If You Can Teach a Lesson, You Can Take a Rating Exam

BY CHERYL FAUST MFS, MM

Hi! I am so honored to be your new Ratings Chair. I started my goal to be a PSA master rated coach when I joined PSA in 1994 and took my first rating in Figures and Free Skating in 1995. I took full advantage of everything PSA offered (seminars, conference, PACE, PEP) and the ability to learn directly from the masters such as Kathy Casey, Janet Champion, Pieter Kollen, Peter Dunfield, and Frank Carroll just to name a few. My mind was blown that these World and Olympic coaches were willing to give their time to explain technique to all coaches for the betterment of skating and I was front row, pen in hand, furiously taking notes. I was in love with the process!

It’s an exciting time in figure skating and the education of coaches is vital to keep athletes successful, injury free, and to guide them to go as far as they can go in their skating path.

PSA is the official coaching accreditation program for U.S. Figure Skating. It is our mission to help you on your journey to continue your education to be the best coach you can be. With that mission in mind, we are utilizing the magazine articles to help with tips for ratings. I know many people can be intimidated by the ratings process but remember—it’s just like teaching a lesson!

Want to see what an oral rating exam is like or need help preparing and studying? Go to the PSA website Ratings page and click on the Ratings Guides—they are now on the website for free! There is also a video example of a mock rating exam.

Want more free stuff? Check out PSA TV video clips for a few free coaching tips or subscribe for full access to the catalog of videos.

Here is a direct question from the Registered Moves in the Field exam to give you a taste of how attainable this is for you:

Question: What is the rhythm or count you use when teaching the Waltz 8 Pattern?

Example Answer: I use a count of 6 and relate it to a waltz rhythm the skater might do in dance, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. I say the following to my skater: push 2, 3, turn, 4, 5, 6, step down/small pump 2, 3, pass my foot and arms, 4, 5, 6 (this gets the skater around the top of my circle), step forward (it’s a mohawk) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. I teach toe-to-heel on the return to limit the amount of movement and rotation the skater has.

Not too tough, right? We do this every day in a lesson, and that’s exactly what the examiners are looking for too. We will be giving you more tips and tricks with each magazine! Stay tuned.

For those of you who don’t know me—please don’t be a stranger! I am always available and am here to help guide you in your ratings journey. I welcome any and all communication and feedback.

NEW RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL DISCIPLINES

At the Spring 2019 meeting of the Board of Governors the following requirements were passed for all rating disciplines:

• Registered Rating candidates must have completed concussion training.

• Certified Rating candidates must hold a valid First Aid certificate.

• Senior and Master Rating candidates must hold a valid First Aid certificate and CPR certificate.

Rationale: As an organization PSA needs to protect the safety and health of all skaters and participants in the sport.

Effective May 1st, 2020