Adult Figure Skating

As of 2009 the ISI (Ice Skating Institute) has added an additional testing track that mirrors the USFSA's Adult testing track (Bronze, Silver, Gold), with an additional level (Platinum, which equals Master).  Each ISI level will include more skaters than do the USFSA's test levels. 

This new system will allow skaters to compete in the same levels with the same programs in both USFSA and ISI competitions; however, one must still test with the USFSA in order to compete in their competitions, since the levels (particularly Bronze) are not a precise match.

This news made me both happy and miserable: happy because the new test groups will probably compel me to rejoin the ISI (after 10 years away) and test with them, and they also clarify the equivalent test levels between the ISI and the USFSA -- a subject which was never completely clear in the past.  But it also makes me miserable because I'll also have to tweak this website quite a bit.

The new ISI rules make it possible for Pre-Bronze skaters to compete with Bronze skaters in ISI competitions, which may compel the USFSA to change its rules for Adult Nationals -- or maybe not, as they may prefer to let Pre-Bronze skaters compete in the ISI instead.

As shown on the ISI's website in PDF format (http://www.skateisi.com/site/contentPDF/50yrsoffun.pdf) here are the new test levels:

ISI Bronze = USFSA Pre-Preliminary, Adult Pre-Bronze, Adult Bronze = Old ISI Delta to Freestyle 3

ISI Silver = USFSA Preliminary, Pre-Juvenile, Adult Silver = Old ISI Freestyle 4-5

ISI Gold = USFSA Juvenile, Intermediate, Adult Gold = Old ISI Freestyle 5-6

ISI Platinum = USFSA Novice, Junior, Senior, (Adult) Master, Elite = Old ISI Freestyle 7-10

The old Pre-Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Freestyle 1-10 levels will still exist, and skaters can still take those tests if they prefer.

Thanks to Erica Hartl for the head's-up!