What is testing and why does it matter?

Synchronized skating teams at most levels require a minimum skills test achievement to participate, based on U.S. Figure skating regulations. These are intended to ensure skaters can safely complete the elements required at that level of competition. Most teams will not let a skater audition for a level if they do not have the minimum test requirement. But smaller clubs or teams may let skaters try out, with the expectation that the required tests are passed by the deadline set by U.S. Figure Skating.

Testing levels can become a barrier to your skater moving up to a higher level team. It’s important to know what will be required for the next level, especially if your skater will be too old to compete at their current team level next season.  Skills tests can take months to prepare and pass, so waiting until right before the tryout season, or after they make the team, to start working on skills is too late.  It could mean your skater becomes a trainer or is not given an opportunity to participate the next season.

So what are they and what do they mean?

The U.S. Figure Skating testing structure consists of a series of skill tests that skaters must pass in order to progress to higher levels. This structure is designed to ensure that skaters have a solid foundation of skills before moving on to more advanced levels. The testing structure is divided into three disciplines: Skating skills (formerly moves in the field), free skating and dance.  Each has specific requirements that skaters must meet to pass the test. Skaters are evaluated by judges who assess their performances based on predetermined criteria.

• Skating skills: Skating skills (formerly moves in the field) tests focus on the basic skating skills that are essential for figure skating. These tests evaluate proficiency in edges, turns, and other fundamental maneuvers. The tests are divided into eight levels, with increasing difficulty as skaters progress.
• Free Skating: Free Skating tests assess a skater’s ability to perform jumps, spins, and footwork sequences in a choreographed program. Like Skating Skills, the Free Skating tests are also divided into eight levels, with increasing difficulty as skaters progress.  Free skating can be done in solo or pairs formats.
• Dance:  Dance tests are done in either pattern or free dance formats.  For synchro teams, pattern dances are often required. Pattern dances are a part of ice dancing. Ice dancers perform prescribed patterns on the ice, demonstrating their ability to execute intricate footwork and maintain precise edges and positions all in relation to the rhythm and character of the music. Dances can be done solo or with a partner.

What should my skater be testing?

I had no idea about any of this when we started.  When I first heard about it I had three thoughts?

• Skaters really need to get out there on their own to demonstrate skills?  They are just kids and this must be nerve wracking for them!
• They have to test all three?  How much time is that going to take, and how much will that cost me?
• What if she can’t pass a test level?  What happens?

My daughter is a triple gold medalist, with gold moves in the field, pre-juvenile free skate, senior solo free dance, gold pattern dance, and most of her internal dances. So I’ve paid for and watched LOTS of tests. Here’s what I learned in the process.

Yes, they really do have to get out there alone, except in dance when they demonstrate partnered skills.  When they are little they look very tiny skating on a full sheet of ice by themselves.  And the rink is often eerily silent for skating skills tests!  I don’t know how my daughter felt, but I was a nervous wreck each and every time. I’m amazed watching skaters, from a very early age through adults, putting themselves out there to demonstrate their skills for a panel of strangers and being evaluated. It takes an immense amount of composure and mental strength.

Synchronized teams require skaters to have skills in all three disciplines, including some pairs, based on the competitive requirements.  I have found value for my daughter from each of the testing options.  Dance taught her to find rhythm and character in music, supported her tracking of others on the ice, and really softened her knee bend.  Moves in the field (skating skills) really helped her body control through edges and turns, and improved her power.  And while never her favorite, free skating tests gave her a foundation for the jumps and spins required in synchronized skating programs. 

Having to test each discipline meant having three specialized coaches, plus her synchro team coach, and extra time at the rink each week dedicated to it all.  But it gave her focus during open ice times and individual goals to work towards each season, separate from the team. In addition, each test passed was an individual accomplishment to celebrate. There was almost no better feeling than the day she passed her senior moves in the field (now gold skating skills). It was the culmination of over 8 years of work! 

Sometimes skaters pass, and sometimes they do not.  Sometimes skaters are technically, but not mentally, prepared.  And sometimes skaters are magic on the ice while other days they can’t land a jump no matter how hard they try.  It’s a learning process, regardless of the result. As parents, we want so much for our kids to succeed every time, but in testing it is rare for skaters to pass every skill level the first time.  My daughter, for example, took four times to pass Novice moves (now silver skating skills). But then passed the next level the first time. It happens. Skaters learn to take the feedback, make the corrections, and try again.

My advice for parents:

1. Skaters can’t figure out tests on their own.  They need a coach to help them through the process.
2. Follow the coach’s advice when your skater is ready to test.  I’ve seen parents demand their skater test, against the coach’s judgment.  Then blame the coach if their skater fails.  Putting skaters onto a test session before they are ready doesn’t help their confidence and it’s a waste of your money. If your skater is not ready to test, invest in more practice time, not more test sessions.
3. Don’t wait to start the testing process. As soon as skaters are out of group lessons and start with a private coach, get them on a path for testing. 
4. Each level could take up to a year to progress through. Give your skater time to learn and perfect their skills.
5. Summer is testing season for synchro skaters. Test sessions are harder to fit in during a weekend of synchro practices and competitions. Use their fall and winter lessons for skill building so your skater is ready for spring and summer testing sessions.
6. It’s often not enough to have the minimum testing requirements for a team. The most competitive teams have skaters well above what is required. I found always being one or two test levels ahead ensured she could complete the skill expectations on the team, and it took one pressure off at tryout time. 

Skills testing is an essential aspect of your skater’s journey.  Use it as a means to celebrate their individual success.