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MITF
Judging
Criteria
Source USFS Rule book 2010-11 What Criteria is used to Evaluate MITF Tests? Judges take into consideration the general skating level of a test candidate. They base their marks on their notes while observing the actual test. Skaters would be better served if they performed the warm-up and introductions as if they were also being judged. This would help a skater start their test by establishing a favorable/positive mood of judges concerning the actual test. Experience has shown that a skater should perform their skating test as if they were a magician performing on stage - the key performing a trick is to distract the audience from what the magician does want the them to see. Skaters who maintain self-confidence throughout a test present themselves as a candidate who judges will pass even if some minor problems occur. A negative response from judges will occur if the skater's body language invokes a mental image of a balloon that has sprung a major leak. Judges can not arbitrarily stop a MITF test because they feel the skater is unprepared. The skater may actually be in the mist of a very traumatic family crisis - death, accident, illness, or divorce - which is very stressful to the skater. Judges on a panel may attempt to assist the skater if the skater appears not to understand what element they should be skating. It is exceedingly difficult if the coach is not present and especially if a language/communication problem exists. Judges can not become involved in attempting to teach a skater the proper method of performing an element. Because of time constraints at test sessions, the judges may recommend that the coach and skater communicate and determine if the skater will withdraw without a decision being rendered or be given an opportunity to continue the test at the conclusion of the session is time permits. Assuming that all elements were performed. The first decision a judge makes following the completion of the MITF test is "Were there any serious errors?" TR 23.01 defines MITF errors as: A. Serious errors are -
1.
A fall;
2. A touchdown of the hand or free foot needed to save the skater from falling; 3.
Omission of an element.
B. Mandatory errors in moves in the field tests require a deduction of
0.1 and do not require a reskate of the element in question in order to pass the test. Mandatory errors are - 1.
Exceeding the seven
introductory steps;
2. Not starting from a standing, stationary position. Two judges can request any element or part of an element on the test to be reskated if the judges believe the skater can improve their performance sufficiently to pass the test. A reskate is not an automatic consideration. Sometimes math errors occur, the test chair should review the judges papers and return a sheet with a problem for verification. If the paper is released before the error is detected and the judge has left the rink so they are not available, the circled "out come" is then considered the judge's decision. If the judge is available, they should correct the problem to reflect their decision to pass or retry the test. Responsibilities of the Judge-in-Charge - Usually the panel of three judges will take turns being the "Judge-in-Charge" for each test. The following is a list of possible duties a Judge in Charge may handle during a skater testing their MITF: Moves in the field tests require the entire ice surface be available. The ice surface shall not be less than 125 feet by 75 feet (9375 square feet) in size TR 21.02. The Judge-in-Charge will determine the area on the ice surface for skater to perform their moves in the field tests. TR 22.02 E. The Judge-in-Charge will remind skaters and coaches that while they are allowed to communicate between elements, there is no time for a lesson. The Judge-in-Charge will warn skaters if they are not following the requirement to commence an element from a standing, stationary position with a maximum of seven introductory steps unless specified otherwise in TR 25.00. If a skater begins to skate an element out of order, the Judge-in-Charge should stop the skater and communicate what element should be skated. TR 21.04 Moves in the field tests shall be skated in the order set forth in the Schedule of Moves in the Field Tests (TR 25.00 C.). If a skater starts an element on the wrong foot or skates an element other than the order listed in the USFS Rule book, the Judge-in- Charge must draw attention to the mistake as soon as possible. The mistake must be treated as a false start. As such a fresh start must be allowed only once without penalty; for a second fresh start, if incorrectly executed, the judges must deduct 0.1 from the mark that they would have otherwise given. At the completion of any test and before any other test is conducted, the Judge-in-Charge shall ask the other two judges individually if they wish any element reskated before the judges turn in their judging sheets. Should the judges wish a reskate, they shall indicate to the Judge-in-Charge what they wish to be reskated. This shall be done privately without conference. TR 23.01. If a majority of the panel requests a reskate, the Judge-in-Charge will direct the skater to reskate the agreed upon element. If the judges do not agree on which element to reskate, the Judge-in-Charge shall decide. A brief rest and warm-up is permitted before the reskate is performed. A. After a Moves-in-the-Field
test, only one element may be reskated. The reskate may consist of the
entire element or a portion of the element.
Focus Points: The classification of some focus points as primary and secondary has been changed - all focus points are equal. However, there is a major problem in that the diagrams of the USFS Rule book and PSA MITF patterns contain a focus point. This too often is used exclusively instead of observing and rating the entire list of judging points provided in the text of both the USFS Rule book and PSA MITF Manual. The focus points are no longer considered as having a primary or secondary importance. The PSA MITF booklet and the USFS Rule book (TR 22.08) requires judges to consider all of the following focus points in assigning marks for MITF tests:
A. An even speed and flow
should be maintained throughout.
B. Maximum utilization of the ice surface is desirable. Ice coverage must not be obtained by the use of flat or shallow edges.
End
products of power are:
(1) velocity, speed or pace (Continuous Flow);
(2) flow across the ice; and (3) acceleration.
B. The upper body should be upright, but not stiff; C. The arms should be held gracefully; D. The free leg should be extended, with the toe pointed.
As the IJS is now widely used in open and qualifying competitions, more coaches and skaters are familiar with how to read a summary sheet and the GOE marks. Many judges have started to use the IJS GOE numerical scale of -3 to +3 to indicate the quality of specific focus points. Rather than write a "0", a check mark is usually used to indicate acceptable or meets minimum standards.
Adding the scores and dividing by the number of sides and/or directions provides a negative, neutral, or positive total that a judge can convert into a numerical mark appropriate for the level of test. Resources: The following internet
links have been
gleaned from personal communications
combined with information from public institutions and athletic organizations/ associations that have a web presence with information concerning team and individual sports programs: All
materials are copy protected.
The limited use of the materials for education purposes is allowed providing credit is given for the source of the materials.
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