Test Refresh…Refreshing
Test Refresh…Refreshing
Originally published July/Aug 2017 PS Magazine
As U.S. Figure Skating continues to rebrand and refocus their direction, I am excited about the potential of the newly passed test refresh.
The refresh is a more simplified scoring system using “0” as the passing standard, and ranging from -3 to +3 like the GOE used in IJS. It provides consistency between testing and IJS scoring and also removes the serious error restriction which allows the judge to exercise their judgment in the best interest of the tester. It rewards the skater’s strengths rather than a “check the box” approach. Makes sense to me.
Test requirements now reflect the Well-Balanced Free Skate with minimum technical elements and program duration. No more need to have a test program and a competition program. Makes sense to me.
I especially like the new addition of passing with honors and passing with distinction. Why not reward skaters who exceed the standard by a wide margin? Makes sense to me.
In the July 2015 issue of PS Magazine, I wrote the following, “Coaches and judges also constantly complain about the standards of tests. The quality of skating and the disparity of passing standards between regions are the main issues. Coaches putting out tests that are not ready and judges whose standards are too lenient perpetuate de-evolution (of skating skills). This is where we need to put our resources. We need to overhaul the test structure to develop our skaters to today’s standards. If the powers that be believe our skaters too slow, then add speed and power to the free skate, pair, dance, and moves tests. Train the judges to a higher standard.”
This is an opportunity to do just that. Interestingly, not all judges like the changes, specifically the passing with honors or distinction. Some of the arguments were that it puts too much pressure on kids, and that “patsy judges[i],” would just give away the designations to undeserving testers. What actually changes for the “patsy judges?” That doesn’t makes sense to me.
In my opinion, pressure is inescapable and a part of life. Testing in general is pressure. Pressure is how you make a diamond. As for the passing of tests by “patsy judges,” I am against the argument that because of a few cases of low standards, the majority should not have the opportunity to excel.
The most debatable change, however, came with the test credit from an IJS competition protocol. Clubs specifically were concerned about lost testing revenue. Competing up a level at a non-qualifying competition, a skater or team would need to achieve the minimum required passing score. At the competition the skater obtains: 1) The verified list from the accountant, 2) A copy of their protocol, and 3) A copy of the event results, signed by the Technical Controller and Event Referee.
The paperwork however does not have to be immediately filed. There is an expiration date of a year. Noted in the rationale with the rule changes “…empowers the coach to make training decisions that are in the best interest of their skater’s development.” I really like this.
For information regarding the test refresh and new rules passed at the 2017 Governing Council, read Juliette Newcomers article in this issue or check out the technical page at www.usfsa.org.
[i] The term “patsy judges” was used at the 2017 Governing
Council by an opponent of the passing with honors and passing
with distinction designation and was used in
reference to judges who have a reputation for passing all tests.
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