Cramming multiple tests into a single test session?

[jjane45]

I know that it is common for kids graduating high school, but those tend to be higher level tests.

Have you observed skaters cramming multiple low level USFS tests into a single test session? If so, what levels and what disciplines? What do you think about the stamina / proficiency required?

[nicklaszlo]

Lots of people, like you, don't start testing until they have reached a pretty high level of ability.

[sarahspins]

Some clubs limit how many tests you can take on contingency, if they even allow it at all... others may allow more than just one contingency test with approval.

I would think that cramming a lot of tests in is probably more common in areas that don't have many test sessions (like places where there is only one a year).

[jjane45]

Well I was actually thinking the lowest levels of moves, FS, and dance. One contingency per discipline would mean a total of 6 tests (~10 moves patterns, 2 programs, and 6 dances). Has anyone done that? Just a theoretical question, I am by no way that ambitious!!

[Skittl1321]

Six dances would actually be 3 contingencies.

I've seen skaters do 2 moves and 2 free at once. Adding in 6 dances seems a bit crazy. I've heard of elite skaters doing 12+ dances at once, but this is usually when switching countries or disciplines...

The problem is most tests only have a small amount of ice. If you did 6 tests there would not be much time for other skaters, plus the schedule would likely require you skate back to back multiple times.  It just seems like a bad idea. I don't think many coaches would sign that paper, even if the test chair would accept it.

Besides, aren't you near Chicago? If you travel a bit there are test sessions all the time, you probably wouldn't ever need to drive more than 2 hours. Why waste the money on potentially wearing yourself out and skating badly?

[phoenix]

I took the first six dances in one shot. It's only one contingency--6 dances = 2 dance levels. They were ready, so my coach had me test them.

[jjane45]

Thank you Phoenix, that's good to hear, and wow you were good! When I get empty ice, I run thru 6 dances no problem but the pre-bronze ones are nowhere near ready.

Skittl, please excuse my curiosity. It was really a theoretical question There are lots of testing sessions around here and I don't think the amount of ice time is a problem for those mega sessions. But if a high school senior - who mostly only skates ISI - wants to test USFS as much as possible before graduation, I imagine some cramming has to happen. Lower level tests do not require that much stamina for high level kids.

[hopskipjump]

I have never seen anyone cram in the low ends but I have heard of them cramming in the upper tests (going to college and wanting to get it done).  The most typical "cram" here are 2 tests - a moves and a freeskate.  usually the skater is 2-3 moves ahead of freeskate levels so if they don't pass they can still take the freeskate test the same day.  I think when dd takes her intermediate moves, she will take her preliminary freeskate the same day. 

[Skittl1321]

I took the first six dances in one shot. It's only one contingency--6 dances = 2 dance levels. They were ready, so my coach had me test them.

But if you don't pass the first level, that is three tests you have to scratch not just one.

[icefrog]

Most of the preliminary and pre bronze tests I have seen and been to have been double and triple paneled so no lost ice time.

[TreSk8sAZ]

I've done moves and dances in the same test session, but usually oly 1 or 2 dances if that's the ase. But I also took the first 6 dances in the same day. However, there was also basically no question I would pass as I'd already passed them solo and was going back and testing them partnered. I've not generally seen people throw 2 moves and 2 free skates in the same day, though.

[Clarice]

I just tested on a session where one girl took 5 dance tests, 2 on contingency.  This was at the end of a two-week skate school, and she was able to get partnering that she couldn't get at home.

[icedancer]

I just tested on a session where one girl took 5 dance tests, 2 on contingency.  This was at the end of a two-week skate school, and she was able to get partnering that she couldn't get at home.

I don't think this is at all uncommon especially when there is a lack of partners!

I do know one adult skater who when the Adult MITF first started took all four tests in a two-day period and passed.  Plus she taught herself the moves!

[aussieskater]

I have seen a senior (?) singles skater partner a couple of higher-level dancers through their tests, then test the first 2 dance levels.    Skater was a bit tired at the end of that session ... but I believe passed the tests.

[jjane45]

I don't think this is at all uncommon especially when there is a lack of partners!

Great point. Also from an economic point of view, if there are a lot of travel / transportation / opportunity costs (missed work) / schedule conflicts involved, it makes sense to take multiple per session, provided there is a realistic chance of passing most if not all of them.

Oh and to save on coaching / partnering maybe? Do coaches generally charge per day or per test?

I have seen a senior (?) singles skater partner a couple of higher-level dancers through their tests, then test the first 2 dance levels.    Skater was a bit tired at the end of that session ... but I believe passed the tests.

That's hilarious!! I am truly impressed  Is there anyway the said skater tested the dances solo and needed to retake them partnered?

[nicklaszlo]

Probably it happens the most impressively with senior singles skaters who switch to pairs.  They need to pass all the pairs tests within a few months. 

http://web.icenetwork.com/skaters/detail.jsp?id=38013&mode=P
http://web.icenetwork.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101005&content_id=15424672&vkey=ice_news

I don't know if anyone has passed all the pairs tests in one day, but Marley and Brubaker did it in a week and a half, presumably with no failures since they would have had to wait 28 days.

http://web.icenetwork.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101025&content_id=15829070&vkey=ice_news

[fsk8r]

I've often done 3 tests in a session and I know people who've taken at least 5 tests. It's not actually that difficult to do and if you're having a good day you don't really notice. If you're having an awful day by the last one you want the ice to open up and swallow you.

[blue111moon]

I remember a test session years ago when a teenaged girl took multiple figures and free skate tests in one day.  She'd moved from somewhere in Europe and needed to pass all the USFS tests to compete at her level here.  I think she also took several dance tests that evening.  She passed them all.

As test chair for my club, where test ice time is extremely limited,  I think I would be reluctant to schedule multiple contingency tests for the same skater.  I did have one case where a skater came from another state for our competition and asked to take Novice Moves and Intermediate free, but since one was not dependent upon the other, it wasn't a problem.

[gypsy_82]

The most I ever took in one test session was 5, Adult gold Moves and Free, then the 3 bronze dances.  I passed all but the adult gold freestyle.

[turnip]

It's fairly regular for kids to do three tests in one session (field moves, free and elements). Especially when tests are few and far between, it's more practical than doing one at each session. It's very common to do the elements and free for a level in the same session, cause they require the same skills, so its easy for them to work on them at the same time. I have know people to do two of the same one in a session (say level 2 fm and level 3 fm), but I wouldn't reccomend it, as if you failed level 2, you've lost your money and entry for level 3.

I won't rejoin nisa now until i'm ready for my next test (money saving tactic), but it would be ideal if i could test level 2 fm, level 1 elements and level 1 free all at the same time! Don't know if coach would approve, or if it would be practical for me, but it's something to aim for. The FM in particular are a LONG way off at the moment lol!

[fsk8r]

I won't rejoin nisa now until i'm ready for my next test (money saving tactic), but it would be ideal if i could test level 2 fm, level 1 elements and level 1 free all at the same time! Don't know if coach would approve, or if it would be practical for me, but it's something to aim for. The FM in particular are a LONG way off at the moment lol!

It's worth doing the multiple tests as it means less time off work. Free tests at my rink are always after the moves and elements tests which means they're definitely into the working day. Moves tests can be squeezed in before work if you're lucky.

Incidentally when you rejoin NISA you don't necessarily get a full year from when you rejoin. It's based on your old membership year date. Therefore you might want to time it so you can get maximum benefit from rejoining (ie add a competition or two into the mix).

[PinkLaces]

I have seen kids do the Pre-Pre Moves, FS, and all 3 of the preliminary dances in one test session.  The only contingent test was the FS.  I have also seen someone take the first 6 dances at once.  The skater in question was a high level syncro skater who had passed through senior moves.  The first 6 dances were no sweat for her.  She continued to take all 3 dances of a level at once until she hit Silver where you also have to solo.  Then she did them single or 2 at once.  She's working on her gold dances now.

[alejeather]

My coach told me yesterday she thinks I'll be ready to test both Pre-bronze and Bronze moves in the same test session... I got the okay from the test chair, and I think I'm going to do it. It's a little daunting, but I like a challenge

[turnip]

Incidentally when you rejoin NISA you don't necessarily get a full year from when you rejoin. It's based on your old membership year date. Therefore you might want to time it so you can get maximum benefit from rejoining (ie add a competition or two into the mix).

That's what I thought, so last year I joined in July just cause I had the money (my previous membership expired in April). They gave me a full year from July! So I could've just waited til november when I put my test papers in, doh!

[Query]

I had a coach who tested the first 12 dances in one session.

I tested my 3 dances in one session.

It's cheaper and faster.