I can help out a little here. Apologies for the longish post.

AFAIK, the ISA testing structure is as follows (I got this from the ISA rule book and the link is below for those who want to read it for themselves):

http://www.isa.org.au/Documents/Rule..._Section_4.pdf

Prelim = pattern only (half circles FO, FI, BO, BI). Everyone who wants to test further (singles, pairs or dance) has to do this test.

Elementary 1 changes the system. The test comprises a pattern, two compulsory dances (Dutch Waltz and Canasta Tango, both partnered), and 1min30s (?) freeskate. Lutz must be included.

If you test dance, you do not need to do the pattern (but you can if you want to). If you test freeskate, you do. (The difference is probably because the dancers have 2 compulsories to do, so "pattern + FS" = "2 dances"). You do not need to do the pattern first, but you can't move out of the level until you have it.

Elementary 2 is the same system as Elementary 1, but the pattern becomes more difficult, the dancers have the Fiesta Tango and the Swing Dance, and the FS is 2 min and must include an axel and loop-loop. Elementary 2 is the last pattern to be tested. From then on it's either dance or FS.

Primary is our last level before Novice. The dancers have 4 dances to do (European, Silver Samba, Foxtrot and 14Step).

Also AFAIK, yes, you can test higher than you compete. I'm guessing that this is because the test from Primary up only requires a FS and there is no "moves"-like test you can do. The catch is that once you've competed at a level you can't then compete down. I don't know whether you are limited in how many levels below your tested level you can go. (eg: whether you can test senior and compete primary or novice, not having previously *competed* above that level).

Thanks aussieskater for the input. My understanding is that there are no rules except for those who are in novice and who are 14 yrs or older - apparently they have to go straight to intermediate.

However I'm aware of at least 2 skaters at our rink who have got at least novice tests under their belt, and are still skating in primary.

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AW1
mum to Miss Lil (6yrs old)
mum to be to #2 due in March 08

This is the pattern they do for their preliminary test. This is my daughter doing her FO pattern. They basically do the same pattern but FO, FI, BO, BI I think.

http://video.google.com.au/videoplay...99981723233714

__________________
AW1
mum to Miss Lil (6yrs old)
mum to be to #2 due in March 08

Is that the entire test, or just one pattern? No wonder kids sandbag- if that's all they have to do to get to the level, it would be fairly easy for a student to pass the test, and then impossible to compete in the level!

That's one of the five patterns required for the pre-bronze adult track USFSA test it's called basic consecutive edges- we also have to do FO, FI, BO, BI. Then we have to do perimeter stroking, forward and backward crossovers, waltz eight, and a forward 3-turn pattern. Videos of the adult tests are here- http://www.usfigureskating.org/Programs.asp?id=316

Pre-Bronze is similiar to pre-preliminary for the standard track, except pre-preliminary requires only the forward perimeter stroking, the consecutive edges, the waltz eight, and they have to do left and right spirals (on flat is acceptable).

This lists all the elements of the tests, but the other link with videos is more descriptive. http://www.usfigureskating.org/About.asp?id=17


(BTW: Your daughter is adorable as usual, and she has good edge control for her age!)

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-Jessi
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From what I know, they only do that exact pattern 4 times for their Preliminary Test - one on each of the FO, FI, BO and BI edges. That's all.
Yes now that I've looked into it - there seems to be a HUGE void between the end of our Learn to Skate, and the next level up!

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AW1
mum to Miss Lil (6yrs old)
mum to be to #2 due in March 08

That does seem to be the case. However, if there are many skaters at skill levels between still learning the Learn-to-Skate skills and being ready to compete at the next level who are entering competitions, it would probably be possible to divide the competitions appropriately.

For example, for a competition level that's open to all skaters who have completed Learn to Skate and have not yet competed at the preliminary level, offer separate events for ages 7 and under and for 8 and over. (Or draw the line at a different age or make three age groups if the entries warrant doing so.)

OR, offer both restricted and non-restricted events for this level: In the restricted event, they can only get credit for elements covered in Learn to Skate and get deductions for including more advanced jumps and spins. In the unrestricted event, they can do anything that's allowed at the next higher level.

AW1, does your rink or club host a skating competition? Can you volunteer to be one of the organizers planning the event? You could be the one to make a difference locally, and if it's a successful change it could catch on at other rinks/clubs as well.

Yes they do - they have a big artistic comp once per year (open), plus club championships (only open to club members), and usually one other comp during the year I think. However, I'm not on the committee for the club.

The Aussie Skate ones are arranged by the ISA at our rink I think.

__________________
AW1
mum to Miss Lil (6yrs old)
mum to be to #2 due in March 08