Testing Sessions

Laurel Ridge Skating Club offers Testing Sessions at Danbury Arena and The Rinks at Shelton several times each year.  Check the Events Calendar for dates and times.

Test Results:

December 30, 2009

November 14, 2009

October 30, 2009

Applications:

Applications for testing are due at least two weeks in advance:

Download Test Application for Moves/Freestyle

Download Test Application for Dance

Notes:

• If the Session is over subscribed and the application is submitted on time, Laurel Ridge Skating Club Members have priority.
• Test applications received after the due date are taken on a first come first served basis, as space allows.
• Tests are private; only skaters' parents and coaches are allowed in the rink during testing.
• The schedule will be posted on the Events Calendar as soon as possible prior to the Testing Session.
  

Figure skating can be either competitive or recreational. 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 U.S. Figure Skating and are otherwise qualified under these rules, as well as by members of a member association of the ISU.

Test sessions can only be held under the auspices and control of skating clubs, such as Laurel Ridge Skating Club, which are members of U.S. Figure Skating. Fees are set be the skating club which sponsors the testing. Sessions are organized and run under procedures outlined in the U.S. Figure Skating rulebook. If you are considering participating in the U.S. Figure Skating testing structure, you may wish to considering purchase the rulebook which 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 21 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:

1. Moves in the field (standard track and adult)
2. Free skate (or free skating) (standard track and adult)
3. Pairs (standard track and adult)
4. Compulsory Dance (standard track, solo, adult and masters)
5. Free dance (standard track and masters)

The order in which tests are taken is important. According to 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. Under a common exception, the moves in the field tests can be taken independently of the free skate, pairs and dance tests.

The Figure Skating Tests Book is a good resource for a the detailed description and explanation of the elements.

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. See the Structure of U.S, Figure Skating (linked above) for a chart of the various kinds and levels of testing.