Bronze FS test: steps or spiral sequence?

[jjane45]

Studying the bronze FS test requirement right now, it seems like either step sequence or spiral sequence will be accepted, to cover at least 1/2 of the ice.

Question: which sequence do you see more often in bronze FS test, steps or spiral? What is the minimum requirement for spiral sequence at the lower levels other than 1/2 ice coverage? Change of edge? pretzel positions? or what not? I am not a fan of steps but do reasonably fine at spirals.

Btw, is the 10/25/11 version here the most updated rulebook?

[Skittl1321]

I'd go with steps.   When I get nervous, I'm way more likely to toe pick over my spiral and nearly kill myself

My Bronze step sequence is just three turns and Mohawks.


That said, I'm reading the Combined Report of Action http://www.usfsa.org/content/2011-12%20Combined%20Report%20of%20Action%20Final515.pdf and don't see anything about the test requiring step sequence or spirals.  Just the usual connecting steps throughout.

The change to Bronze test seems to be that there is no longer a required upright spin.   (And then the competition requirements changed the allowable number of spins and jump combos)

[sarahspins]

I have both in mine.. I'd be super thrilled to ditch the spiral myself (mine is a backwards catch-foot), but my coach wants both.  She said even if the judges ignore one or the other in terms of required elements, it still adds to the overall presentation of the program.  There is no "surface coverage" requirement for a spiral but she has mentioned several times it needs to be held for 6 seconds.. however I don't know if that is something that applies in general, or just something she told me for my program.

My footwork covers the about 3/4 of the ice surface.. and it was truly thrown in there as a connecting element to get me from one end of the rink to the other, relatively quickly, without looking like I'm just skating over there

[jjane45]

There is no "surface coverage" requirement for a spiral but she has mentioned several times it needs to be held for 6 seconds..

I got the "1/2 ice surface" idea from a document called "2012-2013 Adult Singles Free Skate Requirements". Do they apply to competitions and not testing? Ops...

[sarahspins]

Yes, the WBP requirements and test requirements are different.  That said, if the WBP requirements say spiral over half the ice surface, judges MAY be expecting it for the test as well.

[Doubletoe]

Do whichever one is more consistent for you.  If you do a spiral sequence, it needs to be at least two spirals, and your knee has to be at least as high as your hip on both of them.

[Skittl1321]

Yes, the WBP requirements and test requirements are different.  That said, if the WBP requirements say spiral over half the ice surface, judges MAY be expecting it for the test as well.

The test doesn't require a spiral at all, or a step sequence.  If you do one, I agree it is a good idea to make it close to half ice (mine steps were like 1/4 ice, like many PB skaters I had been skating up, so I needed it for competition, but we cut it short for the test, since I skate slower with nerves), but the judges sheets clearly indicate it is not required, so they shouldn't expect it.

I've seen Bronze tests that have no spirals or step sequences.

[jjane45]

Great help, thank you everyone! If neither sequence is expected, I will do the ina bauer instead - too many elements, too little time for this test... At least now it's two spins instead of three  :-)

[Skittl1321]

I think that is a good idea. You bauer is very good, and it will show off your skating abilities.  Plus it WILL count toward the "connecting steps throughout"