Observing USFSA Tests Today!

[slcbelle]

Today is test day and one of our local clubs and I'm going as an observer and to support a skate buddy.  I will be testing Pre-Bronze in August and want to see all of the tests live and up close.  What are people wearing?  What's the format?  I plan to watch from start to finish (about 3 hours).  Then, there will be no surprises for me in August and all I'll have to focus on is my skating.  I'm so excited to see this!

[FigureSpins]

*APPLAUDS*

This is one of the most important things a skater can do - go and observe a test session before testing yourself.  It's very smart!  Kudos and +4 GOE!

We'd love to hear your observations afterward.

[jjane45]

Great idea indeed, especially to find out local testing standards.

[Skittl1321]

Great idea indeed, especially to find out local testing standards.

That only works if the judges will be the same at the next test session...


However, observing a test session, just to see what it is like is a good idea if you aren't someone who adapts well to unfamiliar situations.  I know I was very worried about my freeskate because I didn't know if you're supposed to go talk to the judges before the test, like you do with moves.  Thankfully, there were two tests before me that I was able to watch, and I saw they did not do that, and they did bow at the end (I thought bowing would be weird, as there is no audience.) But I did it because they did.

[jjane45]

That only works if the judges will be the same at the next test session...

I thought about that too and assumed experienced coaches know what's the minimum expected locally in general, and the testing skaters would reflect it.

[slcbelle]

I didn't sign up for this one because I have a scheduling conflict on Saturday May 11th - the day this test was originally scheduled.  But, for whatever reason, they moved a lot of the tests to today.  It seems like it's the standard and adult MIF/FS tests.  Dance tests are still on Saturday.  So, I lucked out because I can attend.

It's not that I get nervous in unfamiliar situations or anything.  It's more that I'm a sponge and like to absorb knowledge and understanding.  Watching everyone test today will change the way I think about my practice time and I'll be better able to envision myself testing.  :-)  So cool.

[slcbelle]

I'm back!  I'm so glad I went.  I had no idea that multiple people tested at the same time.  I've watched a lot of MIF testing on YouTube and it's always of one skater.  Today, there were up to 3 at a time.  It was good to observe the sequencing, the skaters' interaction with judges and coaches, levels of ability, different arm positions and methods of stopping, and what people chose to wear.  I was there for 3 hours and never bored of it.   

[jjane45]

I'm back!  I'm so glad I went.  I had no idea that multiple people tested at the same time.  I've watched a lot of MIF testing on YouTube and it's always of one skater.  Today, there were up to 3 at a time.  It was good to observe the sequencing, the skaters' interaction with judges and coaches, levels of ability, different arm positions and methods of stopping, and what people chose to wear.  I was there for 3 hours and never bored of it.   

Excellent!!