Whether a skater decides to be competitive or remain recreational, they will all at some point take a test. There are tests offered in each discipline of skating. How do you know when you are ready to take a test? Your coach will let you know.
Now that your coach has determined that you are ready to take a test, you must fill in an application form. Your coach will ensure that you use the correct form. Each test application form will ask you to fill out basic personal information, your skater's Skate Canada registration number and indicate which test your skater will be taking. Your coach will tell you what the name of the test is.
Just remember that a separate application form must be filled out for each discipline. That is, if you are taking a freeskate test, a skating skills test and a dance test, you must fill out three separate application forms.
Submit the completed application form and cheque for the test fee and forward to the test chair.
The Club Test Chair will then process the applications and fill out a test sheet for your skater. The Club Test Chair maintains a record of all tests attempted and past by our members. The official records are also kept by Skate Canada.
Depending on the level of test your skater is taking, the tests may or may not be held at the Club.
The next section will explain what the different levels of tests are, what is required in each and how they differ.
Tests in the Star Skate Program are classified according to Level.
Low: Preliminary, Junior Bronze and Senior Bronze if time/evaluator permits
Intermediate: Senior Bronze and Junior Silver
High: Senior Silver, Gold and Diamond (dance only)
Low Tests are held at the Club and may run during or in place of a regularly scheduled session.
Tests in the Competitive Stream include the following levels:
Juvenile, Pre-Novice, Novice, Junior and Senior for the disciplines of singles freeskate, pairs and dance. They are always held at a "centralized" test day and may also be tried during most local competitions while the skater is competing. See below for more information about centralized tests.
Intermediate and High Tests are "centralized" that is, they are held within the BC Coast Region. That means that they can be held anywhere in the Lower Mainland.
Now that you know where you may go to take a test, here is a guide as to what is required in each test:
All tests are evaluated according to a set standard outlined by Skate Canada. Each component of a test is evaluated on the scale of Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, and Needs Improvement. Skaters are not compared to each other. Depending on the level of the test being taken, there are certain passing criteria which must be met. That means that there are a certain number components which must be rated at least "satisfactory" for the test to pass. Otherwise, the test is designated as a "retry".
There is no limit as to the number of times that a skater may attempt a test. Each test in the Skate Canada program must be taken sequentially. With the exception of competitive tests, skaters are not permitted to skip a level and the requirements to complete a level must all be fulfilled before attempting the next level.
What is appropriate test day attire? If you are taking a freeskate test and have a competition dress, then wear that, otherwise any other dress that looks neat and tidy is appropriate. For boys, competition wear is appropriate otherwise a pair of regular skating pants and shirt or t-shirt style top will work.
Note: Girls must wear a skirt. Boys must have sleeves.
Ensure that you are at the Arena Early
When you get to the arena, look for signs indicating the tests and find where you are on the list, so that you know approximately when you will be testing.
Submit you music to the registration volunteer. (This volunteer will be at the music box, or forward you music to your coach who will make sure the volunteer gets your music).
Locate your Coach. Your coach may be with other skaters that are testing before you. But, be assured they know you are coming and will be there to help you. You can help them out by taking time to start warming up and stretching.
Do a Proper Warmup. Find a warm place to get your muscles moving and stretched out. Your coach will also help to ensure that you are warm and ready to go. They will also prompt you when you should get your skates on.
Did you know? All evaluators are volunteers too.
When it is your turn to take your test, relax and smile, and give your best effort.
Depending on the number of skaters taking a test and where in the skating order you skate, you may have to wait a while before you know the result of your test. Evaluators must verify that the results listed are correct and sign them before they are posted. All results are posted as either "Pass" or "Retry".