Learn to Skate USA (USFSA Basic Skills Rebranding)

[ARoo]

Hmm.  I wonder what this will do to basic skills competitions. If "Basic Skills" doesn't exist, I guess they'll have to rename the competitions, too.  But will they necessarily remain the same for those who are no longer in basic skills levels but who can still compete in basic skills competitions (pre-pre and preliminary, specifically).

[sarahspins]

Hmm.  I wonder what this will do to basic skills competitions. If "Basic Skills" doesn't exist, I guess they'll have to rename the competitions, too.  But will they necessarily remain the same for those who are no longer in basic skills levels but who can still compete in basic skills competitions (pre-pre and preliminary, specifically).

I would imagine that they would simply become "Learn to Skate USA Competitions"... there has always been a bit of a dissent among freeskate level skaters not liking competing at a "basic skills" competition - so that could actually be a plus for many kids

[FigureSpins]

Up until this point, Basic Skills membership included:

. One (1) edition of the Basic Skills Skating magazine containing tips for BSS skaters and lots of photos.
. Membership ID card
. Record book with stickers

Plus the intangible insurance that everyone says is useless if you have your own insurance.

Many skating programs register their BSS skaters with the USFSA in batches to save on processing fees.   

I believe the magazine was mailed directly to the skater but the USFSA sends the cards and books to the program director, not to the skaters' home/mailing address.  The program is responsible for giving them to the enrolled skaters.  Our rink doesn't give out the books because we use evaluation sheets for group lessons. 

My old rink used to give out the books/cards faithfully but the kids never remembered to bring them to class for the evaluations to be logged, so they were nice to look at but ineffective.

I don't know if the program could "opt out" of receiving the books but try asking the Director if s/he could give you a copy.  Most are happy to give them away.

We'll see what this new program brings.

[AgnesNitt]

I talked to my skating director this evening and asked about what she thinks about it. She talked about the changes to the kids levels with approval. She agreed with me that the Adult 6program is a waste (we use the kids programs for adults)
There will be people from USFS coming to train the program.

[skatemom189]

At my daughter's club they had a big display featuring all of the rebranding logos, and handouts with the new curriculums for all the different programs.  I grabbed the curriculums for Basic Skills-FUNdamentals and Free Skate programs, and have transcribed them.  So here they are.
First, Basic Skills - FUNdamentals
Basic 1
A. Sit on ice and stand up
B. March forward across the ice
C. Forward two-foot glide
D. Dip
E. Forward swizzles
F. Backward wiggles
G. Beginning snowplow stop on two feet or one foot
Bonus skill: two foot hop in place

Basic 2
A. Scooter pushes
B. Forward one-foot glides
C. Backward two-foot glide
D. Rocking horse
E. Backward swizzles
F. Two-foot turns from forward to backward in place
G. moving snowplow stop
Bonus skill: curves

Basic 3
A. Beginning forward stroking showing correct use of blade
B. Forward half swizzle pumps on a circle
D. Moving forward to backward two-foot turns on a circle
D. Beginning backward one-foot glides - focus on balance
E. Backward snowplow stop
F. Forward slalom
Bonus skill: Forward pivots

Basic 4
A. Forward outside edge on a circle
B. Forward inside edge on a circle
C. Forward crossovers
D. Backward half swizzle pumps on a circle
E. Backward one-foot glides
F. Beginning two-foot spin - up to two revolutions
Bonus skill: Forward lunges

Basic 5
A. Backward outside edge on a circle
B. Backward inside edge on a circle
C. Backward crossovers
D. Forward outside three-turn
E. Advanced two-foot spin - 4-6 revs.
F. Hockey stop
Bonus skill: Side toe hop

Basic 6
A. Forward inside three-turns
B. Moving backward to forward two-foot turn on a circle
C. Backward stroking
D. Beginning one-foot spin - 2-4 revs., optional entry and free leg position
E. T-stops
F. Bunny hop
G. Forward spiral on a straight line
Bonus skill: Shoot the duck

[skatemom189]

And here are the new Free Skate levels:
Pre-Free Skate (combination of basic 7 and 8 )
A. Forward inside open mohawk from a standstill
B. Backward crossovers to a backward outside edge glides (landing position)
C. Backward outside edge to a forward outside edge transition
D. Two forward crossovers into a forward inside mohawk, step down and cross behind, step into one backward crossover and step to a forward inside edge
E. one foot upright spin, optional entry and free foot position
F. Mazurka
G. Waltz jump
Bonus skill: backward inside pivots

Free Skate 1
A. Forward power stroking
B. Basic forward outside and forward inside consecutive edges
C. Backward outside three-turns
D. Upright spin, entry from back crossovers (4-6 revolutions)
E. Half Flip
F. Toe loop
bonus skill: waltz jump-side toe hop-waltz jump, or waltz jump-ballet jump-toe loop sequence

Free Skate 2
A. Alternating forward outside and inside spirals on a continuous axis (two sets)
B. Basic backward outside and backward inside consecutive edges
C. Backward inside three-turns
D. Beginning back spin
E. Half Lutz
F. Salchow
Bonus skill: variation of a forward spiral, skater's choice

Free skate 3
A. Alternating backward crossovers to back outside edges-four sets
B. Alternating mohawk/crossovers sequence
C. Waltz three-turns (forward outside three turn, backward outside edge glide)
D. Advanced back spin with free foot in crossed leg position (min. three revolutions)
E. Loop jump
F. Waltz jump-toe loop or Salchow-toe loop combination
Bonus skill: tow step sequence, skater's choice, using a variety of toe steps

Free skate 4
A. Forward power three-turns
B. Waltz eight
C. Forward upright spin to backward upright spin, 3 revs. each foot
D. Sit spin
E. half loop
F. Flip
Bonus skill: split jump, stag jump, or split falling leaf

Free Skate 5
A. Backward outside three-turn, mohawk (backward power three-turns)
B. Five-step mohawk sequence
C. Camel spin
D. Waltz jump-loop jump combination
E. Lutz jump
Bonus skill: loop-loop combination

Free Skate 6
A. Forward power pulls
B. Creative step sequence, skater's choice, using a variety of three-turns, mohawks, and toe steps
C. Camel-sit spin combination (two revs. each position)
D. Layback or attitude spin, or cross-foot spin (three revs.)
E. Waltz jump-half loop-Salchow jump sequence
F. Axel
Bonus skill: backward outside pivot

[skategeek]

Thanks!!  Do you know if there are changes to Adult 1-6?

[skatemom189]

The free skate levels have a lot of changes.  However, I think it makes it more consistent with how the program is actually implemented.  In our experience, at many different rinks in our area, the programs deliver snowplow 1 - basic 6 as written.  Then they start going 'off the book' and do things much more loosely.  For example, most programs don't have a basic 7 or 8, or don't have an 8.  And then transition the kids into "Freestyle" or "Advanced Learn to Skate" or "Beyond the Basics" classes.  The programs then usually present and evaluate the skills from the first 3 free skate levels - but often teach them all at once, not waiting for passing of level 1 to instruct on level 2 and 3 skills.  For kids that are above that, they start presenting skills from the preliminary and pre-juvenile MITF curriculum, and other skating skill moves that they feel important, while teaching the spins and jumps.  So the new skating skills that are at Free Skate 3 and 5 she learned in group, under the "old" program.  Most rinks in our area use the Free Skate levels more of a guide than actual curriculum.  And most of the programs she's been in wait to teach the half flip after the loop jump; she's never been anywhere that teaches the half lutz (I think most kids here just learn it to pass their pre-pre freestyle test).  (Her coach started teaching the loop jump after the waltz jump - before toe loop or Salchow.)

At the Free Skate levels, it's usually taught at much more of a 'go at your own pace' style.  So for example, my daughter, age 6, still can't do a backspin (FreeSkate 3) or cross her foot in a forward upright spin (scratch spin - FreeSkate 1).  But she has a 10-revolution sit spin, all the preliminary MITF, and can do the single jumps and jump combinations through lutz-loop (FreeSkate 6).  Nobody wanted to hold her back from learning harder skills just because she couldn't do a proper scratch spin or backspin - she got her loop jump (FreeSkate 4) and loop-loop (FreeSkate 5) as a result of working on her backspin (but still can't actually do the spin yet).

[skatemom189]

I didn't pick up the papers for Adult, snowplow, or dance.  I can look for them the next time we're at that rink (Thursday).

[FigureSpins]

Adult 1
Falling and recovery; on ice
Forward marching
Forward two-foot glide
Forward swizzles (4-6 in a row)
One forward swizzle/one backward swizzle (rocking horse)
Dip
Forward snowplow stop – two feet or one foot

Adult 2
Forward skating across the width of the ice
Forward one-foot glides, R and L
Forward slalom
Backward skating
Backward swizzles (4-6 in a row)
Two-foot turns in place

Adult 3
Forward stroking using the blade properly (begin with repetitive one-foot pushes)
Forward half-swizzle pumps on the circle; 6 to 8 in a row, clockwise and counterclockwise
Moving forward to backward and backward to forward two-foot turn on a circle, clockwise and counterclockwise
Backward skating into a long two-foot glide
Forward chasses on a circle, clockwise and counterclockwise
Backward snowplow stop, R and L

Adult 4
Forward outside edge on a circle, R and L
Forward inside edge on a circle, R and L
Forward crossovers, clockwise and counterclockwise
Backward one-foot glides, R and L
Backward half-swizzle pumps on a circle, clockwise and counterclockwise
Hockey stop, both directions

Adult 5
Backward outside edge on circle, R and L
Backward inside edge on a circle, R and L
Backward crossovers, clockwise and counterclockwise
Forward outside three-turn, R and L
Forward swing rolls to a count of six
Beginning two-foot spin

Adult 6
Forward stroking with crossover end patterns
Backward stroking with crossover end patterns
Forward inside three-turn, R and L
Forward outside to inside change of edge on a line, R and L
T-stop, R or L
Lunge
Two-foot spin into one-foot spin

[FigureSpins]

I suspect that US Figure Skating is holding off for a big reveal at the PSA Conference in late May.  They showed it off briefly at Governing Council and gave out a nice glossy book, which is probably what they'll send to the program directors and/or families. I hope they send something to the instructors as well since they'll be the ones to implement the program.

The beta site is online if you search for "Learn to Skate USA" (Use the quotes in your search engine and look for the site name that includes "USFIGURESKATING.ORG.")

I meant to reach out to Mark at Rink Tank and ask if their "Skate Coach" app is going to be updated this summer.  I'll try to remember to ask.

[skategeek]

Interesting... at first glance, it seems they've pulled some of the harder skills out of the Adult 1-6 curriculum (e.g. mohawks, alternative back crossovers, footwork sequence, spiral). 

[AgnesNitt]

Interesting... at first glance, it seems they've pulled some of the harder skills out of the Adult 1-6 curriculum (e.g. mohawks, alternative back crossovers, footwork sequence, spiral).

Mohawks and the patterns are now in Pre-Free

[skategeek]

Mohawks and the patterns are now in Pre-Free

Got it. 

I went through the new lists for Basic Skills 1-6 and Adult 1-6, and here are the differences I see (ignoring minor things like skills being split up or small intermediate steps being left out). 

In Basic Skills 1-6 but not Adult 1-6:
Two foot hop in place
Curves (??  Not sure what this means.  Slalom, maybe?)
Forward pivots
Advanced two foot spin (4-6 revs)
Side toe hop
Bunny hop
Forward spiral
Shoot the duck

In Adult 1-6 but not Basic Skills 1-6:
Forward chasses
Forward swing rolls
Forward stroking with crossover end patterns
Backward stroking with crossover end patterns
Forward outside to inside change of edge

[AgnesNitt]

Here is USFS thought process:

You are an ADULT, you are afraid of jumping, you WILL be prepared to do DancE! Even if you're 20 and can jump like a bean, we will prpare you to DANCE. You are an ADULT YOU HAVE NO CHOICE. WE WILL MAKE THAT DECISION FOR YOU!

[Nate]

Here is USFS thought process:

You are an ADULT, you are afraid of jumping, you WILL be prepared to do DancE! Even if you're 20 and can jump like a bean, we will prpare you to DANCE. You are an ADULT YOU HAVE NO CHOICE. WE WILL MAKE THAT DECISION FOR YOU!

Yes, it seems a bit... odd.  I think that I'm going to switch to Standard Track, or quit.  The Adult Test structure is way too restrictive, right down to the music (which makes getting a good cut of some pieces extremely difficult, since you don't have that extra 10 seconds leeway).  It's kind of demotivating for me.


I don't think all adults should be forced to do equivalent technical content to Standard Track, but Standard Track has a much wider variance of what's accepted while the adult levels are extremely restrictive.

[skategeek]

Another minor difference:  Adult 1-6 specifically says that hockey stops and backward snowplow stops have to be done on both sides.  Basic Skills 1-6 doesn't seem to say that.

[skategeek]

OK, and now I've compared the old Adult 1-6 with the revised version.  (Can you tell I have a big pile of finals to grade?)  Most of the Adult 6 and many Adult 5 skills have been eliminated, and the earlier skills moved up (so some of Adult 2 is now Adult 3, and so on).  No new skills added.  Here's the list of skills no longer in the Adult 1-6 curriculum.  Some of them show up in the Pre-Free Skate level or higher.

In old Adult 1-6 but not new Adult 1-6:
Basic forward outside and forward inside consecutive edges
Backward chasses on a circle
Forward inside pivots
Backward crossover to landing position
Forward and backward crossovers in a figure 8 pattern
Continuous forward progressive chasse sequence
Forward inside OPEN Mohawk
Alternating backward crossovers with two foot transition
Backward crossovers to backward outside edge
Spiral
Bunny hop
Footwork sequence

[dlbritton]

OK, and now I've compared the old Adult 1-6 with the revised version.  (Can you tell I have a big pile of finals to grade?)  Most of the Adult 6 and many Adult 5 skills have been eliminated, and the earlier skills moved up (so some of Adult 2 is now Adult 3, and so on).  No new skills added.  Here's the list of skills no longer in the Adult 1-6 curriculum.  Some of them show up in the Pre-Free Skate level or higher.

In old Adult 1-6 but not new Adult 1-6:

SNIPPED OUT STUFF

When I finally get back on the ice I believe I will be finished with Adult 1-6. I had just passed 5 and was looking forward to passing 6 this session prior to my fall. I can do everything in Adult 6 and have been tested on a few.  Forward/Backward crossovers in a Figure 8 kept me from passing 5 for about 6 months.

The count of skills in the new Adult 1-6 is higher than the old 1-5 but several skills such as forward edges inside/outside are now 2 skills whereas that was 1 skill on the old plan.

[Query]

Based on http://ltsqc.usfigureskating.org/signuphomepage, $10/student for Basic Skills a year or two ago, became $12 this season, becomes $12+$1.50 (processing and handling fee). Price creep.

Maybe the initial letter was a request-for-comments by figure skating directors, and was a preliminary draft, not meant for open publication yet? I'll wait til it becomes official before worrying about it.

[skategeek]

Based on http://ltsqc.usfigureskating.org/signuphomepage, $10/student for Basic Skills a year or two ago, became $12 this season, becomes $12+$1.50 (processing and handling fee). Price creep.

Maybe the initial letter was a request-for-comments by figure skating directors, and was a preliminary draft, not meant for open publication yet? I'll wait til it becomes official before worrying about it.

The web site isn't really public yet; I noticed a couple of glitches that still need to be cleaned up... processing fee is listed as $1 in one place, but $1.50 elsewhere, for example.  The signup page appears to be functional, but I didn't actually sign up; I'd rather wait until they're officially official too.

[Query]

Coaches and instructors get to "Learn to Teach" again!

PSA teacher/coach certification classes are going up $5 too. 

  http://www.skatepsa.com/psa/CER.html

Will coaches and program directors still decide if you pass, or will USFSA be involved?

Will USFSA charge extra to record your class progress and the results of low level competitions?

Or is it too early to know?

[FigureSpins]

Don't take what you see on that site as set in stone.  It must be a Quality Assurance test site, for beta testing purposes.

The costs of BSS memberships and the online PSA training has been held flat for the past few years so the increase wasn't unexpected.  Governing Council approved a price increase LTS USA/BSS last month, so the production site will reflect the increase. 

Again, skaters DO NOT have to use this central registration site - it's more of a "come on, join" site for skaters who don't know where to go for lessons.  Skating clubs (we were advised) can continue to register skaters for the LTS USA/BSS membership category.

I don't see any online tracking of skater test levels on the beta site.  The intent of the website is to drive skaters to the rink/club-based LTS programs, so of course the evaluation will be done at the local level.  That's what makes LTS affordable.  It also makes it toothless: they can define the standards but they have no way to enforce them.

ISI doesn't register tests unless the skater pays for that centralized data collection.  It's required if you are competing but otherwise, it's honor system. 

Off topic: The PSA online training is affordable for coaches: $20 site registration fee lets you take any of 10 free courses online.  CER-C (Basic Skills) courses are all free.  For my CER-A, only two of the four courses had a fee, so it cost me $60.  I'm a professional figure skating coach so it's tax-deductible and the courses are relevant.  Education is important -- skating has changed drastically over the years and it's complicated, so having online resources gets everyone on the same page.

[FigureSpins]

A few takeaways from the ISI/PSA Conference:

Snowplow Sam is still the mascot (hooray from DH) and that curricula has a new SS4 level.

. Instructors have to register, either online or through a club/program. 
. You only have to register once and pay the $12 fee.  (Bah - yet another cost of doing business.  Some rinks may pay the fee)

[skategeek]

For anyone interested in Basic Skills competitions, USFS has listed info for "Compete USA" competitions for next year (starting Sept 1).  Looks like that's what's replacing the old basic skills competitions, though it seems pretty similar to the old version. 

http://www.usfigureskating.org/programs?id=89713&menu=programs