This came up from comments on a recent Xanboni (http://xan-boni.blogspot.com/2011/05/what-is-that-coach-talking-about.html) blog post. Someone asked about whether it's appropriate to ask group lesson coaches about skating-related but not skating-instruction topics e.g. testing apparel, scheduling etc. Makes me wonder what are the most common questions skaters / parents ask before the first competition or test session. Everyone was new at some point and the same questions were raised over and over again.
Our rink wiki tries to resolve some mysteries for new skaters / parents, but major contributors (myself included) are lacking real testing and competition experiences at the moment. It would be awesome to get a list of common questions about testing / competing and put together a FAQ by finding out local answers about them. (hopefully soliciting more contributors from the rink in the process)
Coaches, what are the top questions asked? Skaters, what questions bothered you the most before that very first competition or test? Were there big "AHA" moments or "I wish I knew THAT before hand" thoughts?
Thank you for sharing!
Who's gonna hold my purse?
Quote from: AgnesNitt on May 15, 2011, 10:03:05 PM
Who's gonna hold my purse?
You get a +GOE for that, lol.
The initial questions are mostly clothing-related:
. What to wear?
. Where to borrow/buy the outfit?
. What kind of tights?
For the group instructors, we usually get questions about buying skates. I usually offer to go with them to the pro shop.
Their buying good, well-fitting skates makes my job easier.
They need to know to show up early, and what to do on the warmup (both off and on ice). Bring two copies of the music, and have the spare rinkside with the coach. My first coach had a checklist prepared for us of what to bring. Rehearse going on and coming off, on both ends of the rink if it's a compulsory. If it's a test, go over when to go over to the judges, and when you can come back to consult with your coach.
Explain about what happens if you get a reskate on an element. Coaches generally explain what happens in a test, but may forget to mention what happens when one of the exercises needs to be reskated for the judges. And make sure it's explained as a positive and not a negative thing that happens. Judges only give you a reskate when they believe you're capable of passing.
You guys are awesome! I tried to dig into the old archives as well but there were just too many posts. If you remember any old posts on testing / competition FAQ please kindly let me know, thank you!!! :)
If we focus on information specific to our area:
Which clubs have the most test sessions?
Which clubs have test sessions/competitions for less popular disciplines?
Do certain clubs tend to have higher standards?
Can I save money on testing by joining a certain club?
Which test sessions are likely to be full?
There doesn't even seem to be a centralized list of upcoming test sessions. The USFS website's list is far from complete.
Nick - in our area, the judges tend to be "shared" and so only the super-far north west (not really suburban) club has the reputation for having "easier" judges. FWIW, a couple years ago there was a break down of percentages of passes by state by test and IL was the lowest passing percentages.
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 88) 88) 88)
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 ...
The choreography sub-thread has been pulled and put here (http://skatingforums.com/index.php/topic,1738.msg16182.html).
Make sure you bring a snack...not a sugary icky one but a carb/protein snack that will sustain you. And water to drink (no red juice/punch that could spill onto your outfit). Some rinks may have snack bars or vending machines but you can't count on that (happened to me once).
Bring extra safety pins.
Don't go overboard on the glitter. Or perfume...Please!
Don't keep the door to the locker room OPEN, there are others CHANGING!
Keep track of the schedule, sometimes they are ahead or behind. Get ready early just in case they run ahead of schedule. At ISI competitions, is is sometimes common for certain classes to run ahead of schedule, while others run late. Ask the monitor where they are when you arrive, and every 30 minutes or so. Be prepared!
When you are done skating, be sure to make time to watch some of the skaters. And congratulate them when they come off the ice on how well they skated. It shows good sportsmanship.
Although your routine is about YOU, the competition is about EVERYONE! So be courteous to everyone. The volunteers work very hard to make it a success, your coach has worked hard to get you there, your parents (or whomever pays for your coaching, ice time etc) has worked hard to drive you around, etc. Do you best, smile, and have FUN!
Thank you RinkGuard!
Dresses: I was told USFS moves test judges prefer more conservative dresses, but pants are not acceptable for ladies. ISI is allegedly OK with pants?
Music: for starters, coaches often can cut the skating music, just let him or her know the kind of music the skater likes - REALLY likes, because it gets played over, and over, and over for the season. Respect the coach's opinion on skateability of the music, not all songs are created equal in the world of figure skating. It's OK to ask if the coach has ready-cut music that the skater can choose from.
You can wear pants in USFS
Looking back these may have been silly questions, but they were really pressing on me for dd's first comp...
*Over the boot or in the boot tights? I know it's lame but I was really panicked. Luckily our coach is super patient.
*How do I get her hair in a bun that will STAY in a bun?
*Make sure to label music correctly.
*Put a post it on your steering wheel saying "Did you pick up the music?" - I am notorious for leaving it behind and then being mildly surprised when someone else is using that cut.
*Bring MONEY! I was unaware that videos were so much money and then there are photos...print out a generic copyright release (when you buy a CD of photos and then get them printed, some photo places will ask for a release and most venders don't have one). For her first I spent almost 100 on those two things alone. I now buy video once a season and photo's once a season - I take my own but theirs are always nicer. You will also want money for flowers (usually a club fundraiser) and some comps have people selling used and new dresses.
*Cheer for all the skaters. Dd was pretty much alone at one comp - I was the only person who came to cheer her own. A large family in front of me said "Hey I like that skater!" When dd started they all gave her loud cheers. Super sweet. It meant a lot to both of us.
*Ask your family and friends to SIT and talk in low voices when other skaters are up. Some routines are 90 seconds, it's just polite to wait until they are done.
*Pack an emergency kit - extra tights were mentioned but you also want bandaids, a sewing kit, chapstick, extra laces...
*Leave your skates on until after results are posted! Dd was always wanting to change as soon as she finished her program, but that meant if we had still photos done she had to get them back on, and pics of kids waiting for results in skates are cute.
*THANK YOUR COACH! (Do most people give a little gift? I am still unsure about that...) I was oblivious that dd's coach had to rearrange her work schedule/private lessons/classes to be at a comp. And for ISI at least, she would have to stay later/go in earlier to judge.
*save the "luggage tags" you get in your goodie bag. We had no idea why we would save them until a couple comps later when we noticed girls put them on their bags. Sort of like badges I guess...c'est la vie!
*make sure your skaters undies don't show out of their costume! In dd's dresses they never showed so I never thought about it. Just before going out in a new dress her coach noticed and dd had to skate with a wedgie. I'm sure it doesn't REALLY matter, but while dd has no problem in a skate dress, she does find showing undies embarrassing.
* put the emphasis on FUN. For the love please don't yell at your skater before or after a competition. If you cannot contain yourself, do it off rink property. You are probably scaring someone else's child as well as you own.
*if you smoke, do it away from the front doors.
My first USFS competition is next weekend.
Here's my question: What the hell was I thinking???
:o :o :o
Quote from: hopskipjump on June 01, 2011, 06:01:02 PM
*Make sure to label music correctly.
Haha sounds so simple yet how do you do it?
Type of competition, name of skater, and what else?
Name, Event, length
I check the rules every time:
clearly marked:
skater's name
event
pro's name
length of music
Thank you hopskipjump.
Cross posting for reference: (http://skatingforums.com/index.php/topic,1805.0.html) information on USFS no-test (up to lutz jump only) competitions and 6.0 ordinal system example
More observations:
1) Look up and SMILE confidently. It makes so much difference!
2) Practice the opening pose until you can comfortably hold it for 30+ seconds in case of technical glitch.
3) Beware of the standard "out there". We have a recreational program where majority of the skaters do NOT compete. And the difference between polished IJS-friendly program vs. last-minute "crossover to cover the whole rink and jump" program is super clear, even though skaters were at comparable technical level.
Quote from: jjane45 on September 24, 2011, 08:33:09 PM
More observations:
1) Look up and SMILE confidently. It makes so much difference!
2) Practice the opening pose until you can comfortably hold it for 30+ seconds in case of technical glitch.
Saw both of those in action last night. So many music glitches and the judges took a good 4-5 minutes to be ready between each program. I have no idea how long I had to hold mine for, but it seemed forever.
- Bring your hairspray. Just in case. Case in point: Aussie Skate Free Skate 2 competitor (me) supplies hairspray to frantic Novice competitor (multiple representative at Nationals)...
- BRING TISSUES. :-[
- Bring bandaids. One girl last night bent down to wipe the ice off her blades with her fingers, and slipped. blood everywhere.
- bring your own small mirror
- practice hair and make up in advance and make sure coach approves (mine sent me a strict text message telling me not too much glitter!)
- Ditto on making sure your undies don't show through your dress
- Bounce around in your dress a few times at home to make sure the decorations don't fall off
- Run through program and/or test wearing the dress (or outfit) to make sure the weird feeling doesn't put you off, espeically if you normally wear casual clothes to skate in
- Practice coming onto the ice and leaving the ice
- find out what to do if there is a technical glitch, eg, not stepping off the ice, when to go to the judges
- for little kids, make sure you can undress and redress them quickly in case of emergency bathroom breaks
- SMILE!
There are other reasons to bounce around in your costume other than decorations possibly falling off... :blush:
It's not just little kids who need to be able to undress and redress quickly. Nerves do strange things and generally kick in 5min after the dress has gone on.
Quote from: fsk8r on September 26, 2011, 04:12:09 AM
It's not just little kids who need to be able to undress and redress quickly. Nerves do strange things and generally kick in 5min after the dress has gone on.
...or 2 minutes before you're called to the ice!!
Ok fair point lol!
- find out what to wear over your dress/costume, and when to take it off (before/during/after warm up)
That depends on the rink what you wear before/during warm up... some rinks are quite cold and you might want zip/snap off pants to keep from freezing.
Some answers/advice:
-I can't say this enough..make sure you have back up copies of your music.
-When you have back to back numbers..like I did one year with costume changes...make sure to have a mom or skater help you with the quick changes...if possible have this all worked out before the competition
-If there's a flash flood warning in your area the night before the comp...NEVER have your skates/dress in the car. Made that mistake and was very fortunate to still compete the next day
-Bring a backup costume just in case of wardrobe malfunctions
-Have fun, focus on skating YOUR best...you can't control the judges or other competitiors
-Try to make friends with skaters from other clubs..support eachother
More advice...
Set a meeting point for you and your coach so you're not wandering around missing each other.
Bring extra tights and an extra set of laces
If possible beforehand get a layout of the rink to figure out where to start your program and practice it presenting to the judges. (you may have to "reverse" your program)
Sounds lame but practice your bowing or curtsy-ing
Go over with your coach what to do if there's a wardrobe/equipment malfunction during your program
Get to the rink at least an hour ahead of your event. If your coach is already there ask him or her to call you if they are running late or early.
First USFS test in 10 days and I'm nervous. Lots of great information in this thread!
Quote from: fsk8r on May 16, 2011, 06:55:33 AM
Explain about what happens if you get a reskate on an element.
For USFS skaters: are there reskates in MITF and dance? If so, how does it work?
Quote from: techskater on May 19, 2011, 09:36:41 PM
FWIW, a couple years ago there was a break down of percentages of passes by state by test and IL was the lowest passing percentages.
Made me much more nervous...
Quote from: jjane45 on July 11, 2012, 11:14:18 AM
First USFS test in 10 days and I'm nervous. Lots of great information in this thread!
Good luck! And as my coach said, go out there and enjoy it!
I've never taken a dance test, so I don't know, but you can get a reskate in MITF.
If you get one, they will tell you the element you need to reskate- and you have to do the entire pattern. Most judges will tell you WHY you are getting it (you were toe pushing, need more power), but not all.
You can take a few seconds to go talk to your coach before you start. Take a deep breathe, and get a drink of water. I had to reskate on my PB test, I didn't do the entire figure eight pattern for forward crossovers, did 3 circles not 4. The judge just said "oh, you were probably nervous- make sure to skate the whole pattern this time."
I've found even the "mean" judges are nice on the first tests. They want you to do well. If they ask you to start a move somewhere you aren't used to, ask them for your "usual" spot- they can only say no, and many will say yes. My PB was double paneled, and they asked me to do the 3-turn pattern (again, another move not there anymore) starting on the foot I don't usually do. My coach told me to NOT do it that way, so I asked if instead of starting on the opposite side of the rink from the other skater, could I follow behind him- there was no problem.
Also- if the rink is really really cold there is no reason to not wear a jacket during moves. I've had a session where judges actually asked that skaters keep them on, even for freeskate...
I bring extras of EVERYTHING, just so I can't worry. A second dress, extra tights, extra laces, blister pads, safety pins, bobby pins- etc. I've never needed any of it. If you are prone to tummy troubles, throw in a bit of medicine. I have needed that.
Quote from: Skittl1321 on July 11, 2012, 11:54:57 AM
I've never taken a dance test, so I don't know, but you can get a reskate in MITF.
If you get one, they will tell you the element you need to reskate- and you have to do the entire pattern. Most judges will tell you WHY you are getting it (you were toe pushing, need more power), but not all.
You do not have to do the entire pattern for a MITF reskate. Per TR 23.01 A - "After a moves in the field test, only one element may be reskated. The reskate may consist of the entire element or a portion of the element."
I put my foot down on the double back inside three turns on Intermediate (the 2nd half of the pattern). At the end, I was asked to reskate and was given the choice of the entire pattern or just the insides. I started with my end pattern to get speed and then performed the double 3s and passed. I was taught that a reskate is good - it means the judges think you have a chance to pass and they want to pass you!
Thanks for the correction. I've never seen a partial element.
I agree- a reskate is not a bad thing. If you aren't going to pass regardless, they won't give you one.
Quote from: jjane45 on July 11, 2012, 11:14:18 AM
First USFS test in 10 days and I'm nervous. Lots of great information in this thread!
For USFS skaters: are there reskates in MITF and dance? If so, how does it work?
Good luck on your tests!! You'll do great ;) What tests are you taking? As Caraskates had said, if the judges ask you to reskate anything, it is because they want to pass you!! Just some encouraging words, at the last test I took one of the judges said to me how awesome she thought it was that I, as an adult, was skating and taking tests. She said she and the other two judges had the easy job of watching :) They were really nice and it made me feel really relaxed. Actually I think I skated that test better than any other test or competition I've ever skated in my life!!
I'm testing the three preliminary dances and pre bronze moves. Good to hear the moves have reskates, what about ice dance?
I'm worried about forgetting or messing up a dance step under pressure. Would that be an automatic fail assuming the rest is ok? Or is reskate a possibility?
My competition/test tips:
— Bring a blanket to sit on, wrap around your legs, etc. I usually forget.
— Bring two pairs of tights and two hair ties.
— Don't bring small items such as lipstick with you when you go with your coach to wait for your warmup. My poor coach always got stuck holding my lipstick, and last time the warmup began earlier than expected and I just shoved it in my jacket pocket...where I forgot about it, until I pulled it out of the washing machine two days later.
— If you drink coffee before an early morning test/event, put something else in your stomach with it. I've skated a couple of times on just coffee, and that combined with nerves made me visibly jittery.
— Don't get super excited about your placement in front of other skaters. This one goes for coaches/parents too. I came in last (third) in an event once and another coach said to her student, in front of me, "Look who didn't skate for a month and still got second!" A perfectly reasonable comment but after I'd practiced really hard for weeks, it was a slap in the face.
— Don't take your placement too seriously. Easier said than done, but they really do seem arbitrary sometimes. Almost every skater I know has finished both first and last in competition.
— Take off your skates if you have more than 30 minutes in between events, and change into warm clothes if you have more than maybe an hour.
— Plan to arrive at least an hour early. If you think you might run into traffic on the way, plan on an hour and a half.
Some common questions in my area:
— What is the difference between ISI and USFS? (We have comps for both in our area and this comes up a lot.)
— Do I have to put a lot of makeup on my daughter? She's only four/eight/ten.
— What should I do with her hair?
— Where can I buy a dress?
— Does over-the-boot v.s. footed tights matter?
Dance tests do allow reskates:
QuoteTR 47.00 Reskating a Pattern Dance Test
TR 47.01 The judge-in-charge or a majority of the panel may require candidates to
reskate any dance for which they have just been judged with the same or another
partner after a suitable rest period. The judge-in-charge may appoint a new partner
without regard to test or eligibility status but subject to the provisions of TR 7.04.
The reskate must be skated in the same session at which the test was given. See
also TR 47.03. If the test in question is a solo pattern dance track test, the judgein-
charge or a majority of the panel may ask for a reskate of the solo pattern dance
track test.
TR 47.02 If a candidate is required to reskate a dance, either with the same or
another partner (see TR 47.01) or on the required solo or on a solo pattern dance
track test, the judge-in-charge will:
A. Decide whether one or two sequences of the dance will be performed;
B. Indicate the location of the start of the reskate;
C. Determine the appropriate period of rest; and
D. Inform the skater of these details.
This make me wonder if that means the judge could say of two skaters testing together "skate this with your coach" for the reskate...
Quote from: jjane45 on July 11, 2012, 12:45:37 PM
I'm testing the three preliminary dances and pre bronze moves.
I'm taking these exact same tests in August! I've got a lot of questions about testing for the first time as well, so thanks for bumping this thread!
I've seen partnered dance tests where a mistake was made and the coach-partner just continued and took the tester through an extra pattern so the judges would see two correct ones. The test passed. I don't know how common that practice is, since it's not happened to me.
Quote from: Clarice on July 11, 2012, 01:59:53 PM
I've seen partnered dance tests where a mistake was made and the coach-partner just continued and took the tester through an extra pattern so the judges would see two correct ones. The test passed. I don't know how common that practice is, since it's not happened to me.
This can happen, especially on the first levels.
The judges can ask for a reskate of a dance if they think that maybe if you just didn't put your foot down the dance would have passed. Usually they will only ask for one pattern. I have RARELY seen this happen.
The judges can also ask the skater to skate with a different partner if they think that whatever the "problem" is had more to do with a problem with the partner than the skater (tester) themselves. I have only seen this happen rarely (very rarely).
The judges really don't want to put any more stress on the skater than they already are under so if it is perceived that changing partners would be too stressful or if there are no other suitable partners then maybe the test will still pass but a comment may be made about finding a more suitable practice partner.
Every circumstance is different and every effort is made to try to give the skater optimal opportunity to pass.
Quote from: Clarice on July 11, 2012, 01:59:53 PM
I've seen partnered dance tests where a mistake was made and the coach-partner just continued and took the tester through an extra pattern so the judges would see two correct ones. The test passed. I don't know how common that practice is, since it's not happened to me.
When I took the Foxtrot (I think) my partner and I (me) messed up the end of the pattern so he said to just keep going, we didn't know if we has to do 2 or 3 patterns. I head judge, as we were going by, said to keep going. I ended up passing.
There was one dance test session my daughter skated that had quite a few reskates on dance tests. A lot of them were at the Silver level where you first start having to do a solo in addition to partnering. A certain coach's skaters were not doing the right number of patterns Solo - 3 - on the Rocker Foxtrot solo because the other two dances - Tango and American Waltz only needed 2 patterns. The judges were kind enough to let the skaters skate one more pattern.
Will we ever have tests ever again? <-- this seems to be the theme at my rink at the moment *sigh* On the grapevine, SOMETHING is apparently going on, something dodgy, but what that something is, I have no idea! It isn't affectng me right now as I am a loooooong way off my next tests, but it annoys my coach who has kids in for tests, and the parents who understandably don't want to cart their kids halfway across the country (UK, not USA lol) just for a skating test, and the kids who are waiting to test. And probably the kids they compete against who are thinking everyone at my rink is sandbagging!
My friend crashed into the barrier on her dance test :( She carried on with the dance and the second dance (two dances to each test, you have to pass both) but was obviously nervous and shaken by the crash. She failed but I was soooooooo proud of her for carrying on! I would've probably gone off the ice in tears! So whatever happens, carry on. Even if you know you've failed, carry on and enjoy having the ice to yourself.
What to do while the judges deliberate... I asked my coach this on the morning of my test and she said to come back to her, which I did. Then the judges called me over and asked me to reskate an element, which I did and then I loitered (out of earshot though) by them, which made my coach and another coach laugh at me. I didn't care cause i passed though :P
Another positive about judges - when my music failed at my first competition, the judges called me over and were very very nice, assured me that they are people too! Just people who loved to sit in freezing temperatures to watch people skate!
Reskates - I got offered a practice of the element I had to reskate but I didn't take it as I thought i'd be good in the practice and then mess it up when I had to do it for real cause i'd be more tired! The kid who went on after me was firmly told to take the chance of a practice if she got a reskate lol! So maybe ask your coach what to do in this case, as I didn't even know a practice would be offered! The judges did tell me what was wrong the first time and what they were looking for to bring it to a pass.
Some more silly questions:
Who decides what music to use for compulsory dance tests? Coach? Judge? (actually who is responsible for bringing compulsory music CD? Skater's team or test organizer?)
Does USFS have any rules against taping a test session or does it just depend on the rink/club?
Will the judges deduct "impression points" for OTB tights with small holes that are mended but still show a little bit if up close? (going to put bandaids underneath too lol)
Quote from: jjane45 on July 12, 2012, 09:51:03 AM
Some more silly questions:
Who decides what music to use for compulsory dance tests? Coach? Judge? (actually who is responsible for bringing compulsory music CD? Skater's team or test organizer?)
The test organizers should have music available for compulsory dances, but I always bring my own CD as well, just in case. I've always been able to specify which music I was going to use, but I've only tested locally.
Does USFS have any rules against taping a test session or does it just depend on the rink/club?
As far as I know, there's no problem with taping a test - there are certainly enough videos on YouTube! I wouldn't tape somebody else's test without their permission, though.
Will the judges deduct "impression points" for OTB tights with small holes that are mended but still show a little bit if up close? (going to put bandaids underneath too lol)
You are not judged on what you are wearing. The marks are for technique and timing/expression.
Quote from: jjane45 on July 12, 2012, 09:51:03 AMWho decides what music to use for compulsory dance tests? Coach? Judge? (actually who is responsible for bringing compulsory music CD? Skater's team or test organizer?)
USFSA has standard music for the tests.. you can buy it on a disc from them, I think it's about $20. As far as who is responsible for bringing it, I have no idea.. I would assume your coach would gladly supply it.
Learned this today: for USFS moves test, the tester is expected to memorize the order of patterns. It's also nice to end up the previous pattern near the starting position of the upcoming pattern.
For early tests, the judges will tell you if you don't know them. And you can skate to the beginning of the next move regardless of where you end the last one.
Quote from: jjane45 on July 13, 2012, 10:48:04 PMIt's also nice to end up the previous pattern near the starting position of the upcoming pattern.
My coach told me that this isn't necessary, and not to worry about it, but that once you finish a move, just move to the start of the next one, STOP, and wait to make eye contact with all the judges before continuing... she said that the thing a lot of people get dinged on with their first few tests is not stopping fully between each move, and skating before the judges are ready.
Remembering the order of the tests has been my biggest struggle. I know the order of the first three moves for pre-bronze and bronze, after that I have no clue... thankfully I have 4 weeks to work on it.. I've ONLY been working on the moves in order to help myself remember, which one would think helps, but I've been practicing them out of order for so long that I still don't know what comes after what. My coach said if we have to get a sharpie and write the order out on my hand for the test session, that it's okay :)
Quote from: sarahspins on July 13, 2012, 11:24:38 PMMy coach said if we have to get a sharpie and write the order out on my hand for the test session, that it's okay :)
I was so thinking about a cheat sheet, too!
Quote from: sarahspins on July 13, 2012, 11:24:38 PM
she said that the thing a lot of people get dinged on with their first few tests is not stopping fully between each move, and skating before the judges are ready.
This is a great tip, thank you!
Quote from: sarahspins on July 12, 2012, 02:48:51 PM
USFSA has standard music for the tests.. you can buy it on a disc from them, I think it's about $20. As far as who is responsible for bringing it, I have no idea.. I would assume your coach would gladly supply it.
The test chair supplies the music. I always used the one from USFS. Although when my DD tested dance at other rinks, I heard some other music. The good news for dancers is that you should get to hear at least one minute of your dance music during the warm-up.
Quote from: skaterina79 on July 11, 2012, 12:18:09 PM
Good luck on your tests!! You'll do great ;) What tests are you taking? As Caraskates had said, if the judges ask you to reskate anything, it is because they want to pass you!! Just some encouraging words, at the last test I took one of the judges said to me how awesome she thought it was that I, as an adult, was skating and taking tests. She said she and the other two judges had the easy job of watching :) They were really nice and it made me feel really relaxed. Actually I think I skated that test better than any other test or competition I've ever skated in my life!!
Yes, from talking with many judges (when I was the test chair), the judges don't give you a reskate unless you are very close.
My coach always tells her skaters to do the practice before the reskate. If nothing else, you can get a drink of water and catch your breath. So I would consult with your coach before reskating an element. Just let the judges know you are ready before you reskate - to make sure they see you.
If you don't pass, you can request to talk to the judges through the test chair. Almost all of them would be happy to speak to you. Sometimes the writing can be hard to read and it's good to get clarification. My DD did that once when she didn't pass a dance test. She politely asked about some of the comments on the form. The judge was very encouraging to her and she got some good tips that helped her pass the next time.
Remember the judges are volunteers and always appreciate a thank you at the end of your test.
After practicing for months with nice finishing presenting glides after each element was finished, in my test I just skated from one to the next. In the UK (at the rinks Iv'e skated at anyway), you only stop long enough to show you've stopped, you don't have to wait a length of time or for a signal from the judges). I think it might be so they can see you can get power up in jsut a few pushes.
I think they only get you to do the reskate if they think your mark in the reskate will bring you up to the total pass mark. I didn't hit the pass mark on my crossovers or my landing positions the first time round. They told me I needed more extension on my landing positions (and spirals), and asked me to reskate them, which I then passed. I still hadn't passed the crossovers, but my mark on the edges was high enough that it didn't amtter, I still passed over all.
Good judges should be happy to give feedback. There's no point saying someone is failing without telling them why.
Quote from: PinkLaces on July 11, 2012, 10:23:03 PM
There was one dance test session my daughter skated that had quite a few reskates on dance tests. A lot of them were at the Silver level where you first start having to do a solo in addition to partnering. A certain coach's skaters were not doing the right number of patterns Solo - 3 - on the Rocker Foxtrot solo because the other two dances - Tango and American Waltz only needed 2 patterns. The judges were kind enough to let the skaters skate one more pattern.
This is odd because there are only two patterns required on the solo for the Rocker Foxtrot...
Quote from: icedancer2 on July 24, 2012, 06:15:01 PM
This is odd because there are only two patterns required on the solo for the Rocker Foxtrot...
I think PinkLaces may be a non-US skater.
Quote from: AgnesNitt on July 24, 2012, 06:28:49 PM
I think PinkLaces may be a non-US skater.
OOOOOHHHHHHHH. Thanks (duh!) ;)
Where do judges sit in general? For the free skate program, should I present to the audience side (bleachers) or the judges side (likely the hockey box)?
I only skated shows / exhibitions so far and always presented to the audience, did not occur to me that judges may sit in the opposite direction lol.
I guess it's probably not life or death important, during dance tests we presented to the audience side because we had to start from the other end of the rink. Oh well :)
Skaters in my area are told to always present to the judges for a competition or a test. After you present to the judges, it's ok to glance at audience and acknowledge them as well for a competition. I wouldn't acknowledge anyone in audience for a test - that's a more formal situation.
And skaters in my area always bow to the judges first at end of their FS at a competition. Audience is always secondary. You are skating for the judges in a competition or test. In a show or exhibition, you are skating for the audience.
In competitions and tests, everyone I know orients the program with the judges as the "front", and bows to the judges first.
Cross-posted for future reference:
Quote from: twokidsskatemom on August 09, 2012, 02:49:19 PM
Word of warning, make sure after three weeks your test is registered with USFSA. The one Drew took with one of your clubs down there isn't and I cant register him for regionals until I get it taken care of.
It was fairly straightforward for new members to request login credentials on USFS website. I logged in and my test from July 22 was not reflected as of today (2 days from 3 weeks). Many thanks to twokidsskatemom for the nice tip.
Thanks Live2Sk8 and turnip. I'll hopefully end the program facing the hockey box :)
Where do judges usually sit? I guess if the direction is unexpected, one could alway flip the program?
Quote from: jjane45 on August 10, 2012, 03:27:00 PM
I guess if the direction is unexpected, one could alway flip the program?
Yes, and in fact practicing it this way is good if you plan on performing it at an unfamiliar rink because you'll already be more accustomed to figuring out where on the ice you need to be rather than looking for landmarks around the rink.
Every rink is different in where the judges sit. Sometimes it is on the same side as the audience and sometimes it is on the opposite side. So yes, I always practice my programs in both directions if I have a competition coming up and don't know the rink layout. It is amazing how disoriented one can get when changing the program direction! And I truly didn't think I was relying on any rink landmarks. It doesn't help when you have multiple programs but only know a few jumps and spins, so the programs all have similar elements but in a different order and placement on the ice surface. Keying elements to phrases in the music helps, too, so you're not thinking 'do the salchow at this place on the ice' - instead you're thinking 'do the salchow when you hear these notes in music'.
Quote from: Live2Sk8 on August 10, 2012, 09:55:28 PM
Every rink is different in where the judges sit. Sometimes it is on the same side as the audience and sometimes it is on the opposite side. So yes, I always practice my programs in both directions if I have a competition coming up and don't know the rink layout. It is amazing how disoriented one can get when changing the program direction!
I have done my program in so many different rinks at this point that I'm liable to get disoriented even in my home rink. I finally had think about it and realize that after starting in the center, I then go to the left back corner. Before I had just relied on what felt right. Now I just remember which direction to go in initially, and I'm fine after that.
It doesn't help that my rink is also not a full-length rink, so I also have to figure out how to stretch it out. I think this creates more issues for the skaters used to longer rinks who come and compete or test in ours.
What amount of practice / lesson is recommended the day before a test and on the test day? I know the decision depends on individual skater, just curious what are the general dos and don'ts? :)
My test is Saturday morning, the last lesson leading into it is Wednesday (or Friday night but I thought it's late). It seems a very long break in between and I could practice Friday early morning, Friday late night, or Saturday early morning for like an easy half hour, not to wear myself out. Friday night is probably the best as long as the test is not in the early morning... :)
I think I would go to that early morning Saturday session just to get your feet on the ice that day.
Other than that it may be okay to go late Friday night but not TOO late as you may not sleep well that night and then that will just make you more nervous (it would me).
Otherwise going just a few days before that will probably be fine. It is always a little tricky to know how much to skate RIGHT before a test.
Good luck and have fun!
Quote from: PinkLaces on July 11, 2012, 10:23:03 PMA certain coach's skaters were not doing the right number of patterns Solo - 3 - on the Rocker Foxtrot solo because the other two dances - Tango and American Waltz only needed 2 patterns. The judges were kind enough to let the skaters skate one more pattern.
Something of this sort happened on the test session I just attended. I vaguely heard it was about the number of patterns on her European or Foxtrot. Must be really frustrating!
Quote from: turnip on July 12, 2012, 08:42:02 AM
What to do while the judges deliberate...
The norm seems to be standing about 3 feet away from the boards waiting. There was a coach who called her skater to back up, that the skater stood too close to the judges. The skater backed up by a foot. Coach yelled "2 back swizzles!" The skater did 2 back swizzles that covered maybe 6 inches. It was a double paneled intermediate moves test, and the other skater just stood by the boards and watching the judges. Hilarious :P
Quote from: jjane45 on August 19, 2012, 08:47:09 PM
Something of this sort happened on the test session I just attended. I vaguely heard it was about the number of patterns on her European or Foxtrot. Must be really frustrating!
Both the European and the Rocker only have two patterns for the solo and I didn't understand this comment the first time. Three patterns is a lot to solo for any dance - but now going to look up the rule for testing Solo Dance vs testing Standard with partner...