Virtual testing

Testing used to be done in live test sessions offered by clubs more or less once a month. Test sessions are quite a big production, bringing lots of people together. During the pandemic the test sessions in my area were kept very small, and I know tests sessions weren't offered at all in other parts of the country... for a whole year. So, USFSA temporarily allows virtual testing. 

Virtual testing, shortly, means that the skater skates the test on a regular session, in presence of a proctor, the test is filmed and the video is sent to the clubs that organizes the judging. The test can be recorder multiple times, but the video should be one take, without interruptions, and the video must not be edited. Reskating an eventual mistake is not allowed. It is not ideal...

I decided to record my test because I'm changing the boots and from my previous two experiences in trying to change the boots I know it is not sure they will work out. Even if they do, I don't know how long it will take me to be back in testing shape again. I'm afraid during this time, I may lose motivation to train for progress.

I know my skating skills for this test level are there. I also know the video may enhance some mistakes, and also, everything looks slower on video. I recorded myself by placing my phone on the boards and I was able see some things to adjust to be confident the test will look good on video. I haven't seen my coach from December, he teaches at a different rink and it would have been expensive and probably stressful for me to ask him to overview the video making. I just asked the rink director to be my proctor and film me. We decide to try it on Wednesday. The session is from 12 to 1.30. she comes in at work at 1. Well guess what, I couldn't make it in on Wednesday, car trouble. I kept hoping I can make it there at least by 12.45... nope, I called and cancelled. Friday she wasn't available so we postponed it for Monday. As she hasn't come by ice at 1, I went to look out for her. She said she's sent me an e-mail apologizing that she has too much on her plate and cannot film it and let's postpone for Wednesday. At this point I already had the appointment for the new boots postponed once, I just thought maybe it is not meant to be... I'm trying to test this level for two years now... and it is always something... 

But, the rink director said a friend can film me and she'll watch the video when she has time, so she'll still be able to proctor. So we did that... Only nobody on ice was familiar with this test, or with the camera, so we lost a bit of time playing with that, and we only had the time to film it once. My friend that filmed said she lost the focus on me once, but unfortunately it was three times... And I couldn't record it again the appointment to change the boots was next day and I had already postponed it once.

After I filmed it I have 30 days to send it to be judged. For now, I'll put it out of my mind to concentrate on the new boots. If they'll work well I can test in few months in the new boots. If they don't... well that would be a way bigger issue than not testing this test.