How do you know if your child is good enough to go competitive from the interclub level of competitions?

How do you know if your child is good enough to go competitive from the interclub level of competitions?  Does age matter?  What should she be able to do on the ice before going competitive at the (CFSA)pre-novice level? Marla

Traci says:
Yes age does matter.  There are age and test restrictions for the following levels:
Pre-Juvenile - 10 years of age and under, passed Junior Bronze Freeskate
Juvenile - 12 years of age and under, passed Senior Bronze Freeskate
Pre-Novice - 14 years of age and under, passed Pre-Novice Competitive Test
Novice - unsure of age restrictions, but must have passed the Novice Competitive Test

From what I've seen at various competitions, Pre-Juvenile and Juvenile competitors seem to be landing all the doubles (except axels) and I've seen them all in combination - double lutz-double loop, double lutz-double toe, and double loop-double loop seemed to be pretty common.  Your daughter should also be able to do a series of jumps, for example, axel-half loop-double salchow.  A flying spin is a must, and your spins should all be done in combination, hitting a variety of positions and changing feet.  And don't forget the in between stuff in really important too.  The thing I emphasize most to my daughter before she steps on the ice to compete is "Presentation! Presentation!  Presentation!  And I also tell her that I know she's having fun, maybe she should let the judges and spectators know that too by cracking a smile and not looking quite so serious.

For the Pre-Novice short program there are specific jumps and spins to be done, a CFSA rule book will have which group applies during which year. For 1999/2000 the requirements are: axel or double axel, double salchow, jump combo - double/double or triple double (double salchow cannot be repeated as the first jump), flying camel, combination spin, layback or sideways leaning spin, and circular step sequence. And remember the short program and the long program are two separate tests, which don't have to be tested at the same time.

Linda says:
I am not familiar with competitions in Canada but can give some general advice that may be helpful.

Is your daughter comfortable and eager to move into the next level of competing? Her attitude is very important. If she is hesitant, it may pay to wait a little longer.

Can you go to any of the competitions to see what the skaters are doing? This would enable you and your daughter to see what lies ahead. You will know what elements are being done and can assess how qualified your daughter is.

This is a decision that your daughter should have input, if she is old enough. If you do decide to move into competitions, always be positive and supportive of your daughter.

If you do decide to move up, you may find that setting a goal, that is realistic, is helpful. It can be anything from trying a particular jump or spin to smiling at the audience. Even if your daughter doesn't place, she can get personal satisfaction that she achieved her goal.

Try not to put too much emphasis on placing but rather the quality of your daughter's skating. Was there improvement? Did she do all the jumps/spins? Always try to focus on the positive.