US Figure Skating Instructional Materials

[Query]

USFS[A] at least used to have a minimum standards DVD for Basic Skills:

  https://www.usfigureskating.org/content/programs/Basic%20Skills%20Administration%20Manual.pdf

A lot of judges still probably follow it, for LTS.

They also published a "skate coach app" that showed the skills.

  https://www.usfigureskating.org/content/Basic%20Skills%20App%20half%20pg%20ad.pdf

I'm not sure what has happened to either, since LearnToSkateUSA took over and revised what used to be Basic Skills.

Anyway, both the DVD and the app only covered the Basic Skills at a minimum passing level - a pretty low standard, probably different from the moves standards.

There are also a bunch of videos available at the ISU site
 
  http://www.isu.org/en/home

and, to some extent, on Youtube:

  https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=isu+components

But, the skill standards on the old USFSA BS DVD, which used beginners, were much lower than the ISU videos, which often use the best available skaters. In addition, there are some inconsistencies between USFSA and ISU nominal definitions and standards.

Some other countries have their own test standards, and some may offer videos with test standards.

Anyway, the USFSA conducts seminars, at which wannabe judges try to approximately match the scores given by more experienced judges. In other words, the USFSA at least tries to keep judges approximately consistent with each other.

Some local clubs, like the Washington Figure Skating Club, host events where local judges give students and coaches mock scores. I watched coaches ask questions of the judges, taking careful note of what each judge wanted. Obviously, that takes a lot of time for a coach to attend and do. If your coach had taken such notes on the judge scheduled to come, maybe your DD would have done better.

Maybe.


Mod note: Off-topic post split off from USFSA Testing discussion.