructor) but when I went to take the instructor course, it wasn't there. Hoping that shows up in the next couple days so I can check it off the list!
Fingers crossed! Now I'm getting an error message just at the main login page. Maybe they're taken it down while they fix stuff. I'll try again tomorrow.
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The record book is sent to all NEW Learn to Skate USA registrants. Most LTS programs now require the skaters to register themselves online with LTS USA. It used to be that the rinks collected the fee and did the data entry, but now skaters have to register themselves.
The rink collected the fee, they just never gave us the booklet. Did not tell us to sign up online.
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The rink collected the fee, they just never gave us the booklet. Did not tell us to sign up online.
Double-check with the LTS director. That management group of rinks is usually ahead of the curve with changes. While the Cary LTS website says that they're collecting the fee, it also shows a 2015 expiration date, so I think the page is out of date. Their brochure/flyer for this session says that they're NOT collecting the annual membership fee. Color us both confused and ask the LTS Director. If you do need to register, do it for next season (July 2017-June 2018) as a new member.
I suspect someone "in the know" is monitoring this thread because I just received an email saying that programs/clubs can request extra progress booklets by emailing LTS USA HQ. They're still raising the rate to $16/year for new and renewing members, but renewals don't receive a progress book. A hockey friend from back home says none of the USA Hockey programs she knows about are having players register. It's only group lesson skaters and figure skaters who want to compete below Pre-Preliminary.
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There's a rink in my area that's still teaching the old-style Basic Skills (8 levels) but advertises its program with LTS USA badging. There's something wrong with that.
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OK, I was able to renew by using Chrome instead of Safari, so I think the problem was on my end. There was only a $0.25 fee, so I'm guessing that's the cost of mailing me a new card rather than the cost of mailing me the full packet.
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There's a rink in my area that's still teaching the old-style Basic Skills (8 levels) but advertises its program with LTS USA badging. There's something wrong with that.
Several parents have said that Pre-Freeskate should be scheduled as two levels. The name is fine, but they feel there are too many difficult skills for their kids to pass in one LTS session. (8 weeks) They'd rather see an "A" and a "B" level so the skater can see progress rather than being in the same level for 2-3 sessions and feeling like they failed a class. In fairness, these are LTS kids who may or may not be practicing regularly. (I don't take attendance and I don't live at the rink.)
LTS USA just sent out a notice saying that all programs must include (on their website) the new logo and a statement that this is the only LTS program recognized by US Figure Skating, USA Hockey and USA Speedskating.
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I've gotten a few emails from TPTB saying that their online system requires the Chrome browser because it doesn't work with Safari.
On the computer, I had trouble with renewing my instructor membership using Firefox. The first gaffe was mine (put in the wrong exp dt,) which required my logging out and back in before the red renew bar appeared again. After that, I was able to type the correct credit card information (always a challenge) and it seemed to work, but didn't update my membership expiration date -and- there were no courses to select on the online training portal. I gave it a day and TPTB corrected the error and added the exam to my account, so I'm squared away for this season.
TIP: For instructors who coach beyond LTS USA levels -- complete the USFSA coaches registration and background check BEFORE you do anything on LTS USA. If you request the background check on LTS USA first, the USFSA coaches registration portal won't pick up the background check. I don't understand why they felt the need to build a standalone system without requiring a real-time interface to the legacy system of record.
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LTS USA just announced that the landed Axel is no longer required in order to pass Freeskate 6. They said it's effective for the 2017-18 season (which starts in 14 days.) I think we can assume that competitions who have already published their announcements won't need to revise the elements.
In September 2017, hey're introducing an Axel Class with its own badge. Cute idea.