Has anyone had a chance to review the Governing Council Book for the meeting taking place this weekend?
Lots of interesting proposals.
These were already approved:
https://www.usfsaonline.org/Members/viewPDF.asp?id=147
(Members only link - sign in to gain access.)
Lower the Introductory Member cost from $75 per member to $25 for the first family member and $20 for the second. One copy of Skating magazine per address. Very ISI-like, IMO.
Skating clubs have to declare a "home rink" and other clubs have to get their permission to conduct activities at that rink. Clubs can still list secondary rinks.
There is some proposed change to the coaching requirements, but I think it's just to clarify the existing process/rules. There is a late fee for dawdlers though, that might be new. Correct me if I'm wrong.
The Adult Skating wbp requirements have been changed. There were some revisions to the original proposal.
Adult Silver now includes a maximum of two jump combs and two spins.
They also upped the crossovers from std fs tests passed to adult track. Where pre-bronze was the crossover from pre-prelim, its now bronze. Prelim=Silver, pre-Juv=Gold. There's a note that Juv FS satisfies all Adult track MIF testing, and the Gold test is optional. Very interesting.
QuoteFor intermediate, juvenile and all adult free dance events, the music may be vocal and must have an audible rhythmic beat and melody, or audible rhythmic beat alone, but not melody alone. The music may, however, be without an audible rhythmic beat for the beginning 10 seconds of the program. (Balance of rule remains unchanged.)
Adult synchro events need to have seven elements instead of nine. The block or circle step sequence are combined as one element. They took out the MIF or Spin elements. (That was my fave, too bad.)
Additionally, the Moves in Isolation has been made part of the "creative elements" that includes those skills. I don't quite get that, but its been approved.
Te ethics committee added bullying and hazing to the list of harassing behaviors that will not be tolerated.
The Competitions Committee mentioned a term I hadn't heard before: the "Paper Coach."
Quote
The Return of the "Paper Coach"
After much debate last term, the Coaches Committee sent out another survey regarding registered coaches who do not have any personal skating experience or history, which we have termed 'paper coaches'. Coaches registration, including CERs, has become the primary pre-requisite for competitive coaching but does not include any record of skating experience.
Just to summarize, there currently is no experience-based pre-requisite for coaches registration. A coach must simply pass the CERs and complete the coaches registration process to become certified. As long as the paperwork is in order, they can take on clients, receive payment, and put on skaters at competitions and test sessions as a 'paper coach'.
The survey asks whether U.S. Figure Skating and PSA should establish an experience-based pre-requisite for coaching. Using the PSA Ratings system proved to be too narrow and contentious based on last year's results.
This year's survey will break down the definition between a Skating Professional Aid (no skating history) vs. a Skating Instructor (having passed a skating proficiency level of some type). The survey gives an open ended level of proficiency in the free skate tests so that the survey user can determine the test level to qualify as a Skating Instructor (or an equivalency if from a foreign federation).
The overwhelming response, approximately 80%, are in favor of an experience-based pre-requisite for coaching. A separate task force has been assembled to provide a recommendation and future proposal to the Governing Council.
That's going to be interesting - keep an eye out for the survey!
QuoteAdult Silver now includes a maximum of two jump combs and two spins.
Is the second comb in addition to the existing requirements? There are 3 single jumps, 1 combo and 1 sequence on the current requirements.
The GC document says:
Quote
ADULT SILVER WELL-BALANCED FREE SKATE 2:10 maximum time
Must contain the following elements in any order
JUMPS Maximum of five jump elements • May include an Axel jump • Jumps may be repeated only once and only in combination and/or sequence • There must be at least one, but no more than three two, jump combinations or jump sequences • One jump combination/sequence may consist of three jumps, and the other twomay have only two jumps. • Additional jump sequences which contain non-listed jumps of not more than one revolution (i.e. mazurkas, half-loops, etc.) performed as part of connecting footwork preceding single jumps are permitted • Only single jumps and Axels are allowed • No double or triple jumps are permitted
SPINS Maximum of three two spins of a different character spins • A spin with a change of foot must have a minimum of three revolutions on each foot. All other spins without a change of foot must have a minimum of three revolutions. • There must be a minimum of two revolutions in each position, or the position will not be counted. • The skaters have freedom to select the kinds of spins they intend to execute within the spin types allowed.
STEP OR SPIRAL SEQUENCE REMARKS Maximum of one element chosen from: • One step sequence utilizing at least one-half of the ice surface OR • One spiral sequence (any pattern) utilizing at least one-half of the ice surface Notes: • Jumps may be included in the step sequence • Additional moves in the field, spiral sequences and step sequences are permitted but will not be counted as elements; instead they will be counted as transitions and marked as such • Unless otherwise stated, all elements must meet the general criteria and basic requirements in order to be counted (see rule section 4100)
Note that these are the well-balance rules for competition programs. I didn't see anything about changes to the tests yet. The GC meetings are not yet over.
Quote from: FigureSpins on May 04, 2013, 12:30:59 PM
They also upped the crossovers from std fs tests passed to adult track. Where pre-bronze was the crossover from pre-prelim, its now bronze. Prelim=Silver, pre-Juv=Gold. There's a note that Juv FS satisfies all Adult track MIF testing, and the Gold test is optional. Very interesting.
Which crossovers? The ones that I did around the center circle? One loop forward, one backwards? I have to do those again?
Quote from: ChristyRN on May 04, 2013, 02:01:52 PM
Which crossovers? The ones that I did around the center circle? One loop forward, one backwards? I have to do those again?
No, lol. It's just an expression-skaters can "cross over" from standard track to adult track testing without having to start at the first Adult test. It has nothing to do with the skating elements called crossovers. Sorry to alarm you!
Thanks for the clarification. I thought it was a change in the test requirement.
I am actually happy to see the number of both spins and jumps reduced- I think it allows for a greater quality skate overall.
Quote from: FigureSpins on May 04, 2013, 12:30:59 PM
The Adult Skating wbp requirements have been changed. There were some revisions to the original proposal.
Adult Silver now includes a maximum of two jump combs and two spins.
They also upped the crossovers from std fs tests passed to adult track. Where pre-bronze was the crossover from pre-prelim, its now bronze. Prelim=Silver, pre-Juv=Gold. There's a note that Juv FS satisfies all Adult track MIF testing, and the Gold test is optional. Very interesting.
Well crap. There goes my June test. I'm Silver and was going to take pre-juv. But now if I do, looks like I'd have to move up. :nvm:
Quote from: TreSk8sAZ on May 04, 2013, 02:57:42 PM
Well crap. There goes my June test. I'm Silver and was going to take pre-juv. But now if I do, looks like I'd have to move up. :nvm:
But these changes won't take effect until September, right?
Quote from: FigureSpins on May 04, 2013, 02:09:55 PM
No, lol. It's just an expression-skaters can "cross over" from standard track to adult track testing without having to start at the first Adult test. It has nothing to do with the skating elements called crossovers. Sorry to alarm you!
Oh, thank goodness. I really didn't want to have to repeat something I'd already tested.
I'd like to know how the change in cross-over would affect old timers who took prelims before there were "pre" levels and before MIF. If going just by having passed preliminary FS regarless of when (which is how it is now), that would put me in adult silver, but do they mean passing prelim crosses over to having already passed adult silver, or just bronze working on silver?
Quote from: VAsk8r on May 04, 2013, 06:33:35 PM
But these changes won't take effect until September, right?
No, according to the linked document they were passed by the adult committee April 8 and will be effective July 1.
Before the rule change, for example, if I was at Silver and passed juv FS I would have to skate gold whether I took the gold FS st or not. Now they have lowered what standard test equals what adult level, so the same scenario would be true for me if I took my pre-juv test at any time from now on. As soon July 1 hit, I would have to skate gold. At least that's my understanding, I could be wrong.
Quote from: TreSk8sAZ on May 04, 2013, 08:46:43 PM
No, according to the linked document they were passed by the adult committee April 8 and will be effective July 1.
Before the rule change, for example, if I was at Silver and passed juv FS I would have to skate gold whether I took the gold FS st or not. Now they have lowered what standard test equals what adult level, so the same scenario would be true for me if I took my pre-juv test at any time from now on. As soon July 1 hit, I would have to skate gold. At least that's my understanding, I could be wrong.
I would also like more info about this...I passed Pre-Juv as a teen, started competing again recently and also took and passed Adult Silver - I have been competing at Silver and am already signed up for summer competitions at Silver. Do I have to move up to Gold? I do not have a clean axel yet (working on it!), so I can't pass Juv FS/Gold. I was hoping to compete Silver at Adult Nationals next year and then move to Gold.
Quote from: CaraSkates on May 04, 2013, 09:02:55 PM
I would also like more info about this...I passed Pre-Juv as a teen, started competing again recently and also took and passed Adult Silver - I have been competing at Silver and am already signed up for summer competitions at Silver. Do I have to move up to Gold? I do not have a clean axel yet (working on it!), so I can't pass Juv FS/Gold. I was hoping to compete Silver at Adult Nationals next year and then move to Gold.
Ok, apparently I misread it. It was just explained to me. It doesn't affect FS level, just what moves you take next. So pre juv free still means you can skate Silver. It just means the next moves test you take is gold moves or juv moves. So confusing!
Quote from: treesprite on May 04, 2013, 07:30:45 PMdo they mean passing prelim crosses over to having already passed adult silver, or just bronze working on silver?
It's the equivalent of passing bronze FS now... so that's where you'd be, bronze level working on silver. You may choose to skate up and compete in silver without any more testing.
I'm kind of annoyed at the WBP requirements.. I know in the past that test requirements didn't always line up with the WBP, but that means I have to get rid of my third spin now, and I only JUST put my program together. I'll have to talk to my choreographer about it next week... it probably won't effect me getting that program ready to test at all, but it will be an issue if I did choose to get out there and compete that program.
Quote from: TreSk8sAZ on May 04, 2013, 09:58:33 PM
Ok, apparently I misread it. It was just explained to me. It doesn't affect FS level, just what moves you take next. So pre juv free still means you can skate Silver. It just means the next moves test you take is gold moves or juv moves. So confusing!
Oh, makes more sense! I am working on Junior moves so no worries about that! Thinking about taking Gold just to say I did :)
Quote from: sarahspins on May 04, 2013, 10:20:08 PM
I'm kind of annoyed at the WBP requirements.. I know in the past that test requirements didn't always line up with the WBP, but that means I have to get rid of my third spin now, and I only JUST put my program together. I'll have to talk to my choreographer about it next week... it probably won't effect me getting that program ready to test at all, but it will be an issue if I did choose to get out there and compete that program.
I am also annoyed at this...I skate fast enough to have three spins in a Silver program, no problem. When I took Silver FS test, I had three spins, two were combos. My competitive program currently has three jump combos and three spins....If I have to remove a spin AND a jump combo, I'm going to have so much extra time! I already have full ice spirals and 3/4 ice footwork. However, it does make it line up more with standard track - I think first level for three spins is Intermediate or Novice?
The "crossover" table in the document is for TESTING on the adult track after taking standard-track tests.
Quote
TR 26.02 The adult free skate tests are divided into four classes to be taken in the following order: pre-bronze, bronze, silver and gold.
B. An adult skater who has passed the standard free skate test may cross over to the adult track as follows:
| Standard FS passed | Must then pass either | To take this adult test |
| Pre-preliminary FS | Preliminary MIF or adult pre-bronze MIF | Adult pre-bronze FS |
| Preliminary FS | Pre-juvenile MIF or adult bronze silver MIF | Adult bronze silver FS |
| Pre-juvenile FS | Juvenile MIF or adult sliver gold MIF | Adult sliver gold FS |
| Juvenile FS | Intermediate MIF or adult gold MIF | Adult gold FS optional but not required |
| No additional MIF required | |
Implementation date: July 1, 2013
The chart doesn't make sense. What are "adult bronze silver" and "adult silver gold"?
QuoteI'm kind of annoyed at the WBP requirements.. I know in the past that test requirements didn't always line up with the WBP, but that means I have to get rid of my third spin now, and I only JUST put my program together.
Just FYI, for the new ISI "Open FS" in competitions, there are NO restrictions on the number of extra elements a skater puts in a program. So people can do all the extra spins and jumps that will fit in a program.
Did the well-balanced program changes only affect silver FS?
Quote from: treesprite on May 05, 2013, 12:23:05 AM
The chart doesn't make sense. What are "adult bronze silver" and "adult silver gold"?
Added strikeouts and underlines per the original document. That should make it easier for you to understand.
The misspelling of "Silver" is theirs, not mine.
The original document is here:
https://www.usfsaonline.org/Members/viewPDF.asp?id=147
If you're interested in the changes, check it out.
On Facebook this morning, this was posted:
Quote from: U.S. Adult Skating Committee
Great news from Governing Council! All Requests for Action put forth by the Adult Skating Committee have passed. This includes Item #302 (Silver Well Balanced Program) and #303 (Crossover Wording) from the meeting book and also a New Business Item #502 which rectifies the number of sequences in the initial or final round of all adult dance events.
Recap on the USFSA site: http://www.usfsa.org/shell.asp?sid=49236
Glad they got 502 in so we don't have another year of confusion on the number of patterns, especially for solo dance.
What does it entail?
Geez, I'm still confused by that chart. If it is only the MIF that went up a level, not the FS, it should be that an adult skater who has passed preliminary FS, would have the next tests to take be silver MIF, but then only bronze FS just as it already is.
So the levels are off. People now have to take MIF a level in advance rather than the same level as the FS level. Too confusing. They need to re-designate names for the MIF or something.
You do know that there are prerequisite tests, right? You cannot pass preliminary FS without having passed prelim moves first. That means the skater is eligible to take the adult bronze FS test. Under the old rules, it would only qualified them to take the pre-bronze FS test. Adult Nationals doesn't offer a Pre-Bronze event, so those skaters have to take and pass the Bronze FS test in order to compete at AN.
Most standard-track skaters test up one or more Moves levels anyway. I'm not sure why adults seem to take their moves and FS tests in pairs only as needed.
The new equivalencies align the standard and adult-track moves levels, as a follow-on to the prior GC's decision to up the ante on adult tests. (Ex: edge spirals on Silver).
I wonder why the adult committee keeps doing these short-term implementations? They did the same thing last year - approved in April/May, effective 7/1. It affects anyone who is preparing to test over the summer. My club doesn't have a test session between now and July, so anyone prepping now for a July test has to check the Internet to find out about these changes, as opposed to checking the rule book for the normal September implemented changes.
Quote from: treesprite on May 06, 2013, 12:50:55 AM
So the levels are off. People now have to take MIF a level in advance rather than the same level as the FS level. Too confusing. They need to re-designate names for the MIF or something.
No, it's saying that if you have passed preliminary FS then the next test you have to pass is silver moves in order to take silver FS... you don't need to take bronze FS if you've already passed prelim fs, that's where you already are.
FigureSpins - I'm pretty sure based on past posts that she passed prelim FS way back before there were MITF.
The changes are weird though, and it's frustrating because it's like chasing a moving target. I'm also a little annoyed now realizing that based on the changes this year, I wouldn't have needed to take pre-bronze moves and free because I'd already taken pre-pre moves and free years ago - that's over $100 I spent on testing that I wouldn't have had to spend if I had waited until this summer. But it's just proof that as much as they say "no more changes" they keep making changes anyways.
Quote from: FigureSpins on May 05, 2013, 06:08:15 PM
What does it entail?
Basically my understanding is 502 clears up the confusion that occurred this season between the different adult committees. Throughout the season, the solo dances were doing 2 patterns of most dances. Got to ANs and they were higher for every dance (in some cases 2 more patterns, others 1). The paired dancers were doing the normal competition patterns. It's a clarification of test patterns vs competition rule book pattern numbers. I don't know how it came out yet, but at least it should be clear from here on out.
Quote from: FigureSpins on May 06, 2013, 07:45:00 AM
Most standard-track skaters test up one or more Moves levels anyway. I'm not sure why adults seem to take their moves and FS tests in pairs only as needed.
I wonder why the adult committee keeps doing these short-term implementations? They did the same thing last year - approved in April/May, effective 7/1. It affects anyone who is preparing to test over the summer. My club doesn't have a test session between now and July, so anyone prepping now for a July test has to check the Internet to find out about these changes, as opposed to checking the rule book for the normal September implemented changes.
Most adults are only on the "next" moves due to more limited practice time and typically are slower to learn new skills, so it takes them longer to be ready to take the next test.
Everything has moved to 7/1 implementation with the changes to USFS fiscal year being 7/1 to 6/30 now.
Quote from: techskater on May 06, 2013, 09:37:28 PM
Most adults are only on the "next" moves due to more limited practice time and typically are slower to learn new skills, so it takes them longer to be ready to take the next test.
Agreed, though I also want to add that I made a choice to concentrate on moves last fall so I could get through silver moves... a choice that I don't think most adult skaters would have made. I put testing my bronze freeskate on the back burner because I
really wanted to get through silver moves, and getting ready for that took up a vast majority of my practice time. Even now that I'm not actively working on a moves test (I am still working on them, but not with the focus and determination I had before) I still spend at least half of my practice sessions doing moves... mostly because I don't want to lose anything I worked so hard to achieve, but also because nothing will get me more comfortable and confident with the gold patterns than skating them.. a lot. Of course now that I have two freeskate test programs to work on at the same time that has been interesting as well... I don't think that is a position that many adults find themselves in either. I am not planning on contingency testing those though, we are planning on inviting a judge to do my bronze test on a freeskate or adult session (less pressure!) and then I'll test silver in a regular test session.
Wow, they will do that where you are, test someone during a regular skating session?
QuoteFigureSpins - I'm pretty sure based on past posts that she passed prelim FS way back before there were MITF.
This is correct for both FS and figures.
Quote from: treesprite on May 07, 2013, 02:22:33 AM
Wow, they will do that where you are, test someone during a regular skating session?
My club does that whenever we have just a couple of low tests that only require a single judge. It's more practical to do that a few times a year whenever the skaters are ready than to wait until we have enough skaters ready at the same time to justify booking ice and bringing in a full panel for a full test. Plus we have mostly low test skaters anyway and there are a lot of test sessions at other clubs in the area the high-test skaters can get onto so they don't want to wait until we have enough skaters to fill a test session.
Testing on a club session is also more comfortable for the skaters, since they're surrounded by friends and on familiar ice. We had one little girl who too her pre-pre moves and passed without even knowing that the judge was there! As far as she was concerned, she was just running through the moves one more time for her coach and her parents. :) Of course, we're also lucky to have a judge who lives nearby and doesn't mind swinging by for an hour when asked.
Quote from: techskater on May 06, 2013, 09:37:28 PM
Most adults are only on the "next" moves due to more limited practice time and typically are slower to learn new skills, so it takes them longer to be ready to take the next test.
Everything has moved to 7/1 implementation with the changes to USFS fiscal year being 7/1 to 6/30 now.
But that's not the norm from what I've seen on test schedules. Adults are contingency-testing the same level Moves and FS. I guess they focus on freestyle and when those skills are up to passing standard, they work on the Moves, but the intention of the prereq's is the opposite.
I didn't see that 7/1 is the new 9/1, lol. It's still very short notice since GC is in the Spring.
I may have to take the silver FS contingent of silver MITF next month. Do I want to do it? No. But I don't test often. And the moves simply were / are not quite ready.
Quote from: treesprite on May 07, 2013, 02:22:33 AM
Wow, they will do that where you are, test someone during a regular skating session?
Yes, I took my pre-bronze moves and free and bronze moves that way :) But really, more importantly, if I can get my bronze free out of the way I can just focus on silver free for the next test session, rather than stressing out about doing both.
Quote from: CaraSkates on May 04, 2013, 11:14:39 PM
I am also annoyed at this...I skate fast enough to have three spins in a Silver program, no problem. When I took Silver FS test, I had three spins, two were combos. My competitive program currently has three jump combos and three spins....If I have to remove a spin AND a jump combo, I'm going to have so much extra time! I already have full ice spirals and 3/4 ice footwork. However, it does make it line up more with standard track - I think first level for three spins is Intermediate or Novice?
If you skate fast, then one less spin and one less jumping pass will give you more time to show off those skating skills and gain a competitive advantage! Yes, the WBP rules will now be better aligned with the standard track jumps and spins per minute of skating. :)
Quote from: FigureSpins on May 07, 2013, 07:43:22 AM
But that's not the norm from what I've seen on test schedules. Adults are contingency-testing the same level Moves and FS. I guess they focus on freestyle and when those skills are up to passing standard, they work on the Moves, but the intention of the prereq's is the opposite.
That's what I meant by "next" - they aren't 1-2 levels ahead, typically, but take the moves and fs at the same session or within one. Most adults choose to concentrate on what they enjoy in their limited training time and for many that's FS and not moves.
Quote from: Doubletoe on May 07, 2013, 05:26:12 PM
If you skate fast, then one less spin and one less jumping pass will give you more time to show off those skating skills and gain a competitive advantage! Yes, the WBP rules will now be better aligned with the standard track jumps and spins per minute of skating. :)
Good point! I think I will work on better combo spins now that I only have two chances to spin! I'm going to talk to my coach/choreographer tomorrow morning about making some of the transitions harder to take up more time also. Not competing till August now so I have some time to change the program around.
Quote from: techskater on May 07, 2013, 09:19:56 PM
That's what I meant by "next" - they aren't 1-2 levels ahead, typically, but take the moves and fs at the same session or within one. Most adults choose to concentrate on what they enjoy in their limited training time and for many that's FS and not moves.
Yes, but adult is structured more like test track, so there's less incentive to "hold back" on the FS tests to stay competitive in competition.. most adults test up as high as they are able to, rather than biding their time in lower levels. Most standard track skaters who test up several levels higher in moves than their free could likely in theory easily pass the corresponding FS tests, however it would put them at a disadvantage for competition since what skaters do compared to the test requirements is way different... this is why you see a lot of skaters who don't test any higher than intermediate or novice free in their "competitive" careers suddenly test the higher FS tests when they choose to stop competing... it was never that they couldn't pass those tests, it's that they wouldn't have been competitive if they did.
This is true also, Cara, but I was responding to the initial comment that adults are often testing "contingent". I see a lot of adults who give a cursory nod to moves until they have that one magic bullet they need to finally be competitive/test the next level. I know there are many of us who are also 1-2 MIF tests ahead - by choice.
Some clubs do not allow contingency testing. I read somewhere that the one here doesn't. When I took prelim FS & figures I did them the same day, same club, but I guess in a couple decades they changed their rules.
Interesting - I will look for info on this. Does this mean Gus Lussi would be a "paper coach" nowadays? The coach who taught me from Novice through Gold figure and free had himself only passed the third figure test (as I am aware), but he helped many a skater earn their Gold Medals and compete successfully...of course skating experience is important, but so is the success of their students.
Quote from: FigureSpins on May 04, 2013, 12:50:45 PM
The Competitions Committee mentioned a term I hadn't heard before: the "Paper Coach."
That's going to be interesting - keep an eye out for the survey!
Quote from: sk8gal on May 12, 2013, 10:11:34 PM
Interesting - I will look for info on this. Does this mean Gus Lussi would be a "paper coach" nowadays? The coach who taught me from Novice through Gold figure and free had himself only passed the third figure test (as I am aware), but he helped many a skater earn their Gold Medals and compete successfully...of course skating experience is important, but so is the success of their students.
Gus Lussi would not be a 'paper coach'
From Wikipedia.
QuoteLussi was born in Stans, Switzerland. Lussi himself was not a competitive skater but a ski jumper. He lost his nerve for that sport after a fall, and became interested in skating instead. His previous experience with the sport was only recreational skating on Lake Lucerne as a boy. Since he had very little money, he was unable to compete as an amateur, but he made arrangements to learn skating from a top professional in Switzerland in exchange for later becoming his coach's assistant. He vowed that if he could not become a World Champion himself, he would make one through his teaching.[2]
So he skated recreationally as a child. Took up another demanding sport, then switched to skating by taking lessons from a skating coach AND learning coaching technique from that coach.
That is not a paper coach. That is an adult skater doing an apprenticeship. The idea that a coach has to be a 'former skater' to be a good coach sounds like sour grapes that some former competitive skaters are losing students to other coaches.
Quote from: AgnesNitt on May 12, 2013, 10:57:40 PM
The idea that a coach has to be a 'former skater' to be a good coach sounds like sour grapes that some former competitive skaters are losing students to other coaches.
Interesting point. In the past, experience vs. knowledge has become a contentious discussion. Most people point out that teaching/coaching is not the same as performing. Just become someone has won competitions doesn't make them a great coach, nor does it mean that you need a World Championship title in order to "teach tots how to lick the ice." (To quote Slusher, lol.)
The PSA requires that the coach has either skated at a certain level and/or taken a student to a certain level for each of their ratings levels. That already creates a barrier where the PSA matters to parents in selecting a coach. There are also coaches who've taken students to Senior, but never tested that high themselves.
Korey Aide, Jason Brown's coach, is talented and knowledgeable, although she was never an elite contender herself. One of the reasons she pursued PSA ratings was because she didn't have that high-level skating experience. If she had never become a coach, that would have been unfortunate.
It will be interesting to see if the survey addresses skaters like myself, who started late and skated ISI instead of USFSA. There was no place for me in the USFSA and the judges made that very clear back in the day. I had also mastered freestyle elements well above my highest test, but I stopped testing when life got in the way, so my ISI tests do not reflect my then-level of skating.
Quote from: FigureSpins on May 12, 2013, 11:17:41 PM
Korey Aide, Jason Brown's coach, is talented and knowledgeable, although she was never an elite contender herself. One of the reasons she pursued PSA ratings was because she didn't have that high-level skating experience. If she had never become a coach, that would have been unfortunate.
It also shows that one doesn't have to have been able to do the elements to teach them. Jason's air position when he jumps is just lovely and he has everything through the triple Axel - in spite of the fact that Kori never got to that level. And now he's one of the best young skaters in the world.
Or, to put it another way...I don't think Alexei Mishin has ever attempted a quad in his life... ;)
In fairness, both of those coaches brought in specialists like jump and spin coaches for those more-difficult elements.