S.T.A.R.S. Program (USFSA)

[Isk8NYC]

I picked up a flyer at Nationals that was promoting a USFSA program called "S.T.A.R.S." (Skater Talent and Athlete Recognition System)  Last year was the first year and they're going to start recruiting students for 2011 soon.

The program administers a series of physical challenges and measurements during a 30 minute test.
Specific training goals are developed and the subject is re-tested periodically to evaluate progress and improvement.

One of the goals is to recognize exceptional aptitude for athleticism and identify each individuals strengths and weaknesses, developing a plan to address any needs.

http://www.starscombine.org


They have a link on the website for those coaches interested in becoming a S.T.A.R.S.-certified Assessor.  You must be certified as an NCSC Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCSs).  That certification also requires current CPR and AED.

Just thought I'd bring it to your attention if you have students or coaches who are interested.

[rsk8d]

Great idea! Funny, this came out right after Sk8Strong published "The Skater Evaluation" DVD, which follows the same principles.  Hopefully, between the too, skaters and coaches can realize the importance of proper evaluation and the need for off-ice training to improve upon their deficits.

[Isk8NYC]

I believe the program started last year.  I thought there was a whitepaper with the results, but I'm not certain.

[rsk8d]

I'm sure it had been in the works for at least a year, as it takes a lot of planning.  Many sports have programs like this in place, or have something planned.

[Purple Sparkly]

This kind of program is why I am going back to school for a BS and MS in Exercise Science.  When I finish the program, I will take the CSCS exam.  I will definitely look into becoming a certified Assessor in a couple years.  This should be a great opportunity to train skaters.  Maybe at that time I will have a couple of skaters to participate, also.

Thanks for sharing!

[Isk8NYC]

I sent a note to our Fitness Center Director yesterday with the link, asking if she/her staff were qualified and interested.

I think it would be a good opportunity for the Fitness Center to work with the skaters, at least to do the assessments.  Many skaters at my rink go elsewhere for off-ice training, or don't do any off-ice, which is sad because we have an awesome facility.

ETA: STARS Assessor Workshops

4/8     Detroit MI
4/29   Chicago IL

5/4      Newark DE
5/6     Boston MA
5/27   Dallas TX (@ PSA Conference)
5/?      Anaheim CA (TBD)

6/?     Denver CO
6/?     Colorado Springs CO

7/7-8  Las Vegas NV (@ NSCA Natl Conference)

Schedule published in April 2011 (p. 49) issue of SKATING magazine.

Registration: https://fs12.formsite.com/USFSAIT/form234/secure_index.html

[Isk8NYC]

In the April 2011 issue of SKATING magazine (p. 49), the USFSA announced the details for these Workshops and Combines. 

The Workshops are for off-ice trainers with the required certifications.  (Train-the-Trainer sessions)

The Combines are open to all USFSA members age 6 and above who have passed at least the pre-preliminary free skate test.  Registration is limited and advanced enrollment is strongly suggested.  (Walk ons are like flying standby, apparently.)

2011 S.T.A.R.S. COMBINES

Registration for the 2011 S.T.A.R.S. Combines is open. The cost to register is $35, which includes a S.T.A.R.S. T-shirt.
•Assessments will be scheduled AFTER registration closes and will take approximately one hour.
•All athletes must bring a completed Medical Clearance Form (PDF) with them to their scheduled assessment; otherwise, the assessment will not be administered.

S.T.A.R.S. Combine Cities (subject to change)

Exact testing locations are forthcoming.

Dallas, Texas
Saturday, June 18
Registration deadline: Wednesday, June 8
Online registration form https://fs12.formsite.com/USFSAIT/form241/secure_index.html

Colorado Springs, Colo.
Sunday, June 26
Registration deadline: Wednesday, June 15
Online registration form https://fs12.formsite.com/USFSAIT/form242/secure_index.html

Newark, Del.
Monday, July 18
Registration deadline: Wednesday, July 6
Online registration form https://fs12.formsite.com/USFSAIT/form243/secure_index.html

Detroit, Mich.
Sunday, July 24
Registration deadline: Wednesday, July 13
Online registration form https://fs12.formsite.com/USFSAIT/form244/secure_index.html

Denver, Colo.
Saturday, July 30
Registration deadline: Wednesday, July 20
Online registration form https://fs12.formsite.com/USFSAIT/form245/secure_index.html

Anaheim, Calif.
Thursday, Aug. 4/Monday, Aug. 8
Registration deadline: Wednesday, July 27
Online registration form https://fs12.formsite.com/USFSAIT/form246/secure_index.html

Boston, Mass.
Monday, Aug. 8
Registration deadline: Wednesday, July 27
Online registration form https://fs12.formsite.com/USFSAIT/form247/secure_index.html

Chicago, Ill.
Monday, Aug. 15
Registration deadline: Wednesday, Aug. 3
Online registration form https://fs12.formsite.com/USFSAIT/form248/secure_index.html

Late registrations will not be taken. Walk-ups will be taken if scheduling and time permit.

•Registration Packet - Walk-up Only (PDF)
http://www.usfsa.org/Content/STARS%20Registration%20Packet%20-%20Walk%20Up%20Only.pdf

[FigureSpins]

The S.T.A.R.S. program is being showcased at the ISI/PSA Conference next week.   Should be interesting.

[FigureSpins]

This was a great idea.  Think of the (US) Presidential Fitness tests many of us took as children to get the little certificate.

That's the type of (off-ice) testing they're doing in STARS, but for figure skating-specific skills.  For example: vertical jump height, quickness of feet, core strength, speed, and agility.  I was very impressed by both of the presentations I attended.

The requirements to be tested are that you have to have taken Pre-Preliminary MOVES (not freestyle, as I originally thought) and be a current USFSA member 6 years of age or older.  They didn't say "No adults" and the results are being scaled nationally by age.  Could be interesting to see an adult member.

While you can't really "train" for the test, it's easy enough to get in shape so you / your skater has some foreknowledge and readiness.

[hopskipjump]

http://www.usfigureskating.org/Content/2011STARSProgramExerciseGuide.pdf

Wasn't sure if this was posted anywhere.