USFS has created eight moves in the field tests, one for each level of skating. These tests are designed to ensure that a skater has acquired the skills at a specific level before moving on to the next.

Moves are not just about patterns on the ice. Moves are about posture, carriage, flow, power, and quickness. These elements are all considered important when executing a move. Each move emphasizes different aspect of these elements, When testing, each move will have a primary and often a secondary focus that the judges are looking for. For example the pre-preliminary move "Forward Perimeter Stroking" has a primary emphasis on power and a secondary on extension. It is important to understand what each of these terms means so that you can successfully practice and test each move.

What the Judges are Looking For

For the earlier tests, pre-prelininary and preliminary, no great deal of technical ability or carriage of flow is expected. The skater is expected to know the move and be able to perform it without any major mistake. As the skater progresses to higher level tests, the judges expect to see better edges, form, power and flow. At the highest levels (novice, junior, and senior), the skater is expected to give an excellent performance with strong edge control and depth, great power, extension and flow.

What this all means is that as the skater moves up in level, not only are the skills for each move harder, but the overall quality and performance is judged more critically.

First, don't panic. You are allowed to re-take any test as many times as you need to pass. In fact the test is not marked as "failed" it is marked "re-test".

The judges put comments on the form explaining what it was that was not performed as expected. Sometimes the writing is difficult to read or understand. It is a good idea to go over the results with you coach. They can interpret what the judge has written. You may also politely ask a judge what they mean. If you want to do this you should wait until an appropriate time. Do not approach a judge during another persons test or when the are in the judges area. You may want to ask your coach if it is alright to talk to the judge(s) and when to do so. The could even bring you over and introduce you.

Now that you have talked about it you know what you need to do. Go practice those moves and work on improving the part that the judges commented on. You may want to bring your test results to practice so you remember what you need to focus on.