Puerto
Rican Figure Skating Federation (PRFSF) is the national
governing body for the sport of figure skating in the
Island of Puerto Rico . PRFSF is a provisional member
of the International Skating Union (ISU), the international
federation for figure skating, and working towards some
day becoming a member of the Puerto Rican Olympic Committee
(COPUR).
PRFSF
National headquarters is located in Aguadilla P.R.
at the Aguadilla Ice Skating Rink with a U.S. operating
Office in Vienna, Virginia. In the U.S. more than 1,000 volunteers serve on U.S. Figure Skating's
Executive Committee, Board of Directors and numerous
committees. Thousands of additional volunteers dedicate
their time to club activities, judging, officiating
and competition management. We have received a great
deal of support from the US Figure Skating and will
strive to achieve the kinds of success that they have
enjoyed over the years. While we are very small with
a few skaters, we are confident that the PRFSF along
with the Aguadilla leadership will produce many competitive
skaters in the future.
Viewer's
Guide - Explains 6.0 system & · Contains
2004-2005 season elements
This
guide was created to help viewers understand some
of the technical specifications of what you see on
television. Although each program may look different
because of costumes and music, all programs are based
on some standard elements. This guide will show you
what those specific elements are for short programs,
and you will also learn some of the specifics about
creating a well-balanced free skate or free dance.
Because elements change yearly, this guide will also
be updated at the beginning of every season.
There
are five separate disciplines or divisions in competitive
figure skating: men's singles, ladies singles, pairs,
ice dancing and synchronized team skating. Figures
were eliminated from international competition in
the 1991-92 season .
Within
singles, pairs and dance there are five different
competitive skill levels that we have adopted from
the the U.S.
that are based on proficiency tests — juvenile, intermediate,
novice, junior and senior. Each level draws on similar
techniques but adheres to increasingly more difficult
skills as well as different rules and guidelines.
The
following information pertains to skaters competing
at the junior and senior competitive levels — the
two highest levels within the U.S. and PRFSF competition
structure.
Programs
At A Glance
Singles/Pairs — Short Program
Judge's First Mark: Required Elements
Judge's Second Mark: Presentation
Time Length: 2:50 (maximum)
Singles/Pairs — Free Skate
Judge's First Mark: Technical Merit
Judge's Second Mark: Presentation
Time Length: 3:30 +/- 10 seconds (junior ladies),
4:00 +/- 10 seconds (senior ladies, junior men and
pairs), 4:30 +/- 10 seconds (senior men and pairs)
Dance — Compulsory Dance(s)
Judge's First Mark: Technique
Judge's Second Mark: Timing/Expression
Time Length: Varies according to dance
Dance — Original Dance
Judge's First Mark: Composition
Judge's Second Mark: Presentation
Time Length: 2:30 +/- 10 seconds
Dance — Free Dance
Judge's First Mark: Technical Merit
Judge's Second Mark: Presentation
Time Length: 3:00 +/- 10 seconds (junior), 4:00 +/-
10 seconds (senior
Singles
Skating
Form,
style, technique, concentration and the ability to
perform under great pressure are the key requirements
in men's and ladies singles events. The rules are
similar for both men's and ladies divisions. Each
competition is composed of two separate parts: the
short program, which is skated first, followed by
the free skate. In the 6.0 scoring system, the short
program counts for 33.3 percent of a skater's total
score for the competition. It consists of eight required
moves or elements: three jumps, three spins, and two
fast step sequences or footwork. The required elements
for the 2004-05 season are as follows:
Senior Ladies
1. Double Axel
2. One triple jump (entry steps required)
3. One jump combination consisting of one double jump
and a triple jump or two triple jumps
4. Flying spin (minimum of eight revolutions)
5. Layback or sideways leaning spin (minimum of eight
revolutions)
6. Spin combination with only one change of foot and
at least two changes of position (minimum of six revolutions
on each foot)
7. One spiral step sequence
8. One step sequence of a different pattern
Junior Ladies
1. Double Axel
2. One double or triple loop (entry steps required)
3. One jump combination consisting of two double jumps
or a double and a triple jump
4. Flying camel spin (minimum of eight revolutions)
5. Layback or sideways leaning spin (minimum of eight
revolutions)
6. Spin combination with only one change of foot and
at least two changes of position (minimum of six revolutions
on each foot)
7. Spiral step sequence
8. Step sequence of a different pattern
Senior Men
1. Double or triple Axel
2. One triple or one quadruple jump (entry steps required)
3. One jump combination consisting of a double jump
and a triple jump, two triple jumps, a quad and a
double or a quad and a triple
4. Flying spin (minimum of eight revolutions)
5. Camel spin or sit spin with only one change of
foot (minimum of six revolutions on each foot)
6. Spin combination with only one change of foot and
at least two changes of position (minimum of six revolutions
on each foot)
7/8. Two step sequences of a different nature
Junior Men
1. Double Axel
2. One double or triple loop
3. One jump combination consisting of a double and
triple or two triple jumps
4. Flying camel spin (minimum of eight revolutions)
5. Sit spin with only one change of foot (minimum
of six revolutions on each foot)
6. Spin combination with only one change of foot and
at least two changes of position (minimum of six revolutions
on each foot)
7/8. Two step sequences of a different nature
The
moves may be done in any order within a 2:50 time
limit to music selected by the skater. The judges
award two marks: one for required elements, which
evaluates how well each element is performed, and
a second for presentation, which evaluates the overall
program.
The
free skate is worth 66.7 percent of a skater's total
score for the competition. The free skate has a length
limitation of 4:30 for senior men and senior pairs;
4 minutes for senior ladies, junior men and junior
pairs; and 3:30 for junior ladies. Skaters select
their own music and theme, and choreograph the jumps,
spins, footwork and interpretive moves to best display
their technical and artistic skills. Change of pace,
creativity and innovative moves are encouraged. Technical
and artistic perfection are paramount to the skater
and to the judges. Judges consider the difficulty
of the moves and jumps and how well they are executed,
as well as the overall presentation.
As
defined in the ISU regulations, a well-balanced singles
free skate must contain:
Jumps: There is
a maximum of eight jump elements for men and seven
jump elements for ladies. One must be an Axel-type
jump. Only two triple or quad jumps can be repeated
and they must be a part of a jump combination or jump
sequence. There may be up to three jump combinations
or sequences; any repeated jumps must be in combination
or sequence.
Spins: A maximum
of four spins of a different nature — one must be
a spin combination, one a flying spin and one with
only one position.
Steps: A maximum
of two different step sequences. For ladies one of
these must be a spiral step sequence.
Two
marks also are given for the free skate — the first
for technical merit, the second for presentation.
Pairs
Skating
Pairs
skating is essentially free skating performed in unison
by partners, with the addition of daring and difficult
overhead lifts, throw jumps and spins. The key to
pairs skating is exact timing and unison. Whether
the partners are together or apart, their movements
should be synchronized with matching body lines, gestures
and footwork.
The
pairs competition, like singles, has a short program
that counts for 33.3 percent of a team's total score
and a free skate program that counts for 66.7 percent
of the total score. The judges award two sets of marks
for each portion as done during singles events — required
elements and presentation marks following the short
program and a technical merit mark and a presentation
mark for the free skate.
The
pairs short program consists of eight required elements,
which include overhead lifts, side-by-side solo jumps
and solo spins done in unison, footwork, pair spins
and a death spiral, all performed to music of the
skaters' choice. The short program is 2:50 in length
and requires the following elements for the 2004-05
season:
Senior Pairs Short Program
1. Any lasso lift take-off
2. Double twist lift
3. One throw jump (double or triple)
4. One solo jump (double or triple)
5. Solo spin combination with only one change of foot
and at least one change of position
6. Pair spin combination with only one change of foot
and at least one change of position (sit, camel, upright
or any variation thereof)
7. Death spiral backward inside
8. Spiral step sequence
Junior Pairs Short Program
1. Toe lasso lift take-off
2. Double twist lift
3. Double or triple toe loop throw jump
4. Double flip or double Axel (solo jump)
5. Solo spin combination with only one change of foot
and at least one change of position
6. Pair spin combination with only one change of foot
and at least one change of position
7. Death spiral backward inside
8. Spiral step sequence
The
free skate consists of technical and artistic moves
choreographed to best display the skaters' individual
strengths, skills and ability to perform as a team
throughout the 4:30 +/- 10 seconds program (4 minutes
+/- 10 seconds for junior). Difficult double and triple
solo and throw jumps will be seen, along with unique
lifts and spins and variations on standard moves,
as well as original moves. Shadow skating, in which
partners perform identical maneuvers some distance
apart, and mirror skating, where the pair's moves
are in opposite directions and mirror each other,
are challenging aspects of pairs skating.
A
well-balanced pairs free skate must contain:
· Maximum
of three lifts (one must be of group three or four)
· Maximum
of one twist lift
· Maximum
of two different throw jumps
· Maximum
of one solo jump
· Maximum
of one jump combination or sequence
· Maximum
of one solo spin or solo spin combination
· Maximum
of one pair spin or pair spin combination
· Maximum
of one death spiral
· Maximum
of one step sequence
· Maximum
of one sequence of spirals, Ina Bauers, spread eagles
and other moves in the field
· Senior
level optional element: Maximum of one additional
optional element, which can be a death spiral (different
from above), another solo spin combination, or a solo
or pair spin
Glossary of
Terms
ACCOUNTANT — An official at a figure skating
competition who compiles and computes marks awarded
by judges to determine the placement of competitors.
AXEL JUMP — One of the most difficult jumps
which takes off from the forward outside edge and
is landed on the back outside edge of the opposite
foot. A single Axel consists of 1 1/2 revolutions,
a double is 2 1/2 revolutions, and a triple is 3-1/2
revolutions. The jump is named for its inventor, Axel
Paulsen. It is easily recognizable as it is the only
jump that takes off from a forward position.
CAMEL SPIN — A spin which is done on one leg
with the non-skating leg, or free leg, extended in
the air in a position parallel to the ice. The body
remains in this "spiral" position while
spinning.
CHOCTAW — A turn from forward to backward
(or backward to forward) from one foot to the other
in which the curve of the exit edge is in the opposite
direction to the curve of the entry edge. The change
of foot is from outside edge to inside edge or from
inside edge to outside edge.
COMBINATION SPIN — The combination of several
spins where the skater changes feet and positions
while maintaining speed throughout the entire spin.
COMPULSORY DANCE — A dance that has prescribed
rhythms and specific steps that must be done in an
exact manner with exact placement on the ice. All
skaters do the same compulsory dance in an event.
At most senior events nationally and internationally,
only one compulsory dance is competed and it is worth
20 percent of the total score.
CROSSOVERS — A method of gaining speed and turning
corners in which skaters cross one foot over the other.
There are both forward and backward crossovers.
DEATH SPIRAL — A pairs move in which the man spins
in a pivot position while holding one hand of his
partner, who is spinning in a horizontal position
with her body low and parallel to the ice.
DRAW — The process to determine the starting
or skating order for each event. Either the referee
or chair of the competition conducts the process in
the presence of other judges (closed draw) or in an
open setting where the athletes participate and actually
draw a number from a pouch (open draw).
EDGES — The two sides of the skate blade
on either side of the grooved center. There is an
inside edge — the edge on the inner side of the leg
— and an outside edge — that on the outer side of
the leg. There is a forward and backward for each
edge, equaling a total of four different edges.
EDGE JUMP — A jump where the skater takes off
from the entry edge of the skating foot without bringing
the free foot in contact with the ice to assist the
take off. The Axel, loop and Salchow are common edge
jumps.
ELIGIBLE — The term used to define skaters
or competitions that meet the requirements and follow
the rules of U.S. Figure Skating and/or the ISU. All
eligible skaters, judges and officials are members
of U.S. Figure Skating and have not participated in
any activities, competitions or events that are not
sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating or the ISU.
ENVELOPE SYSTEM — In the U.S., the envelope
system separates skaters for ASUPP funding levels.
Based on prescribed criteria, U.S. athletes can be
placed in Team A, B, C or the reserve team. The U.S.
Figure Skating Athlete Support Fund (ASUPP) financially
supports the U.S. Team envelope athletes by assisting
them with their skating expenses.
FALLING LEAF — A jump taking off from a backward
outside edge as in a loop jump takeoff, and projecting
the free leg forward turning 1/2 revolution. The landing
is forward on the toe of this lifting leg and either
steps into a forward glide position on the opposite
leg (original take-off leg) or steps into a forward
inside three-turn.
FLIP JUMP — A toe-pick assisted jump taken
off from the back inside edge of one foot and landed
on the back outside edge of the opposite foot.
FOOTWORK — A sequence of step maneuvers carrying
the skater across the ice in patterns — generally
straight, circular or serpentine. Footwork is intended
to show the precision and dexterity of the skater's
movements.
FREE DANCE — The free dance, which reflects
50 percent of a dance team's total score, is relatively
unrestricted, and skaters select the mood and tempo
as long as it is danceable. Skaters are allowed 4
minutes to display their full range of technical skills,
interpretation and inventiveness.
FREE SKATE (OR FREE SKATING) — In OBO
scoring, the free skate counts for 66.7 percent of
a skater's or team's final score in singles and pairs.
It does not have required elements, so skaters select
their own music and theme, and choreograph the many
difficult jumps, spins and footwork to best display
their technical and artistic skills. The free skate
(for senior level) has a length of 4 1/2 minutes for
men and pairs, and 4 minutes for ladies.
HAND-TO-HAND LOOP LIFT — A lift
in which the man raises his partner, who is in front
of him and facing the same direction, above his head.
She remains facing the same direction, in the sitting
position with her hands behind her, while her partner
supports her by the hands.
HYDRANT LIFT — A lift in which the man throws
his partner over his head while skating backwards,
rotates one-half turn and catches his partner facing
him.
LAYBACK SPIN — Generally performed by women, the
layback spin involves an upright spin position where
the head and shoulders are dropped backwards and the
back arches.
LIFTS — Pair moves in which the man lifts
his partner above his head with arm(s) fully extended.
Lifts consist of precise ascending, rotational and
descending movements.
LOBE — The pattern made on the ice by
an edge or steps, forming an arc of a circle that
starts and finishes on an axis.
LONG PROGRAM — Old term for the free skate portion
of the singles and pairs competitions.
LOOP JUMP — An edge jump, taken off from a back
outside edge and landed on the same back outside edge.
LUTZ JUMP — A toe-pick assisted jump taken
off from a back outside edge and landed on the back
outside edge of the opposite foot. The skater glides
backward on a wide curve, taps his toe pick into the
ice, and rotates in the opposite direction of the
curve. The jump is named for its inventor, Alois Lutz.
MOHAWK — A turn from forward to backward
(or backward to forward), from one foot to the other,
each edge forming parts of the same curve.
MOVES IN THE FIELD — One of three
test structures in U.S. Figure Skating (including
free skating and dance). Moves in the field tests
help develop all basic fundamental edges and turns
while emphasizing edge quality, extension, quickness
and power.
NONQUALIFYING COMPETITION — Also referred
to as a club competition, nonqualifying events are
those that are not part of the U.S. qualifying structure
leading up to the U.S. Championships.
OBO SYSTEM — The one-by-one system is the scoring
system currently used in international competitions
including the World Championships.
ORDINAL — In the 6.0 scoring system, each
skater or team is given a score that is converted
into an ordinal or "place." The skater or
team that receives the highest marks from a judge
is awarded the first-place mark or ordinal from that
judge.
ORIGINAL DANCE — The second competition phase
in ice dancing which counts for 30 percent of the
team's total score. Skaters are given a prescribed
rhythm (such as the paso doble or rhumba) with a defined
tempo range and must create a completely original
version of the dance. It has a time limit of 2 minutes.
OVERHEAD LIFTS — The group of pair lifts
in which one or both of the man's arms are fully extended
as he holds his partner overhead. The man does not
let go of his partner during the lift, except momentarily
during changes in her position or during the dismount.
PLATTER LIFT — A lift in which the man raises his
partner overhead with his hands resting on her hips.
She is horizontal to the ice, facing the back of the
man, in a platter position.
PRESENTATION MARK — The second of two marks
awarded when judging the singles and pairs short program
and free skate, and the original and free dance. Judges
consider the program's relationship to the music,
the speed, utilization of the ice surface, carriage
and style, originality and unison.
QUALIFYING COMPETITION — In the
U.S., qualifying competitions are those that are part
of the competition structure leading to the U.S. Championships,
U.S. Adult Championships, U.S. Synchronized Team Skating
Championships, and U.S. Junior Championships. Qualifying
competitions are all regional and sectional events.
REFEREE — The official at a competition who
has full authority over all aspects of the event and
is the chairperson for the panel of judges. It is
the referee's responsibility to ensure that all rules
are observed, that a high standard of judging is maintained
and that all technical aspects of the competition
are satisfactory.
REGIONALS — The regional championships are
the first step in the U.S. qualifying competition
structure that leads to the U.S. Championships. U.S.
Figure Skating currently breaks down the U.S. into
nine regional areas and competitions. Skaters must
place in the top four at their regional event to advance
to sectionals (the second step in the qualifying competition
structure). Juvenile and intermediate skaters go directly
from regionals to the U.S. Junior Championships (top
four places only).
REQUIRED ELEMENTS MARK — The first
mark given by the judges in the singles and pairs
short program evaluating how well each element is
performed. There are defined deductions that are made
due to errors skaters make when executing the required
elements.
ROCKER — A turn made on one foot from a forward
to backward (or backward to forward) edge maintaining
the same character, i.e., outside to inside or inside
to outside.
SALCHOW — Another edge jump taken off from
the back inside edge of one foot and landed on the
back outside edge of the opposite foot. Created by
Ulrich Salchow.
SANCTION — Permission or approval given by
U.S. Figure Skating or the ISU to member clubs, competition
organizers, individuals or national federations to
conduct competitions, shows or events featuring eligible
athletes. Registered U.S. Figure Skating athletes
can only participate in sanctioned activities to remain
eligible.
SECTIONALS — The sectional championships are
the second and final step in the U.S. qualifying competition
structure that leads to the U.S. Championships. The
top four finishers from each sectional advance to
the U.S. Championships. There are currently three
sectionals - Eastern, Midwestern and Pacific Coast
- within U.S. Figure Skating competition structure.
SCRATCH SPIN — Also known as an upright spin. After
entering from a controlled forward outside edge, the
spin begins on a back inside edge. Gradual acceleration
begins by moving and placing the free foot toward
the top of the skating knee and drawing the arms close
to the body. The spin exits into a backward outside
edge.
SHADOW SKATING — Any movement in pairs skating
performed by both partners simultaneously while skating
in close proximity.
SHORT PROGRAM — Official name for a 2 minute,
40 second program in singles and pairs that consists
of eight required elements and is set to music of
the skater's choice. No more than eight required elements
can be done. Failure to complete, or elimination of
any element is penalized in the scoring.
SIT SPIN — A spin which is done in a "sitting"
position. The body is low to the ice with the skating
(spinning) knee bent and the non-skating, or "free"
leg, extended beside it.
SPIRAL — A move in which a skater demonstrates
flexibility and a fluid line by extending his or her
non-skating leg behind them into the air during a
long glide.
SPIRAL SEQUENCE — A sequence of steps which
incorporates various spirals in a pattern across the
ice. Spirals in a spiral sequence may be done going
forward, backwards, in a straight line or on a curve,
or on an inside or an outside edge.
STAR LIFT — A lift in which the man raises
his partner by her hip, from his side into the air.
She is in the scissor position, with either one hand
touching his shoulder, or in a hands-free position.
STARTING ORDER — The result of the draw which
lists the order the athletes will compete and the
group each athlete will warm up in prior to competition.
STEP SEQUENCE — A sequence of steps that
immediately follow one another, executed in time to
the music and are choreographically related to each
other.
STROKING — Fluid movement used to gain speed
in which a skater pushes off back and forth from the
inside edge of one skate to the inside edge of the
other skate.
SWIZZLE — A method of two-foot progression,
either forward or backward, by an in-and-out movement
of the feet on inside edges.
TECHNICAL MERIT MARK — The first
of two marks awarded when judging the free skate (singles
and pairs) and the free dance (ice dancing), which
measures the difficulty of the performance, variety
and cleanness.
TECHNICAL PROGRAM — Former term for the short
program.
TECHNIQUE MARK — The first of two marks awarded
when judging the compulsory dance, based on the conformity
of the dance steps, accuracy, style, form and carriage.
THROW JUMP — A pairs move in which the male partner
assists the woman into the air, she then executes
one, two, or three revolutions and lands skating backwards.
TIMING/EXPRESSION MARK — The second
of two marks awarded when judging the compulsory dance,
based on the steps being to the beat of the music,
correct timing and a clear expression of the nature
of the dance.
TOE LOOP — A toe-pick assisted jump that takes
off and lands on the same back outside edge.
TOE OVERHEAD LIFT — A lift in which the man
swings his partner from one side of his body, around
behind his head and into a raised position. She is
facing the same direction as the man in a split position.
TOE PICKS — The teeth at the front of the blade
used primarily for jumping and spinning.
TWIST LIFTS — The group of pairs lifts where both
partners begin skating backwards and the man lifts
his partner over his head and tosses her in the air.
While airborne, she will rotate full or half rotations.
The man catches his partner and places her back on
the ice.
TWIZZLE – A traveling turn on one foot with
one or more rotations, which is quickly rotated with
a continuous (uninterrupted) action. The weight remains
on the skating foot with the free foot in any position
during the turn, and then placed beside the skating
foot to skate the next steps.
WALTZ JUMP – A jump involving a half-turn in
the air in which the skater takes off from a forward
outside edge on one foot and lands on the backward
outside edge of the other.
TERMS APPLYING TO ISU
NEW JUDGING SYSTEM
SKATING SKILLS — Methods used by a skater/couple
to create movement over the ice surface.
TRANSITIONS — Skating steps/elements linking
program highlights.
PERFORMANCE/EXECUTION - The evaluation
of the skater's/couple's ability to exhibit a pleasing
appearance through body awareness and projection.
CHOREOGRAPHY — The evaluation of the program layout
in relationship to elements and their linking steps.
Program highlights should be evenly distributed over
the ice surface demonstrating the skater's/couple's
skills.
INTERPRETATION — The use of the body and
skating elements to express outwardly the mood and
character of the chosen music.
TECHNICAL CONTROLLER — The person
who supervises the call and the input of performed
elements.
TECHNICAL SPECIALIST (CALLER) — The person
who identifies and calls performed elements. This
person has the highest knowledge of figure skating
or ice dancing.
SCALE OF VALUE — The Scale of Value determines
how much each performed element is worth.
GRADE OF EXECUTION — The grade
of execution, ranging from –3 to +3 is given for every
element per the judge's discretion.
PROGRAM COMPONENT SCORE — The sum
of scores for the five program components – skating
skills, transitions, performance/execution, choreography
and interpretation.
TOTAL ELEMENTS SCORE — The sum
of scores for the technical portion of a skater's
program.
SYNCHRONIZED TEAM SKATING
TERMS
BLOCK — A formation in which skaters line
up one behind the other in more than two straight
lines forming a block or formation. The block moves
on the ice utilizing the entire surface.
CIRCLE — A maneuver in which skaters are
linked and rotate with step combinations in a circular
motion. Skaters can skate forward or backward trying
to hold form for a perfect circle.
INTERSECTION — An intersection is a required element
for the synchronized team skating short program and
a common synchronized team skating formation. It is
any type of maneuver that incorporates movement of
one part of the team through the other part of the
team.
LINE — A formation in which the skaters
are arranged in a single line, side by side. For the
synchronized team skating short program, the line
must extend across the ice surface width and travel
the full length of the ice.
WHEEL — A formation in which skaters form
lines that are connected and rotating from one central
point, similar to the spokes on a bicycle wheel.
Tests
and Skating Levels
Figure
skating in the U.S. can be either competitive or recreational,
and those learning to skate can choose either route.
While competitive skaters are required to participate
in the U.S. testing structure to eventually compete
in qualifying competitions, recreational skaters can
also opt to take tests in order to continually challenge
themselves and their abilities.
The
official tests of U.S. Figure Skating may be taken
by all figure skaters who are members of a member
club or collegiate club, individual members who are
currently registered with the U.S. Figure Skating
and are otherwise qualified under these rules, as
well as by members of a member association of the
ISU. Each candidate must present a current registration
card before taking a test (see the 2004 U.S. Figure
Skating Rulebook TR 2.01).
Tests
can only be taken under the auspices of a member club.
Fees are involved and vary by club. Sessions are organized
and run under procedures outlined in the U.S. Figure
Skating rulebook. Any person who is interested in
participating in the U.S. Figure Skating testing structure
is encouraged to purchase a rulebook. The rulebook
addresses such questions as coaching and the conduct
of candidates at test sessions.
Tests
are marked on a “pass” or “retry” basis. Some tests
have numeric marks associated with them that determine
if the test is a “pass” or “retry.” These are used
to establish a “passing” average, and judges use this
number as a basis for the quality of the test. Different
tests have different standards for “pass” and “retry,”
along with different procedures for reskating elements
in a test. For details, candidates should consult
the rulebook for the particular test to be taken.
If a test is marked “retry” a skater may not retake
the test prior to the 27th following the date of the
original test.
For
all tests other than adult and masters tests, age
is not a factor. To qualify for an adult test, the
candidate must be 25 years of age or older. To qualify
for masters tests, the candidate must be 50 years
of age or older.
Kinds of Tests
There
are several classes of tests in the U.S. Figure Skating
structure:
- Moves in the field (standard
track and adult)
- Free skating (standard
track and adult)
- Pairs (standard track
and adult)
- Compulsory Dance (standard
track, solo, adult and masters)
- Free dance (standard track
and masters)
- Synchronized
- Figures (standard track)
The
order in which tests are taken is important. According
to USFSA rule TR 2.02 in the rulebook: A candidate shall not
be eligible to take a higher-level test until all
of the preceding tests in the same category have been
passed or completed except as otherwise specified
in these rules. A certificate or other satisfactory
evidence of the highest test previously passed or
completed shall be presented before taking a test.
In this section of the web site, we will provide very
basic information on the elements required for each
test. This information is provided only as an OVERVIEW
of the tests; while the elements are mentioned, the
detailed description and explanation of the elements
is not. It is important to refer to the U.S. Figure
Skating rulebook in order to understand all of the
test rules and expectations before testing. Further
description of the elements of each test is available
in the rulebook.
Tests and Competitions
The skaters you see on TV or in other competitions
at your local rink have all passed certain tests to
compete at their current level. The chart below demonstrates
which tests skaters must have passed in order to compete
at a certain level in qualifying events.
PRFSF is requiring that all figure skating members
remain members of the USFSA for the purposes of
testing and competing in Non-Qualifying events.
The PRFSF is using
the USFSA's rulebook until it's own rulebook is
finalize
|
TESTS AND COMPETITIONS
|
|
COMPETITION LEVEL
|
TESTS PASSED
|
|
Senior singles
|
Senior moves test and
senior free skating test
|
|
Senior pairs
|
Both partners must have
passed the senior moves test and senior pair
test
|
|
Senior dance
|
Both partners must have
passed the senior moves test, the gold dance
test or higher and the senior free dance test
|
|
Junior singles
|
Junior moves test or
higher and the junior free
skating test but no higher
|
|
Junior pairs
|
Both partners must have
passed the junior
moves test or higher and the junior pair test
|
|
Junior dance
|
Both partners must have
passed the junior
moves test or higher, at least two pre-gold
dances and the junior free dance
|
|
Novice singles
|
Novice moves test or
higher and the novice free
skating test but no higher
|
|
Novice pairs
|
Both partners must have
passed the novice moves test or higher and the
novice pair test
|
|
Novice dance
|
Both partners must have
passed the novice moves test or higher, at least
one dance of the silver dance test and the novice
free dance test
|
|
Intermediate singles
|
Intermediate moves test
or higher and the intermediate free skating
test but no higher
|
|
Intermediate pairs
|
Both partners must have
passed the intermediate moves test or higher
and the intermediate pair test
|
|
Intermediate dance
|
Both partners must have
passed theintermediate moves test or higher,
the bronze dance test or higher, and the intermediate
free dance test
|
|
Juvenile singles
|
Juvenile moves test
or higher and juvenile free skating test but
no higher
|
|
Juvenile pairs
|
Both partners must have
passed the juvenile moves test or higher and
the juvenile pair test
|
|
Juvenile dance
|
Both partners must have
passed the juvenile moves test or higher, the
preliminary dance test or higher and the juvenile
free dance test
|
|
Championship Masters
Free Skating
|
At least the standard
intermediate free skating test, or prior to
Oct. 1, 1977, the 3rd figure test
|
|
Championship Adult Gold
Free Skating
|
The adult gold free
skating test and no higher than the standard
juvenile free skating test or the ISI freestyle
6, or prior to Oct. 1, 1977, the 2nd figure
test
|
|
Championships Adult
Dance
|
One partner must have
passed at least one pre-
gold dance; the other partner must have passed
at least one silver dance standard or adult
|
Note
(for junior, novice, intermediate and juvenile pairs): It is permissible
for one or both of the partners to have passed the
next higher pair test and still remain eligible to
compete at the lower test level, provided that neither
skater has competed at the higher pair level in qualifying
competitions. Further, if the skater chooses to compete
at the lower pair level, they must do so with a partner
other than the one with whom they passed the higher
pair test.
Note
(for junior, novice, intermediate and juvenile dance): It is permissible
for one or both of the partners to have passed the
next higher free dance test and still remain eligible
to compete at the lower dance level, provided that
neither skater has competed at the higher dance level
in qualifying competitions. Further, if the skater
chooses to compete at the lower dance level, they
must do so with a partner other than the one with
whom they passed the higher free dance test.
Moves
In the Field Tests
The
UFSA's standard moves in the field tests are divided into
eight classes to be taken in the following order:
Pre-preliminary, preliminary, pre-juvenile, juvenile,
intermediate, novice, junior and senior. Furthermore,
there are also adult levels of the moves tests: pre-bronze,
bronze, silver and gold.
As
stated in TR 21.01 of the USFSA
rulebook, moves in the field
tests may be taken and passed independently of the
free skating, pair and dance tests. A skater may take
and pass moves in the field tests higher than the
corresponding free skating tests and still be qualified
to compete in qualifying and nonqualifying competitions
in free skating events at the level defined by the
highest free skating test passed. Competitors should
refer to test and age requirements in in 3107 and
3730 in the rulebook.
Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field Test (PPM)
The purpose of this test is to encourage beginning
skaters to learn the fundamentals of ice skating.
No great deal of technical ability, carriage or flow
is expected. The candidate must show knowledge of
the steps, fairly good edges and some evidence of
good form.