From a fuzzy photocopy; might be an odd error.
NATIONAL PAIR TEST STRUCTURE
Refer to Rules and Regulations on pages 1 - 5 of Singles test structure for general information.
Warm-up times for all National Pair Tests; 6 mins; max 2 pairs on ice
Further clarification of holds; When an element states "side-by-side" the pair will usually choose no hold at all, but holding hands is also permitted (this is known as "open hold").
Judges; 2 judges are required for all National Pair Tests
Please note that throughout all Pair tests, judges will be looking for unison. When stipulated, tracking (partners changes sides) is compulsory. At all other times, when tracking is performed correctly, this will increase the difficulty and should increase the quality of the element performed.
Level 1
Pre-requisites: Level 4 Singles, Elements and Free
Average Pass Mark = 2.0 Minimum Pass Mark = 1.5 Passing Total = 12.0
The minimum pass mark is relevant to each separate element (after any re-skates).
1. Basic Forward Continuous Edges; Level 1 Exercise 1 from National Field Moves. Performed side by side at arm's length (no hold). Must demonstrate unison. The pair must change sides at the end of the rink. (This is known as tracking)
2. Landing Position Exercise; The pair begins this element side by side with a few optional steps, followed by a forward outside three turn and two backward crosscuts in a circular pattern. The back outside edge will then be held in a landing position, with a bent skating knee and extended free leg. To be performed in both directions.
3. Stroking; This element is to be performed with no hold, around the perimeter of the rink, crossing the middle of the rink, to form a complete figure of eight pattern. Stroking round the edges and crosscuts at the ends and across the middle of the rink.
4. Forward Spiral; This element is to commence with speed. The pair performs side by side forward spirals in a circular pattern (approx. 10 metres). The size of the circle may vary according to the strength and size of the skaters. The free leg must be above hip height and should be in unison. The spirals may be performed on either foot, either edge and in either direction.
5. Solo Upright Spin; The pair performs this element side by side with entry and exit in unison (min. 4 revs in position) As a minimum requirement there must be some movement into the spin, and the spins must not be commenced from a standstill position.
6. Solo Jump; The pair performs a single loop or toe loop jump side by side with entry and exit in unison.
Level 2
Average Pass Mark = 2.2 Minimum Pass Mark = 1.7 Passing Total = 13.2
Pre-requisite: Level 1 National Pairs Test
The minimum pass mark is relevant to each separate element (after any re-skates).
1. Basic Backwards Continuous Edges; Level 2 exercise 1 from National Field Moves. Performed side by side at arm's length (no hold). Must demonstrate unison. The pair must change sides at the end of the rink.
2. Figure of Eights Crosscuts; This exercise is to commence with speed. The pair performs side by side forward crosscuts (no hold) in a figure eight using !illegible! movements in unison.
3. Pair Upright Spin; Any entry into a pair upright spin (min. 3 revs in position). Must demonstrate correct hold.
4. Backward Spiral; The pair performs backwards spirals in Kilian hold, in a circular pattern (approx. 10 metres). The free leg must be above hip height and should be in unison. The spirals may be performed on either foot, either edge, and in either direction.
5. Solo Sit Spin; Side by side sit spin (min. 3 revs in position) with entry and exit in unison.
6. Solo Jump; Side by side single Flip or Lutz jump, entry and exit in unison.
Level 3
Average Pass Mark = 2.4 Minimum Pass Mark = 1.9 Passing Total = 16.8
Pre-requisite: Level 2 National Pair Test
The minimum pass mark is relevant to each separate element (after any re-skates).
1. Forwards Change of Edges; Level 3 Exercise 1 from National Field Moves. Performed side by side at arm's length (no hold). Must demonstrate unison.
2. Crosscuts in Hold; The pair should perform forward crosscuts in a figure of eight in open hold. Open hold is holding hands, with one partner leading. The cross cuts should be done in open hold but with a change in the timing of the cross cuts, so 2 fast and 2 slow, keeping the speed and unison. The exercise should be skated twice around the first circle before changing to the second circle, in the other direction, twice around the second circle).
3. Backward Cross Rolls; The pair should perform side by side backward outside cross rolls down the centre of the ice for a distance of approximately 30 metres.
4. Spiral into Drag; The pair begins this element by skating an optional number of steps into side by side spirals in Kilian hold on a bold curve (free leg should be above hip height) with a few linking steps into a side by side drag in a straight line down the rink. The linking steps and drag may be performed in any hold or side by side with no hold.
5. Pair Upright Spin; The element to be performed in Kilian hold (min. 4 revs in position). Emphasis on entry and exit in unison.
6. Throw Jump; Throw waltz (three) jump or throw single Salchow.
7. Lift; An armpit lift (Group 1) - minimum 1, max 3.5 revolutions of the man. Full extension of the man's arms is not compulsory. There must be reasonable lifting action by the man for this to be recognised as a lift.
Level 4
Average Pass Mark = 2.6 Minimum Pass Mark = 2.1 Passing Total = 18.2
Pre-requisite: Level 3 National Pair Test
The minimum pass mark is relevant to each separate element (after any re-skates).
1. Forward Three Turns; Level 4 Exercise 1 from National Field Moves. Performed side by side at arm's length (no hold). Must demonstrate unison.
2. Backward Crosscuts in Figure Eight; This exercise to be performed in open hold, demonstrating power and unison - and a complete figure of eight should be performed.
3. Step Sequence; A straight line step sequence (in hold or without hold), incorporating a change of position of partners (eg one partner may change from behind, to in front of the other partner, or from one side to the other) - full length of rink.
4. Side by Side Spiral Sequence; The pair begins this element side by side as closely together as possible. Each partner must demonstrate a minimum of 2 spiral positions. The free leg must be above hip height and should be in unison. Pattern is optional but should cover the full ice surface.
5. Pair Upright Spin; The spin must demonstrate a minimum of 4 revs (in position) in waltz hold, showing entry and exit in unison.
6. Jump sequence; The pair performs a jump sequence consisting of 2 single listed jumps that may be linked by non listed jumps and/or hops immediately following each other while maintaining the jump rhythm. There can be NO turns/steps (not even as an entry into a jump) during the sequence. There can be NO crossovers or stroking. The take off and landing of the jumps should be in unison and have good flow and speed on entry and exit.
7. Lift; A waist lift (Group 2), taking off from a loop jump take off (minimum 1, max 3.5 revolutions of the man). Full extension of the man's arms is not compulsory. There must be a reasonable lifting action by the man for this to be recognised as a lift.
Level 5
Average Pass Mark = 2.8 Minimum Pass Mark = 2.3 Passing Total = 19.6
Pre-requisite: Level 4 National Pair Test or old NISA Novice Pair Test
The minimum pass mark is relevant to each separate element (after any re-skates).
1. Backwards Change of Edges; Level 5 Exercise 1 from National Field Moves. Performed side by side as closely as possible (no hold). Must demonstrate unison.
2. Pivot Spiral; The man must perform one complete revolution whilst in pivot position, and the lady must maintain a spiral position until the completion of this revolution in backward pivot position. The lady must be on a back outside edge.
3. Circular Step Sequence; The pair must fully utilize the ice surface and demonstrate unison, strong edges, flow and edge control. Two different holds must be shown.
4. Spiral Sequence; The pair must demonstrate a minimum of 2 different spiral positions, including forward and backward by each partner whilst fully utilising the ice surface. The free leg must be above hip height (pattern optional).
5. Pair Camel Spin; Pair camel spin in any catch position (min. 5 revs in position), entry and exit in unison. The free leg must be above hip height.
6. Throw Single Jump; Throw single loop or Toe Loop.
7. Lift; The pair must perform a Press lift (Group 4), with a minimum of 1, maximum 3.5 revolutions by the man). Full extension of the man's arms is not required.
Level 6
Average Pass Mark = 3.0 Minimum Pass Mark = 2.5 Passing Total = 21.0
Pre-requisite: Level 5 National Pair Test
The minimum pass mark is relevant to each separate element (after any re-skates).
1. Progressive Serpentine Forward Double Three Turns; Level 6 Exercise 1 from National Field Moves. To be performed side by side at arm's length (no hold). Must demonstrate unison.
2. Serpentine Step Sequence; The pair must fully utilize the ice surface and demonstrate unison, strong edges, flow and edge control.
3. Pair Sit Spin; Pair sit spin in any catch position (min. 5 revs in position), entry and exit in unison.
4. Spiral Sequence; The pair must demonstrate a minimum of 2 spiral positions and a change of edge spiral by each partner whilst fully utilizing the ice surface. The free leg must be above hip height and should be in unison.
5. Solo Double Jump; Any solo double jump, entry and exit in unison, performed side by side.
6. Solo Single Jump Combination; Side by side solo single jump combination, entry and exit in unison (maximum of 2 single listed jumps).
7. Lift; The pair must perform a lift from either Group 3 (Hand to Hip) or 4 (Hand to Hand). The lift must demonstrate full extension of the lifting arms and must have a minimum of 1, maximum of 3.5 revolutions of the man.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
1. Care must be taken that judges have the Field Move section of the Manual with them when judging pair tests as all Field Move exercises are identical to those for single skaters.
2. If two skaters have both applied to skate a pair test together they skate only on performance and both are judged on this performance.
3. One marking sheet must be used by judges for the actual test. This should then either be photocopied or rewritten and completed with the details of the individual applicants.
4. Pair applicants must ensure that they include the name of the pair partner for the test on the application form as this may be different to their normal pair partner. (e.g. a coach)
(4th June 2008)
