You're correct: FS7 requires three examiners' reports; FS8 and 9 require an unedited, single-camera video to be submitted to HQ; and FS10 has to be taken at a special test session, usually during a special ISI competition or conference.

As for the FS4 or FS5 discussion, I think you're all in agreement and don't realize it. If you're working on FS5, that means you haven't passed the test yet to move up and work on FS6. (If the debate was more heated, I'd say you were in "violent agreement!" LOL

That makes perfect sense that she's not using her Russian language skills. I'm sure she hasn't forgotten it, she just has had little use for it in the last few months.

Thinking in a language is a sign of fluency that many adults find challenging or impossible. Many US immigrants never develop that skill of thinking in English. You'll ask them something and expect an immediate answer, not realizing they have to translate your question into their native language, think of the answer in their native language, and then tranlate it to english before they reply.

There are other avenues, as you know, for her to take in retaining her biligual skills. I'm sure you realize that it really isn't necessary to choose a coach for the language practice; you choose a coach for the skating and teaching skills. I know of several coaches whose primary language isn't english. Some are really good at teaching skating and speaking in the other language. Others have students that aren't progressing in skating, but the main reason this coach was chosen was the language.

Sounds like you have your act together and you'll make the best choices possible.

__________________

I've coached beginning skaters for three years, and I can tell after about 7 or 8 lessons who has potential, there are always ones that surprise you, but the three young skaters I thought had potential are all doing really well and moving up quickly. one of them only started skating last year and is competing this year.

__________________
dont eat me

I've coached beginning skaters for three years, and I can tell after about 7 or 8 lessons who has potential, there are always ones that surprise you, but the three young skaters I thought had potential are all doing really well and moving up quickly. one of them only started skating last year and is competing
I think you missed my point. There are lots of coaches who might say...... oh your child has something special. The all arent right.. A parent needs watch out for their child.Im not even saying this skater doesnt have it, Im just saying that the parent needs to watch.
Another point, just because someone competes soon has no bearing on how they will skate at a high level.My daughter competed after just a few months of lessons. Has no bearing on how she will be at 13.
To be honest, when parents of kids your child competes with says your child has something special, that is when you can really believe it.
I dont mean to spoil things, but ice skating is tough.All of it.Worth it if your skater really loves the ice.
As far as skating in the am, some rinks dont offer pm ice.I dont think school should suffer but its a price you pay, to skate at 6am.

And also, an important thing to note is that success at the lower levels absolutely does not imply success to the Novice+ levels. Actually it's proven lately to be quite the opposite. Parents get all excited when they have a Juvenile champion, and sure it's a GREAT accomplishement, but too many are already packing their bags for the Olympics when really...that Juvenile title won't mean much by then.

Yes she is competing in 4 and needs her axel to pass FS5.
She already has her Lutz , Camel, Camel -sit and The other element that I can't seem to remember.

__________________
Luckey

Unfortunately when coaches say "potential" a lot of parents hear "Olympics", or at least "Nationals". A naturally athletic child can learn to do quite a lot in skating with only a modest effort and go quite a bit farther with a lot of hard work - and still they're a long, long ways from the top. IME, high level coaches will say very little about a child's potential at the lower levels. They have seen first hand that there are just too many variables that affect "potential".

Yep.This is such a hard sport....and sometimes coaches dont tell parents all the cons about skating.
My daughter has worked twice with Jill Shipstad THomas, a Choreographer. She told us to go get the book The second mark. It came out after the SLC olys.She wanted us to be aware of what we were getting into. Its scary ....... but they are still skating.

I've coached beginning skaters for three years, and I can tell after about 7 or 8 lessons who has potential, there are always ones that surprise you, but the three young skaters I thought had potential are all doing really well and moving up quickly. one of them only started skating last year and is competing this year.

i wrote this yesterday, some people are taking it a bit differently than i intended I was replying to one that said that it is impossible to tell after 7 lessons whether someone has "potential". I would never tell any of those kids that in case I am wrong, or in case it makes other people feel bad. there are the kids too that start of not so good and, then end up one of the best Also when I said potential i never meant like juvenile champion kind of thing..i meant she's one of the only ones who didn't quit, and she will probably keep skating until the end of highschool at least.

__________________
dont eat me

I'm no coach, but you always can tell when someone comes along who has potential. There's someone at our rink who is in her late 20s or early 30s, and she will be a superb skater one day. No, she probably won't make the Olympic Games, but she may well be competing in Adult Masters events in ten years or so, assuming that's what she wants to do with her skating.

You can always tell with the kids, too, but my coach has learnt not to get too excited over a potential "find", since the chances are the child will give up in a couple of years - most seem to give up when they go to secondary school, and if not then, when public exams or the first boyfriend/girlfriend come along. Others go on skating, but don't take it seriously.

__________________
Mrs Redboots
~~~~~~~~
I love my computer because my friends live in it!
Ice dancers have lovely big curves!